Program Overview

Introduction to the Zoology Program

The Zoology program at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year, full-time course that leads to a B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8). The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of living animals and their relationship with their environment.

Program Overview

The program focuses on the study of whole organisms, covering molecular, cellular, behavioral, parasitological, ecological, and environmental aspects of animals. The central narrative of the program is understanding the evolution and diversity of animals using a variety of approaches such as genetics, microscopy, experiments, and field observations.

Course Structure

The first two years of the program are common to all students of the Science program that have focused on the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (TR060) stream. In the third and fourth years, the course highlights the major concerns of modern zoology in relation to environmental and medical biology, and introduces students to cell biological and other analytical techniques, fieldwork, computer-aided data handling and processing, and scientific communication skills.

Modules and Subjects

Modules taken cover topics such as:

• Animal diversity
• Comparative physiology
• Ecology
• Marine biology (including a field trip)
• Terrestrial ecology (including a field trip)
• Genetics
• Behavior
• Developmental biology
• Entomology
• Evolution of infectious diseases
• Tropical ecology

Research Areas

The Department of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin has a diverse array of active researchers addressing a wide range of zoological questions, broadly separated into:

• Organismal biology
• Molecular/cellular biology The department's strengths lie in:
• Ecosystem ecology and biodiversity
• Global change biology
• Marine biology
• Ecology and evolution of infectious diseases
• Evolution of behavior
• Comparative physiology
• Developmental biology

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

Many graduates of the Zoology program are currently pursuing academic and research careers in Ireland and overseas. Graduates have been employed within:

• The agriculture and fisheries sector
• The environment and wildlife services
• Biomedical industry and agencies
• International environment and development agencies
• Wildlife and environmental publishing, filmmaking, and other careers in the media
• Software development, data science, biotechnology, second and third-level teaching, medicine, veterinary, museum, and tourism work
• Environmental lobbying with national and international NGOs
• Environmental and wildlife consultancy
• Fish farming
• Zoos

Admission Requirements

To see admissions requirements for this course, view the main Biological and Biomedical Sciences course page. All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, click on the relevant link.

Awards

The program leads to a B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8).

CAO Information

CAO Points: 545 (2024) CAO Code: TR060

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page.

Related Courses

• Chemical Sciences
• Geography and Geoscience
• Physical Sciences