Bachelor in Animal Science

The aim of the Animal Science program is to provide scientific and technical training for people who will be able to work in the different aspects of animal husbandry, taking into account the environmental, industrial, commercial, service, food and rural development aspects, and with the ability to be proactive in order to stimulate processes of technological and socio-economic transformation.

It aims to prepare technicians for the direct exercise of the profession in the field of Animal Production in private companies, cooperatives, breeders’ associations or public institutions, in order to obtain quality animal products that maximize economic profitability, while reconciling the respect for animal welfare and health, the protection of the environment and natural resources, and the sustainability of production systems. It also aims to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to continue their studies at Master’s level.

General entrance exams: one of the following: (02) Biology and Geology or (07) Physics and Chemistry or (02) Biology and Geology and (16) Mathematics.
Special competitions: transfer, course change, test for people over 23 years old, holders of Technological Specialization Course diplomas, holders of Higher Professional Technical Course diplomas.

An animal science technician has several career opportunities in different areas. They can work on livestock farms, in various companies in the animal production sector, in food industry, in agricultural consultancy, in scientific research, in project development, in environmental management, in inspection of animal products, among others. In addition, they can work as a teacher and researcher in higher education institutions and research centers. Knowledge in animal production, nutrition, genetics, animal welfare and management makes the animal science technician a fundamental professional for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Portugal.

Portuguese

i. To train technicians with knowledge and skills to perform tasks in the areas of production and marketing of livestock and agro-food products;
ii. To train technicians with knowledge and skills to perform duties in the areas of rural development, vocational training, green spaces and environmental preservation of rural areas and agro-industrial activities;
iii. To provide technical capacity, knowledge and skills to pursue Master’s degree studies aimed at specialization, design and research in the areas of Animal Sciences or related areas.

The bachelor’s degree will give access to the master’s degree and the doctoral degree in accordance with the legal framework for higher education degrees and diplomas, as set out in Decree-Law 74/2006 of March 24. As amended by: Decree-Law no. 107/2008; Decree-Law no. 230/2009; Declaration of Rectification no. 81/2009; Decree-Law no. 115/2013; Decree-Law no. 63/2016; Decree-Law no. 65/2018; Decree-Law no. 27/2021; Decree-Law no. 13/2022 and can be consulted for the master’s degree at https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pagina/acesso-ao-2o-ciclo?plid=593 and for the doctoral degree as presented at https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pagina/acesso-ao-3o-ciclo.