What is Zoology ? Zoology is the study of animal life and gaining an in-depth understanding of animals . You will study biosciences , from cell biology and the study of insects , to whole organisms and species , communities and ecosystems . It often involves fieldwork in the UK or abroad .
So you are interested in … Animals ?
You could study … Zoology , Veterinary Science , Veterinary Nursing , Animal Care ( A ) Equine , Farrier , Fish etc . Related subjects : Biology , Health Sciences .
If I study a course about animals at university – what do I do ? Depending on the course it can vary in length and content though all include practical work . A veterinary degree will vary from 5 – 6 years .
Working with animals is highly competitive and hard work . Working in a veterinary practice means availability 24 hours , 365 days a year as you will get called to emergencies .
Any course that involves animals will expect you to have gained work experience at a vets or working with the animal you want to specialise in .
What is veterinary nursing ? It ’ s providing the supportive care of animals at the vets ; helping educate owners in how to care for their pets as well as undertaking medical treatments , such as minor surgical procedures and tests , under the vet ’ s direction . You can qualify through a degree or apprenticeship , and think about your career after qualifying as to which qualification is better for you .
Personal skills : Communication , understanding and explaining complex subjects , analysing and investigating , self-motivated , accurate , competent , dedicated , flexible , hard-working , independent , practical .
Subjects needed : For Veterinary Science AAA or AAB and excellent GCSE results . For all animal based higher education courses a science qualification is a must , and many courses will ask for biology , sometimes with another science or maths .
For certain higher education institutions , students sit the Biomedical Admissions Test ( BMAT ) in addition to their A levels .
What are the Job Opportunities ? Working in a vets or a zoo , or going into research ; playing a vital role in understanding diseases as well as the health , welfare of animals , insects , reptiles etc . You could work for a charity such as the PDSA , RSPCA or for a government agency like the Foods Standard Agency , Department for Environment , Food & Rural Affairs or in wildlife and environmental conservation in the UK and abroad .
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