Environmental conservation is now top of government agendas around the world which means that we now require a new generation of trained professional scientists with a sound zoological knowledge and an appreciation of the issues involved in local and global conservation.

This MZool is an extended undergraduate programme which allows students to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. 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.

We will teach you all about traditional zoology, including taxonomy, morphology, physiology and cell biology with an emphasis upon animal ecology (biodiversity, ecology, behaviour and evolution). You will also take modules that will give you an understanding of the need for environmental conservation and how conservation objectives can be achieved. This degree establishes links between the academic learning environment and external environmental and conservation organisations in the form of project work and practical management plans.

You will acquire a broad theoretical understanding of zoology and conservation and you will also gain the associated practical skills. Along with a comprehensive range of transferable skills, this degree will equip you for a career in conservation.

We have always been one of the main UK universities for ecology and, because we are located next to Snowdonia National Park which is the perfect setting for this degree course. You will benefit from being close to an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats where field work. Field courses are an integral part of this degree.

Bangor is also the home of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and Natural Resources Wales as well as the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), all of which have close links to the University and staff associated with this course. These links feed directly into our teaching.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?    

• TV presenter Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
• Bangor is the ideal place to study all aspects of wildlife and conservation – with a huge range of habitats on our doorstep.
• Our extensive additional teaching facilities include a natural history museum, freshwater and marine aquaria, a farm and a botanic garden.

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 be invited to progress onto the Masters year (MZool) following completion of Year 3.

The final year will include a research project, which is supervised by a member of staff on a relevant subject that interests you. 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.

Conservation zoologists work mostly in government organisations (local councils, CCW, CEH and EA) or in non-governmental organisations (eg National Trust, RSPB). Ranges of career paths are available within these organisations, from wildlife monitoring and assessment to the practical implementation of conservation management plans.

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.