This is 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.

Reptiles and amphibians are increasingly appreciated as model organisms in many fields of zoology, as fascinating study subjects in their own right, and are the focus of growing conservation concern due to the alarming decline of many species. This means that we now require a new generation of trained professional scientists with specialised knowledge and skills relating to these animals in addition to a broad zoological background.

This course combines traditional zoology with an emphasis upon amphibian and reptile biology and diversity and is delivered along with aspects of conservation management and practices. You will have the opportunity to undertake a herpetology field trip to Arizona at the beginning of the second year and join field activities in the North Wales countryside.

We will provide you with a combination of a sound and broad zoological training that covers both pure and applied aspects of animal life, and specialist herpetological knowledge and skills. On this course we offer you a diverse range of laboratory and field zoology experience. Fieldwork is a very important aspect of this course and all our students enjoy them. On this course you will also gain a wealth of other transferable skills such as data analysis, group work, presentational skills, and IT skills.

We are proudly a UK centre of research excellence in herpetology, with full-time faculty staff specialising in amphibians and reptiles. You will not only enjoy the modern facilities expected of a modern centre of animal biology but will also benefit from our location. We are very close to an exceptional range of natural habitats where we conduct field work. Field work is a very important component of this degree.

Cutting-edge science is integral to our research programmes and feeds through into the teaching environment. Our expertise covers animal biogeography and evolution, population genetics, molecular ecology and wildlife conservation. You will be taught by leading international herpetological researchers in topics ranging from evolution, ecology, biomechanics and systematics to genomics, snakebite and venom evolution.

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 be invited 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.

Herpetologists work mostly in government or non-governmental organisations, ecological consultancy and zoological institutes as well as Universities. A range of career paths is available within these organisations, including research, conservation breeding, wildlife monitoring and assessment, implementation of conservation management plans and evolutionary biology.

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