Zoology is literally ‘all about animals’. On this degree you will receive a thorough grounding in 21st century zoology, exploring the diversity of animal form and function, and the evolution and ecology of the major animal groups. Through a series of individual modules which offer an element of choice, you will gain sound and broad zoological training in both invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, including applied aspects such as behaviour, entomology, parasitology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, and the interaction between animals and their environment. We offer opportunities to carry out fieldwork both home and abroad, and to volunteer in research laboratories and animal facilities. Throughout your time at Bangor you will gain important subject-specific and transferable skills in experimental design, practical work, data analysis, group work, oral presentation, writing, and IT.

You will not only enjoy the resources expected of a modern centre of animal biology but will also benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater habitats where field work, which is an integral part of the degree is conducted. We have our own Natural History Museum and are part of the Environment Centre Wales which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). We have onsite marine and freshwater aquaria, and facilities for maintenance of venomous and non-venomous reptiles, small mammals, and birds, as well as large modern teaching and research laboratories and lecture halls, computer rooms, and study spaces.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?  

•  TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
• We have a natural history museum with a comprehensive collection of insects and vertebrate material,  marine and freshwater aquaria, a herpetarium, small mammal facilities, and a suite of environmentally-controlled rooms.
• Our location is an ideal place to study zoology as we have an extensive range of local terrestrial and aquatic habitats for field trips, including the University’s botanic gardens at Treborth.

On this course you are required to take 120 credits each year made up of lectures, practicals, and interactive exercises, as well as field trips and tutorials. The final year can include an integrated research project, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit your interests. Modules become more specialised as the degree progresses and the number of compulsory modules varies between years. Assessment is by a mixture of formal examination and continuous assessment, and Welsh medium modules are also available.

If at the end of Year 2 a sufficient standard has been achieved, then progression onto the Masters year will be permitted following completion of Year 3. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field.

Our zoologists work all over the world in wildlife management, environmental consultancy, local and national media, and teaching, whilst some have undertaken a range of postgraduate (MSc and PhD). A number have gone on to work in UK and international zoos and public aquaria, and several recent graduates have gained employment as animal care technicians in universities and industry.

Zoology encompasses animal behaviour, animal physiology, evolution, the interactions between animals and the environment and wildlife conservation. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Bangor University is the obvious choice for anyone wanting to study Zoology as our location presents the best natural laboratory in the UK.