BSc (Hons) Zoology

UCAS code: C300

Start date: September, or part time in January or September

Course length: full time: three years, part time: up to six years  

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

You can also study Zoology Joint Honours as part of a Joint Honours degree.

This course focuses on animal biology such as molecular biology, genetics and physiology. But you'll also cover a wide range of topics such as wildlife conservation, ecology and animal behaviour to give you a broad knowledge of zoology.

You'll be studying a hands-on, practical course with opportunities to carry out laboratory work to develop your technical skills which employers like to see in graduates. There are opportunities to do fieldwork in many interesting places in the UK and abroad. You could go on a seal watch on the east coast, study animal interaction at Twycross Zoo and spend a week doing a project in Majorca. You'll also conduct an independent research project in your final year which will help to develop your analytical skills and specialise in an area of your choice.

Most of our teaching team are active researchers, like Dr Karim Vahed who is a world expert in the sexual behaviour of invertebrates. You'll also be taught by visiting professionals including Professor Dr George McGavin, a celebrated scientist, author and TV presenter on the BBC wildlife programmes. So you can be sure you'll be learning the latest theories and be kept up to date with what's new in zoology.

All of your modules will be taught through lectures, practicals, tutorials and field work. This allows you to gain a range of intellectual, personal and technical skills so you'll be well prepared for a career in zoology.

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Ecology
• Human Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution of Life
• Invasion of the Land

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

• Ecosystems
• Invertebrates
• Vertebrate Biology
• Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics

And you'll choose two from these modules:

• Rainforests, Deserts and Oceans
• Biological Basis of Animal Behaviour
• Microbiology
• Field Biology
• Developmental Biology

Stage three

You'll study these modules:

• Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences
• Advanced Methods in Zoology
• Applied Entomology

And you'll choose two from these modules:

• Behavioural Ecology
• The Human Genome
• Oncology and Immunology
• Science Communication
• Wildlife Conservation
• Vocational Module

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels),  including Biology or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)
• £1,030 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

Formal lectures, tutorials, practical work in laboratory and field, computer aided study.

How you're assessed

Assessment is varied and includes computer-based assessments, presentations and posters as well as traditional written examinations.

Fieldtrips

Fieldwork allows you to get hands on experience in the area of work you're studying towards. Many of our modules contain field work; however we offer the second year module "Field Biology" which gives you the opportunity to take part in subsidised residential field work in the Mediterranean.

As part of your module in animal behaviour, you'll be able to visit Twycross Zoo where you'll be able to observe animals in their surroundings, which will ensure that you develop an understanding of the ways animals behave. You'll also be able to attend a lecture on captive reproduction and have the chance to study baby animals, which will enhance your knowledge in zoology. There will also be day trips which involve the observation of a breeding colony of seals and rutting behaviour of deer.

Work placements

We offer full support to you if you decide to do a work placement in year three, which we strongly recommend. A work placement will allow you to apply the skills and knowledge you have gained on your course and apply them in a work environment. This will give you more desirability in the eyes of potential employers. There is also a vocational module so you can gain credits by doing work related to your degree.

After completing this course you could find work in wildlife management, conservation agencies, the media, or the environmental and ecosystem management sector. You could also go into teaching, conduct research or work in the museums sector.

We'll develop your intellectual, personal and technical skills which will help to boost your CV and meet the needs of what current employers look for in zoology graduates.

You'll have the skills to be able to move on to further study including medical qualifications, a Masters, or a PhD. You could also continue your studies with us by studying our MSc Conservation Biology course where certain modules will give you membership to the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Lorna Steel graduated in 2004 and she became an education officer for the Dinosaur museum on the Isle of Wight, a millennium commission lottery project. She's also become Dr Steel by working on a PhD project on pterosaurs (flying reptiles).

"I'm really enjoying my time at Derby University on the Zoology course. The course material is really interesting and the lecturers are great and always willing to help."
Danielle Clewley, one of our current students.

I’d like to voice my appreciation to all the zoology lecturers at the University of Derby. I consider applying for this course as the best decision of my life to this day.’
Tom Howard, graduate

"Having enthusiastic and approachable lecturers meant that I always felt able to discuss a point without feeling uncomfortable, and this made the lectures interesting rather than a struggle. A degree in Zoology from Derby has prepared me well for my chosen career in conservation. I really enjoyed my time at Derby. "
Darren Christie, graduated in 2005. He's now a conservation officer in the Falklands.

Read about what some of our past students are doing now.