The Department of Zoology brings together researchers from a great diversity of disciplines, ranging from cell biology to field ecology. What unites us is an interest in the whole organism, and in how systems interact across different levels of organisation to generate the complexity of form, function and behaviour that is observed in the living world. Evolution is a theme that underpins and unites much of our work, as does an appreciation of the interaction between living organisms and their environments.We offer both research MPhil (duration of one year) and PhD (three to four years) degrees.The PhD degree is a minimum of three years of full-time research with an individual supervisor. At the end of their degree, students will produce a written thesis, which will be assessed by independent experts, and examined with a viva. This is the principal research degree offered in the Department of Zoology and the great majority of our students are registered for it.By the end of the programme, students will have:a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own researchdemonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their fieldshown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies anddemonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.