Veterinary Degrees Online

Stage 1: You develop an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning animal science through modules that are common to all animal science students – see Animal Science (Deferred Choice). You can also learn a European language or study aspects of business and marketing, skills that are increasingly sought after by companies in the animal science industry. Stage 2: You discover how scientific principles are applied to practical animal husbandry for a wide range of companion animal species. Stage 3: You examine the latest studies in companion animals being undertaken at centres across the world, such as the control of disease through the use of naturally occurring plant extracts or genotype selection for better disease resistance. You also work in teams to organise a mini-conference on animal health, arranging everything from fundraising, to identifying and inviting keynote speakers, to catering. This involves giving several of the scientific talks, addressing an audience made up of lecturing staff, students from other degree programmes in the University and from other colleges/institutions in the region. This unique experience can be extremely challenging but rewarding, and gives you the opportunity to become proficient in many of the communication and organisation skills that employers require in graduates. You also undertake a research project in an area of animal science that particularly interests you. Previous students have collected and interpreted data on a range of companion animal species from animal centres across the UK. The University also has close links with local kennels and stables where research projects can be based. Recent projects include: how environmental enrichment improves the welfare of dogs in a rescue shelter; the effect of recovery rate following exercise on racing performance in thoroughbreds; and the use of molecular techniques to screen for tick-borne pathogens in cats. Animal Science In today’s society the study of animal science is essential to meet social, economic and environmental objectives. Knowledge and research in this area drives the development of sustainable livestock production, contributes to the UK food and drink sector and is essential in promoting the health and welfare of the nation’s companion animals. Animal science at Newcastle explores all aspects of the biology of animals, developing your knowledge of the underlying scientific principles that govern how animals behave and function as well as the practical application of this knowledge. The sound understanding of science, coupled with the critical thinking, analysis and communication skills that are developed through the course, mean you will be equipped for a wide range of careers in the animal science sector. The flexible nature of the course allows you to learn a European language or to acquire business or marketing skills, thereby increasing your options after graduation.

Stages 1 and 2: You receive a broad introduction to agriculture (see ‘Agriculture – All Degrees’ below).

Stage 3: Core modules develop key areas relating to animal production science such as animal breeding and growth; farm animal nutrition; and forage utilisation. Optional modules enable you to obtain expertise in related areas such as product quality and marketing; animal welfare and environment; or tropical animal production. You are encouraged to compare and contrast different livestock enterprises and to integrate scientific knowledge into sound production systems, considering the demands of both the market and the population. There are visits to look at livestock systems on farms and at research centres.
Agriculture – All Degrees

Our degree programmes provide an in-depth understanding of agriculture at both farm and industrial levels, based on agricultural sciences, production studies and business management. You are introduced to a range of farming practices on the University’s and other farms.

Each of our agricultural degrees carries a specialist theme (or Honours Option) which allows you to study a particular area of agriculture in detail. These Honours Options reflect different career paths available after graduation.

Whichever Honours Option you apply for, modules in Stages 1 and 2 are common. This means that if you are unsure which Honours Option is right for you, you can defer your decision until the end of Stage 2.

Stage 1: This covers all the basic scientific and quantitative aspects of the subject such as soil, crop and animal science, and economics. You are also introduced to laboratory work and develop skills in microcomputing. A series of visits to the University farms covers some of the more practical aspects of agriculture.

Stage 2: You apply the principles established in Stage 1 to both animal and crop production and to farm management.

Stage 3: Following one of the four Honours Options allows you to study, in depth, an area of agriculture that particularly interests you. Each Honours Option balances compulsory core modules with a wide range of additional choices making up a third of the modules taken in the final year. You also write a dissertation on a subject of your choice