Bachelor's degree programme in Animal Science

Cathrine Strømø

180 study credits, full-time study, taught in Norwegian. Contact: Dept. for Animal and Aquacultural Sciences: www.umb.no/iha

Bachelor\'s degree programme in Animal Science Foto: Håkon Sparre

Norway has a significant population of livestock for different purposes. These animals need to be managed in an ethically and economically responsible way. This study will give fundamental knowledge in the management of livestock.

The degree qualifies the student to apply for the Master 's degree programmes in Animal Science and Animal Science Biology at UMB. With these course combinations, students will also be prepared for advisory work in the field of animal science.

Admission requirements
Higher Education Entrance Qualification + specific courses within science and mathematics from upper secondary school. Approximatley 45 students are admitted each year.

Internationalisation, study abroad and cooperation
The basic courses are given by various departments at UMB. The programme of study has cooperation agreements with Geno, Tine, Norsk kjøtt, Norsvin, Norsk sau og geitalslag and others. Students can take a portion of their studies at other universities upon approval by the Study Committee. The International Office at UMB has a list of the universities that the department has exchange agreements with.

Related studies
The programme of study is related to the Bachelor's degree programme in Animal Science at HINT (University college in Nord-Trøndelag). This study, however, does not qualify the student for direct entrance into the Master's degree programme in Animal Science at UMB.

Learning goal
The student will be able manage livestock in an ethically and economically responsible way with a background in animal breeding, nutrition and etology.

Knowledge and understanding:
The student will:
· have an overview of the nutritional requirements of livestock and how these can be assured through proper rations;
· have an overview of livestock needs according to the surroundings and how their behavioural needs can be met;
· have an overview of the most important areas of animal breeding, such as the description of characteristics in a population, animal breeding evaluations, selection, breeding methods and breeding planning.

Skills and other characteristics
The student will:
· be able to discuss and give advice about the feeding of livestock;
· be able to discuss and give advice on approaches to assure animal well-being;
· be able to develop solid arguments regarding breeding plans.

Attitudes and ethics
Students' behaviour should show consideration for animal welfare based on scientific-based knowledge about nutrition, etology, and animal breeding.

Learning and evaluation methods
A combination of methods are used, including work experience, lectures, practicals, independent study, seminars, student prepared lectures and independent work. Courses in the programme contain different types of exams, including continuous evaluation, tests, oral or written final exams and semester assignments.

Programme contents and structure
Students can choose between two study areas:

1) Qualified for a Master's degree programme in Animal Science: This study area will give a broad introduction to the basic fields and the 5 animal science areas that form the basis of a Master's degree in Animal Science. The study area is made up of: basic courses in Scientific Theory, Chemistry, Math, Biology, Statistics (minimum 50 credits), Introduction to Animal Science (20 credits), Physiology, Animal Breeding and Nutrition (15 credits each), Etiology (10 credits) and Molecular Genetics (5 credits). The rest are free electives (50 credits).
2) Applied: This study branch gives the possibility to a more narrow study in one or two areas of Animal Science that can be completed with applied courses. This study branch does not qualify students for entry into Master's degree studies in Animal Science. The study branch contains 50 credits of basic courses, 20 credits of introductory Animal Science. Students are free to choose their own specialisation.

Specialisation requirement
80 credits should be concentrated on Animal Science or related fields.


Student advising
The programme has a study advisor. Also, teachers give guidance to students in specific courses. Email: studieveileder-husdyrfag@umb.no


Quality assurance
A mid-semester and final evaluation are given in each course. The final evaluations are handled by the department. The content of the study is evaluated by the study committee. Approximately every 3 years a seminar is held with the industry to discuss the study programme.

Updated: 31.01.05
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