Can a Postgraduate Zoologist Specialize in Animal Husbandry?

Animal husbandry and zoology are both disciplines focused on the study of animals, with individual focuses that sometimes overlap. If you have a postgraduate course in zoology after your undergraduate degree in animal husbandry, can you still pursue a career as a zoologist?

The Intersection of Animal Husbandry and Zoology

Animal husbandry is a specific branch of zoology that deals with the domestication and rearing of animals, particularly those used for agricultural and commercial purposes such as meat, fur, wool, and eggs. In contrast, a zoologist studies animals in general, covering a wide range of topics, including their physiology, genetics, reproduction, ecological interactions, and behavior.

Transitioning to a Zoologist Career

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question due to varying regional requirements and institutional policies. However, the transition is possible, provided you take the appropriate steps and are willing to make adjustments.

Informational Interviews and Networking

The best path to becoming a zoologist is to learn from and network with professionals in the field. Conduct informational interviews with zoologists in your local area. This will give you insight into the career, help you build relationships, and provide valuable guidance on the steps you need to take.

Comprehensive Knowledge and Required Skills

Your background in animal husbandry gives you in-depth knowledge of many aspects of vertebrate biology, such as physiology, reproduction, genetics, ecology, and ethology. However, there might be some areas where you lack the necessary background, particularly in other animal phyla and certain vertebrate groups, such as amphibians and reptiles (with the exception of birds).

To address these gaps, you should consider supplementary study in foundational areas like phylogenetics and certain undergraduate courses that were prerequisites in your bachelor's degree program. For example, your zoology program may require chemistry and cell biology if you did not study these subjects as an undergraduate.

University Policies and Course Content

The decision to pursue a career as a zoologist after a postgraduate course in zoology depends on the policies of the university you plan to apply to and the specific content of your master's program. Some institutions have a set of required undergraduate courses, and if you have not completed them, you may need to undertake them during your master's studies.

A friend of mine who specialized in animal husbandry pursued a master's in zoology. She had to take certain undergraduate classes during her master's program to meet the requirements, such as chemistry and cell biology.

Conclusion

In summary, you can indeed become a zoologist with a postgraduate course in zoology, following the right path and making up for any knowledge gaps. The transition is feasible but requires diligent research, networking, and potentially additional coursework.