Zoology (with integrated foundation year)

Wildlife is an important part of all our lives. If you have a passion for learning about animals, animal care and animal management, and are wondering how to become a zoologist, this exciting and hands-on BSc Zoology course will prepare you for a future defending the planet.

Zoology covers all aspects of animal biology and, as such, a fascinating range of often highly diverse topics. The modern zoologist needs to be the master of many disciplines. Our zoology degree course has been designed by professional zoologists with a real understanding of what the world needs and, likewise, what you need to study to launch your career in zoology.

Course Overview
Our hands-on zoology course provides an understanding of wildlife monitoring techniques using professional equipment and covers a broad range of topics including evolution, ecology and conservation.

During your time with us you will have the opportunity to explore the local area and the many habitats it offers, such as the Eden River basin (close to our Carlisle Campus), the Lake District National Park and our wonderful Cumbrian coastline. On this zoology degree, you spend a substantial amount of time learning within the local habitats we have on our doorstep and where possible we choose to deliver experiential learning outdoors.

On this course you will

• Benefit from a strong practical component to our modules and an emphasis on skills to enhance employment, helping prepare you for becoming a zoologist following your university studies.

• Experience Cumbria's unique natural environment for learning about wildlife, which provides a range of different habitats that are close enough to visit in a short walk or day trip.

• Enjoy a zoology degree designed with the most relevant key issues in zoology at its heart, as we are one of the newest universities in the country.

• Make use of our modern and well-equipped facilities, for example our teaching laboratories.

• Study zoology with a diverse range of modules that expertly weave together and map directly to our subject. None of the modules are inappropriately squeezed in from programmes that we already run.

What You Will Learn
You’ll gain an understanding of wildlife monitoring techniques using professional kit, and cover a broad range of topics including evolution, ecology and conservation, with visits to a variety of habitats. Our strong links with animal and wildlife organisations provide excellent work placement opportunities, which means you could be studying anything from brown bears and snow leopards to sharks and dolphins.. There will be plenty of opportunity for voluntary work alongside organisations such as Cumbria Wildlife Trust, boosting your CV and giving you hands-on experience across a range of species including butterflies, adders and birds. Our practical focused course will equip you with not only the knowledge, but the real skills and confidence to be a great zoologist.

Year one

• Essential University Skills 1

• Essential Biology

• Scientific Investigation

• Essential University Skills 2

• Essential Chemistry

• Environmental Sciences

Year Two

• Vertebrate Zoology

• Invertebrate Zoology

• Ecology for Zoologists

• Animal Form and Function

• Animal Conservation Practice

• Core Zoology

Year Three

• Exploring Research

• Zoological Monitoring Techniques

• Animal Behaviour

• Evolution and Biogeography

• British Wildlife

• Applied Zoology

Year Four

• Dissertation

• Professional Skills in Zoology

• Behavioural Ecology

• Entomology and Parasitology (Optional)

• Behavioural Applications for Conservation (Optional)

• Population and Community Ecology (Optional)

Analysis of zoological data, writing of formal reports and careful design of scientific methods particularly with regards animal surveying are all key transferable skills, which translate into a range of careers in biological sciences. Formal work is assessed throughout the degree, and you are encouraged to keep lab books which contain working documents of lab practicals, observations and illustrations of dissection work for example. Personal development and reflective practice will take place throughout the programme and will be implemented through the wide range of activities (both formative and summative) as well as via the personal tutorial process.