INSTITUTIONS OFFERING ANIMAL SCIENCE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS ANIMAL SCIENCE AND WHO IS AN ANIMAL SCIENTIST?
Animal science is concerned with the study of animals that are under human control, their nutrition, care and welfare. Thus by definition, it is a branch of science that deals in the management, science and business of producing domestic livestock species. These may include; horses, poultry, sheep, beef and dairy cattle as well as rabbits to name a few. An animal scientist is a person who specializes in the field of animal science at a higher learning institution such as a university or college. When animal scientists understand the biology of animals that are under the control of humankind, they ensure sustainable production and management of farm animals as well as other domesticated animals like dogs and cats.
WHERE DO ANIMAL SCIENTISTS WORK?
In Zambia, Animal scientists can work for the department of agriculture and livestock under the government where they explore the production, health and quality control of animals and their products in society. Non-governmental organizations like the food and agriculture organization (FAO) also utilize the services of animal scientists. They can also work as farm supervisors, or as field or wildlife experts in the tourism industry. In this country, they work to increase the yield of dairy and meat production, provision of good price incentives, and treating diseases like (tick borne diseases, foot and mouth, trypanosomiasis). Animal scientists can also work for companies such as Lubono Institute-Farm Products, Kachema Meat Suppliers and Zambeef .
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Animal scientists carry out farm management and supervision. This includes advising farm owners on the types of farm chemicals, animal feed and treatment methods necessary to be used on the farm. Animal scientists can collaborate with vets to examine which animals on the farm could be put on the market in order to ensure a good quality supply of meat and dairy products. They can recommend vaccination programs and other animal treatment schemes to ensure that good health quality of animals is provided. Furthermore, animal scientists can work in agro and livestock shops, sales and marketing organizations as they understand the value of both animal and agricultural products.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN ANIMAL SCIENTIST?
Animal Scientists typically work on weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs. In some work places, the animal scientist may be required to work on weekends.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The government is the largest employer of animal scientists under the ministry of agriculture. Other places where animal scientists will most likely find employment is on commercial farms and ranches privately owned by the companies already listed. The agricultural sector has a lot of potential for self-employment and as such, most animal scientists go on to start their very own poultry, dairy and livestock businesses.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED
To enjoy being an animal scientist, you need to have a great deal of passion not only for animals, but also farm work as well. You need to have an interest in science-based subjects such biology, agricultural science and chemistry.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING ANIMAL SCIENCE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Students will first learn the A’ level natural sciences (mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics) in their first year. Subjects covered in the following years include Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Microbiology, Principles of Animal Nutrition, Applied Animal Nutrition, Animal Pathology and Principles of Animal Science. Range Management and Forage Crop Production, Introductory Statistics for Agriculture and Principles of Genetics are among other subjects covered.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
General entry requirements are 5 O’ levels inclusive of Mathematics, Science and English. However, entry is quite competitive at University and to stand a good chance of being selected you need to have scored at least 12 points in your best six subjects at grade 12.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE AN ANIMAL SCIENTIST?
To become an animal scientist, there is no alternative qualification apart. You can however choose to study for other agriculture-related programs such as general agriculture, plant sciences, soil sciences or food sciences.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
You can advance your qualifications to a master’s or PhD level in fields such as animal nutrition, animal genetics, animal breeding etc. A master’s in these fields allows for specialisation in a particular field of animal science which increases the job opportunities. A master’s also allows for a person to work as a researcher or a lecturer at a university.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER ANIMAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time only
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 0211 250587
E-mail: dean-agric@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/academics/undergraduate/bachelor-of-agricultural-sciences-animal-sciences
KAPASA MAKASA UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Resources
Intakes: January (only)
Location: Chinsali
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 290816 / +260 212 290815
Email: academicoffice@cbu.ac.zm
Website: www.cbu.ac.zm/fees
ZAMBIA OPEN UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Distance, Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: School of Agriculture
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 427600 / +260 969 672965 / +260 976 123055
Email: lovejoy.malambo@zaou.ac.zm / admissions@zaou.ac.zm
Website: www.zaou.ac.zm/
NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and distance learning
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 282496
Email: info@nrdc.biz / principal@nrdc.biz
Website: www.nrdc.biz/students.html
NKUMBI INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and distance learning
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kapiri Mposhi
Contacts
Tel: +260 979 329699 / 0968 756184 / 0960 135236
Email: nkumbi@ymail.com
Facebook: Nkumbi International College