Has anyone studied herpetology at any level?

[sandmatt]

Originally Posted by serz

i done the compass one have just finshsed and got my certificates and final grade ect. I found it good and quite intresting Worth it in my opinion

Nice! how'd you do in it?

[James D]

I did a little herpetology in my zoology degree. I also wrote my dissertation about calcium metabolism in lizards. I'm hoping to do a PhD in the field of herpetology in a few years time too....

Unfortunately, there are very few herpetology courses out there.

[Zak]

Originally Posted by sandmatt

becoming a pain cos i might not get into uni without it,

I presume you're talking about getting into do veternary studies? If so whats work experience are they after and for what course? If it is for vet. then they'll take any animal experience not just exotics.

Unfortunately, there are very few herpetology courses out there.

Too true, a small field in the UK but i suppose thats because are natural reptile fauna are so limited. If you fancy going abroad they'll be plenty of courses/PhD's out there for you.

[sandmatt]

Nope i'm going for a zoology course which has loads of sub-sections which herpetology is one of them, i've already done a bit on a wildlife reserve wich might be enough, but i'd like to do it for the experience if nothing else.

[Heavenlyhogs]

Have done the foundation animal studies with compass and am now on animal care & nursing combined with herpetology.

[sami]

I've done the proteus one.. Still not accredited, and I did it about 2 years ago.. so still not worth the paper it's written on!

So I'm going to do the compass one next.. So I can get an actual qualification out of it!

I want to do a zoo biology degree.. It's not herpetological, but where you can choose an animal to do research on, like the dissertation etc, I'm going to choose reptiles (snakes most likely).

[GlasgowGecko]

Originally Posted by Zak

Too true, a small field in the UK but i suppose thats because are natural reptile fauna are so limited. If you fancy going abroad they'll be plenty of courses/PhD's out there for you.

There are plenty of phd opportunities out there with herps as study systems, and you really don't need that much experience to get them. The problem is they are VERY competative, especially as the UK is a hotspot for European students. However the number of typically "zoological" or behavioral projects are very small.
For me you're better focusing on a skill set you can apply to a variety of species, and genetic lab and analytical techniques will really increase your chances.

Also look for an increase inamphibian projects in the next couple of years.

Andy

[Zak]

Originally Posted by sandmatt

Nope i'm going for a zoology course which has loads of sub-sections which herpetology is one of them, i've already done a bit on a wildlife reserve wich might be enough, but i'd like to do it for the experience if nothing else.

Where abouts you doing it? I think you may be a bit dissapointed by the lack of depth with some of the modules, i found that anyway. Universitys go on grades and rarely go for experience, so if you've got the grades i wouldn't worry too much. Of course relevant experience will help but im sure a university wouldn't particular care about the Compass or Proteus course, more after good A levels.

[sandmatt]

Hopefully bangor but because im an "adult" learner they have said they would take other things into account if i dont get my grades.. so i just wanted to do the course/work experience to make sure i get in basically.

[Stubby]

Well, the Compass course is basic, but it can't hurt to show that you are enthusiastic and making an effort...

Maybe you could also do a few other things - keep a list of your reading on the subject so you can show what you've been doing on your own, visit zoos or the natural history museum and keep a record of that. Anything you can use on an application form or in an interview.

Are there any local reptile groups in your area or conservation groups working with reptiles that you could volunteer with? And you could look at joining the BHS or the FBH.

Just random thoughts

Good luck anyway, and let us know how you get on