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.

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. If at the end of Year 2 you have achieved a sufficient standard, then you will have the option to progress onto the Masters year (MZool) following completion of Year 3. The final year can include an integrated research project, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit the student’s 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.

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.

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.

A 'with Foundation Year' option is available for this course. Apply for Zoology (with Foundation Year).