Agriculture, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Combine crop and animal production with business management and marketing. At Nottingham we take an applied approach. You'll build your science, business and practical knowledge throughout the course. You will learn how to use the science of agriculture to sustainably tackle global challenges, such as how to feed a growing population. Teaching is based at Sutton Bonington Campus which is home to the University Farm and Dairy Centre. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and teaching. Farm staff contribute to the teaching on our degree programmes. You'll gain practical animal handling experience and use our Farm Demonstration Centre. You'll be taught by subject specialists and researchers. This means you'll gain knowledge of the most rapidly developing areas of agriculture. You will benefit from field course modules to develop your practical skills and experience, preparing you for a career in agriculture. We also have strong links with industry which can help improve your employability prepare you for a career in agriculture. This includes the opportunity to work on a placement, visit external farms, and be taught by commercial organisations. Topics include:

• animal health, nutrition and disease management

• reproduction and fertility in livestock and bioethics

• plant science and physiology, pest and disease management

• economics and policy

• agricultural and food marketing

• rural business management

• Industry placement - you can add a year in industry between years two and three

• Study abroad - options include Australia, Canada, or Europe

• Computer Science year - use algorithms to analyse complex data and apply this to your course

In your first year you'll study sustainable systems used by commercial UK farms. By visiting the University Farm and other local farms, you'll be able to see what you’ve learnt in practice. You will also be introduced to key concepts in animal biology, natural and managed ecosystems and plant science. Our Essential Study Skills module will help enhance your transition to university, guiding you through what to expect and how to study. Core second year modules cover applied animal science, plant physiology and agri-marketing. You can choose to take our Enterprise Management Challenge. You work in teams on either a crop or livestock enterprise. You make all the agricultural science and business decisions. You'll observe the impact of your decisions as these are implemented on the farm. In your final year, you can choose a five-day Agronomy Field Course. Through field visits, you'll observe and critically appraise the efficiency of current production strategies. Your final year research project gives you chance to work at one of the country's top agricultural research centres.