What is animal science?
Animal science focuses on the health, productivity and care of managed animals.
Innovation in animal science aims to address some of the biggest challenges facing our world today, such as feeding a growing human population.
What is the difference between animal science, zoology and veterinary science?
While zoology looks at wild animals in their natural habitats, animal science focuses on the study of managed animals in settings such as farms and zoos.
Veterinary science focuses on supporting animals through illness and injury. In contrast, animal science looks into their health and care by finding more effective ways to breed, raise and look after animals.
Animal science at the University of Nottingham
Our courses blend scientific excellence 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, dogs, 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.
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Modules
Year 1
During year one, you'll study modules in subjects including biology, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and nutrition. These will be taught in lectures, small group tutorials, and practical sessions.
Core modules
- Animal Anatomy
- Animal Biology
- Introductory Physiology
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Biochemistry -The Building Blocks of Life
- Genes and Cells
- Applied Genetics
- The Biosciences and Global Food Security
- Biosciences Tutorials
Year 2
From year two, you will be able to select one of the following options:
- Bioveterinary Science
- Ecology and Conservation
- Livestock Production
- Physiology and Biotechnology
Core modules
- Bioveterinary Science option
- Applied Animal Science
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease
- Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
- Research Techniques for Bioscientists
- Nutrition and Physiology Interactions
Ecology and Conservation option
- Reproductive Physiology
- Research Techniques for Bioscientists
- Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
- Animal Behaviour
- Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology
Livestock Production option
- Reproductive Physiology
- Applied Animal Science
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease
- Research Techniques for Bioscientists
- Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology
Physiology and Biotechnology option
- Reproductive Physiology
- Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
- Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
- Research Techniques for Bioscientists
- Nutrition and Physiology Interactions
Optional modules
- Bioveterinary Science option
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Reproductive Physiology
- Animal Behaviour
- Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
Ecology and Conservation option
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology of Animals
- Biological Photography and Imaging I
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease
Livestock Production option
- Animal Behaviour
- Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
- Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Physiology and Biotechnology option
- Principles of Animal Nutrition
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied Animal Science
Year 3
You'll work on your research project, supervised by academics and researchers. You can study livestock, companion or zoo animals. Research can also be carried out in the laboratory to study animal physiology, biochemistry or biology.
Core modules
Bioveterinary Science option
- Animal Science Research Project
- Coordinated Physiological Functions
- Musculoskeletal Physiology
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2
- Systems Neurophysiology
Ecology and Conservation option
- Animal Science Research Project
- Companion Animal Science
- Conservation
- Reproduction and Fertility
Livestock Production option
- Animal Science Research Project
- Animal Nutrition
- Livestock Production Science
Physiology and Biotechnology option
- Animal Science Research Project
- Coordinated Physiological Functions
- Biotechnology in Animal Physiology
- Systems Neurophysiology
Optional modules
- Bioveterinary Science option
- Animal Nutrition
- Companion Animal Science
- Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
- Molecular Nutrition
Ecology and Conservation option
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Conservation Genetics
- Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
- Animal Nutrition
Livestock Production option
- Companion Animal Science
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2
- Reproduction and Fertility
- Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
Physiology and Biotechnology option
- Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
- Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology and the Environment
- Molecular Nutrition
- Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2
