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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Your first year will ground you in core topics like cell biology, genetics, organisms and their environment, evolution and basic science skills. Along with core modules in animal development, evolution, genetics, data carpentry, interrogating genomes and animal behaviour, students can take modules in microbiology, cell biology, threatened species as well as molecular biology.
In Year 2 you’ll start to specialise. You’ll immerse yourself in the study of animal behaviour, animal developmental biology, genetics, and data carpentry. You’ll also be guided into the world of big data.
We’ll support you to prepare for your future career, whether that is a job or further education, with the option to take either a year in industry or a work experience module to build your confidence in the workplace.
For your final year dissertation, you’ll dig into a topic that fascinates you. This can be done with our research teams or in conjunction with companies.
Learning and teaching
Throughout the course we focus on applying fundamental biology to real life issues. You will focus on applying your knowledge in practical settings, either in the lab or out in the field.
You have the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills. These include:
molecular techniques
bioinformatics
advanced light and electron microscopy
field-based methods for species and landscape assessment
cutting edge methodologies for the study of evolution and developmental biology.
Our teaching methods include:
lectures
practicals
tutorials
seminars
surgeries.
Overview
How has animal behaviour evolved over time? What effect is environmental change having on endangered species? If these questions intrigue you, then our BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) degree is for you. You’ll develop detailed knowledge of the biology of animals, from cells and molecules to conservation work.
Zoology seeks to address issues including loss of biodiversity, wildlife conservation, genetically modified organisms, cloning and disease outbreaks. As active researchers in areas such as gene regulation, conservation, biodiversity, and neurobiology, our teaching staff are well-positioned to help you apply fundamental biology to real life issues.
Through academic and practical exercises, you’ll gain skills that are essential in the workplace. We’ll train you in lab and field techniques using modern technology. We’ll also equip you in data handling, computing, report writing, and teamwork.
We’re in the business of creating bioscientists for the future. That’s why we’re investing in our relationships with the local biosciences industry and conservation organisations.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Cell Biology and Genetics
Cell biology is the study of how cells work and how they differentiate to form multicellular organisms.
This module is your introduction to cell function - you will study the different types of molecules within cells and build your knowledge about cellular organelles and their functions. You’ll explore the increasing levels of complexity and the diversity of cell types that have arisen through evolution.
On this module you’ll also look at genetics. What are genes and how do they work to bring about the traits that we observe in organisms? We will examine cell division in detail and look at how DNA is transcribed into RNA which translates into proteins that do most of the work in the cell.
Communicating Science
For impact, scientific research findings need to be communicated to reach the relevant audience in a timely manner. The relevant audience can be
researchers
policy makers
public.
Science can be communicated by written reports to oral presentations.
On this module you’ll have Personal and Academic Support Scheme tutorials over your first year. You’ll receive the support and guidance to adjust to the academic demands of university. Also you will develop key skills like:
reading
critical thinking
literature searching
reporting
presentation in various formats
presenting to varied audiences.
Quantitative Skills for Life Sciences
On this module you’ll be introduced to, build upon and practice the key quantitative skills for science.
Your key module areas will include:
hypothesis testing
designing scientific investigations
applying mathematical topics
principles and application of statistical methods
using statistical software
reporting in scientific research.
The timing of this module will help you to practise these skills incrementally on your other first year modules.
Biodiversity
On this module you will explore the diversity of life. Looking at classification and the theory of evolution, that links all biology and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Then you’ll examine major structures and patterns in
plants
animals
fungi.
Looking at how they vary within each kingdom and the interrelationships of some of the phyla. You will learn about how structure is related to function, within the ecological context and you will also look at the importance of each group.
By the end of this module you will have a deep knowledge of interactions between plants and animals; the interactions that are both antagonistic and mutualistic, and the wider environment. You’ll also develop your understanding of the functioning of ecosystems and the biosphere.
Introduction to Biochemistry A
This module is an introduction to the chemical principles that underpin cellular functions. You’ll study the chemical concepts that range from stoichiometry and reactions, chemical bonds and structures through to chemical equilibrium and chemical change, taking in the organic chemistry of cell macromolecules:
DNA
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Lipids
along the way. This will help you build crucial knowledge and skills for the field of biological sciences.
Field Course: Identification and Methods
Develop your key field study skills during a week-long residential field course to an area with a rich natural history, habitat and landscape diversity. Your field-work will comprise of various group activities focussing on identification of terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna - ecological sampling techniques for terrestrial and aquatic environments - quantitative description and analysis of group data, and designing field investigations.
This field course is early in the summer vacation, and is preceded by assessed preparatory exercises in Semester Two.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Animal Behaviour
The module emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation to our understanding of behaviour and develops deep reading skills through the study of key primary research papers. Consideration is given to the influences of resource type and quality on animal behaviour, the evolution of behavioural traits and the acquisition of new behaviours.
Animal Developmental Biology
This module will present students with an in-depth introduction to the principles of developmental biology, and provide a broad overview of development processes and their regulation in animals.
Career Development
The module aims to provide essential training in professional career management skills designed to assist you in actively planning and preparing for your future career. It will take you through a career development cycle starting with discovering your potential, exploring opportunities (jobs, post graduate study or training), plotting a way forward and making it happen.
Data Carpentry
This module introduces students on how to get biologically meaningful answers from data while providing a generic introduction to concepts of ‘big data’ and machine learning. This conceptual framework is delivered via a more practical approach where students learn how to program, analyse, manage and communicate data from diverse biological disciplines using the R language for statistical computing.
Genetics
This module focuses on patterns of genetic inheritance at different scales from individuals to populations to evolutionary lineages. It will develop an understanding of Mendelian/transmission, quantitative, population, ecological and evolutionary genetics and an ability to analyse and interpret genetic data.
Interrogating Genomes
This module provides an introduction to computational thinking in the biological sciences. This involves learning programming to tailor bespoke solutions to biological problems and developing a capacity to approach biological problems from a computational perspective (computational thinking). Additionally students are introduced to a variety of – omic data types (RNA, DNA, Protein-level), public databases and publicly available software for bioinformatics applications.
Optional modules
Cell Biology
This module focuses on eukaryotic cell structures and functions and highlights examples from animals, plants and fungi. The composition and functions of the cytoskeleton, cell membranes and cell components including chloroplasts, mitochondria and the nucleus will be discussed. In addition, cellular processes such as cell division and cell death will also be examined. Students will use well established methods such as fluorescent microscopy of living cells to experimentally investigate topics from lectures in lab classes.
Molecular Biology
A study of structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes at the molecular level with an overview on the experimental evidence that has contributed to current concepts, models and paradigms and practical experience of key molecular biology laboratory techniques. The module focuses on aspects of genetic engineering and environmental applications of modern molecular tools, with emphasis on phylogeny, ecology and evolution.
Microbiology
An introduction to microbiology considering the structures, metabolism, regulatory signals, replication and growth exhibited by microorganisms. You will learn how to work in a Category 2 microbiology laboratory and have the opportunity to plan and execute simple experimental procedures that are important to work with bacteria and viruses. You will practise aseptic techniques, and several procedures used in diagnostic labs for bacterial identification.
Threatened Species
Emphasis will be placed upon the role of captive populations and their management, with an exploration of in-situ versus ex-situ conservation as a consequence. Included in this debate will be an in-depth examination of our understanding of conservation genetics as it applies to captive populations, with emphasis placed on the student’s own research of a named threatened species.
Year 3 (placement year)
Optional modules
Work placement (compulsory for sandwich year students only)
The ‘Work Experience’ module is a supervised work-based learning experience. You will spend a minimum of 60 hours in a working environment that is relevant to your future career path. By learning how to reflect on your learning and professional development, and how to present your insights in a written essay and in a video, you will develop useful skills for your future job applications. We strongly believe that arranging a placement yourself will give you a head start after graduation, as you will have practiced essential career management skills. Ideally, it will be your responsibility to find, apply for and secure your work experience placement. If you get stuck, your subject lead, your academic advisor or your dissertation supervisor will be able to provide you with some contacts in a wide range of suitable organisations. Cost of the opportunity: There may be some costs such as travel associated with work experience and these are not included in the course tuition fees.
Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)
Compulsory modules
Research Project
An individual project related to some aspect of the student's degree subject. The associated practical work may be conducted in a research or industrial laboratory or in the field, depending on the nature of the project.
Professional Skills and Techniques
This module focuses on the development of the professional skills, personalised to your career ambitions. You will select three ‘podules’ from a selection of podules, which draw upon our research expertise and links with external partners. Podules will cover a wide range topics relevant to your degree, such as advanced microscopy, protein biochemistry, species identification, geographic information systems, entrepreneurship or science communication. Each podule consists of an introductory lecture, plenty of hands-on experience, and a seminar in which you will learn more about the application of ‘your’ skill in different contexts.
Animal Neurology and Behaviour
This module aims to explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying behaviour, including memory acquisition, learning and cognition, perception and consciousness at an individual level as well as in a social and ecological context/setting. It will also cover the major technological advances in the study of neural function and behaviour and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the treatment of neurological disorders.
Optional modules
Advanced Genetics and Genomics
The emphasis in this module is on the major theoretical and technological advances in Genetics and Genomics, and their significance in addressing the current challenges in biological and medical research. The module will specifically focus on the use of natural variation for the study of population history, selection inference, and analysing variation in complex traits; the use of comparative genomics and phylogenetics to understand evolutionary relationships and investigate gene and genome evolution; the role of microbiomes in human health and ecosystems and the study of gene function.
Advanced Cell Biology and Bioimaging
This module is designed to give students an in-depth appreciation of currently topical areas in the cell biology of mammals, yeast and plants, and the techniques underpinning the associated research. Topics to be covered will include cell signalling, the endomembrane system, and the cell cycle. Control of these three aspects of cell biology is, ultimately, at the level of interacting proteins and these interactions will be explored.
Advanced Topics in Wildlife Conservation
The module will identify and deliver the concepts and practical skills used in wildlife conservation, integrating conservation at the landscape scale with other wider countryside land management. This will develop understanding of the use of practical conservation management in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. The inter-disciplinary nature of the module is emphasised in identifying the role of policy and statutory controls for wildlife management, and the role of conservation science in their development and delivery.
Science and Humanity
Science has had a huge impact on all aspects of our lives, and the overall aim of this module is to set that influence in its social and historical context. We will address alternative views of the world, how they have been developed or replaced in the context of science and have a clear look at the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific world view. We will address ideas about the value of other life forms and introduce environmental philosophy.
Evolution and Animal Development
The shape, size and colour of each animal are produced during its development. This means that in order to study the evolution of animal biodiversity we need to study the evolution of development. In this module, we will not only discuss animal evolution at various timescales and levels, but we will also follow the development from egg (cell) to adult in a variety of animal species and compare the developmental programmes involved.
Work Experience
The ‘Work Experience’ module is a supervised work-based learning experience. You will spend a minimum of 60 hours in a working environment that is relevant to your future career path. By learning how to reflect on your learning and professional development, and how to present your insights in a written essay and in a video, you will develop useful skills for your future job applications.
Independent Study in Life Sciences
A study (normally library-based) of a topic of the student's choosing that is relevant to the student's programme but not formally offered as part of the taught course. The topic will normally extend the learning achieved during Stage 2, and for a full time student the module can only be undertaken during the final year of study. A learning contract is agreed between the student and a supervising member of staff in the semester prior to the one in which the study is to be undertaken, and this must be approved by the Subject Examination Committee. Only once the learning contract has been formally approved will the module be registered on the student's programme of study.
Entry Criteria
Our BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) degree prepares you to take on interesting roles in a variety of industries.
Previous graduates have gone on to work in animal welfare, controlling pests and diseases, drug development, teaching, and research. The degree is also a gateway into careers in management, journalism and the media, finance, law, computing, and leisure.
Typically, our graduates go to work as:
researchers
lab technicians
conservationists
teachers
lecturers
zoo keepers
ecologists
environmental consultants.
Entry requirements
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 104
A Level: BCC
IB Points: 29
BTEC: DMM
Contextual offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 88
A Level: CCD
IB Points: 27
BTEC: MMM
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A Level: Including one A Level or a comparable Level 3 qualification in a science subject (e.g. Physical Education, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology).
If you do not have a background in science, we encourage you to consider our Life Sciences Foundation year.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
the Welsh Baccalaureate
the Access to Higher Education Diploma
a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
the International Baccalaureate Diploma
the European Baccalaureate Diploma
Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
a recognised foundation course
T-levels*.
* T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment is designed to shape and develop learning, not simply measure it.
Our assessment methods include:
essays
reviews
examinations
laboratory or field notebooks
scientific reports
posters
oral presentations.
You’ll reflect on your progress with assignment feedback together with your diaries.
Career Opportunities
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