Cara
Glynn

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I wanted to gain a much broader understanding of a variety of topics within animal science, before specialising in a single area. The range of modules and content on the Zoo Biology course was perfectly suited to this, because it offered a little bit of everything, about different species and in different contexts. I felt that this would give me a good basis from which to branch out into various specialisms.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

While the course itself is extremely interesting, the best part about it for me is the teaching staff. We have some of the most incredible lecturers, and they truly make the learning enjoyable and engaging. Each lecturer has their own approach and unique style of teaching, which makes each lesson much more varied and interesting, and they always encourage students to ask questions and be involved in the lectures, to really get the most they can out of the course.

How do you find your modules and what have you most enjoyed studying?

All of the modules have been very interesting, each of course brings its own set of information and challenges, but many of them also link with others to provide a well-rounded learning experience. My personal favourite modules have primarily been those that focus on animal behaviour, as that is my main subject of interest. However, since starting my final year, I have also come to greatly enjoy the Anthrozoology module, because I find it fascinating and thought provoking to consider all the factors that are involved in human-animal interactions and how I can apply this knowledge in my life.

What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?

There are countless facilities and endless opportunities for support available throughout the course, both online and on campus. I personally use the group study rooms in the library most often, as my friends and I book them two or three times per week to stay on top of our coursework and share ideas.

What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?

The campus is absolutely beautiful and is lovely to walk around when the weather is nice. My friends and I often go to the Orangery during lunch breaks to buy food and drinks or simply sit and eat what we brought ourselves. It is a great atmosphere and the refreshments available there are delicious.

What is your top tip for someone considering studying/living at Brackenhurst Campus?

If you are coming by car, just be aware that you may need to park quite far away from where your lectures will be held, so you will have to build in extra time for walking between areas of the campus. If you have difficulty walking distances such as these, speak to the Disability Support Services.

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what company did you do it for, what was your role/responsibilities and what did you achieve?

For my placement year, I worked with two organisations:

I spent two months as a volunteer with Merazonia Wildlife Refuge in Mera, Ecuador. My primary role there was data entry (digitising handwritten case records and adding them to the online database), however, I also took part in a number of other activities, including helping to prepare animal feeds for other volunteers; assisting in preparing parts for building new enclosures; making enrichment devices; caring for two (separate) infant monkeys; and organising and leading community activities such as quiz nights, sporting events and a scavenger hunt.

Following this, I spent six months as a research intern with the Domestication Lab in Vienna, Austria. My role there was assisting my colleagues with their existing projects, which involved extensive data analysis, and helping to run behavioural experiments with pet dogs. Some of my greater achievements included completing work that granted me authorship on a future paper; taking part in inter-rater reliability coding; reviewing and presenting three research papers to my team; and training several dogs to use a touchscreen apparatus.

If you completed a placement, would you recommend completing one and why?

Without question, I would absolutely recommend completing a placement. It was a life-changing experience for me, and I am incredibly glad that I decided to switch from the full-time course to the sandwich-year. It encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, which enabled me to greatly improve my confidence, resilience and independence, in a way that might not have been possible had I not gone on placement.

Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?

I would recommend this course because it opens up so many possible avenues that you can go into after you graduate. Whether you are interested in the intricacies of physiology and nutrition, or the broader spectrum of behaviour and husbandry, this course is sure to have something for you. Moreover, if you are not yet sure exactly what interests you, I am certain that the wide variety of subjects throughout the course will give you a better idea of what you might like.

What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/ will help you to achieve that goal?

I am planning to apply for an MSc in animal behaviour, as that is a subject that I honed my interest in during my course. While some of my modules have helped me to gain specific knowledge and experience in the field of animal behaviour, many others have also allowed me to develop countless transferrable skills that will be useful for my postgraduate studies and beyond.

Any additional comments?

No university experience is going to be perfect, but at NTU, and especially at Brackenhurst, you will be surrounded by kind, understanding and supportive staff who genuinely want to help you succeed. If you have to put your trust in anyone to see you through your studies, let it be them. That being said, this is your university experience, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort, no one can do it for you, but NTU will make sure that you have the resources and support you need to get through. Just do not be a afraid to ask for help when you need it.