Applied Zoo Science FdSc

**Why choose this degree?**<br/>- Benefit from working with expert lecturers and a diverse and exciting collection of animals in our **BIAZA-member centre**. <br/><br/><br/>- 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. <br/><br/><br/>- Extensive industry contacts and development of employability skills. <br/><br/><br/>- Use tools such as record-keeping software that are used by zoos and aquaria globally. <br/><br/><br/>**What makes UCS special?** <br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>**What will I learn?**<br/>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.<br/><br/>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**. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>**HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?**<br/>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.<br/><br/>**WHERE CAN I GO FROM HERE?**<br/>This programme will provide progression to **BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology Top-up** and potentially onto **MSc Applied Zoo Biology**.<br/><br/>Sparsholt graduates now work in a variety of roles in the zoo and conservation sectors including keeper, nutritionist, education, media and marketing.