This course develops knowledge of animal management systems and research techniques in animal welfare and behaviour, animal collections management, and animal wildlife management. The course prepares for managerial positions in research, industry or academia, covering aspects of biological sciences with business studies and communication skills.// Units of study include nutrition, animal health, population biology, ethology and applied animal behaviour. Practical animal handling skills, husbandry techniques and management skills are interwoven through the whole three years of the course.// Course content is delivered through coursework, field trips and a broad range of guest speakers.// In year three, students will choose, design and conduct an independent research project leading to a dissertation. Research has covered areas such as assessment of welfare via measurement of urinary cortisol in captive tigers; investigating the metabolism of wild blue-spotted stingrays; dung beetles as a tool for monitoring habitat usage in the rainforest and an analysis of reproductive stress in captive fields. // Students take up work placements in specialist areas. Recent placements have included Customs & Excises Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow Airport, Marwell Zoo, Compassion in World Farming projects, Operation Wallacea and the Natural History Museum. Students often choose to do their work experience overseas. Work placements provide opportunities to explore the job market and gather data for the dissertation.// The section has strong links with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as links with local and national conservation organisations.