Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (Animal Science) Course at Botswana College of Engineering and Technology (BCET)

What is Animal Science?

Animal science is described as “studying the biology of animals that are under the control of humankind”. It can also be described as the production and management of farm animals.

Our courses blend scientific excellence with hands-on learning. You will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of research in their fields. You will gain practical animal handling experience including guinea pigs, sheep, dogs, hens and cows, with practical sessions and field trips.

You can choose from four options:

Bioveterinary Science – examine the science behind animal health and disease
Physiology and Biotechnology – study animal structure and function, including stem cell and developmental biology
Livestock Production – investigate the science of farm animal nutrition, productivity and fertility
Ecology and Conservation – focus on the science, management and welfare of zoo and captive animals

You do not have to decide which option to focus on until the end of your first year. Whichever option you choose, you can study modules from other options, and other areas of biosciences, including microbiology, nutrition and agriculture.

You will study at Sutton Bonington Campus, home to the University Farm and Dairy Centre. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and teaching. Farm staff contribute to teaching.

You can enhance your employability with an extra year abroad, on an industrial placement, or studying computer science.

Modules

Year 1

During year one, you’ll study modules in subjects including biology, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and nutrition. These will be taught in lectures, small group tutorials, and practical sessions.

Core modules

Animal Anatomy
Animal Biology
Introductory Physiology
Introduction to Nutrition
Biochemistry -The Building Blocks of Life
Genes and Cells
Applied Genetics
The Biosciences and Global Food Security
Biosciences Tutorials

Year 2

From year two, you will be able to select one of the following options:

Bioveterinary Science
Ecology and Conservation
Livestock Production
Physiology and Biotechnology

Core modules

Bioveterinary Science option
Applied Animal Science
Principles of Animal Health and Disease
Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
Research Techniques for Bioscientists
Nutrition and Physiology Interactions

Ecology and Conservation option

Reproductive Physiology
Research Techniques for Bioscientists
Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
Animal Behaviour
Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology

Livestock Production option

Reproductive Physiology
Applied Animal Science
Principles of Animal Nutrition
Principles of Animal Health and Disease
Research Techniques for Bioscientists
Nutritional Regulation, Physiology and Endocrinology

Physiology and Biotechnology option

Reproductive Physiology
Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
Research Techniques for Bioscientists
Nutrition and Physiology Interactions

Optional modules

Bioveterinary Science option
Principles of Animal Nutrition
Reproductive Physiology
Animal Behaviour
Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology

Ecology and Conservation option

Ecology
Evolutionary Biology of Animals
Biological Photography and Imaging I
Principles of Animal Health and Disease

Livestock Production option

Animal Behaviour
Physiology of Electrically Excitable Tissues
Economic Analysis for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Physiology and Biotechnology option

Principles of Animal Nutrition
Principles of Animal Health and Disease
Animal Behaviour
Applied Animal Science

Year 3

You’ll work on your research project, supervised by academics and researchers. You can study livestock, companion or zoo animals. Research can also be carried out in the laboratory to study animal physiology, biochemistry or biology.

Core modules
Bioveterinary Science option

Animal Science Research Project
Coordinated Physiological Functions
Musculoskeletal Physiology
Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2
Systems Neurophysiology

Ecology and Conservation option

Animal Science Research Project
Companion Animal Science
Conservation
Reproduction and Fertility

Livestock Production option

Animal Science Research Project
Animal Nutrition
Livestock Production Science

Physiology and Biotechnology option

Animal Science Research Project
Coordinated Physiological Functions
Biotechnology in Animal Physiology
Systems Neurophysiology

Optional modules

Bioveterinary Science option
Animal Nutrition
Companion Animal Science
Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
Molecular Nutrition

Ecology and Conservation option

Evolutionary Ecology
Conservation Genetics
Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
Animal Nutrition

Livestock Production option

Companion Animal Science
Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2
Reproduction and Fertility
Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society

Physiology and Biotechnology option

Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
Applied Bioethics 2: Sustainable Food Production, Biotechnology and the Environment
Molecular Nutrition
Principles of Animal Health and Disease 2

Career Opportunity

Animal science opens career options in:

further study in veterinary, biomedical
and life sciences
biology teaching, after one year of
further study (Postgraduate Certificate
in Education)
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
animal nutrition/feed industry
government advisory roles
academic and industrial research
agricultural consultancy
sales and marketing