By forexlibrary 
One common misconception about animal science is that it is all about being a veterinarian. This is not true. A degree in animal science can lead to many exciting career options.
What does an animal scientist do? You’ll be an integral part of solving some of the most urgent issues facing the planet through a career in animal science.
environmental sustainability
conservation
The impact of climate change on animals
animal welfare
food security.
The job will involve studying wild and domestic animals and their behavior, monitoring species population, and working in the agricultural sector alongside livestock to better understand biological and chemical processes underlying growth and performance. You can also pursue a career in animal science as a researcher. This means that you will work in universities, government agencies, and private industry to study and improve the welfare and productivity of animals.
We’ve compiled a few examples to help you understand what a career in animal science is in
Wildlife scientist
Wildlife scientists manage and study wildlife populations in many settings. This is a varied job that requires you to use your skills in various settings, including lab work and fieldwork. You will also interact with communities and advocacy groups.
You can expect to do some of the following tasks as a scientist who works with animals:
Interacting with wildlife professionals, scientists, and advocacy groups in the community to monitor and preserve animals in the wild as well as in captivity
Planning and coordination of wildlife assessment activities and research
consultation on site and environmental assessment to address wildlife biology
being an advocate and spokesperson on wildlife and ecosystem issues as it relates to your research
Biological data collection and specimens for analysis
Developing and conducting experiments with animals in controlled or uncontrolled settings.
You’ll need
Strong verbal and writing communication skills to collaborate with scientists, advocates, and community representatives on various projects on a local, regional, or international scale
High Attention to Detail
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Project management and organizational skills.
Animal nutritionist
Animal nutritionists create diets for many animals by closely studying their genetics, metabolism, performance level, and other factors. This is a multifaceted job that requires you to study and assess the nutritional needs of many animals, from livestock to wild animals.
You can expect to perform the following tasks in this role:
Providing education to farmers, keepers of zoos and other groups regarding appropriate and healthy diets, planning and preparation of food to treat disease or improve the quality of life of animals
Evaluating the nutritional needs of animals based on their productivity level and the type of exercise they engage in
Researching animal nutrition to keep up-to-date and informed about the current dietary requirements of animals
Investigating nutritional supplements to lower methane production by ruminants
Evaluation of animals in laboratory trials. Summarising results
Developing and administering nutrition and food policies, as needed.
These are some of the skills that you will need to fulfill this role:
Strong verbal and written communication skills and listening skills are needed to communicate with farmers, veterinarians, and other stakeholders to create nutritional strategies for animals
A strong grasp of maths concepts is required to calculate the correct food ratios for animal meal plans
Computer literacy is required to understand computer-based ration formulas.
Use your critical thinking skills to understand better and assess the activities of an animal to develop nutrition strategies that are tailored to their needs.
Ecologist
Wildlife ecologists or ecologists play an increasing role in conserving and protecting ecosystems that are under threat from climate change. They examine the interplay between animals, plants, soils, and the climate. There are many places where ecology roles can be found, such as government agencies, environmental groups and large pastoral companies, conservation charities and not-for-profit organizations, research institutes, and other institutions.
You can expect to perform the following tasks in this role:
Monitoring and reporting on the animal population
Assessing the interplay between wildlife and animals for production
Protecting ecosystems and native wildlife from habitat loss, disease and other environmental and conservation concerns
Examining important animal characteristics such as life history, diet, population, habitat use, and behavior
Conducting field research and writing reports
Conducting scientific evaluations of soil, plant, water and animal samples.
You’ll need
A passion for the natural world
The ability to conduct field research and synthesize complex data gathered through your observations
High standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
Learn about animal science at UQ
A qualification in animal science can open doors to many rewarding and exciting career opportunities. If you think this is the right fit and are interested in studying animal sciences, why not look at the UQ programs?