About This Course
This degree an extended undergraduate programme which allows you to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field.
Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals. It covers a broad range of topics including behaviour, morphology, physiology, development, ecology, evolution and taxonomy. The desire to understand the behaviour of animals has led to the development of a separate branch of Zoology called ethology which focuses on animal behaviour. On this degree you will study traditional zoology with an emphasis on animal behaviour. You will discover how animals interact with one another and their environments, specifically looking at the mechanisms, functions, development and evolution of behaviour.
We will provide you with broad zoological training that covers both pure and applied aspects of animal life. One of the most important components of this course is giving you both laboratory and field course experience, as well as transferable skills, including data analysis, group work, presentation, and IT skills.
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 is conducted. We have our own substantial Zoology 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 also have our own marine and freshwater aquaria, avian, mammalian and herpetological facilities.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
- We have a pigeon loft for bird cognition and physiology research at the Treborth Botanic Gardens, rodent and reptile facilities, alpaca, sheep and beehives at the University farm at Henfaes.
- We have a natural history museum with a comprehensive collection of insects and vertebrate material, and an extensive marine and freshwater aquaria with a suite of temperature-controlled rooms.
- Strong links with zoological organisations and research facilities around the UK and abroad – allowing for international field trips and diverse student research projects.
Course Content
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 in years 1 and 2. The final year includes an integrated research project, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit the 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. Welsh medium modules are also available.
Facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Careers
Zoologists have gained employment in wildlife management, environmental consultancy, government and non-governmental organisations and local and national media, whilst some have undertaken a range of postgraduate programmes.
EXPLORE MORE IN ZOOLOGY
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.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
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