Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science from University of Galway equips students with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural science and the agrifood industry. The program emphasizes sustainability and innovation, preparing graduates for various careers in agriculture, agrifood processing, research, and other related fields. Graduates of the program gain practical skills through coursework and a semester-long work placement, positioning them well for success in the growing agrifood sector.

Program Outline

Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) - University of Galway

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) program at University of Galway is designed to equip students with the multidisciplinary skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic and rapidly growing agrifood sector. The program emphasizes agricultural sustainability and innovation, preparing graduates for diverse careers across all areas of agriculture and agrifood.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural science and agrifood technology.
• To develop practical skills in areas such as animal nutrition, soil science, crop production, and farm management.
• To prepare graduates for leadership roles in the agrifood sector, both in Ireland and globally.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with each year consisting of two semesters.

Year 1 (60 Credits):

• Required:
• DEV1102: Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture (5 Credits - Semester 1)
• CH130: Chemistry: The World of the Molecule (15 Credits - Semester 1)
• BO101: Biology (15 Credits - Semester 1)
• AG1101: Introduction to Agricultural Science (5 Credits - Semester 1)
• PH101: Physics (15 Credits - Semester 1)
• DEV1100: Introduction to Sustainable Development I (5 Credits - Semester 2)

Year 2 (60 Credits):

• Required:
• AG2103: Animal Health, Welfare and Quality Assurance (5 Credits - Semester 3)
• AG2102: Farm safety and on-farm Risk Assessment (5 Credits - Semester 3)
• AG2101: Livestock Animal Nutrition (5 Credits - Semester 3)
• TI2102: Introduction To GIS (10 Credits - Semester 3)
• DEV2101: Sustainable Agriculture (5 Credits - Semester 3)
• TI230: Economic Geography (5 Credits - Semester 4)
• AG2105: Farming for a Circular Bioeconomy (5 Credits - Semester 4)
• AG2104: Animal Breeding and Reproductive Physiology (5 Credits - Semester 4)
• PAB2101: AgriBiosciences (5 Credits - Semester 4)
• TI258: Rural Environments: Sustainability & Management (5 Credits - Semester 4)
• DEV2100: Comparative Rural Business Development (5 Credits - Semester 4)

Year 3 (60 Credits):

• Optional:
• DEV1103: Introduction to International Development (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• AG3102: Alternative placement report (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• BO2101: Scientific Writing Skills (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• Required:
• DEV3100: Farm Financial Management and Planning (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• AG3101: Grassland & Forage Production (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• PAB3101: Soil Science (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• PAB3102: AgriBiosciences for Sustainable Global Development (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• TI369: Geographical Perspectives on Rural Change (5 Credits - Semester 5)
• AG3104: Farm practice and performance benchmarking (10 Credits - Semester 6)
• AG3103: Agri-food Placement (20 Credits - Semester 6)

Year 4 (60 Credits):

• Required:
• PAB4103: Climate Change, Plants & Agriculture (5 Credits - Semester 7)
• TI3126: Geographies of Tourism: Planning, Development and Sustainability (5 Credits - Semester 7)
• DEV2104: Food Systems and Geographies (5 Credits - Semester 7)
• AG4101: Animal Systems I (dairy) (5 Credits - Semester 7)
• AG4102: Animal Systems II (beef) (5 Credits - Semester 7)
• AG4104: Farm Planning (5 Credits - Semester 7)
• AG4105: Animal Systems III (sheep, pigs & poultry) (5 Credits - Semester 8)
• PAB4104: Plant and Agri-Biotechnologies (5 Credits - Semester 8)
• AG4103: Agronomy of Crop Production (5 Credits - Semester 8)
• DEV4100: Farm Business Planning (5 Credits - Semester 8)
• DEV4101: Whole Farm Planning (5 Credits - Semester 8)
• Optional:
• AG2105: Farming for a Circular Bioeconomy (5 Credits - Semester 8)
• DEV2103: International Development Seminar (5 Credits - Semester 8)

Careers:

Graduates of the BSc Agricultural Science program are well-positioned for a variety of careers in the agrifood sector, both in Ireland and globally. Potential career paths include:

• Agricultural Production: Farm managers, livestock specialists, crop production specialists, agricultural consultants.
• Agrifood Processing and Manufacturing: Quality control specialists, food scientists, production managers, research and development specialists.
• Agrifood Marketing and Sales: Sales representatives, marketing specialists, market research analysts.
• Government and Regulatory Agencies: Agricultural policy analysts, food safety inspectors, environmental specialists.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Sustainable agriculture advocates, food security specialists, rural development specialists.
• Research and Development: Agricultural scientists, researchers, data analysts.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting their own agricultural businesses, farm-to-table ventures, or agrifood technology companies.

Other:

• The program includes a semester-long work placement in Year 3, providing students with practical experience in a real-world setting.
• The program encourages and facilitates study abroad opportunities for students.
• The Ryan Institute, the largest research institute at University of Galway, offers a range of postgraduate programs that may be of interest to graduates of the BSc Agricultural Science program.

Fees: EU €7,268 p.a. (€7,408 p.a. including levy) 2024/25 Fees: Tuition €4,268 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Student Contribution€3,000 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Student levy €140 p.a. 2024/25 Fees: Non EU €26,000 p.a. (€26,140 p.a. including levy) 2024/25