Zoology MSci draft

Program Overview

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Students gain expertise in evolution, animal physiology, ecology, conservation, and research methodologies, preparing them for a wide range of career paths in zoology and related fields. The program offers a unique approach through collaborations with conservation organizations, field courses, and research-led teaching by world-renowned biologists. Graduates possess exceptional research and practical skills, making them highly sought after by employers.

Program Outline

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MSci Zoology - University of Exeter

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Degree Overview:

This four-year MSci Zoology program provides a comprehensive understanding of animal biology, with a focus on whole-animal biology, biodiversity, ecology, and behavior. It explores the evolution of animal life histories and equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in modern zoology. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, exposing students to a wide range of theoretical and practical techniques used to study animal biology.

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Objectives:

• Gain expertise in evolution, physiology, animal behavior, ecology, and conservation.
• Develop a deep understanding of whole-animal biology, ecology, and behavior.
• Learn from world-leading biologists in evolution, behavior, ecology, and conservation.
• Gain experience with a wide range of practical and theoretical techniques.

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Physiology (15 credits)
• Zoology (30 credits)
• Evolution (15 credits)
• Skills and Careers (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Microbes (15 credits)
• Ecology and Conservation (15 credits)
• Introduction to Human Sciences (15 credits)

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Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Analysis of Biological Data (15 credits)
• Behavioural Ecology (15 credits)
• The Biology of Mammals (15 credits) OR Biology of Aquatic Vertebrates (15 credits)
• Biosciences Penryn Virtual Field Course (15 credits) OR Bio Penryn 2nd Year Field Course (15 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Evolution of Human Societies (15 credits)
• Animal Ecophysiology (15 credits)
• Biology of Birds (15 credits)
• Workplace Learning (15 credits)
• Applied Insect Ecology (15 credits)
• Mathematics of the Environment (15 credits)
• Exploitation of the Sea (15 credits)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (15 credits)
• Population and Community Ecology (15 credits)
• Evolutionary Ecology (15 credits)
• Wildlife Disease (15 credits)
• Development of Behaviour (15 credits)
• Molecular Ecology (15 credits)
• Spatial Ecology (15 credits)
• Remote Sensing for Environmental Management (15 credits)
• Green Consultants (15 credits)
• Introduction to Ecological Consultancy (15 credits)
• Oceans and Human Health (15 credits)

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Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Project (40 credits)
• Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology (15 credits) OR Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course (15 credits)
• Penryn 3rd Year Field Course (30 credits) OR Global Research Skills Virtual Field Course (15 credits) + Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology (15 credits)
• Preparing to Graduate (5 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Human Behavioural Ecology (15 credits)
• Primate Biology and Conservation (15 credits)
• Ocean Management and Conservation (15 credits)
• Literature Review in Evolution and Ecology (15 credits)
• Sensory Ecology (15 credits)
• Animal Life Histories (15 credits)
• Ecological Responses to Climate Change (15 credits)
• Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease (15 credits)
• The Complexity of Human Societies (15 credits)
• Marine Vertebrate Conservation (15 credits)
• Animal Cognition (15 credits)
• Trends in Ecology and Evolution (15 credits)
• Living in Groups (15 credits)
• Coevolutionary Interactions (15 credits)
• Science in Society (15 credits)
• Animal Migration (15 credits)
• Major Transitions in Evolutionary History (15 credits)
• Symbiosis in Marine Systems (15 credits)
• Mathematics for Environment and Sustainability (15 credits)
• Living with Environmental Change (15 credits)
• Frontiers of Global Health (15 credits)

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Year 4:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Academic Research Project (60 credits)
• Global Challenges Field Course (MSci) (30 credits) OR Rewilding the United Kingdom (30 credits)
• Literature Review in the Life Sciences (15 credits)
• Applied Data Analysis (15 credits)

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Assessment:

• Year 1: Does not count towards final degree classification, but must be passed to progress.
• Year 2 onwards: All marks count towards final classification.
• Assessment Methods: Essays, exams, presentations, laboratory reports, and a dissertation.

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Teaching:

• Methods: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, laboratory sessions, independent study, regular research seminars by staff and visiting lecturers.
• Faculty: Experts in their fields, bringing their research directly to teaching.
• Unique Approaches: Close links with conservation organizations, guest lectures, placement opportunities, and project work.

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Careers:

• Potential Paths: Laboratory-based positions, conservation management, ecology, teaching, nursing, law, business, management.
• Opportunities: Access to career talks, networking events, employability seminars, mock interviews, and a careers fair.
• Outcomes: Excellent employment prospects with transferable skills.
• Examples of Recent Graduate Jobs: Conservation professionals, biological scientists, environment professionals, laboratory technicians, welfare and housing associate professionals, web design professionals, public relations professionals, photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators, archivists, and curators.
• Examples of Recent Graduate Employers: AECOM, Cornwall Science Community, Darwin Ecology, Ecology Solutions, Fishtek Consulting, Harris Lamb Property Consultants, Natural England, Society for the Protection of Turtles, UKSTEM Ltd, World Wildlife Fund.

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Further Study:

• Popular Options: MPH, MRes, PhD Biological Sciences, MPH Medical Studies, MRes Ecosystem and Environmental Change, MSc Conservation and Biodiversity, MSc Environment and Human Health, MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology, MSc Immunology, MSc Marine Environmental Management, MSc Surveying and Land/Environmental Management, MSc Toxicology.

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Other:

• The program is highly ranked, with the University of Exeter ranked 4th in the UK for Zoology by The Guardian University Guide 2024.
• The university is ranked in the top 20 in the UK for world-leading research in Biological Sciences.
• The university is ranked in the top 10 in the world for Ecology.
• 90% of the university's Biological Sciences research is internationally excellent.
• The program offers a range of field courses in local, national, and international destinations.
• The university has a dedicated Careers Service to support students in finding employment.
• The university offers the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award to enhance employability skills.
• The university has excellent relationships with graduate recruiters.
• The program provides opportunities for students to develop their field skills in real-world situations.
• The program encourages students to become active members of research teams.
• The university has excellent facilities, including teaching laboratories, computing suites, field equipment, and library and online resources.
• Students can take optional modules in other subjects to broaden their knowledge and enhance their employability.
• Students can achieve proficiency in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, entrepreneurship, innovation, law, leadership, or social data science.
• The program is highly valued by students, with 91% saying staff value their views and opinions about the course and 82% saying teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 75% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after completing the course.

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Tuition fees for 2024 entryUK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year