Zoology BSc (Hons)

In this module, you will learn the essential concepts and skills that form the backbone of a degree in biological sciences. Through theory and practical sessions this module will systematically guide you through every level of biological organisation, from the smallest cellular structures through to studying animal behaviour and ecology. Throughout this module you will develop academic, practical and analysis skills to support your career development as you advance your studies in the biological sciences.

In this module, you will explore the fundamentals of scientific research, including how to develop research questions, work with relevant literature, understand basic statistical concepts and communicate research findings. Key biological topics, such as advanced physiology and genetics, will be covered, with an emphasis on connecting theory to practice. Subsequently, you will then focus on topics specific to your course, such as animal behaviour or microbiology. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis, applying these methods to various practical activities. Overall this module will train you in the methodologies of scientific research while enhancing your knowledge of theory relevant to your course.

This module is designed to introduce you to the major mechanisms of diversity of life on Earth. You will examine the underlying concepts and principles responsible for explaining biodiversity, with a broad emphasis placed on exploring the taxonomy, systematics, evolution and ecology of the major taxa that comprise life on Earth. Additionally, you will gain insight towards how biological diversity is measured, valued and conserved, with the module serving as preparation for more advanced study within the animal sciences.

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to gain further practical skills and develop your own projects. You will explore various experimental methods through subject-specific workshops in the laboratory or field. Working in groups, you will apply these skills and your previous training in formulating research questions, to conduct your own study. In doing so you will need to consider ethical factors and practical constraints where relevant. At the end of the module, you will be able to present your findings as a group, showcasing your ability to conduct an experiment and communicate results effectively.

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) Option

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of, and appreciation for, how animals adapt to the varied environments in which they live, in response to the problems of life associated with each unique environment. This includes how and why the animals have evolved the way they did in terms of their morphology, physiology and behaviour while considering the ecology of each habitat type. While the majority of the module looks back at animal evolution, part of it looks forward too by broaching the topics of anthropogenic environments and what animals need to do to continue surviving in the Anthropocene.

Behavioural Ecology builds on theory and practical skills introduced at level 4. In this module, you will develop your understanding of how evolutionary theory enables us to explain and predict animals' behaviour as a product of selective pressures in their natural environment. Practical sessions will enable you to practice behavioural observation and measurement skills. You will be supported to develop a full proposal for a study investigating an area of your choice throughout the module.

In this module you will learn about human impacts on the natural world, examining the challenges these create and the sustainable and technological solutions used to address them. Key topics include the impact of invasive species, wildlife persecution, and biodiversity loss, with laboratory practicals that allow you to investigate wildlife crime through DNA analysis. You will also cover broader environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, urbanisation, water scarcity, food security, and emerging diseases, while highlighting strategies like environmental impact assessments and technological innovations. You will engage in real-world assessments, including a research paper and a communication piece, to deepen your understanding of the anthropogenic impacts on our planet and the technological solutions required for a more sustainable future.

This module aims to build on knowledge of taxonomy, ecology and conservation biology in level 4 to provide a detailed exploration of conservation problems for vertebrate taxa. The module will build on your knowledge of vertebrate taxa and help you to understand the most pertinent threats to the long-term survival of a range of species within these groups. You will explore applied conservation problems and become familiar with a range of approaches to conservation. This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting edge conservation research and allow you to build your experience and expertise in subjects and methods used by conservation professionals.

Invertebrates represent the majority of animal diversity, comprising about 95% of all known animal species. Invertebrates play crucial roles in various ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, predators, and prey. Understanding their ecological interactions is essential for appreciating the complexity of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of different species. This module offers you a deeper understanding of the biology, diversity, and ecological significance of invertebrates. It builds on foundational knowledge from earlier courses and prepares you for more specialized studies in zoology, ecology, environmental science, conservation or related fields.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. Therefore this module will enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness.

It is your responsibility to organise the placement as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a range of experiential activities (e.g., volunteering, workplace engagement, research projects, field trip (where available and dependent on course), or through a combination of activities). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. 

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness. 

It is your responsibility to organise any experience undertaken outside of the university as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All activities within this module must be university-level; this means:  

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)  
• Meeting the professional expectations of the experiential activities you undertake 
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as an experiential activity provider, if the role aligns with your career development and provides you with high skilled work commensurate with level 5 study. 

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional
2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
3. One of the following Language options

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. 

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

• University Placement Year Optional
• Subject Placement Year Optional
• International University Placement Year Optional

This module provides a broader perspective on your course, equipping you with the knowledge and skills essential for success in your chosen career. Key themes include sustainability, business, finance, change management, and communication, all designed to enhance your graduate employability.

In this module you will cover a broad range of conservation theories and techniques and how they can be used and applied to conservation management of wild animals. This module enables you to consider what your existing knowledge of genetics, ecology and animal behaviour can bring to animal conservation. The module will include key case studies along with a strong practical component giving you the chance to try out skills in genetic analysis to study the population structure of a species. You will also demonstrate learning of new perspectives in conservation genetics, wildlife forensics, animal behaviour and management and reflect on their applicability to conservation efforts.

In this module, you will engage in the research of a selected topic relevant to your course. You will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a subject of your choice, utilising primary and secondary sources to inform your work. You will consider the ethics and health and safety aspects of conducting your project, and apply your prior training in experimental design and analysis. Throughout the process, you will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, whilst conducting this independent research with the support of a lecturer. The dissertation represents a substantial piece of scholarly work that demonstrates your understanding and application of scientific concepts relevant to your course. Additionally, you will refine your skills in academic writing and effective communication of complex ideas. Overall, the dissertation represents the culmination of your education, preparing you to become a biological scientist.

This module introduces you to the theory and practice of ecological and environmental assessment, across a broad range of applications (i.e. development of infrastructure, conservation management), enabling you to critically examine and assess threats to landscapes, habitats and species, whilst exploring avenues to mitigate impacts and enhance features of biological interest (e.g. species, habitats, ecosystem services).Additionally, you will have opportunity to hone and apply a broad range of field and desk-based skills in a novel and dynamic, yet challenging context. This module serves to expose you to the wider environmental/ecological consultancy industry, exploring the many graduate roles and further opportunities for potential future employability.

This module critically evaluates the principles and practices involved in the management and maintenance of both live and preserved zoo and museum collections. For live zoo collections, you will develop the ability to adopt a critical evidence-based approach to the maintenance of the welfare and environmental needs of the animals. For preserved museum collections, you will develop skills in, and an appreciation for, techniques for the acquisition, preservation and maintenance of specimens. For both collection types, you will develop an understanding of the ethical and legislation-responsive considerations underpinning collection design, cataloguing and display for optimal value to various agencies, such as the public, conservation agencies or researchers. These topics have relevance in various real-world contexts such as research institutions, museums, aquariums, zoos and educational facilities.

This module emphasises the broad applications of sustainability and agroecology in the context of UK farming systems. You will investigate sustainable farmland management and its effects on animal populations, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. You will study key production areas such as arable, pastoral, horticultural, forestry, and aquatic systems.

You will examine historical land use changes and the critical challenges posed by climate change, including plant protection, fertiliser efficiency, water utilisation, soil erosion, carbon mitigation, and environmental impacts.

A significant aspect of this module is farm and land-use planning, where you will explore strategies for optimal land utilisation and sustainable development with links to ecosystem function. Additionally, you will investigate future technologies aimed at enhancing food and fuel security while minimizing ecological and environmental impacts

The course also delves into the complexities of agricultural business, exploring large-scale farming operations, greenhouse systems, and both extensive and intensive animal production enterprises. Legislation and policy frameworks will be examined including nitrate vulnerable zones and pollution control measures. The module emphasizes farm resource efficiency, focusing on the sustainable use of land, soil, water, and energy.

In this module, you will explore advanced concepts related to the scientific study of insects (entomology) and parasites (parasitology). You will be equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges posed by insects and parasites. This knowledge will pave the way for diverse career opportunities in public health, agriculture, environmental consultancy, education, civil service, and cutting-edge research. Get ready to make a significant impact in your field and develop a skill set that is both valuable and highly relevant in today’s world!