Program Overview

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Zoology, BSc

Introduction

Are you looking for a degree in animal science that is flexible and offers a choice of courses from animal behaviour, ecology, conservation, evolution, and physiology?

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: C300
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Zoology is the study of all animal life; from primitive microscopic malaria-causing protozoa to large advanced mammals, across all environmental spheres from red deer in mountain forests to dolphins in deep oceans, and from underground burrowing voles to golden eagles in the skies. Some of these animals are useful to us and we nurture them as pets or livestock; some are serious pests or disease-causing; and some are simply splendid and awe-inspiring. No matter what our relation with the animals, we need to understand their behaviour, population dynamics, physiology and the way they interact with other species and their environments. That is Zoology!

The degree programme at Aberdeen provides you with a strong foundation in biological sciences, principles and methodologies, while providing you with expertise in zoology. Your courses include topics in animal diversity and evolution, behaviour, population ecology, physiology, parasitology, zoonotic diseases, marine biology and conservation management taught by lecturers who are world-leaders in their areas of zoology.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses that can be chosen from those on offer across the institution. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
  • Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
  • Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
  • Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)
  • The Cell (SM1501)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
  • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
  • Ecology (BI2020)
  • Comparative Physiology 1 (BI2524)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice, plus one of the field courses listed below
  • Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)
  • Field Biology (BI25F6)
  • Marine Field Ecology (BI25F9)
  • Field Skills in Ecology and Animal Behaviour (BI25FA)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
  • Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3515)
  • Comparative Physiology 2 (BI3013)
  • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences at level 3.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
• Optional Courses: Select 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences at level 4.

How You'll Study

• Combine practice & theory: Typically, one third of your class time is practical and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits.
• Research experience: You are actively involved in scientific research throughout your degree. In Year 4, you conduct independent research which can be pivotal to your career choice.
• Engaging & inspiring teaching: Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn.

Learning Methods

• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study Zoology?

• We are recognized internationally for our research on animal energetics and dietary studies; fish immunology and salmon farming; animal behaviour and hormones; conservation of UK and international wildlife; honey bee health; dolphin behaviour and shark genetics.
• Our programme is rich in hands-on practical sessions in the laboratory, on day-trips or residential field trips where you work directly with organisms and samples in order to develop both technical and generic and transferable skills useful for a career in Zoology or broader biology.
• The degree programme consists of both compulsory core courses as well as optional courses. This arrangement ensures you have sound training in Zoology but also gives the flexibility to engage in other subjects as desired enhancing possible career options.

Careers

We are committed to the career progression of our students and we collaborate with the University’s Careers and Employability Service to ensure that you have numerous opportunities to explore career options, develop your employability and connect with employers.

Industry Links

We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions. You will benefit in several ways:

• Exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and experts.
• Our curriculum is informed by an employer advisory board that provides insight into changing requirements of employers.
• You can take advantage of our collaborators' facilities and expertise for your research projects or placement.

Accreditation

Graduates from Accredited programmes will receive one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology in their final year of their degree.

Features

• Research facilities
• Lighthouse Field Station
• Science Teaching Hub

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: AABB (or better) for standard entry, BBB (or better) for minimum entry, and BB for adjusted entry.
• A LEVELS: BBB (or better) for standard entry, BBC (or better) for minimum entry, and CCC for adjusted entry.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees: £9,535 for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland, and £24,800 for international students.
• Scholarships and Funding: Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Alan Bowman
• Other Expert: Professor Xavier Lambin

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• BSc Animal Behaviour
• BSc Biology