Zoology

Zoology is the scientific study of the animal kingdom. It encompasses the molecular building blocks of life up to the way that animals behave and interact with their environment. Zoologists understand the diversity of animal forms, and the ways that they function. Professional Zoologists may apply their specialist knowledge in a variety of fields including nature conservation, animal production or scientific research.

On the Zoology programme you will study everything from animal cell biology, physiology and behaviour, how animals are shaped by evolutionary forces and how animal populations and communities function. With opportunities for intensive field study during every year of the programme, field courses will build on your practical lab and experimental design skills. In your final year, you will be tasked with completing your own fully independent research project. Throughout the programme, you will develop team-working, independent-working, problem-solving and communication skills, all of which are in demand by employers.

The integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training on key topics, with an intensive focus on the development and practice of advanced research skills. You may also choose to apply for our 3-year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.

Course highlights

• Intensively study terrestrial and aquatic zoology at the scale of the individual organism, to the population and whole ecosystem, in the lab and in the field.

• Residential field course in terrestrial and freshwater zoology, based in a UK upland Environment.

• Gain hands on experience of marine organisms and their habitats, expanding your knowledge of animal behaviour, animal development, evolution and adaptation.

• Optional non-residential field course in urban ecology where you will evaluate the structure and function of biodiversity in Leeds and develop ideas on how to make cities more ecologically sustainable.

• Choose optional industrial work placements, study abroad or combined study and work abroad.

• Optional field course to a South African game reserve, which involves a 2-week programme of lectures, seminars and extensive fieldwork.

• Extended research project focusing on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to zoology.