The BSc in Zoology involves a wide-ranging exploration of the animal kingdom, investigating the structure, development, evolution, classification, behaviour, and distribution of all types of animals, both living and extinct.

The choice of modules provides organismal, cellular, and molecular perspectives, including developmental, behavioural, neurophysiological, and environmental approaches with examples ranging from single-celled animals to marine mammals.

Course details

The BSc in Zoology is a four-year course run by the School of Biology. The programme begins with a broad foundation across the range of biology, and then progresses from modules in molecular, cellular and organismal biology to a choice of options across a range of topics such as animal behaviour, development, evolution, neurobiology, environmental physiology, sea mammal biology, and various more ecological topics.

Alongside zoology, in the first year of your studies you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised. 

In third year, there is a shift from core, broad-themed modules to more specialised modules that allow students to prepare for their Honours degree. In fourth year, students continue specific research in their chosen area through student-led, inquiry-based learning.

Careers

Graduates from the School of Biology have a wide range of skills sought by employers:

• laboratory and field data collection
• data handling and presentation
• problem-solving
• teamwork
• planning
• organisation and communication skills.