Three students working with a microscope and samples in a lab
BSc (Hons)

Animal Science

Develop your understanding of animal biology and its relationship to animal health, disease, growth and development, in theory and practice.

Our Animal Health degree combines both pure and applied sciences in the study of animals, while also incorporating practical animal management skills.

You’ll develop a sound understanding of scientific principles and practical competence with a range of animal species. You’ll also gain invaluable communication skills.

You'll take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a range of domesticated and captive animal species, as well as laboratory classes.

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Professional Skills for the Animal Industry (30 credits)
  • Animal Biology (30 credits)
  • Ethics of Animal Use (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Biochemistry (15 credits)
  • Animal Husbandry (15 credits)
  • Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Research Methods (15 credits)
  • Commercial and Professional Skills for Animal Science (15 credits)
  • Behaviour (15 credits)
  • Nutritional Biochemistry (15 credits)
  • Animal Health Science (15 credits)
  • Reproduction and Development (15 credits)
  • Livestock Production Systems (15 credits) *
  • Livestock from Farm to Fork (15 credits) *
  • Management of Zoo Animal Collections (15 credits) *
  • Wildlife Conservation Skills (15 credits) *
  • Professional Practice and Legislation (15 credits) *
  • Applied Behaviour and Training (15 credits) *
  • Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology (15 credits) *
  • Veterinary Immunology (15 credits) *
  • Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation and Rehoming (15 credits) *
Year 3
  • Capstone Project (30 credits)
  • Applied Nutrition and Feeding (15 credits)
  • Advanced Animal Health Science (15 credits)
  • Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
  • Applied Behaviour and Animal Welfare (15 credits)
  • Livestock Technology (15 credits) *
  • Developments in Livestock Production (15 credits) *
  • Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation (15 credits) *
  • Developments in Zoo Management (15 credits) *
  • Clinical Animal Behaviour (15 credits) *
  • Developing Clinical Practice (15 credits) *
  • Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health (15 credits) *
  • Veterinary Ethics and Legislation (15 credits) *
  • Conservation Planning and Development (15 credits) *
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Academic and Personal Management Skills (20 credits)
  • Biological Concepts (Introduction to Laboratory Skills) (20 credits)
  • Maths for IT and Science (15 credits)
  • Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits)
  • Applied Industry Techniques (30 credits)
  • Independent (Themed) Project (20 credits)
Module details

You have the option to study this course over one year to achieve a CertHE. You’ll study the same modules as students on Year 1 of the BSc.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

As an Animal Science student, you'll:

  • study on our 150-hectare campus with its specialist animal centres and working farm
  • develop practical competence with a range of species
  • go on 'behind the scenes' trips and privileged experiences throughout your course
  • learn from high-profile subject specialist staff.

Take a guided tour and meet our students

Careers

As BSc (Hons) Animal Science graduate, you could consider careers in the following roles.

  • Animal nutritionist and pet food manufacturing
  • Nutrition company sales rep
  • Veterinary pharmaceutical and equipment supplies
  • Animal Welfare Officer
  • Companion and zoo animal keepers ( RSPCA, SSPCA, rescue centres, zoos and safari parks)
  • Progression to vet school
  • Quarantine officer
  • Animal health inspector, eg DEFRA
  • Independent wildlife agencies (RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England).

Graduating from your Animal Science degree doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Animal Welfare and Conservation.

Entry requirements

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Life in Writtle

Close to major cities, ARU Writtle is located on a picturesque 150-hectare campus in the heart of the Essex countryside.

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