IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
If you would like a future working with animals, our BSc Animal Science with Placement Year degree offers the perfect route into a wide range of careers in industry, research, education or the veterinary sector.
The difference between this degree and BSc Animal Science is that it includes a relevant placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year.
Animal science encompasses the scientific disciplines underpinning the management of farm, companion and captive animals, including; physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, growth, lactation, reproduction, health, behaviour and welfare.
Our flexible degrees ensure you have a sound grounding in the biosciences, including cell biology, biochemistry, physiology and the nutritional sciences, while enabling you to apply this knowledge to areas of interest, such as: livestock production, canine, feline and equine science, small animal management, zoo animal management and conservation.
Through a variety of teaching methods, you will not only acquire specialist knowledge and key laboratory skills, but also skills in team working, problem-solving, numeracy, data handling and statistical analysis, all of which are skills that are highly regarded by employers.
University-owned farms, including the renowned Centre for Dairy Research (CEDAR) with its dairy herd of 550 cows and other species, provide excellent facilities for practical research projects. Connections with zoos, equine centres, vet clinics and small animal facilities locally provide further opportunities for field visits and practical work.
You will also be encouraged to consider a study abroad experience as part of your degree programme. The University has a wide range of exchange partners in Europe and across the world in Australia, Canada and the USA (subject to availability).
Whether you have experience working with animals or not, our supportive academics will give you the individual attention to make sure you get the most out of your studies. If you haven’t made your mind up about your future career, this degree can help you to discover new areas of interest, as well as offering the flexibility to let you adapt and specialise as you learn.
If you would like to make a difference to the health and well-being of both animals and humans in an ever-changing world, then Animal Science at the University of Reading is the degree for you.
Placement
This degree includes a relevant industrial placement year in the UK or abroad between the second and final year. You will benefit from our links with the animal science community, including leading organisations and companies, and we have a dedicated member of staff providing support and advice on suitable placements.
In the past, students have undertaken placements at Danisco Animal Nutrition (DuPont), Paignton and Chester Zoos, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
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Year 1
2021 core modules include:
Animal science in practice 1
Building blocks of life
Digestion and nutrition
Introductory physiology
Introductory microbiology
Metabolic biochemistry
Optional modules include:
Ecology
Fundamental concepts in chemistry 1
Institution Wide Language Programme (IWLP) module
Introduction to livestock production
Introduction to management
Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award
Animal behaviour
Mammals: diversity, behaviour and conservation
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 2
Core modules include:
Animal growth, lactation and reproduction
Animal health and disease
Animal science in practice 2
Animal nutrition
Experimental design and data analysis
Mini work placement and professional development
Optional modules include:
Animal production
Cells and immunity
Endocrinology
Grassland management and ecology
IWLP language module
Molecular genetics
Nature conservation
Small animal management
Vertebrate zoology
Biodiversity: exploiters and exploited
Birds: diversity, behaviour and conservation
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 3
Core modules include:
Professional placement
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 4
Core modules include:
Animal welfare
Individual Research Project
Optional modules include:
Cancer and cell communication
Canine and feline science
Captive animal management
Cardiovascular disease
Conservation biology
Dairy production
Equine science
Equine science and management
IWLP language module
Mammalian reproduction
Meat Production and quality
Practical animal nutrition
Wildlife and farming
Wildlife diseases
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Our courses equip you with numerical, laboratory, scientific, research and work skills useful for any animal-based career, whether in industry, research, education or the agriculture, food and veterinary sectors.
Recent graduates have found scientific, technical and management positions in companies concerned with animal health and nutrition, the pharmaceutical sector and the biotechnology sector, including DuPont, BOCM Pauls, Mars Petcare and Envigo Ltd. Other students have progressed into teaching, master's degrees or postgraduate research programmes, or accelerated veterinary medicine programmes.
Health Insurance_fee:£300/year