The Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science hinges on the belief that the livestock industry has become specialized to the extent that persons with training in general agriculture have difficulty in fitting into several areas of the food animal industry. The growing needs required for paramedical services in the food safety and animal disease prevention areas are important examples that can be used to illustrate this trend.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences will result from diligent pursuit of a programme consisting of a combination of theoretical knowledge in the pure sciences, general education and agricultural sciences as well as practical skills in laboratory and farm procedures gained at the college or through the internship portion of the programme. Students graduating from this programme may; perform most jobs requiring knowledge of the agricultural sciences in general at the lower level and specifically in the animal sciences; function as entrepreneurs especially in agribusinesses, assist in the initiation and interpretation of research in animal science, pursue further studies in areas requiring knowledge of animal science. Potential areas of study are Veterinary Science, Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding and other disciplines within the animal sciences.
Upon completion of this programme student should to be able to:
- Function in jobs requiring knowledge and skills in the farm livestock sciences at the appropriate level.
- Proffer feasible optional pathways to the solutions of problems in animal science and related fields.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of animal science areas in the work place.
- Display competence in the relevant skills associated with the care and management of livestock.
- Contribute to the development and/or execution of research activities in their area of specialization to increase the knowledge base, to answer questions or solve specific problems; using the scientific approach.
- Appreciate the influence of animal science research on growth and development of the industry.
- Identify technological changes that are relevant to the field of animal science.
- Select appropriate technology in the field of livestock production.
- Implement changes in technology in existing livestock operation .
- Cognizant of the need to keep abreast of developments in agriculture and related disciplines and take advantage of opportunities for lifelong learning and development.
Matriculation Requirements
Normal Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirement for the Bachelors in Animal Science programmes within the Faculty are; 5 CSEC or O’Level Subjects including English Language, Mathematics, 2 Science Subjects and one other subject. OR Grade 1 Certificate from Knockalva or Sydney Pagan Agricultural schools, or Ebony Park HEART Academy Levels 1 & 2 Certificates in Farm Maintenance.
- Alternative Entry Requirements
Mature students who do not possess the normal minimum entry requirements may be given considerations on a case-by-case basis for acceptance, via the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) method. The candidate must provide evidence of sustained employment within the field of agriculture with sufficient opportunity to gain experience that can be applied in the area being sought for enrolment.
- Minimum Requirement for Direct Entry to Higher Levels
To be eligible for admission into the upper levels of the four year programmes programme, candidates must meet the matriculation requirement of Associate Degree in Agriculture or Natural Science. Candidates with other relevant qualifications are also considered. Students can apply for advanced standing or course exemptions if they have credits from another recognized institution. Congruence of 80% or above is considered acceptable
Programme Duration and Credits
- The programme is offered over four (4) residential semesters, or six semesters (including 2 summers) for part time students after completion of the Associate Degree in General Agriculture or its equivalent.
- The programme follows the 2 + 2 model, with sixty eight (68) credits in the final 2 years added on to the Associate Degree in General Agriculture.
- However a four degree offering would comprise of (150) credits
