BSc. Animal Science

The B.Sc. Animal Science program is dedicated to the comprehensive study of animals and their biological processes, with a focus on domesticated species. It delves into the physiology, nutrition, genetics, and behaviour of animals, especially those of economic importance. Students learn about livestock production, breeding techniques, animal health, and biotechnology applications. The curriculum integrates scientific principles with hands-on experience, often involving fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and internships. This blend prepares students to address challenges like improving livestock productivity, ensuring animal welfare, and sustainable management of animal resources. Graduates are poised to drive advancements in areas such as livestock farming, research, and agribusiness.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted into the Animal Science degree programme in any of the following two ways:

1. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
2. Direct entry

UTME – Four-Year Degree Programme

In addition to the UTME score, the candidate should possess five credit passes in Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) to include English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Physics in not more than two sittings.

Direct entry mode

Candidates must have at least 2 credit passes in advanced level or equivalents in Chemistry and Biology plus Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass prescribed for UTME entry mode. Diploma Holders with a minimum of Lower Credit plus Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass Level at a maximum of two sittings are eligible for consideration for admission into 200 Level.

Minimum duration

The minimum duration for B.Sc. Animal Science programme is 4 academic sessions (4-year duration) for candidates who enter through the UTME mode.

Direct Entry candidates admitted to the 200-level in B.Sc. Animal Science programme will spend a minimum of 3 academic sessions (3-year duration).

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student shall have undergone 3 or 4 years of study, depending on his/ her entry point. Students should undergo periodic seminars on the student’s work as a way of stimulating interest as well as the presentation of a written report to be graded at the end of the year.

Course workload must meet the graduation requirements. Candidates admitted through the UTME mode shall have registered for at least a minimum of 120 units of courses for the 4-year programme and 90 units for the 3-year (direct entry) programme in Animal Science as indicated under course requirements. Candidates must also have registered and passed all the compulsory and required courses specified for the programme.

The submission of an undergraduate project report based on supervised research is a graduation requirement which must not be compromised. This requirement exposes the student to problem-solving techniques and provides him or her with an ability to organise ideas from literature and research findings. In short, it prepares the student for the work ahead and for further training at the postgraduate level. This area of academic preparation needs to be maintained and developed further.

For graduates with a B.Sc. in Animal Science, considering global needs and modern-day relevance, here are some career opportunities:

• Livestock Production Manager: Overseeing the operations of livestock farms, ensuring optimal productivity and animal welfare.
• Animal Nutritionist: Developing diets for livestock to optimize health, growth, and production efficiency.
• Animal Geneticist: Working on breeding programs to improve livestock traits such as disease resistance, productivity, and adaptability.
• Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist: Promoting and selling animal health products, including vaccines, medications, and nutritional supplements.
• Animal Welfare Specialist: Ensuring the humane treatment of animals in various settings, including farms, research facilities, and zoos.
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring compliance with government regulations related to animal health, welfare, and production.
• Animal Behaviorist: Studying animal behaviour and providing insights for better management and care, especially in settings like dairies or poultry farms.
• Feedlot Manager: Supervising operations where livestock are fattened for meat production, ensuring efficiency and welfare.
• Research Scientist: Conducting research on various aspects of animal science, from reproductive technologies to disease management.

These careers are increasingly crucial as global demands for animal products rise and as there’s a growing emphasis on sustainable, humane, and efficient livestock management practices.