Animal Science, MSci (Hons)

Course summary

Our courses blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of research in their fields. You will gain practical animal handling experience including guinea pigs, sheep, hens and cows, with practical sessions and field trips.You can choose from four options:

• Bioveterinary Science – examine the science behind animal health and disease

• Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology

• Livestock Production – investigate the science of farm animal nutrition, productivity and fertility

• Ecology and Conservation – focus on the science, management and welfare of zoo and captive animals

You do not have to decide which option to focus on until the end of your first year. Whichever option you choose, you can study modules from other options, and other areas of biosciences, including microbiology, nutrition and agriculture.You will study at Sutton Bonington Campus, home to the University Farm and Dairy Centre. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and teaching. Farm staff contribute to teaching.You can enhance your employability with an extra year abroad, on an industrial placement, or studying computer science.Why choose this course?

• University Farm - see scientific principles applied in practice

• Study abroad - for a semester or an additional year

• Enhance your CV - with an industrial placement, or a year studying computer science

• 4th in the UK for agriculture and forestry

• Ranked 7th in the UK for Animal Science and Agriculture Guardian University Guide 2024

• Practical experience - gain practical animal handling experience with guinea pigs, sheep, rabbits, hens and cows

• Field trips - we work with organisations such as The Stabiliser™ Cattle Company and the charity People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)

• Guest lectures - from industry experts

• Internationally known - our Sutton Bonington Campus is known internationally for applied animal science research

Modules

During year one, you'll study core modules to ensure everyone has the same level of science knowledge. You'll cover animal biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and nutrition. There is a mixture of teaching with large group lectures, small group tutorials, and practical sessions. In years two and three, you get to choose your specialist option. You can choose from different optional modules regardless of your specialist option. The third year project will further develop your skills by working on a piece of original research or a critical literature review. You'll be supervised and mentored by our academics and researchers. You can study livestock, companion, laboratory or zoo animals. Some projects involve the University Farm and Dairy Centre. You can work also on projects offsite, for example at Twycross Zoo. The additional fourth year enables you to graduate with an integrated masters level qualification. You'll carry out an independent piece of research, and have modules to support this. You'll develop further skills in the coordination and management of research projects.

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During year one, you'll study core modules to ensure everyone has the same level of science knowledge. You'll cover animal biology, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and nutrition. There is a mixture of teaching with large group lectures, small group tutorials, and practical sessions. In years two and three, you get to choose your specialist option. You can choose from different optional modules regardless of your specialist option. The third year project will further develop your skills by working on a piece of original research or a critical literature review. You'll be supervised and mentored by our academics and researchers. You can study livestock, companion, laboratory or zoo animals. Some projects involve the University Farm and Dairy Centre. You can work also on projects offsite, for example at Twycross Zoo. The additional fourth year enables you to graduate with an integrated masters level qualification. You'll carry out an independent piece of research, and have modules to support this. You'll develop further skills in the coordination and management of research projects.