Zoology with Foundation Year

With increasing concern about protecting natural habits, there is much to learn about the biology and behaviour of animals. Pursue your passion for the animal kingdom with our BSc (Hons) Zoology with Foundation Year degree.

Taking you from the laboratory to the field, our highly-focused degree will develop your knowledge of concepts at the forefront of zoological science, biological processes, animal behaviour and ecosystem interaction.

Build in-demand scientific knowledge and skills
This foundation year pathway is recommended if you want to study the full honours degree, but don’t meet the direct entry requirements. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be ready to progress to study our full BSc Zoology honours degree, which is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Continuing your studies for three further years of study - or four, if you choose to include an industry placement, you will build your knowledge of key biological processes, biodiversity and ecosystems, while developing practical skills in our Bodmer laboratories and through field work. In your final year, you will choose specialist modules that suit your areas of interest and complete a research project based on a subject topic of your choice.

Get closer to industry
Focusing on real-world issues, we put fieldwork at the heart of your learning experience. In recent years, students have taken part in residential trips to Cumbria, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Gambia. We also regularly invite zoology professionals and practitioners to share their knowledge through guest lectures.

Once on the BSc degree pathway you will also have the option to include an industry placement between years two and three. Previous zoology students have completed placements with public health laboratories, wildlife trust, or research organisations such as the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MAFF and Central Veterinary Laboratory.

Features
• Build your knowledge with our foundation year ready to progress to the full BSc (Hons) Zoology degree
• Experience residential field trips opportunities
• Choose to include an industry placement and gain real-world context for your studies
• Part-time study option available

This course is not open to international students.

Foundation Year:

• Biological Principles
• Scientific Methods
• Data Handling
• Professional Communications
• Science for Health
• Environmental Conservation

Year One:

• Biodiversity
• Molecules to Microbes
• Genes to Ecosystems
• Biological Skills
• Study Skills
• Global Distribution of Wildlife

Year Two:

• Introduction to Parasitology and Infectious Diseases
• Research Skills
• Data Science

plus one optional module - choose one from:

• Ecology in Action
• Animal Evolution (Marine and Wildlife)
• University Wide Language Programme

plus one option from:

• Animal Physiology
• Human Physiology

and one option from:

• Wildlife Behavioural Ecology
• Ocean Challenges

Year Three:
Choose one option from:

• Final Year Project and Professional Skills
• Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)

plus one option from:

• Animal Cognition and Social Complexity (Wildlife)
• Fisheries Science
• Biology of Parasites
• Environmental Geographical Information Systems
• Tropical Ecology and Conservation
• University Wide Language Programme

and one option from:

• Practical Ecology and Conservation
• Evolution, Development and Adaptation
• Applied Freshwater Biology
• Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Ecology and Conservation
• University Wide Language Programme

Assessment strategies are designed to develop your skills for future employability and assessment success. We regularly provide you with feedback via written communication, online notes, and group activities.

Typical assessment combines coursework and examination, and this will vary depending on your level of study. We also use other formal, informal and continuous assessment methods that could include:

• Research projects
• Laboratory reports
• Essays
• Literature reviews
• Data analysis
• Presentations