this course was previously offered by writtle university college prior to the merger with aru in march 2024. this course will run on the aru writtle campus. studying for a degree with an integrated foundation year will offer you a supportive environment if you have been out of education for a few years or do not have the necessary ucas points from your recent course of study. the foundation year (year 0) will precede our standard 3-year degree course programmes and enables preparation for degree study. you'll study a range of modules that cover general academic skills, along with more subject-specific topics. our biological science-based courses combine both pure and applied sciences in the study of animals. alongside practical animal management skills are topics relating to the underlying biological principles of biochemistry, genetics and animal growth alongside core subjects of behaviour and nutrition. these courses are for those wishing to have a strong scientific understanding of animal biology and how it relates to animal health and disease, animal growth and their development. if you are passionate about zoo animals and wildlife and are looking for a degree course to learn about the zoo industry and both uk and international wildlife management then this is the option for you. complemented by the animal husbandry focus of the animal management programme or the bioscience teaching of conservation genetics and animal health in the animal science programme, this course particularly prepares students for employment in the range of zoo and wildlife roles including graduate zoo keeper roles, zoo nutrition, and zoo and wildlife education. you’ll be taught by subject-specialist staff, and benefit from campus facilities including dedicated canine and equine centres, a small animal unit and a working farm. you'll take part in animal handling practicals involving work with a range of domesticated and captive animal species, as well as laboratory classes. throughout your course, there’s the chance to join ‘behind the scenes’ trips and other experiences.