Prospective Students

Zoology (BSc)

The Zoology degree programme caters for anyone interested in the broad field of animal biology. It ranges from the evolution and characteristics of the main animal groups, through animal behaviour and ecology, to physiology and cell biology.

You will learn how the evolution of diversity, function and behaviour integrates animals into populations and adapts them to their environments, and how this knowledge is being applied to human problems such as ecologically responsible pest control, conservation or cancer research. You will receive hands-on training in modern laboratory and field research techniques, and gain practical experience of widely transferable skills in computing, statistics, data analysis and presentation.

In your first year you will follow the School's common first year Biological Sciences programme. This gives you a firm foundation in all the biological disciplines, and essential related disciplines that will give you a firm foundation for your subsequent years of study. The common first year also has the advantage of giving you flexibility of degree choice.

We regard field courses as an essential part of the training of zoologists. Before the second year you are strongly encouraged to attend a week’s course on ecological methods at our own field centre near Newbridge on Wye. Between the second and third years you will then choose another field course from a choice of several which visit places of particular biological interest in Britain and abroad. These give the opportunity to gain experience of such topics as tropical ecology, marine zoology, avian biology, or animal responses to polluted environments.

During the second year you will take core modules in subjects in Research techniques Biology in society, Genes and development, Inter-species relationships, Animal behaviour, Insect biology, Population and behavioural genetics, Vertebrate evolution, Animal physiological mechanisms and Invertebrate diversity. You will also choose one option module from a range of courses including Population Ecology, Molecular ecology, and Mammalian organ systems physiology.

The element of choice introduced in the second year is greatly increased in the final year. You can make your own selection from a wide range of modules. This enables you to specialise in particular areas such as cell biology, physiology, ecology or behaviour. Alternatively you may choose not to specialise and to pursue a broad course of complementary units.

At the end of the first year you can chose whether to continue with a three-year degree programme or opt for a four-year sandwich programme. Students taking the four year sandwich programme spend their third year away from the University on a placement which is arranged with the help of the School. Many of our sandwich students do their professional placement year in the research departments of zoos such as Chester, Paignton or Jersey.

Typical Offer

AAB-ABB (340-320 points)

Entry Requirements

Three subjects at A-level. At least two science subjects preferably Biology and Chemistry. Two AS subjects will be accepted in lieu of a third A-level.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.

Detailed Admissions Criteria

Please click here for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.

Next intake: September each year

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