Animal ScienceBSc Honours

UCAS code C3053 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/C305Printed from the web page above on 13/07/2018

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Animal ScienceBSc HonoursUCAS code C3053 Years

This degree provides an in-depth study of howdomestic animals behave and function, andcould lead to a vocational career in the animalsector.

We place a particular emphasis on the scientific study oflivestock and companion animals (including horses). You'llstudy subjects that reflect the whole life of an animal:

• microbiology and biochemistry• animal health and behaviour• animal reproduction and nutrition

We bring your learning to life through extensive interactionwith animals throughout your degree. You'll gain practicalexperience through regular visits to local animal centres andthe University's two farms. You'll also enjoy input fromprofessionals in the animal science industry.

Your third year group project to organise a conference onanimal science equips you with marketable skills such asproject management, organisation and teamworking.

You can boost your employability and professional skills withan optional placement year in industry, or a summerinternship in the commercial sector.

An exciting part of your degree is your research project,where you undertake a piece of original research on asubject of your choice. This may be carried out in the lab, atone of the University's farms or at an animal centre. Youalso have the chance to study and learn alongside staff inthe Animal Science research group, who are internationallyrecognised for their research.

Highlights of this degreeStudy at the cutting edgeOur curriculum is shaped by the discoveries of theUniversity's specialist Animal Science research group. Theyhave particular expertise in the assessment of animalwelfare and development of sustainable systems of livestockproduction.

You will study modules designed around the latestresearch discoveries of our staff, meaning you will belearning at the cutting-edge of the discipline.

You'll also have the chance to conduct research of yourown by undertaking a research project in Stage 3.

As the degree progresses, you can tailor it to your own animal interests, specialising in either companion animals (including cats, dogs, horses and other less common pet species) or farm animals (including cattle,

sheep, pigs and poultry). However, you will also maintainsome study of the other animal grouping.

Boost your employability with a work placementApply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional workplacement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply tospend your placement year with any organisation and willreceive University support to do so.

You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector,putting your learning into practice and developing yourprofessional expertise.

It will extend your degree by a year and is subject toavailability.

Find out more about Work Placements.

Work related skillsThe development of transferable skills is a prioritythroughout the course. Opportunities to develop these skillsinclude work placements, the final year conference and ourCareer Development module.

Work placementsThere are placement opportunities with our partner animalcentres or through our extensive contacts in animal charitiesand industry. This provides valuable work experience, thechance to develop your practical animal experience, andthe opportunity to make industry contacts.

Final-year conferenceYou'll have the opportunity to work as a team to plan andhost a conference on a current ‘hot’ topic in animal science.This will help you to develop and demonstrate transferableskills such as project management, organisation andcommunication.

Career Development ModuleThe Career Service's Careers Modules enables youto choosing modules in business, marketing or a modernlanguage, enhancing your career options on graduation.

Study visitsOur strong links with local animal centres means thatyou take part in regular study visits and develop hands-onpractical skills.

We place strong emphasis on developing skills such asbehaviour observation and animal welfare assessmenttechniques. You'll also develop laboratory and dataanalysis skills.

You'll have opportunities to visit the University's twocommercial farms and local:

• stables and riding schools• kennels• animal rescue centres• livery yards• zoological gardens

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Study abroadYou may choose to study abroad for a year between Stages2 and 3 of your degree. Alternatively you can study at aninternational university for one or two semesters.

Facilities and supportThis degree is run by the School of Natural andEnvironmental Sciences.

FacilitiesFacilities include well-equipped modern laboratories and twoUniversity farms, Cockle Park and Nafferton, both arelocated a short distance from Newcastle, and are used forresearch, teaching and demonstrations.

SupportYou'll be supported throughout your degree by a personaltutor – an academic member of staff who can help withacademic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellowstudents who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have.

Social activitiesThere's a student-led Agric Society which organises regularsocial events.

Relax between lectures in our dedicated StudentCommon Rooms.

Course Details

Modules for 2018 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2019 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2019).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesACE1013  Introduction to GeneticsACE1040  Academic and Professional SkillsACE1041  Investigating Agri-food Systems from Farm toFolkACE1042  Animal HealthACE1044  Introduction to Animal PhysiologyBIO1004  Microbiology 1BIO1019  Introductory Biochemistry for BiologistsOptional modulesYou choose one of the following modules:ACE1033  Introduction to Business ManagementBIO1001  Cell Biology 1BIO1002  The Animal KingdomBIO1005  EvolutionOther optional modules may also be available.

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesACE2028  Animal Feed Science and TechnologyACE2031  Animal ParasitologyACE2035  Companion Animal ScienceACE2064  Sustainable Livestock SystemsACE2066  Academic and Professional Skills 2

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Stage 2

ACE2068  Domestic Animal Reproduction and GeneticImprovementBIO2013  Animal BehaviourNUT2001 Principles of NutritionOptional modulesYou choose 20 credits from the following list:ACE2000  Marketing Strategy: Concepts andApplicationsACE2019  GrasslandBIO2014  Animal PhysiologyBIO2029  Vertebrate BiologyBUS2000  Human Resource ManagementNCL2007  Career Development for Second YearStudentsNCL2100  Developing Enterprise, Entrepreneurship andEmployabilityOther optional modules may also be available.

Work Placement (optional)

You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optionalwork placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can applyto spend your placement year with any organisation andwill receive University support to do so. It will extend yourdegree by a year and is subject to availability. Find outmore on about Work Placements.

If you choose this option, you will take the followingmodule:

NCL3000 Careers Service Placement Year Module

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesACE3022  Animal Welfare and EnvironmentACE3089  Animal Science Conference - Current Issuesand DebatesACE3097  Animal Science Research ProjectACE3204  Applied Animal NutritionBIO2012  Molecular Genetics and MammalianBiochemistryOptional modulesYou take 20 credits from one of the following modulegroups:Either:ACE3044  Companion Animal ReproductionACE3049  Companion Animal BehaviourOr:ACE3043  Livestock ReproductionACE3048  Livestock BehaviourYou also choose 20 credits from the following list:ACE3040  Animal Product Quality and MarketingACE3088  Forage UtilizationACE3208  Zoo Animal Science and Management

Stage 3

BIO3001  Animal EcophysiologyBIO3016  Mechanisms of BehaviourBIO3044  Behavioural EcologyBIO3046  Hormones and BehaviourNCL3007  Career Development for Final Year Students*NCL3008  Advanced Career Development**You may opt to take only 20 credits of NCL modules

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methodsOn average, you'll have around 25 contact hours a weekthrough a combination of lectures, seminars, and smallgroup tutorials.Theoretical teaching is reinforced throughregular visits to local animal centres, the University's twofarms and other local farming businesses.Throughout thecourse, you carry out project work and submit reports, bothas individuals and in groups.Work placement opportunitiesand our strong emphasis on the development ofwork-related skills enhance your employability.

Assessment methodsAssessment is primarily by unseen, written examinations,supported by a variety of different forms of course work thatincludes essays, projects, case studies and otherexercises.Seminar, tutorial and poster presentationexercises also give you a chance to demonstrate yourknowledge and understanding verbally.

Find out moreVisit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to you atNewcastle University.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsABB-BBB including Biology and another science subjectfrom: Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, Physics, PE,Psychology. General Studies excluded. Chemistry ispreferred at A/AS level but not essential. For Biology,Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a pass in thepractical element. GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade B or6) required if not offered at A/AS level.

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Scottish QualificationsAABBB-AABB at Higher Grade preferably including Biologyand another science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics,Geography, Physics, PE, Psychology. Advanced HigherBiology preferred. Chemistry desirable at Higher Grade butnot essential. Mathematics required at National 5, minimumgrade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade or Intermediate 2equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade.  Where acandidate bypasses the assessment for National 5qualifications, a minimum of grade C in the Higher in Mathsis required.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International Baccalaureate32-35 points including Biology at Higher Level grade 6.Chemistry preferred at Higher Level but not essential.Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and Chemistryrequired at Standard Level grade 5 if not offered at HigherLevel.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H2H2H3-H2H3H3H3H3 at Higher Level, to includeBiology and another science subject from: Chemistry,Mathematics, Geography, Physics, PE, Psychology.Chemistry preferred.

Access Qualifications30 level 3 credits at Distinction in biology (or biology-related)and 15 level 3 credits at Merit or above to includemathematical studies and/or quantitative methods.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaA science-related subject such as Animal Management,Equine Management or Agriculture within which there aresubstantial Biology and Chemistry units, overall atD*DD-DDD grade. Students are asked to outline in theirpersonal statement exactly which modules they have takenas part of the Extended Diploma. Evidence of numeracyskills required, either GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade Bor 6) or Key Skills Level 2 Application of Number takenwithin the Extended Diploma.

Cambridge Pre-UD3,M2,M2-M2,M2,M2 in Principal Subjects includingBiology and another science subject from: Chemistry,Mathematics, Geography, Physics, PE, Psychology.Chemistry is preferred but not essential. GCSE Mathematics(minimum grade B or 6) required if not offered at a higherlevel.

Extended Project QualificationWe welcome applications from students offering anExtended Project and value the skills of research andindependent learning that it is designed to develop.  If youoffer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account aspart of your application profile, but we will not usuallyinclude it in offer conditions for this degree programme.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBC-BCC including Biology and another science subjectfrom: Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography, Physics, PE,Psychology. General Studies excluded. Chemistry ispreferred at A/AS level but not essential. For Biology,Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require a pass in thepractical element. GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade B or6) required if not offered at A/AS level.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaA science-related subject such as Animal Management,Equine Management or Agriculture within which there aresubstantial Biology and Chemistry units, overall at DDMgrade. Students are asked to outline in their personalstatement exactly which modules they have taken as part ofthe National Diploma. Evidence of numeracy skills required,either GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade B or 6) or KeySkills Level 2 Application of Number taken within theNational Diploma.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a pre-sessionalcourse at INTO Newcastle University, which will help toprepare you for study on this degree course.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses including theInternational Foundation in Biological and BiomedicalSciences.

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Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Animal Science careersA degree in animal science provides an excellent basis foremployment in one of the many different areas of animalscience and related agricultural and environmental sectors.

For example, you could pursue a careers in:

• animal welfare, as an RSPCA inspector or farmassurance assessor

• animal nutrition, as a nutritionist for a livestock feedcompounder or a pet food manufacturer

• animal breeding, as a geneticist for a breeding company

You could also work in animal health, as a researchscientist working in product development, or an accountmanager for an animal health company sellingpharmaceutical products to veterinary practices andagricultural merchants.

The knowledge your acquire and skills you develop are alsovalued in a wide range of other careers including teaching,marketing, management, the media, finance, law, the armedforces, or the police force.

Find out more about the career options for graduates fromProspects: The UK's Official Careers Website.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2017 UK-domiciled graduates progressedto employment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment orfurther study within six months of graduating.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry*:£9,250 (subject to approval of our Access Agreement bythe Office for Students (OfS) in July 2018).For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.2018 entry*:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry*:£9,250 (subject to approval of our Access Agreement bythe Office for Students (OfS) in July 2018). You will paythe same tuition fees as UK students for the duration ofyour course.

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Tuition Fees (EU students)

For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.2018 entry*:£9,250. You will pay the same tuition fees as UK studentsfor the duration of your course.For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£21,000 per year*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer our Vice-Chancellor's InternationalScholarships and Vice-Chancellor's ExcellenceScholarships to eligible international students.We also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

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Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

Our attractive campus has lots of green spaces whereyou can relax.