Animal Science Degree

An Animal Science degree covers much of the same areas as a Veterinary Science degree or a Zoology degree, in that you are caring for animals, however, an Animal Science degree will look more into their biology and the scientific explanations behind their behaviours and appearances.

What is an Animal Science degree?

An Animal Science degree is a degree that focuses on animal biology. In this degree, you will learn about animal health, animal husbandry, nutrition, diseases that can affect animals and the different laws that surround animals in the United Kingdom.

You will learn about many many scientific theories into your Animal Science degree and will learn about how the theory of evolution has led to certain animals’ very DNA structure changing and how their bodies have evolved over time to make them more efficient in hunting and also in cloaking them from predators.

You will also look at how the industrial food complex has been profiting off the slaughter of animals over time and how they see how they affect the current market trends and how they also affect consumer habits.

Most Animal Science degrees also look at the different issues that can affect an animals natural habitat and how it must adapt over time to its new environment and will also touch on both the positive and the negative effects that human beings have had on the animal population of the planet.

What can I do with an Animal Science degree?

An Animal Science degree will open up a number of different careers for students.

The most common career to go into with an Animal Science degree, is a Veterinarian. A Veterinarian is someone who deals with the care of animals. They treat injured or diseased animals and will operate on them when they need it. They are also responsible for the general care of the animals when they come in for general check-ups as well.

Another common job for students is a Zoologist. A Zoologist is someone who studies animal behaviours, evolution, anatomy, classification and psychology. Zoologists are also responsible for the study of new animals and insects and are required to work within their natural habitat without upsetting the established order.

Students can also look into becoming a Zoo Keeper too. A Zoo Keeper is someone who manages a Zoo and will make sure that all of the animals are safe, secure and are well fed. Though the animals are in captivity, it is important that you also keep the zoo safe and the animals safe, healthy and fit. Many animals will give birth when in captivity, and it is up to you to ensure that they are given the best possible care and are not abused or taken advantage of. You will also need to make sure that you keep the customers entertained but also educated as well.

One career that many people do not know exists, is an Animal Technician. An Animal Technician is someone who is responsible for the welfare of lab animals and insects, mainly those that are used in medical research or analysis.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment for an Animal Science degree will vary depending on what university you go to and what level you're studying the course, for instance, it will be different at a Masters degree than as an undergraduate level.

An Animal Science degree will mainly be a mixture of theoretical and practical based assessments.

For the practical parts, you will be able to interact with animals and carry out research. Now, you won't be interacting with anything like a lion or a tiger or a leopard or anything, however, you will be working with more domesticated animals in controlled environments.

The theoretical side of the degree will mean you need to complete work assignments, hand in coursework, sit examinations and complete a detailed series of reports and a dissertation.

What skills will I learn?

All degrees equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life, many you will learn on your own on the course and others you will be taught and an Animal Science degree is no different.

One skill you will hopefully learn on an Animal Science degree is your independent working. Being able to collaborate is important in all aspects of work life, but so too is being able to work independently. Independent work means that you can work by yourself and can conduct both practical and theoretical portions of your job and degree without assistance. Constant instructions can be a red flag for employers, so being able to think for yourself is vital, especially when working with somewhat skittish animals.

Your written skills should also see a marked improvement. Writing detailed reports, whether they be on the animals themselves or it be on the procedures that you have been carrying out, an Animal Science degree will see your written skills improve markedly. You will need to write reports, as these will help co-workers to understand procedures and will also give some much needed context to certain situations.

Collaboration is another important skill. We already looked at how important independent work is, but so too, is the ability to collaborate with your co-workers on your work or on your course. Collaboration means that you will learn new things from the people you work with, you will be able to ask for second opinions and you will also be able to learn new techniques as well.

Will an Animal Science degree get me a job?

No degrees will necessarily guarantee you a job, however, an Animal Science degree does provide you with a very good foundation for finding a job.

For a lot of students post-university can look a lot like work experience, apprenticeships or unpaid internships, however, don’t let this get you down! You will always be able to find work somewhere, although entry-level graduate jobs are difficult to find straight away, but stay resilient!

For students that have a work placement included in their degree, you may have already developed some good contacts for you to speak to about a job, so these would be good people to stay in contact with as well.

Famous Alumni

There are lots of famous people who have a degree in Animal Science, such as Temple Grandin, who is a famous writer of over 60 books and has advocated the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter, she also has a bachelor's degree in human psychology from Franklin Pierce College in 1970, a master's degree in animal science from Arizona State University in 1975.