BSc (Hons) - Zoology (With Integrated Foundation Year)

Year one

You'll build a firm foundation in working with data, biology, chemistry and essential academic skills, in preparation for the core Zoology programme.

From this year, you will be able to recognise the breadth of the field of study and apply the skills of manipulation of knowledge to make informed judgements within routine contexts and with guidance; begin to work beyond defined contexts; apply established approaches to solving well defined problems, showing emerging recognition of the complexity of associated issues and communicate outcomes effectively in an appropriate format; and within a defined context and under guidance, evaluate personal and workplace experience and manage information and data from a range of sources appropriate to the field of study.

• Essential University Skills 1
  This module develops your academic and professional skills required for effective learning and successful progression through your chosen honours degree programme and beyond.
• Essential Biology
  To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of biology, essential to further study in your chosen field.
• Scientific Investigation
  To explore the protocols associated with scientific investigation.
• Essential University Skills 2
  You will expand your learning in the areas of research, writing structure and reflective learning. You will also gain skills in presenting research to an audience and in reflecting on your development throughout your integration foundation year.
• Essential Chemistry
  To develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, essential to further study in your chosen field.
• Environmental Sciences
  Introduces field-based skills akin to the natural sciences with interdisciplinary content which relates Human Ecology to Toxicology, Public Health, Epidemiology and Parasitology. Giving you a good foundation in the basic principles required for your degree.

Year two

You'll start by gaining a broad view of zoological topics, including molecular and cellular biology, animal form and function, ecology and conservation practice which involves visiting the full range of habitats in the region in search of wildlife.

From this year, you will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to apply a systematic approach to the acquisition of knowledge, underpinning concepts and principles and deploy a range of subject specific, cognitive and transferable skills; evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving well defined problems and communicate outcomes in a structured and clear manner; identify and discuss the relationship between personal and work place experience and findings from books and journals and other data drawn from the field of study.

• Vertebrate Zoology
  Complementing Invertebrate Biology, this module ensures that you have a full understanding of all of the animal groups that have ever lived. The evolution and unique physiological characters of each group will be covered in detail.
• Invertebrate Zoology
  This module systematically reviews the invertebrates, highlighting the adaptations that have led to the success of each group. This module will give students the broad background knowledge of invertebrates that any professional zoologist requires.
• Ecology for Zoologists
  This module will examine the interacting components of such ecosystems and their temporal and spatial dynamics. You will explore the processes by which populations evolve, how communities develop and are maintained, and the modern challenges our ecosystems face.
• Animal Form and Function
  Students will study the range of ways in which animal species face certain basic issues; how to get oxygen; how to get, digest, process and ultimately excrete food; how to reproduce etc. Also, other challenges are faced by widely differing groups, such as escaping predators.
• Animal Conservation Practice
  Provides opportunities to see some of the most significant and spectacular habitats and species found in the UK. Main features are visits to a range of conservation sites, opportunities to speak to those working in conservation and seminars to discuss what has been seen on the visits.
• Core Zoology
  This module develops your skills as a scientist and gives you a firm footing in cellular and molecular biology, genetics and lab practice. In this module, you will also learn how to construct a lab report and communicate using appropriate scientific language.

Year three

Develop professional-standard survey and research techniques which you put into practice during a fieldwork module, currently delivered in West Africa (where your project can add to the knowledge of some of the world's rarest species and help conserve them).

From this year, you will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to apply and evaluate key concepts and theories within and outside the context in which they were first studied; select appropriately from and deploy a range of subject-specific, cognitive and transferable skills and problem solving strategies to problems in the field of study and in the generation of ideas effectively communicate information and arguments in a variety of forms; accept responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes; and reflect on personal and work place experience.

• Exploring Research
  This module will help to provide you with the skills required to conceive, design, conduct and interpret scientific research. You will be guided in developing your ability to evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and when it is appropriate to use them.
• Zoological Monitoring Techniques
  Students will study how monitoring regimes are designed and then employ suitable methods to monitor a range of species “in the field”. These will include a range of species that are of conservation or economic significance increasing employability of students who complete the module.
• Animal Behaviour
  An understanding of the behaviour of an animal species is fundamental to managing its requirements in captivity and in the wild. It will introduce students to concepts associated with the science of animal behaviour and considers how they can be applied to animal welfare and conservation.
• Evolution and Biogeography
  The aim of the module is to explore the mechanisms that have generated today's patterns of biodiversity and it will foster appreciation for the importance of evolutionary thinking in unifying all of the life sciences.
• British Wildlife
  For anyone wishing to pursue a career with animals or conservation in the UK, a good understanding of British Wildlife is essential. The module will focus on identification skills and how to observe wildlife. This involves learning the relevant aspects of each species' ecology and behaviour.
• Applied Zoology
  This module helps you develop and document a specialist field investigation relevant to your chosen programme of study. It allows you to learn and apply data analysis techniques and extend theoretical and practical knowledge through accessing specialist literature.

Year four

You'll conduct a year-long research project, which can be a practical project utilising the skills you've developed during the course and can be focussed on the species of most interest to you.

From this year, you will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to critically review, consolidate and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge; critically evaluate concepts and evidence from a range of resources; transfer and apply subject-specific, cognitive and transferable skills and problem solving strategies to a range of situations and to solve complex problems; communicate solutions, arguments and ideas clearly and in a variety of forms; exercise considerable judgement in a range of situations; accept accountability for determining and achieving personal and group outcomes; and reflect critically and analytically on personal and work place experience in the light of recent scholarship and current statutory regulations.

• Dissertation
  To enable you to undertake an independent piece of in depth research into a topic of your choice. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop your research skills and gain valuable experience in project management.
• Professional Skills in Zoology
  Gives you a foundation in those practical and core skills in zoology that pertain to you being a professional zoologist. This module brings together the knowledge and skills that you have developed in your degree up until this point, but applying them to new frameworks (such as funding bids).
• Behavioural Ecology
  Introduces an evolutionary approach towards understanding why animals behave in certain ways. It seeks to explain why different animal behaviours have evolved and what advantages they confer in terms of individual fitness.
• Entomology and Parasitology (Optional)
  Explores the wide range of body forms, physiological adaptations and lifestyles that have led to the unrivalled adaptive radiation (speciation) of insects and parasites. You will learn skills for survey and identification reviewing a wide range of taxa.
• Behavioural Applications for Conservation (Optional)
  Students will approach learning through a case-study/seminar/debate format in which you will be able to develop your critical thinking, analytical and communication skills in how animal behaviour can be applied to the conservation and management of animal populations.
• Population and Community Ecology (Optional)
  The management of animal populations, be it for conservation, exploitation or control, requires an understanding of how populations and communities work. This module gives you a working knowledge of all of the principles and methods of Population Ecology common to Zoological studies.