BSc Animal Science

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a highly engaging BSc (Hons) Animal Science degree, designed for individuals with a passion for animal welfare, health, and behaviour. This comprehensive program provides a gateway to a detailed understanding of animal husbandry, genetics, molecular biology, biochemical, and physiological processes. Students are challenged to apply their thinking to different scientific issues and undertake field studies to explore animals in captivity and in their natural environments. The course equips graduates with strong scientific knowledge and practical skills, making them ideally prepared for various roles within the diverse animal industries.

Curriculum: The BSc Animal Science curriculum at CCCU is structured to provide a deep understanding of animal biology, health, and welfare. Core modules typically cover foundational scientific principles including Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics, Microbiology, Chemistry for Life and Environmental Science, Diversity, Evolution, and 1 Ecology. As the course progresses, students delve into specialized areas such as Animal Genetics, Vertebrate Physiology, Animal Nursing, Applied Animal Psychology, Animal Welfare, Pathology and Immunology, and Animal Nutrition. The learning experience blends blended learning with workshops, laboratory practicals, and seminars, emphasizing hands-on engagement. Students utilize industry-standard software and have access to specialist facilities, culminating in an independent research project in their final year where they conduct data analysis and present their findings, often with the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners.  

Research Focus: The BSc Animal Science program at Canterbury Christ Church University benefits from being taught by highly qualified and research-active academics. Their teaching is informed by current scientific developments and their own research within the Life Sciences. While specific individual research specialisms for every faculty member are not exhaustively detailed publicly, the university's broader research efforts in biological and biomedical sciences align with the program. CCCU's policy on the use of sentient animals in research and teaching is restricted to observational and behavioural studies, often conducted in zoos or natural habitats, or involving domestic pets or livestock with owner permission. This ethical framework ensures a focus on humane techniques. Students are encouraged to get involved in ongoing research relevant to animal biology, physiology, and ecology, with opportunities to contribute to projects and potentially collaborate with industry partners on industry-relevant research.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BSc Animal Science program at CCCU, designed to provide students with practical experience and enhance their employability. Students gain valuable practical skills through extensive laboratory work, including sessions at the university's Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab located at Discovery Park, a prominent science business park. This unique opportunity allows students to interact and collaborate with specialist research-based companies, including those in animal breeding and research. The program also features a residential field trip to study animal behaviour, providing direct exposure to animal management in different contexts. Guest lectures and seminars from industry professionals further bridge the gap between academia and the workplace. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, ensuring its relevance and meeting the academic and experience requirements for membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Global Perspective: The BSc Animal Science program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by exploring universal principles of animal biology, health, and welfare that transcend geographical boundaries. The curriculum addresses issues of animal management and welfare in a globally regulated environment, understanding that animal-based enterprises operate on an international scale. While specific formal international study opportunities are not explicitly detailed on the course overview pages, the program's focus on diverse animal species and their ecosystems, coupled with discussions on global challenges like biodiversity loss and disease, provides students with a broad understanding of animal science issues worldwide. The research activities of faculty, some of whom may have international research profiles or collaborations, further enrich this global outlook, preparing graduates for careers in an increasingly interconnected global animal science sector.