Program Overview

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Zoology BSc

Overview

Our BSc Zoology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, offers an in-depth exploration of animals at every level, from their genetic makeup to their impact on ecosystems. You'll develop a strong foundation in core biological principles while tailoring your studies with optional modules spanning animal behaviour, conservation, physiology, neuroscience, and biological photography.

Key Information

• Ranked 3rd in the UK for Zoology (The Guardian University Guide 2024)
• Excellent track-record in student feedback on quality of teaching, ranked number 1 in Zoology in the UK for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022)
• Travel while you learn – opportunities through studying abroad or undertaking field courses in the UK and overseas
• Tailor your course to your unique interests with a wide range of optional modules, from physiology and neuroscience to conservation and ecology, and even including biological photography
• Research-led teaching – choose from our ever-changing range of research projects, from studying animal behaviour in the lab to field expeditions in the UK and abroad. Teaching is research-led, meaning you'll learn from academics actively working in cutting-edge research
• Capstone experience – in your final year, you can undertake a capstone project, applying your expertise to real-world challenges in a collaborative working group. Teaching is research-led, meaning you'll learn from academics actively working in cutting-edge research
• Employability – opportunities for placements with real-world employers and an excellent record of securing employment or postgraduate education

Course Details

Qualification

• BSc Hons

Entry Requirements

• AAB
• Biology/Human Biology and a second science at A level. Second science subjects can be from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Fyrther Maths, Statistics, Environmental Science, Computer Science and PE.
• A pass is required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.
• GCSE English and maths grade 4.

Excluded Subjects

• General studies, critical thinking, global perspectives, research thinking skills.

Alternative Qualifications

• BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Sciences (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement) - DDD
• BTEC Diploma in Applied Sciences (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement) alongside A Level Biology - DD + B
• BTEC Extended Certificate + 2 A-Levels in Biology and a Second Science - D + AB
• Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits overall, 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, and 15 at Merit to include 15 credits at Distinction in Biology and 15 credits at Distinction in a second science

International Baccalaureate

• 32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates
• HL6,HL5 in biology and a second science in any order. Second science can be from Chemistry, Physics, mathematics, Psychology, Geography, Computer Science and Sports, Exercise and Health.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
• TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English are also accepted.

Visa Restrictions

• International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses.

Fees

• £9,535 per year (UK undergraduate students)
• £30,750 per year (International students)

Duration

• 3 years full-time

UCAS Code

• C300

Study Abroad

• Opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham China or University of Nottingham Malaysia.

Optional Placement Year

• If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year.

Course Structure

Year 1

• Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Genetics, Molecular Evolution and Diversity
• Biodiversity, Ecology and Behaviour

Year 2

• Further Skills in the Life Sciences B
• Genetics and Genomics
• Optional modules:
  • Cellular Communication in the Nervous System
  • Evolution and Development of Animals
  • Brains in the Wild
  • Immunology
  • Development of the Nervous System
  • Fundamentals of Ecology
  • Ecology Field Course

Year 3

• Project
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Contemporary Issues in Science
• Optional modules:
  • Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Health, Ageing and Disease
  • Current Topics in Human Environmental Impacts on Health
  • Adapting to Change: Evolution and Behaviour
  • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  • Real-World Applications of Genetics and Genomics
  • The Cell Biology of Cancer
  • Illuminating Life: Advanced Imaging and Technologies
  • Conservation Biology

Careers

• Conservation and Zoos
• Ecological Consultancy
• Graduate Veterinary Programmes
• Animal Care Sector
• Teaching
• Science Communications and Journalism
• University Research
• Wildlife Film-making and Photography
• Scientific Governmental Agencies

Contact

• For more information, please visit the University of Nottingham website.