ANSC30220
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ANSC30220&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=EQS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Equine Health and Husbandry (ANSC30220)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Assoc Professor Barbara Murphy
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This is a core module for Animal Science - Equine students and will cover topics on equine husbandry and the pathogenesis and treatment of common equine diseases. The module will begin with an introduction to how the modern horse evolved and how its physiological adaptations due to evolutionary pressures influence our management practices today. Specific equine husbandry topics addressed include ethics and welfare, housing and transportation. The second section of the module will address equine health and disease and include an overview of the equine immune system, followed by in-depth analysis of infectious, viral, parasitic and metabolic disease in the horse including preventative medicine.\ \ This module is offered on alternative years to Stage 3 and Stage 4 students simultaneously. The next offering will be in 2019/20.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: Describe the physiological adaptations that made the horse suitable for domestication; Discuss the natural behaviours of the horse; Summarise the welfare issues and stereotypic behaviours that arise through modern equine management practices; Compare and contrast different equine housing systems and demonstrate knowledge of ventilation, drainage, flooring and stable construction; Identify the main functions of the equine immune system in disease surveilance and combat; Demonstrate a good knowledge of equine virology; Explain vaccination protocols for common equine respiratory diseases; Describe the factors that contribute to emerging and re-emerging equine diseases; Discuss common equine internal and external parasites; Describe the causes of common metabolic diseases in the horse; Discuss angular limb deformities in foals and their treatment.
Indicative Module Content:
Specific equine husbandry topics addressed include ethics and welfare, housing and transportation. Specific equine health and disease topics include an overview of the equine immune system, followed by in-depth analysis of infectious, viral, parasitic and metabolic disease in the horse including preventative medicine.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 72 |
| Lectures | 36 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 108 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The key teaching and learning approaches used in the module include peer and group work; lectures and critical writing.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Not applicable to this module.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: In class exam with multiple choice and short answer questions | Week 5 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: In-class exam with multiple choice and short answer questions. | Week 11 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 25 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Final exam consisting of 5 questions (answer 3) requiring essay type answers. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | Yes - 2 Hour |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment\ • Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Quiz questions will be answered in class within 3 weeks of quiz and any queries addressed.
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Mon 11:00 - 12:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Wed 15:00 - 16:50 |