Applied Animal Science
Bachelor of Animal Husbandry
Content programme
First and second year
In the first year you will get an overall picture of the broad context of European livestock farming. You will be discussing, for example, the influence of EU policies on national agricultural systems, or talking about the best way to feed your cows if you want to optimise milk production. Working in collaboration with other institutions and agribusinesses in the Netherlands, you will also gain a broad range of practical knowledge - for example, of agricultural businesses that simultaneously operate a variety of farm systems.
During a 10-week work placement in the beginning of year two, you will be participating in and analysing an organisation in the livestock sector, and apply your knowledge and skills acquired in year one.
Your knowledge will be deepened and applied in the second year. There will be many subjects relating to animals, for example Health Care and Disease Control, Reproduction, Welfare and Ethics. Other subjects will be related to farming, such as Stable Design, Ventilation and Milking Machines.
Then there are business issues, involving business plans and business economics; customers, involving marketing, market research and consumer behaviour; and communication, involving analysis, criticism, presentation and sales techniques. All this will be executed within the animal husbandry sector.
Third and fourth year
In the first semester of the third year you will work on your chosen species, covering subjects such as nutrition, reproduction, immunology, environmental conditions and their influence on animal welfare and performance. You will also work for an external commissioner (e.g. Animal Health Service or For Farmers) on an actual topic on sector level.
Your work placement in the second semester will take you to a research institute or an organisation active in animal health or policy-making, where you will specialise in a range of subjects including epidemiology and reproduction.
In the first semester of the fourth year you will either take a minor course at Van Hall Larenstein, for instance in Livestock Management or Equine Leisure and Sports, or a course at Wageningen University or at a university abroad.
Finally, in the final semester, you will prepare your thesis, working at Van Hall Larenstein, but collaborating with an animal husbandry specialist in the Netherlands or abroad.