Zoology

Whether you're passionate about animal biology, environmental challenges, or scientific discovery, our Zoology degree offers a broad understanding of the diversity of life, with a focus on animals, their evolution and conservation. With access to our 600-acre diverse campus, state-of-the-art David Attenborough Laboratories, use of statistical, bioinformatic and GIS analyses, and dedicated employability modules, you will gain the knowledge, skills and experience to pursue an exciting career in the biological sciences.

Why choose this course?

• Master cutting-edge genomic, satellite, and GIS tools to study and conserve animal populations through integrated lab and fieldwork

• Gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art David Attenborough Laboratories and across Keele’s 600-acre diverse campus

• Authentic and diverse assessments allow you to develop key skills that meet academic, professional body and employer expectations

• Benefit from integrated employability training that prepares you for a wide range of careers

• Learn from research‑active academics with specialist knowledge spanning molecular biology to broad ecological systems

Our Zoology degree blends broad knowledge of animal biology, behaviour, ecology and conservation with the cutting-edge technical skills and professional expertise you'll need to build an impactful career in biological sciences. With species disappearing at an unprecedented rate during our current biodiversity crisis, our contemporary programme will equip you with the essential tools to help tackle these urgent environmental challenges. From the microscopic world of cells and genetics to sophisticated techniques for analysing animal populations, you'll discover how the smallest biological processes connect to the greatest conservation challenges of our time.

In your first year you will gain a thorough understanding of key biological concepts such as cells, genetics, evolution, physiology of animals, ecology and animal diversity. You will also begin to develop a range of academic and practical laboratory skills.

From year two, optional modules allow you to tailor your studies to specific interests and deepen your understanding of topics such as animal welfare, ecology, microbes and parasites, the biodiversity crisis and wildlife forensics, as well as to develop specialist skills, such as applied genetics and GIS.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of meaningful research on a topic that excites and challenges you. Your research project is an excellent opportunity for you to draw together skills in experimental study design, critical interpretation of data, presentation and project management. To hone your communication skills, you will present the outcomes of your final year research project in the context of a realistic research conference experience.

About Keele
Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Course Modules

For a list of indicative modules please visit the course page on the Keele University website.