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"Society's perspective of animal science is changing and this poses new challenges in animal science education", said Prof Sandra Edwards, President of BSAS, in her opening address to a multidisciplinary group who met to review the impact of these changes and identify ways to improve career knowledge and prospects related to animal science. Delegates attending the BSAS (British Society of Animal Science) workshop at the Royal Agriculture College, Cirencester represented a broad cross section of interest in animal science including those involved in teaching in schools, further and higher education, policy, research and potential employers.
The meeting recognised that society, as a whole, was suspicious of animal science and its focus on productionist agriculture; it was also suspicious of the safety of the food chain, which was affecting the uptake of this subject by young people. It was considered important to improve awareness of the wider range of opportunities and impact that animal science and scientists had in welfare, care and behavioural aspects of animals.
Raising interest in animal science in schools had to be a future priority. To do this pupils had to be made aware of the excitement in animal science, its many and varied aspects, and the rewarding careers available in animal science. With changes in the curriculum and the new applied science GCSE, there were many opportunities to provide information and project work on animal science to schools.
With regard to higher education, the requirements identified for future animal science graduates were a wide range of competencies. The most important of these, was the ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge and put information into practice, but also important were business and communication skills. Interestingly, these were all mentioned before a detailed understanding of animal science itself. Also required was a good knowledge of environmental matters and welfare for effective working in matters related to cross compliance.
BSAS was identified as being a good central point for resources and the provision of educational information relating to animal science. The next step will involve the Society establishing an action plan for education. This will include establishing database of educational materials and a register of animal scientists willing to go into schools/colleges and share their first-hand knowledge and experience.
Any one interested in having input into this plan should contact the BSAS office.
Dr Janice Harland, BSAS Press Officer (Tel: 01285 810250)
Mike Steele, BSAS Office (Tel: 0131 445 4508)