Animal Bioscience

Overview

Our biological science degree in Animal Bioscience has a major focus on animal health, disease and diagnostics. The animal biosciences discipline is experiencing significant growth, both nationally and internationally, due to an increased demand for diagnostics to underpin animal health and disease management globally.

This research-led curriculum will provide you with an excellent understanding of the key elements of biology, health and disease in both production animals (cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry) and companion animals (dogs, cats and horses), and the tools to provide diagnostics strategies for the prevention, recognition and control of animal diseases. This degree is delivered by leading life- scientists and veterinarians, who will guide you through your learning, from developing a practical understanding of animals and how they function, to veterinary pharmaceutical, advanced laboratory diagnostic and research skills in animal health.

Delivery of the programme’s emphasis on animal health and veterinary diagnostics is supported by practical, hands-on experience and interaction with animals throughout and a dedicated work placement programme in year three.

Government departments and private laboratories require veterinary scientists to develop and operate laboratory diagnostics. Biopharmaceutical companies require such graduates to research and develop new biologicals to prevent and treat disease. The food industry requires veterinary scientists to safeguard the safety of food and the welfare of animals. Farmers, feed production operators and reproductive specialists require our graduates for herd health programmes, nutrition experts and reproductive analysis, respectively.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

In your first year, you’ll study topics that are fundamental to animal biosciences:

• Animal and Plant Biology: basic biological concepts, processes, systems and structures
• Animal Behaviour and Welfare: Practical knowledge of normal patterns of behaviour as well as developing concepts and theories relating to animal welfare, veterinary ethics and applied welfare issues in common farm and companion animal species
• Animal Production Systems: principles of the major systems of animal production. The practical element of the module teaches skills to approach, handle, restrain and conduct a health check on animals
• Veterinary Anatomy: two modules will develop a detailed understanding of the anatomy of animals, relating anatomical structures to clinical and biological problems
• Chemistry: chemical concepts and terminology essential for building a sound foundation for understanding and learning chemistry
• Essential Scientific Maths: Ensures that students will have appropriate numerical, algebraic and graphical skills and be able to apply these skills successfully
• Physics Concepts: provides knowledge of basic physics principles, concepts, ideas and terminologies and enable the student to apply to various physical phenomena
• Mathematics and Statistics for Science: provides students with a knowledge of mathematics and statistics to describe and analyse scientific data

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• score the necessary CAO points and
• meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

NOTE: The study of animal bioscience necessitates using animal-derived material in some classes. Any animal tissue used in classes is ethically sourced in full compliance with the University’s requirements. Individuals who object unreservedly to the use of animal material in teaching should not enter the animal bioscience programme.

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

• Animal health researcher
• Herd health advisor
• Public (civil) servant
• Animal nutritionist
• Pharmaceutical drug and vaccine developer
• Clinical practice manager
• Animal diagnostic laboratory officer

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified Level 7 graduates are eligible to progress to year 4 (final year) of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Veterinary Bioscience.