Applied Zoo Science

UCAS code: CD34

Here's what University Centre Sparsholt says about its Applied Zoo Science course.

Why choose this degree?

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

• A focus on zoo culture, promotion of natural environments and behaviours to support conservation and meet the growing awareness of the needs of exotic species collections, taught by industry experts.

• Extensive industry contacts and development of employability skills.

• Use tools such as record-keeping software that are used by zoos and aquaria globally.

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? You will develop research techniques in aspects of zoo animal welfare, behaviour and population management and consider the wider roles of the modern zoo in conservation and education.

Students undertake a work placement in each year of the programme and will develop their theoretical knowledge through practical application. Previous student placements have included* Finkley Down Farm, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Birdworld* and the New Forest Wildlife Park.

You will have the opportunity to develop your academic research through the Year 2 module on Applied Industrial Research, collecting data on a current exotic animal project.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Much of the assessment is coursework based, i.e. essays, reports, practical portfolios and seminar presentations. Practical activities, in-class assessments and a limited number of exams also play a part.

WHERE CAN I GO FROM HERE? This programme will provide progression to BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology Top-up and potentially onto MSc Applied Zoo Biology.

Sparsholt graduates now work in a variety of roles in the zoo and conservation sectors including keeper, nutritionist, education, media and marketing.

LEVEL FOUR Academic Skills, Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Biology, Industrial Experience, Exotic Animal Management, Zoo History and Culture.

LEVEL FIVE Animal Health, Applied Industrial Research, Population Biology, Industrial Development, Zoo Industry Ethics and Legislation, Zoo Animal Nutrition, Exotic Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Husbandry (optional), Aquarium Design and Husbandry (optional). *subject to demand

Much of the assessment is coursework based, i.e. essays, reports, practical portfolios and seminar presentations. Practical activities, in-class assessments and a limited number of exams also play a part.