Applied Zoology

UCAS code: BAZ1

Here's what University Centre Reaseheath says about its Applied Zoology course.

If you are interested in learning about the diversity of animal life on the planet, gaining practical skills in animal husbandry and understanding the impact that humans are having on wild animals, this is the course for you. It is more important now than ever to understand animals in the context of their place in ecosystems, so this course combines more traditional animal studies with more hands-on field work and animal care.

You will study all aspects of animal biology, from behaviour and ecology to physiology and welfare. You will be able to apply this knowledge in a variety of practical situations: animal husbandry, labs and field work. There is also a focus on wild animal health which explores diseases in animals from a global scale to the animals in rescue and rehabilitation centres.

Our teaching staff can bring their wealth of experience from working in zoos, ecological consultancy and conservation expeditions to the lecture theatre. Their first-hand knowledge will give you an insight into the type of careers you could pursue, and the opportunity to explore your interests in more depth.

As part of the course, you will carry out practical activities and research in the on-campus zoo which houses over 1,000 animals and 125 species including ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, raccoon dogs, otters, tapir, capybaras, owls, hawks, bearded dragons, kingsnakes, dart frogs, marine fish and much more.

A core component of the course is the completion of an undergraduate dissertation, enabling you to research an area of zoological study that interests you and to develop a wide range of transferable skills.

From this course, you could progress into further research, such as a MSc or PhD programme, or move into industry. The skills you would gain would enable you to pursue a career as a zoologist, conservation researcher, animal technician, science writer, or wildlife rehabilitator. You could work in governmental organisations or NGOs such as the RSPB or Wildlife Trusts, or become learning or research officers for zoos or wildlife parks.

As a student on this course, you may be eligible to complete a 1-year Industry Placement between your second and final year of study, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial industry experience and kickstart your career. To be eligible for this, you must achieve a pass grade above 50% in your second year of studies.

Course Features

• Access to our on-campus zoo, which housing over 1,000 animals and 125 species including ring-tailed lemurs, porcupines, raccoon dogs, otters, tapir, capybaras, owls, hawks, bearded dragons, kingsnakes, dart frogs, marine fish and much more.

• Applied teaching of wildlife health and rehabilitation

• Transferable skills in laboratory techniques

• The opportunity to engage in overseas field courses to a range of localities in Africa and Europe

Career Options

• Zoologist

• Conservation researcher

• Animal technician

• Science writer

• Wildlife rehabilitator

• Zoo learning officer

Year 1 Introduction to Scientific Communication Evolution and Adaptation Introduction to Behaviour in Animals Comparative Functional Anatomy and Physiology Conservation Biology and Biodiversity Animal Husbandry and Handling ·

Year 2 Experiential Learning Research Methods Behavioural Ecology Wildlife Health and Rehabilitation Entomology Animal Ecophysiology * Laboratory and Professional Skills for the Biosciences *

Year 3 Dissertation Wild Animal Health and Epidemiology Animal Cognition Anthrozoology* Applied Issues in Wildlife Conservation* Biology and Conservation of Birds* Biology and Conservation of Herpetofauna* Biology and Conservation of Mammals*

• Optional modules

We design a wide range of assessments that will help you to develop industry standard skills and knowledge. In your first year, the assessments consist of a combination of timed online assessments, of multiple-choice questions and short essays, practical assessments and presentations and written coursework. This written coursework can be in the form of reports, essays or posters, depending on the module. For Husbandry and Handling, there are assessed practical sessions, reflections and talks. For Scientific Data Analysis, there are quizzes based on the application of statistical software.

In your second year, there will be some variation, depending on the optional modules chosen, but there will again be a combination of timed online assessments and written coursework. This coursework may take the form of essays or case studies, or be based on laboratory practical sessions. For Experiential Learning, you may be creating a reflective blog, while for Research Methods, you will be writing a proposal and using statistical software to analyse data.

In your third year, the dissertation is assessed through a written proposal and scientific article which represents the research carried out by the student. Other assessments include a species management plan for the Biology and Conservation modules, and a seminar for Anthrozoology.

The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows: Year 1 40% coursework 35% online timed assessments 15% practical assessments

Year 2 70% coursework 15% online timed assessments 15% practical assessments

Year 3 65% coursework 20% timed online assessments 15% practical assessments