Overview
Modern accredited zoos and aquariums play important roles in society, providing wildlife education through much needed connections with nature, driving conservation efforts, and serving as hubs for wildlife research both in the zoo and in the field. Through coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and regular engagement with zoo and aquarium professionals, students earning this certificate will have the knowledge and skills to apply evidence-based management to advance the science of exotic animal care and management.
The Certificate is available to all undergraduate students, and courses may be applied towards other degree programs at URI.
Requirements
This certificate requires 12 credits through the completion of the following 5 courses. All courses are offered in AVS at least once annually:
AVS 327 Zoo Animal Management (3 credits): Experts discuss zoo animal care and the role of zoos in modern society with an emphasis on education, conservation, and research. Held at Roger Williams Park Zoo; additional costs apply.
AVS 343 Behavior of Managed Animals (3 credits): Explores approaches for objectively assessing and interpreting the function and causes of animal behavior to improve animal care and management. 3 cr. Pre-requisite: AVS 331 or permission of instructor.
AVS 443 Advanced Methods in Applied Animal Behavior (3 credits): Practical application of the study of animal behavior to improve animal management in farm, zoo, or research settings. Emphasis on research methods and science-based animal training techniques. Pre-requisite: AVS 343 Behavior of Managed Animals.
AVS 398 Practicum in Zoo and Aquarium Animal Science (1 credit): Complement and enrich a zoo or aquarium internship experience through discussions, evaluations of progress, and completion of a capstone project that connects prior academic experience to a concurrent internship. (Practicum) Pre: AVS 327 or permission of instructor. S/U only. Student must be participating in (or recently completed) a zoo or aquarium internship to enroll in this course.
AVS 427 Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare (2 credits): Application of physiological and behavioral measures to assess zoo and aquarium animal welfare, with an emphasis on both currently applied and emerging science-based approaches. Pre-requisite: AVS 327, AVS 343.
Students earning this certificate will be able to 1) apply scientific literacy skills to design evidence-based exotic animal management plans, and 2) integrate science process skills and content knowledge to employ evidence-based practice in exotic animal care and management. The curriculum is designed to ensure students receive broad exposure to animal management standards practiced in modern, accredited zoos and aquariums. Students will have the opportunity to engage with zoo professionals throughout the curriculum and apply skills in animal training, behavior research, and wellbeing assessment.
Careers
Jobs in zoos and aquariums offer rewarding careers for students interested in animal care and training, as well as outreach, education, and conservation, as professionals in the field are often involved in all aspects of the modern zoo or aquarium’s mission. Professional exotic animal care jobs are highly desired and are therefore competitive, requiring a 4-year college degree and experience in the field in the form of internships or volunteer work. This certificate will provide a formal acknowledgement of experiential learning as well as practical skills and knowledge valued by potential employers in this dynamic field.
Questions?
Contact: Justin Richard, PhD or jt_richard@uri.edu