Applied Animal Science

Why choose this degree?

• Benefit from a diverse and exciting collection of animals in our BIAZA-member centre.

• Develop strong scientific knowledge on a range of vertebrate species with focus on physiology, behaviour, welfare and husbandry.

• Build vital experience through practical handling skills, extensive work placements and strong links with industry.

What makes UCS special?
As a UCS student you will benefit from lecturers with a wealth of industry experience that comes from working with BIAZA and EAZA research committees/ working groups and a wide range of zoos. UCS is also supporting member of the ABTC and staff are members of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians. Our teaching staff have experience and expertise in all areas of animal work including veterinary nursing, health and welfare, research, zoo industry and husbandry and animal behaviour and training.

UCS has an unrivalled collection of animals and species in its purpose-built Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre and was one of the first colleges in the country to be awarded a zoo licence and is part of The National Zoo Academy. The centre offers a wide variety of habitat styles and management systems to maximise the student learning potential and experience.

What will I learn?
The course is designed to combine knowledge and research techniques in aspects of animal welfare and behaviour, the animal industry and wildlife management.

Work placements are a key feature and benefit from the University centre’s strong links with a variety of relevant organisations. We offer optional overseas study tours (Covid restrictions depending) as well as UK trips allowing students to experience a range of different animal related industries.

Students have also undertaken work placement or dissertation data collection with the RSPCA, HART Wildlife Rescue, Dogs Trust, bird of prey centres including the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Orangutan Appeal and also placements at several local farms.

How will I be assessed?
Assessment is via a range of coursework including practical portfolios, laboratory reports, seminars and essays, some modules also include an end of year assessment.

In the final year of the course utilising techniques developed throughout the course you will design and conduct your own dissertation study. Previous students have had their research from this published in academic journals, industry magazines or presented at conferences.

Where can I go from here?
You can progress to the MSc in Applied Zoo Biology at University Centre Sparsholt; alternatively, there are many MSc and PhD programmes available at other universities.

Sparsholt graduates now work in zoological collections, animal and conservation charities both in the UK and overseas.

LEVEL FOUR
Animal Management 1,
Analytical Techniques,
Principles of Biology,
Industrial Experience,
Academic Skills,
Anatomy and Physiology.

LEVEL FIVE
Population Biology,
Statistics and Research Methods,
Nutrition,
Ethology and Ethics,
Industrial Development,
Animal Management 2,
Animal Health.

LEVEL SIX
Dissertation,
Further Statistics,
Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare (optional),
Applied Animal Health,
Species Manipulation and Monitoring,
Professional Industrial Development,
Animal Industry and Trade,
Reproductive Technologies and Genetics (optional),
Sustainable Resource Management (optional)*.
*subject to demand

Assessment in Years 1 and 2 is primarily by exams and coursework which includes practical portfolios, laboratory reports, seminars and essays. Work placements offer opportunities to gather data for the dissertation project which is submitted in Year 3.

There are research opportunities throughout the programme, and University Centre Sparsholt actively submits student work to outside symposia, giving you the opportunity to present your work to the wider world.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS