Introducing BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology)
Zoology aims to understand all forms of animal life across all environments, both terrestrial and marine. This includes:
- animals that may be domesticated or farmed, such as livestock, lab animals or pets
- organisms that are serious pests or disease-causing agents
- species that are an integral part of our natural environment and a key species in our ecological communities
No matter how these animals fit into their environment, there is an underlying need to understand their behaviour, population dynamics, physiology, and the way they interact with other species and their environments.
As a consequence, zoology pulls on all the disciplines covered across the school of biological sciences, from cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, parasitology, animal behaviour, population biology and ecology - all underpinned by evolutionary thinking.
Areas of study
On this programme, you will study:
- animal biology and evolution
- animal diversity
- behavioural ecology
You will also spend time in the field carrying out your own research.
Flexibility
Biological Sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.
We offer 12 different Biological Sciences subject areas, including zoology. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.
How will I learn?
Usually you will take 3 courses in each semester so 6 in total over the year. Most courses use a combination of class types that you will have a mix of each week. The main ways we teach are through:
- lectures
- tutorials
- practical or workshop sessions
- individual study
- team projects
Teaching time
Depending on the courses you choose, your weekly timetable in Years 1 and 2 is likely to involve around:
- nine hours of lectures
- eight hours of practicals or workshops
- two hours of tutorials
The timetable can vary from week to week, often practical classes are every other week. Classes are designed to complement each other - usually what's being taught in lectures will be reflected in the tutorial and practical work, giving a chance to apply knowledge to real scenarios.
As well as time spent in classes, you will need to spend some time outside of class consolidating what you've learnt, preparing for practicals or tutorials, or completing coursework. This could be around 15-20 hours of individual study each week.
In later years, you will undertake more personal study and research. You will also be linked with a research group and complete an in-depth project as an important part of your final-year assessment.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a mixture of in-course assessments and examinations. Often the purpose of our assessments are to see how you apply the knowledge you have learnt to the questions or assignments you are given.
Types of assessment could include:
- practical reports
- problem solving questions
- scientific paper analysis
- tutorial presentations
A research project or dissertation will form an important part of your final-year assessment.