he research focus of the school's Animal Sciences group is the physiology of reproduction in mammals, particularly in relation to improving or regulating fertility. Work is carried out mostly on domestic species, although occasionally wild populations are studied, and findings are related to human and animal medicine. Studies of the pituitary-ovarian-uterine axis, including oocyte development, folliculogenesis, ovulation, the formation of the corpus luteum, the maternal recognition of pregnancy and early conceptus development are carried out. Specific research areas are: oocyte development; follicle/oocyte interactions; ovarian tissues and biophysics; maternal recognition of pregnancy; social influences; nutritional influences; subfertility in dairy cattle; follicle growth and oocyte production. Careers support for research staff and postgraduate research students is available on an individual basis and through a range of career management workshops delivered in collaboration with the Graduate School and Graduate Centers.