Applied Zoology

The course

Zoologists are scientists who study animals, from the largest mammals to the smallest insects. Understanding them and their communities gives an insight into both human and animal life and how they can be sustained in the face of global challenges, from climate change to food security.

Here at Harper Adams, youll study whole organisms, not just species at the molecular level. Youll look at animals physiology, behaviour, and how they interact with other species and their environments, in order to preserve important habitats and manage wildlife in light of climate change.

Zoologists help protect endangered species and wildlife from the dangers of habitat loss, disease, invasive species, and climate change, and to protect and learn more about human life in the process.

Youll study a wide range of species from farm livestock to companion animals and exotics, to UK wildlife such as insects, with a strong emphasis on field and laboratory work – both skills in demand by employers.

Your lecturers are animal scientists, entomologists, conservationists, environmental specialists, veterinarians and many more highly experienced staff.

Duration

4 years (full-time) including a one-year work placement. A three year programme is available for applicants with at least two years, full-time relevant work experience. Please contact Admissions for further information on this option.

Teaching and learning

What you study

All Zoology students share a common first year, learning about animal health and behaviour, and conservation. Modules will include survey and field skills, physiology, ecology, and adaptive biology.

You’ll start to specialise in your second year, with two of your eight modules focussed on applied zoology. Returning from work placement, you’ll specialise further in your fourth year, with more dedicated modules and a focused research project that gives you the chance to explore a topic that interests you or furthers your career ambitions.

Where you will study

Learning extends beyond the classroom. There will be lots of applied work in our extensive laboratories, on our commercial farm on-campus, forests and pools, in our Companion Animal House, entomology laboratory, the Jean Jackson glasshouse, and entomology resource room with its insect collection. You’ll also learn off-site through field trips and work placement.

Applied field work

You’ll take part in at least two residential field courses. In your first year you will head to the Slapton Ley Field Studies Council Centre in Devon where you will learn to conduct independent field research and do a group project. There’ll be an opportunity to take part in an overseas course in Spain or Portugal in your second year. In Year 4 you’ll design, execute and evaluate a group research project during a further residential course on the island of Anglesey.

Teaching and learning

Learning at Higher Education level is a big step up from further education so we make sure you get lots of advice and support. Everyone learns differently and in the workplace you’ll need to work in different ways, so we make sure our courses test you in every way possible. You will attend lectures and tutorials, do hands-on work, experience field trips, sit exams, and complete coursework assignments. Topics are based on real world situations, such as animal cognition, animal learning, genetics and evolution.

* During the Covid-19 Pandemic the University is delivering blended learning. Government guidance is being constantly reviewed to establish the learning events which can be delivered face to face. Please refer to our frequently asked questions for further details.

Assessment methods

There will be summative assessed course work throughout the programme, and you will receive written feedback on all course work to help you improve. End-of-module assessments will take place in May/June of each academic year. Course work may be reports, presentations or portfolios, produced individually or in a team.

If you need a visa for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you must show evidence that your English Language skills are at B2 level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

This can be demonstrated by obtaining any of the following qualifications for direct entry on to undergraduate, postgraduate or research qualifications:

With an applied zoology degree you could become a zoologist or research scientist. You may find yourself improving agricultural crops and livestock, conserving endangered species and habitats, or developing and testing new drugs. Or you may work in disease and pest control, in field trials, animal welfare and education, or perhaps developing policies and regulations.