BSc (Hons) Zoology
When can you start this course? |
UCAS code |
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
- This course is recognised by the Society of Biology. This means that on graduation you'll meet the requirements for Associate Membership of the Society of Biology (AMSB) and can apply for full membership following appropriate professional experience.
- In the 2011 National Student Survey, 93% of our students said they were satisfied with the teaching on this course.
- Our teaching team has been rated as 'excellent' by recent quality inspectors, so you can be sure that you'll receive a high standard of teaching.
- We work closely with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and they provide access to their reserves which you'll use as part of field trips. You will also be able to undertake projects with the trust for your independent study module and on a voluntary basis if you wish to
- You'll be able to tailor this course to your own interests by choosing from a wide variety of modules covering a diverse range of topics.
- You'll have the chance to participate in fieldwork in the UK and abroad which will help you to put the theory you learn into practice.
- Our teaching team are active researchers so you can be sure you'll learn about all the latest developments in zoology as it happens.
- You'll conduct an independent research project in your final year, which will allow you to develop your research skills and make you more desirable to potential employers. We will give you every chance to become involved in real research.
About the course
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.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
During stage one you'll cover these subjects:
- Evolution of life
- Invasion of the land
- Genetics
- Human biology
- Ecology
- Molecular and cellular biology
- During stage two you'll study a selection of these subjects:
Vertebrate biology - Invertebrate biology
- Evolutionary and forensic genetics
- Ecosystems
- Microbiology
- Rainforests to deserts
- Field biology including a fieldtrip to the Mediterranean
- Biological basis of animal behaviour
You could choose to study in the USA or Canada for one semester.
During stage three you'll study a selection of these subjects:
- Independent study
- Behavioural ecology
- Human genome
- Oncology
- Wildlife conservation
Modules
Stage 1
Modules you have to take (core):
 Biology of Organisms: Invasion of the Land What will I cover in this module?
You'll focus on groups of organisms that have adapted to life on land, including terrestrial fungi, lower and higher plants, insects and spiders and amphibians, reptiles and mammals. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Biology of Organisms: Origins of Life What will I cover in this module?
You'll be introduced to the process of biological evolution and to the variety of living plants and animals. You'll focus on the first groups of organisms to evolve, prior to the colonisation of land. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Ecology What will I cover in this module?
You'll be introduced to the interactions between organisms and their environment. You'll be assessed by exam and coursework, based on fieldwork. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Essential Chemical Skills How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Essential Laboratory and Field Skills What will I cover in this module?
This module introduces, and helps to develop, a broad range of key skills that you'll be able to apply throughout your degree and beyond. These include introductions to laboratory and field techniques (microscopy, the use of keys for identification, behavioural data collection and field sampling), complementary generic scientific techniques (e.g. core statistical methodologies for biosciences), as well as key transferable skills (reviewing literature, data organisation, presenting an argument in the form of an essay). At the start of the course you are also presented with the current statistics on graduate employment and the state of the economy to highlight how important this course will be to you and also to emphasise the need for the extras on your CV to make you competitive in the job market. This aspect is addressed throughout the course and is supported by a final session with Marian Derbyshire which explicitly builds on the framework by introducing the concept of a personal development program (PDP) and advising you on how to design and implement a strategy for deciding on and attaining their future goals. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Genetics What will I cover in this module?
Our module aims to provide you with a broad introduction to, and basic understanding of, the key concepts in classical and molecular genetics. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Human Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the relationship between structure and function in the human body, and study the inter-dependence of life support systems and the interaction of the biological state with the environment. You'll be assessed by an exam and coursework. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll be introduced to the concepts and functioning of the cell unit in terms of structure and biochemical processes. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 2
Modules you have to take (core):
| Comparative Animal Physiology What will I cover in this module?
You'll consider the adaptations, both physiological and behavioural, that have evolved and allow animals to survive and exploit even the harshest of habitats. To take this module, you'll need to have already completed Biology of Organisms. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Developmental Biology What will I cover in this module?
This module, specific to the Zoology degree, is designed to introduce you to the development of both invertebrate and vertebrate animals. It is delivered as a blended learning module as you'll be studying the morphological changes that occur during the development of a range of animals in your own time, while lectures on developmental genetics, classical embryology and cell biology will promote an understanding of the underlying changes driving the development of the embryo. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics What will I cover in this module?
You'll develop an understanding of the molecular basis of fundamental biological and forensic processes, such as transcription and translation. You'll be introduced to the current techniques and approaches in molecular biology applied in a forensic and evolutionary context. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Invertebrate Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine the range of body form and function among invertebrate groups and consider the possible evolutionary relationships between them. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Research Methods: Critical Thinking What will I cover in this module?
Our module aims to facilitate the development of a critical and investigative approach to the study of biological or forensic sciences through familiarisation with the skills and concepts fundamental to research. How many credits is it worth?
7.5 |
| Research Methods: Developing Skills What will I cover in this module?
Our module aims to provide you with a link between the elements of the research process, inherent in the taught modules provided by the programme, and the Independent Study in Biological or Forensic Sciences which you'll take at Level 6. How many credits is it worth?
7.5 |
| Vertebrate Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine the range of form and function found within the vertebrate phylum and consider the evolutionary relationships within the group. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
And you'll choose two of these modules:
| Biological Basis of Animal Behaviour What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the study of animal behaviour including physiological mechanisms and evolutionary function. To take this module, you'll need to have already completed Genetics and Evolution. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Cellular and Molecular Processes |
| Ecosystems What will I cover in this module?
You'll focus on the interactions between the individuals within populations, and on the interactions between members of different populations. In particular, you'll look at competition, herbivory, predation and decomposition. You'll then explore how these interactions and other factors lead to structure in communities. You'll be assessed by a practical exercise and exam. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Field Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll look at terrestrial, aquatic or marine environments, where you'll build on the ecological and biological concepts that you're learning during your second year. You'll be assessed by coursework. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Human Physiology in Health and Disease What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the concept of disease within the context of normal physiological mechanisms. You'll be assessed through computer based assessments and a major piece of written work based on the development of a case study scenario. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Microbes and Disease What will I cover in this module?
You'll cover the history of microbes and disease, mechanisms of pathogenicity, disease transmission, and the problems of sustainable control due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Rainforests to Deserts: How Life Endures What will I cover in this module?
You'll look at the interactions of organisms within biomes, and review issues associated with the sustainable exploitation of different biomes. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 3
Modules you have to take (core):
| Behavioural Ecology What will I cover in this module?
You'll cover sperm competition, female mate choice, sexual conflict, mating systems, the evolution of altruism and communication. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Current Issues and Professional Practice How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Independent Studies for Biological Sciences and Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
This module represents an opportunity for you to exercise initiative, creative thinking, and organisational skills in the pursuit of an independent piece of work of your choosing (subject to approval on academic, safety and ethical grounds where appropriate), and is a continuation of personal skill development initiated in stages two and three. Central to the research study will be a degree of problem solving and formulation and testing of hypotheses. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
30 |
| Ornithology What will I cover in this module?
Our module approaches Ornithology - the scientific study of birds - from a biological and evolutionary perspective. You'll examine the form, function and behaviour of birds and an understanding of the field's broader implications, including the latest advances. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
And you'll choose three of these modules:
| Aquatic Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the principles of aquatic biology by looking at physico-chemical and biological interactions in both freshwater and marine environments. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Ecological Entomology What will I cover in this module?
You'll look at insects from the perspectives of evolutionary and community ecology, and you'll cover the evolution of insect mating systems and the use of insects in forensic science. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Habitat Management What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine how plants and animals can be managed in practical terms to maintain and enhance their natural interest, using examples from a range of habitats including woodlands, grasslands and wetlands. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Human Genome |
| Mammalian Reproduction What will I cover in this module?
You'll consider in detail the journey taken by an embryo throughout pregnancy, how it survives its mother's immune response, and how it signals to her that it is ready to be born. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Oncology What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the cause of cancer, how it is treated and what directions are currently being undertaken by cancer research scientists. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Pathogenic Microbial Interactions What will I cover in this module?
You'll investigate the interactions between micro-organisms and their hosts and you'll gain an understanding of the range of methods by which they can be controlled. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Vocational Module |
| Wildlife Conservation What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine global threats to species, and the methods used for their conservation. You'll study and evaluate current practices in biological conservation. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Modules and content may change from year to year so this list is just a guide. We will confirm the exact modules that are on offer before you start your course.
Your career
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).
What our students say
"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.
"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.
How you'll learn
Formal lectures, tutorials, practical work in laboratory and field, computer aided study.
How you're assessed
Through coursework and 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 and possibly Costa Rica.
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.
Anything else?
We aim to provide a wide range of optional modules to allow you to shape your degree to your own interests and career aspirations. Our programmes have been designed to meet subject standards, student interests and the needs of the employer.
Visit our Biological Sciences website
For more information please visit our biological sciences website where you can see more case studies on previous graduates, videos from various fieldtrips, details of the staff you'll get to meet and much more.
Biology, Zoology and Forensics masterclass
We invited back some of successful graduates, including BBC Producer Kathryn Jeffs to talk to our current biology, zoology and forensics students about life after graduation. View more on the masterclass.
Our research
We're very proud to announce our successful submission to the Biological Sciences Unit into the UK Government's Research Assessment Exercise 2008.
The results show that, although The Biological Sciences Research Group is relatively small, our research work is of significant quality. It should also be noted that Derby was the only post 1992 University in this region which made a successful submission Biological Sciences Unit of Assessment.
For more information see RAE 2008.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
UCAS code
C300
Fees
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £7,495 (each year)
- Part time: £935 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total).
International students
- Full time: £9,975 (each year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
More information about our fees for September 2012 and the support available
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 280 UCAS points from A levels, including Biology or ...
Our entry requirements are usually 280 UCAS points from A levels, including Biology or equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc. If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these 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.
Standard entry requirements
