Zoology, MSci (Hons)

Course summary

Are you fascinated by the diversity of animal life on our planet, and driven by the need to conserve species in the face of global challenges like climate change?This course aims to foster a new generation of zoological researchers who can unravel the secrets of animal behaviour, physiology and ecology, to enhance animal welfare, make farming more sustainable, and preserve precious biodiversity.Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this integrated master's degree will take you on a journey from learning about the building blocks of life and its incredible diversity in year one, to the cutting edge of zoological research in year four. You will receive training in the key knowledge, practical and transferable skills needed to enter the world of research and development, whether it be in academia, conservation, farming or veterinary science. Practical work You will gain experience of laboratory and field work techniques in a wide range of core and optional modules across the first three years, including optional field courses in France and Portugal. In the fourth year, you will choose from a range of specialist research topics, such as the conservation impact of rewilding, or the effects of neurotoxins in venom.You will develop a novel research project under the supervision of a leading expert in their field. At the same time, you will receive training in key research skills relevant to your interests, from bioinformatic analysis to manuscript writing and conference presentations.

There are a range of optional modules to choose from in every year of the course. You will study these alongside core modules. The first year provides a broad introduction to zoology and biology. You'll study to the biology of animals and the biochemical, evolutionary and genetic processes that underlie their biology. In the second year, more advanced modules are available in topics such as ecology, immunology, and evolutionary biology of animals. You'll work on a practical research project in the third year, as well as selecting optional modules. The research project allows you to carry out your own zoological investigation, alongside expert research scientists. If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll complete a year-long research project in your fourth year. This could be lab- or literature-based. You will also learn research presentation skills as well as research planning and preperation.