Applied Animal Science

It is an exciting time to be an animal scientist. Animals are at the centre of current global challenges including food security, disease control, climate change and animal welfare. Much of the excitement stems from technological advances that enable us to deliver new insights into the biology of animals and thus address these challenges. To keep up in the vibrant industries surrounding this fast-paced subject you need access to the latest research. SRUC is ranked number 1 for research power in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) in animal science subjects. There is no better place to study animal science, to be exposed to the latest research and its applications and be taught by researchers leading their field.

Animals contribute to human society in many ways. They provide food and clothing materials, perform duties in the workplace, play key roles in some leisure activities and as pets they provide us with companionship. The Applied Animal Science degree course at SRUC will give you an understanding of animals and how they function, grow, reproduce and behave. You will explore how we can use and interact with animals effectively whether as livestock, research, companion or wild animals without compromising their health and welfare or the health and sustainability of our ecosystems.

SRUC Applied Animal Science graduates go on to pursue a range of careers including research assistant, laboratory technician, animal nutritionist, geneticist, supermarket buyer, animal welfare or rehoming officer, zookeeper, animal care assistant, agriculture or extension officer, technical representative for animal health products.

A number of our graduates also choose to enrol in postgraduate study in a range of fields including animal breeding and genetics, marine biology, conservation biology, animal behaviour and welfare, clinical animal behaviour, and statistics. And some use the degree to help them gain access to competitive undergraduate programmes such as veterinary medicine.

While the full course is offered at the Edinburgh campus, a top up degree (Years 3 and 4 only) is also offered at the Barony campus. Those with a relevant HND or foundation degrees can apply for entry into year 3 at Barony or Edinburgh.

Each academic year is split into two semesters and each semester you will undertake four modules in a range of subject areas including: physiology, health and disease breeding and genetics, behaviour and welfare, nutrition, ethics, and quantitative and research skills.

Year 1
In the first year you will get a broad introduction to biology and different biological systems from the cellular level up to the whole organism. You will also start to build and develop important transferable skills such as laboratory and quantitative skills.

Modules: Diversity of life, Introduction to genetics, Animal behaviour, Comparative physiology, Keeping and managing animals, Data science and computing, Basic animal nutrition, Animal health.

Year 2
In the second year you will build upon and deepen your knowledge and understanding in the core areas of physiology, genetics, animal behaviour, nutrition and health. In addition, important concepts around animal conservation and the ethics of human animal interactions will be introduced as well as the introduction of research skills and critical thinking.
Modules: Animal breeding selection and technologies, Applications of animal behaviour, Nutrient requirements and diet formulation, Host-pathogen interactions, Animal physiology systems, Animal conservation, Animals and society, Research skills and statistics

Year 3
In year 3 you will study to a greater level of detail and are required to undertake more independent study. Modules such as Advanced research methods will further develop your quantitative skills which will be invaluable in an animal science career or post-graduate study. It will also prepare you for your Honours research project in 4th year.
Modules: Advanced research methods, Reproduction, neonatal mammalian nourishment and lactation, Wildlife and agriculture interactions, Animal welfare concepts, Developing a career with animals, Epidemiology, Advanced physiology of growth and development, Strategic animal nutrition

Year 4
In your 4th year you will undertake an extensive piece of individual research, investigating a subject of your own choice. Your honours dissertation gives you the opportunity to work with supervisors from across SRUC, experts in their field actively conducting research or providing consultancy. Conducting your own research project allows you to develop a wealth of skills as well as building specialist knowledge, all of which will be relevant to your future employment or post-graduate study.
Modules: Animal welfare assessment (Elective), Applied animal nutrition (Elective), Animals at the centre of global issues, Disease surveillance and control, Animal breeding and genetics, Animal and climate change.

Modules are assessed using a range of assessment methods to develop your academic skills as well as important transferrable skills for the workplace. Assessments will likely include: laboratory reports, practical investigations, case studies, essays, exams, scientific reports and reviews, oral presentations, posters, groupwork assignments, digital media, data handling, multiple-choice and short answer questions.