Student wearing lab coat and gloves looking into microscope in the Super Lab

Animal Science BSc

Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK

Course overview

Animal science is the study of managed animals in settings such as farms, zoos, and laboratories. It focuses on their health and management by finding more effective ways to breed, raise and care for these animals. 

Our course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. You will be taught by academics at the forefront of research in their fields. 

You will gain practical experience in laboratories and with animal handling and health assessment in various species, including rodents, rabbits, dogs, horses, sheep, chickens, pigs and cows. Learning is supported by guest lectures from industry experts and field trips on-site and off-site.

You can choose from four options to focus on towards the end of our first year. Whichever option you choose, you can study modules from other options and other areas of biosciences, including microbiology, nutrition and agriculture.   

  1. Bioveterinary Science – examine the science behind animal health and disease 
  2. Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology 
  3. Livestock Production – investigate the science of farm animal nutrition, productivity and fertility 
  4. Ecology and Conservation – focus on the science, management and welfare of zoo and captive animals

 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Animal Physiology and Anatomy

Mandatory

Year 1

Animal Biology

Mandatory

Year 1

Sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition

Mandatory

Year 1

An Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry

Mandatory

Year 1

Essential Study Skills

Mandatory

Year 2

Research skills for animal scientists

Optional

Year 2

Insect Biology

Optional

Year 2

Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology

Optional

Year 2

Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology

Optional

Year 2

Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues

Optional

Year 2

Nutrition and Physiology Interaction

Optional

Year 2

Applied Animal Science

Optional

Year 2

Principles of Animal Nutrition

Optional

Year 2

Reproductive Physiology

Optional

Year 2

Applied Marketing: Agriculture and Food

Optional

Year 2

Evolutionary Biology of Animals

Optional

Year 2

Ecology

Optional

Year 2

Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Optional

Year 2

Principles of Animal Nutrition

Optional

Year 2

Principles of Animal Health and Disease

Optional

Year 2

Computer Modelling in Science: Introduction

Optional

Year 2

Animal Behaviour and Physiology

Mandatory

Year 3

Animal Science Research Project

Optional

Year 3

Systems Neurophysiology

Optional

Year 3

Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2

Optional

Year 3

Livestock Production Science

Optional

Year 3

Animal Nutrition

Optional

Year 3

Musculoskeletal Physiology

Optional

Year 3

Companion Animal Science

Optional

Year 3

Coordinated Physiological Functions

Optional

Year 3

Rural Business Management

Optional

Year 3

Biotechnology in Animal Physiology

Optional

Year 3

Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Nutrition

Optional

Year 3

Conservation

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 22 May 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Tutorials
  • Seminars
  • Computer labs
  • Field trips on-site and off-site

You will receive a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how we will assess your work. Your work will be marked on time and you will receive regular feedback.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained in your second and third years of study.

You must pass each year to progress. This typically means that you will need to achieve marks of at least 40% in each module. Full details on our marking criteria and structure will be provided at your induction.

To study abroad as part of your degree, you must meet minimum academic requirements in year one.

Assessment methods

  • Exam
  • Group coursework
  • Lab reports
  • Poster presentations
  •  Research project

In your first year, you will take 120 credits in core modules. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars and practicals. The remaining time will be independent study.

Core modules are typically taught by academic staff. PhD students may support teaching on some modules.

Animal science opens career and further study options in:

  • Animal nutrition/feed industry
  • Animal care and management
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
  • Academic and industrial research
  • Government and charity advisory roles
  • Secondary biology teaching, after one year of 
    further study (Postgraduate Certificate 
    in Education)
  • Sales and marketing
  • Further study in veterinary, biomedical 
    and life sciences

 

Many of our graduates choose to progress to postgraduate study and research. Our MSc Animal Nutrition course enables you to study farm, companion and zoo animal nutrition at an advanced level. The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science offers a three-year part-time MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy. Other Masters and PhD options are available to our graduates at University of Nottingham or elsewhere.

Average starting salary and career progression

91.4% of biosciences graduates were in sustained employment or further study five years after graduation. These graduates earned a median salary of £32,100.* 

* LEO data from 2021/22 tax year, published in 2024.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate student studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park

The course has a great mixture of practical and theory work that covers a wide range of topics, from micronutrition to physiology of tissues. The staff are also so enthusiastic about their subjects that it rubs off on you too, which creates a great learning environment for everyone.

Course data

Open Day June 2022
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