Zoology BSc (Hons)

The BSc Zoology course contains core modules shared with BSc Animal Behaviour and other related courses within the School of Natural Sciences at each level of study, plus specialist optional modules at Levels 5 and 6 where you can tailor your studies to suit your knowledge, skills and interests.

In your first year (Level 4), you are introduced to key biological concepts and content ranging from the cell up to communities through tissues and the animal itself. The main aim of the Level 4 year is to introduce you to all the basic concepts and knowledge on how animals work and interact that will be required for further, more complex learning in the later Levels. The taught topics include biochemistry, genetics, anatomy, physiology, animal behaviour and ecology, as well as an introduction to the main animal groups found on Earth.

Specialist skills that are developed through these modules include basic laboratory practices (e.g. pipetting, laboratory sanitation measures etc.); the use of microscopy; field and behavioural observation methods; and animal handling.

Opportunities to improve understanding and practice using methods of data collection and analysis will be embedded throughout all of the modules, but also focussed specifically on in one particular module at Level 4. At the end of the Level, you will have the opportunity to create your own laboratory-based research project or field trip to apply the knowledge learned throughout your first year. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Year 2 (Level 5) builds on the foundation provided by the Level 4 modules with more complex learning that covers the different contexts that animals exist and operate in. You will cover core topics relating to how animals are adapted to the environments that they live in and how they behave in their local contexts.

Optional modules at Level 5 will include content on a range of animal taxa and the contexts in which they exist. The end of Level 5 will include a work placement or opportunity for an overseas field trip to gain some hands-on experience. There will also be some opportunities for you to develop their knowledge and practices in research skills, statistics, policy, legislation and ethics embedded in various modules. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In year 3 (Level 6), the focus will be on preparing you for graduate employment with modules that require the application of your pre-learned knowledge to various contexts. Core modules will include opportunities to learn about conservation and consulting so that students learn more about working alone or with other people. Specialist, optional modules at this Level will all focus on specific job areas that students may enter into after graduation.

Level 6 students will also conduct a year-long, large research project that forms a dissertation, wherein you must consider project design; research ethics; health and safety; observation methods; data analysis; and scientific writing. Topics for this dissertation are flexible and you can develop your own ideas with the help of your supervisor, so you have further opportunities to develop in an area that you are interested in.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
• Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Students are currently required to purchase a laboratory induction pack that includes a laboratory coat and other required equipment at the start of Level 4. The current price of this pack is £30.00, but this may be subject to price increases depending on purchase costs. 

Students often elect to purchase a laptop, where students choose to do so, the cost it likely to be around £800-£1000.

Most software specific to your course is available free to students through agreements we have with the software vendors. 

Depending on student demand, there may be an optional overseas field trip at Level 5 included in this course. Previous visits have been to countries such as the Philippines and South Africa. The cost of this field trip varies by location and external factors but is likely to be approximately £2000. The field trip is optional, and students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course - they can choose to complete a UK-based work placement instead. 

The costs for any non-optional field trips linked to assessments in particular modules in this course will be included in the tuition fees. 

Strong walking boots and a waterproof coat will be required for certain field trips. The quality and cost of these are at the student’s discretion, but must be suitable for fieldwork in the UK in the winter months.   

Students who are living away from home during their time at university will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. For an up-to-date estimate of accommodation costs, please talk to the accommodation services team or see the University website. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.