Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Nutrition, health, behaviour, breeding, husbandry and management of Australian wildlife in zoos and wildlife parks and farms.
Zoo and aquarium science is the scientific study of the care and management of wildlife populations that live in zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, and rehabilitation centres.
This course is intended to provide students with an interest in becoming a manager of captive vertebrate species or a zoo professional with an understanding of captive animal management and husbandry.
Topics covered include: The history of zoos, the purpose and popularity of zoos, exhibit design, zoo organisations and legislation, collection planning, an introduction to zoo animal management software (ZIMS), principles of captive animal nutrition and feeding, small population demographic and genetic management, reproductive management of captive animals, captive animal enrichment, captive animal restraint, captive animal training and conditioning, amphibian husbandry, reptile husbandry, crocodile husbandry and handling, avian husbandry, echidna husbandry, dasyurid husbandry, koala husbandry, wombat husbandry, macropod husbandry and the role of ex situ conservation - Save the Bilby Fund.
A major highlight of the course will be the student's exposure and introductory training to the ZIMS animal management software which is a key component of management in modern zoos - this skill set is highly desirable when applying for positions in the global zoo industry.
Other tutorials include; genetic management and recent advances in the practical use of veterinary technology for use with captive animals.
An exciting feature of the course is the inclusion of a broad range of zoo professionals (curators and zookeepers) as guest lectures and UQ academics with active research programs in zoos.
Students will also have the opportunity (non-compulsory) to visit and experience Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for a behind the scenes look at how a modern wildlife facility operates.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM2055 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Course coordinator
Associate Professor Diana Fisher
Lecturer
Adjunct Professor David Blyde
Dr Lyndal Hulse
Dr Laura Grogan
Guest lecturer
Dr Dalene Adam
Ms Christina Markham
Mr Robby McLeod
Mr Kevin Bradley
Adjunct Professor Al Mucci
Tutor
Miss Emma Putland
Dr Lyndal Hulse
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
PLEASE NOTE:ﾠ The lecture and practical timetables may change slightly during the semester. These changes will be notified to students at the lectures and on Blackboard. Lectures will be a mix of on-campus and virtual delivery to provide flexibility to some of our guest lecturers.
Attendance is compulsory for all scheduled practicals/tutorials (3 practicals on-campus at UQ Gatton and 1 practical at Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre).
Attendance at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in week 8 is not compulsory and students may make their own way to the Sanctuary or a bus will be provided.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to discuss and investigate the care, husbandry and management of wild animals in captivity. It will introduce students to the fundamentals of zoo animal management including the history, purpose, organization and regulation of zoos, the principles of zoo animal nutrition, small population demographic and genetic management, reproductive management, behavioural enrichment, zoo animal restraint, zoo animal training and conditioning, preventive veterinary care from a zookeepers perspective and the importance of enclosure design for animal welfare, public display and keeper safety. It will also provide students with an understanding of the husbandry of animals found in Australasian Zoos including amphibians, reptiles (snakes, lizards and crocodiles), Aves, monotremes (echidna) and marsupials (dasyurids, koalas, wombats and macropod). Students will also develop competency in the use of the ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) database and an introduction of how to make informed decisions on which zoo animals to bred based on genetic and disease status. A highlight of the course will be the inclusion of Queensland zoo industry experts as guest lecturers.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Illustrate the fundamentals of captive wildlife management including the history, purpose, organisation, management and regulation of zoos and aquariums.
LO2.
Display competence in the operation and presentation of data associated with ZIMS software.
LO3.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of enclosure design, collection planning, zoo animal nutrition and feeding, demographic and genetic management, zoo animal handling and restraint, preventative medicine from a keeper’s perspective, reproductive management and the use of enrichment and training.
LO4.
Demonstrate an understanding of the species-specific considerations and requirements for the captive husbandry of amphibians, Aves, reptiles, monotremes and marsupials.
LO5.
Construct a species husbandry manual to an international zoo industry standard.
LO6.
Develop a design brief for a zoo animal enclosure that could be used by an architect and that effectively accounts for animal welfare, public access, keeper access and that demonstrates the principles of sustainability.
LO7.
Relate knowledge of molecular biology techniques to the genetic and disease management of captive animal populations.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Enclosure Design Brief Assessment
|
25% |
27/03/2026 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
In Semester Examination
|
15% |
17/04/2026 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Husbandry Manual
|
20% |
15/05/2026 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Enclosure Design Brief Assessment
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
27/03/2026 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Each student will develop the knowledge to prepare a design brief of a selected zoo species in order to instruct their architectural colleagues on the animal, zoo-keeper, visitor and sustainability requirements of an enclosure design. The brief will be presented in the form of a narrated 15 min orally delivered powerpoint presentation uploaded to Blackboard. The presentation must include a video insert of the student presenter delivering the brief.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT): Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the assignment submission link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit. The presentation must include a video insert of the student presenter delivering the brief.
The presentation must stay within 15 ± 1 min. Presentations shorter than 14 min will be marked down accordingly as not providing sufficient content. Any information that is presented over 16 mins will not be marked. Time limits will be strictly enforced.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
In Semester Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
17/04/2026 2:00 pm
Task description
The exam is an in person exam set during class time that you have 90 mins to complete (plus 10 minutes reading time). The in-semester exam will include multiple choice, short answer and short essay questions based on lectures 1 - 10 + tutorials 1 + 2. These questions will allow you to demonstrate the scope and depth knowledge of your understanding of the principles and application of zoo animal management.This assessment task is to be completed in-person.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Husbandry Manual
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
15/05/2026 1:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
This assignment is designed to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the role of zoos, the reasons for keeping animals in zoos, and the factors that are important in acquiring a new species into a captive collection, the care and husbandry required to maintain a wild species in captivity, and to achieve the zoo’s objectives for this species.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT):
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task in Blackboard via the turn-it-in assignment submission link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Your husbandry manual should not exceed 3000 words including tables but excluding references. Important: please note that any words over the 3000 word limit will not be examined.
You may choose any species of native or exotic wild mammal, bird or reptile. However, it is likely to be easier for you to gather information about a species which is actually kept in a zoo in Australia, or a species for which there is sufficient information readily available.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Secure.
Task description
The end of semester exam will include multiple choice, short answer and short essay style questions and will be based on lectures 9 - 21 + tutorial 3 and 4. The exam will be an on-campus centrally controlled exam. Please have your UQ student ID card available for all your exam. This assessment task is to be completed in-person.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See Additional Course Grading Information for the hurdle information relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a very poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a very low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of fair quality demonstrating a basic understanding of most aspects of subject matter and a modest appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, but with serious deficiencies in some areas, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a good quality demonstrating a good understanding of most subject matter and a competent level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, although possibly with some lapses and inadequacies, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a very good quality demonstrating a strong understanding of a wide, but not complete, range of subject matter and a good level of appreciation of issues, although not necessarily of the finer points, covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of exceptional quality showing a deep understanding of a wide range of subject matter and a clear appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results. The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 45% or more on the End of Semester Exam.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment.
Refer to the link above for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met. Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (23 Feb - 01 Mar) |
Lecture |
Course Introduction - A/Prof Stephen Johnston Course introduction |
Tutorial |
Assignment Overview A/Prof Stephen Johnston: Brief overview of the zoo keeper presentation and zoo enclosure design assessment requirements. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 1: The History of Zoos Dr Julia Hoy will provide an overview of the history of zoos with a focus on Australian institutions. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 2: The Purpose and Popularity of Zoos Dr Julia Hoy will discuss the purpose and popularity of zoos with a focus on Australian institutions. |
|
Week 2 (02 Mar - 08 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3: Zoo organisation and administration Adj A/Prof Al Mucci will provide an overview of how zoos are organised and administered. |
Lecture |
Lecture 4: Queensland Zoo Regulation Adj A/Prof Al Mucci will discuss the legislation associated with keeping captive wildlife in Australia and specifically in Queensland. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1: ZIMS training session 1 (GROUP 1 + 2) Miss Emma Putland will give students a tutorial introduction to the ZIMS software package. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1: ZIMS training session (GROUP 3 + 4) Miss Emma Putland and MS Trish O'Hara will give students an introduction to the ZIMS software package. |
|
Week 3 (09 Mar - 15 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5: Collection planning A/Prof Stephen Johnston will discuss the importance of zoo animal collection planning in zoos. |
Lecture |
Lecture 6: Captive animal nutrition and feeding Adj Prof David Blyde will introduce students to the fundamental principles of captive wildlife nutrition and feeding. |
|
Week 4 (16 Mar - 22 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7: Demographic and genetic management of captive animals Dr. Lyndal Hulse will discuss the importance of demographic and genetic management of captive animals. |
Lecture |
Lecture 8: Reproductive management A/Prof Stephen Johnston will discuss the importance of reproductive management of zoo animals - both the promotion and prevention of reproduction. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2: Genetic management of zoo animals (GROUPS 1 + 2) Dr Lyndal Hulse will run a workshop on the use of genetics for the management of captive koala populations. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2: Genetic management of zoo animals (GROUPS 3 + 4) Dr Lyndal Hulse will run a workshop on the use of genetics for the management of captive koala populations. |
|
Week 5 (23 Mar - 29 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 9: Captive animal enrichment Dr Julia Hoy will provide an overview of the requirement of enrichment practice for zoo animals. |
Week 7 (13 Apr - 19 Apr) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10: Captive animal restraint Adj Prof David Blyde will discuss the different approaches to captive animal restraint and when they should be applied. |
Lecture |
Lecture 11: Captive animal training and conditioning Ms Christina Markham (Sea World) will demonstrate the principles and importance of animal training and conditioning in zoo animals. |
|
Week 8 (20 Apr - 26 Apr) |
Excursion |
Non-compulsory excursion to back of house Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Non-compulsory excursion to back of house Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. See Blackboard for details of Bus Transport - Whole day activity. |
Week 9 (27 Apr - 03 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 12: Amphibian husbandry Dr Laura Grogan will provide the fundamentals of amphibian husbandry. |
Lecture |
Lecture 13: Reptile Husbandry Prof Bob Doneley will present an overview of reptile husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3: Veterinary Technology in Zoo Animal Management (Groups 1 and 2) Dr Lyndal Hulse will provide an introduction to technology used in captive animal management (Groups 1 and 2) |
|
Week 10 (04 May - 10 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 14: Crocodile handling and husbandry Mr Robby McLeod will provide a lecture on how to handle crocodiles and the fundamentals of crocodile husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online. |
Lecture |
Lecture 15: Avian Husbandry Prof Bob Doneley will present an overview of reptile husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online. |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Veterinary Technology in Zoo Animal Management (Groups 3 + 4) Dr Lyndal Hulse will provide an introduction to technology used in captive animal management (Groups 3 and 4). |
|
Week 11 (11 May - 17 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 16: Echidna Husbandry A/Prof Stephen Johnston will discuss Echidna Husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online |
Lecture |
Lecture 17: Dasyurid Husbandry: Dr Dalene Adam will present information related to the husbandry of a range of dasyurids |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4: Practical Enrichment for Captive Animals (Groups 1 + 2) Visit to Hiddenvale for demonstration and design of captive animal enrichment techniques. Dr Julia Hoy and A/Prof Diana Fisher. |
|
Week 12 (18 May - 24 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 18: Koala husbandry A/Prof Stephen Johnston will present the fundamentals of koala husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online. |
Lecture |
Lecture 19: Wombat Husbandry A/Prof Stephen Johnston will present the fundamentals of wombat husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online. |
|
Lecture |
Lecture 20: Macropod husbandry A/Prof Stephen Johnston will present the fundamentals of Macropod husbandry - this lecture will be delivered online. |
|
Week 13 (25 May - 31 May) |
Lecture |
Lecture 21: Captive Breeding - The Wins and Losses A/Prof Diana Fisher will explore the role of captive breeding - The wins and losses |
Lecture |
Lecture 22: Save the Bilby Conservation Program Mr Kevin Bradley and Ms Cassandra Arkinstall (Save the Bilby Fund) will discuss synergy of ex situ and in situ conservation programs using the bilby as an example. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
Course guidelines
Student immunisation requirements
The University policy Vaccination and Immunisation (Vaccinations and Immunisation Guideline / Document / Policy and Procedure Library) provides information about immunisation and screening requirements related to programs and courses. Failure to comply with student immunisation requirements can lead to an increased risk of serious illness occurring. Therefore, non-compliance will result in the relevant course/s being dropped from your enrolment under Section 3 of the Enrolment policy (Enrolment Procedure / Document / Policy and Procedure Library).