Zoology

This hands-on course, including fieldwork and placement opportunities, will give you the intellectual and practical skills needed to understand the complexities of the animal kingdom, such as behaviour, ecology, conservation and genetics.

Biology and Zoology - your questions answered

Programme Leader for Biology Dr David Elliott answers your frequently asked questions about Biology and Zoology. 

Zoology at Derby

We are at a decisive moment in our history. Human progress is disturbing the natural balance of our environment. This is despite global efforts from government officials and policy makers to promote coexistence between humanity and our ecosystems. We need leaders who are bold and innovative in their approach if we are to restore and protect for future generations.

Are you passionate about protecting endangered species? Safeguarding habitats? Enhancing the knowledge and understanding of animals in the wild and in captivity? If so, then this course is for you.

Our focus is on equipping you with strong intellectual, technical, research and personal skills. We will help you to build an impressive CV and meet the needs of employers. We have mapped the content of our courses to the priorities of global initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This ensures you graduate with the scientific skills and knowledge needed to transform the issues of today.

Our Zoology course focuses on animal biology. And we cover topics such as wildlife conservation, ecology and animal behaviour. You’ll also cover sciences that underpin zoology, including genetics, biochemistry and statistics.

Zoology is a practical subject, so you will learn in the laboratory, field and classroom. Whatever you are studying, we will encourage you to link with employers, from short-term work experience to a full year in industry.

You’ll join a community of staff and students dedicated to applying their passion, knowledge and skills to help safeguard the survival of Earth’s natural environments and animal populations.

In 2025, our BSc (Hons) Zoology course was nominated for the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) Course of the Year Award, which we were voted the runner up. We achieved this award due to our strong employer and industry engagement, as well as our applied and industry authentic approaches.

Being inspired

Some of our Zoology and Biology students tell us about the moments that inspired them to study the course.

Expert teaching

You'll be working with lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. They are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on important issues. Their wide-ranging work includes research into:

• Improving the resilience of coral reefs to climate change
• The evolution of primates
• Insect reproduction and behaviour
• Animal ecology
• Coral reef systems and megafauna

Dr Michael Sweet, Associate Professor in Aquatic Biology, is one of the lecturers you will work with on the course. Before coming to Derby, he travelled the world working on a variety of projects:

• Biodiversity index surveys in the Philippines and Malaysia
• Radio tracking Sumatran rhinos in Borneo
• Being a game ranger in mainland Africa and Madagascar

Michael is now the manager of our Aquatic Research Facility and teaches on several of our undergraduate modules. He has won the prestigious Times Higher Education award in 'Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year - 2025'. This nomination recognises his commitment to mentoring the next generation of marine scientists, leading to global impact. He is also involved in a major world-leading research project looking at diseases that affect coral reefs.

Also Dr Joana Carvalho, Dr Alessia Bani and a PhD student are working with Twycross Zoo and have pioneered a groundbreaking method that could play a crucial role in safeguarding chimpanzees from escalating threats and the risk of extinction. The project aims to assess the conservation status of wild chimpanzees by using a range of traditional and emerging methods including, believed to be for the first time, the use of eDNA from air and soil samples to detect the number of West African chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau.  

Excellent fieldwork opportunities

Fieldwork is a vital element of this course. Every stage of your studies will be enriched with fieldwork opportunities. The cost of mandatory fieldwork is included in your course fee. Through our fieldwork programme, we have introduced students to a variety of survey techniques for a wide range of species, such as:

• Studying animal interaction at Twycross Zoo
• Conducting ecological projects in Mallorca
• Undertaking scientific investigations in the Maldives (for students on our Tropical Marine Biology module)
• Investigating plant adaptations at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew
• Exploring Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK Burnaston, to survey wildlife in their nature conservation area

You’ll also have access to Cuckoos Tor, a site on the edge of the Peak District National Park and owned by the University of Derby that is dedicated to long-term research and ecological experiments. Current projects include restoration ecology, natural flood risk management, community engagement with biodiversity, and sustainable land management - and you’ll be able to get involved.

You'll also have opportunities to apply for work placements and paid internships. All of this means you'll be well placed to launch your career, either in a graduate job or in further study or research.

Field Biology

Our second-year students went to Mallorca for a week as part of their optional Field Biology module. They went on short excursions, explored plant diversity, searched for invertebrates, went on scenic hikes and located wild goats. And, all the time, surrounded by stunning island landscapes.

Professional credibility

This course was one of the first of its kind in the country to receive accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology. This accolade carries significant weight within the sector. It is only granted after a rigorous independent assessment.

The Royal Society acts as a single unified voice for biology. It advises the government, influencing policy, advancing education and professional development. And it encourages public interest in the life sciences.

The Royal Society only accredits degrees that offer students a solid academic foundation in subject knowledge, technical abilities and transferable skills. This means that, when you graduate, you’ll meet the requirements for Associate Membership of the Society (AMSB). Following appropriate professional experience, you can then apply for full membership. This is recognised widely throughout the industry and by potential employers.

We also have accredited degree pathway status from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM). CIEEM approval means this course offers you the knowledge and practical skills required by employers for a wide range of applied practitioner roles.

Strong employer links

You’ll benefit from excellent opportunities for work experience and internships. We have our partnerships with organisations such as Sea Life, Derby Museums and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. We encourage you to undertake work experience throughout your degree. This will give you real insights into zoology and related areas.

You could also get involved in voluntary work with zoology-related industries and the wider community. This could include helping to safeguard local nature sites and improving the region's green spaces.

We are currently working with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council on rewilding Allestree Park. This is the UK’s largest rewilding space which has involved a community consultation to find out what local people want. Some of our students are already working on independent studies projects in the park, with one test-driving the citizen science protocols for monitoring the changes in the park as the rewilding continues.

We have also just won two associate Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, lasting two years, to predict the trajectory of rewilding ecosystems. This will enable you to learn about the remote sensing and modelling we use for this. It will also enable staff to further stretch their research impact in a complex and growing subject area, as well as providing the chance to apply cutting edge, technical research to commercial activities. 

We have also been working for several years with Down to Earth Derby, on nature-based regeneration and connecting communities with nature and growing food. A major project we are working on at the moment, with the Eden Project, is a community garden on part of Sturgess Fields, a site owned by the University between Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street sites. The plan is to create a New Commons that will be managed with the community. There are lots of opportunities for you to work on here, both in creating and maintaining the site, undertaking ecological monitoring and getting involved in community education programmes.

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

Sea Life project

Ibrahim Fetin carried out his third-year research project on blacktip reef sharks at Sea Life.

Far-reaching research

You'll learn from a research-active teaching team. They are pursuing important studies into diverse topics including:

• The evolution of animal mating strategies
• Disease-causing agents in corals
• Bioremediation of freshwater ecosystems (using living organisms, such as microbes and bacteria, to improve the environment)
• The welfare of captive orangutans
• The genetics and conservation of natterjack toads

Our staff publish influential papers and conduct research locally, nationally and globally.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll be taught through lectures and tutorials, supported by hands-on practicals and fieldwork. You could study rutting red deer, or spend a week completing a project in the Mediterranean. You’ll also conduct an independent research project to develop your analytical skills in an area of your choice.

Assessment

Assessment is varied and includes computer-based assessments, scientific posters and oral presentations, professional reports, essays, making short videos, fieldwork and laboratory reports, as well as traditional written examinations. Many assessments can be tailored to suit your own interests and career goals.

Work placements

We offer full support to you if you decide to do a work placement in year three, which we strongly recommend. Work placement allows you to apply in a working environment the skills and knowledge you have gained on your course. 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.

"Completing a research placement at Birmingham's National Sea Life Centre was an incredibly strong and positive addition to my studies at the University of Derby. It really helped develop my CV, enhanced my PhD applications and gave me a head start in my career pathway." Ben Mcilwaine, BSc (Hons) Zoology graduate

Our focus is on ensuring you develop strong intellectual, technical and personal skills to build an impressive CV and meet the needs of employers. With opportunities for internships, volunteering and placements, our hands-on approach to study will ensure you’re ready for the world of work.

Recent graduates have gone on to work in areas such as:

• Zoos and wildlife parks
• Wildlife trusts
• RSPCA
• Environment Agency
• Veterinary practices
• Conservation
• Teaching
• Scientific Civil Service
• Conservation campaigns

Others have progressed to teaching and lecturing careers after completing postgraduate study, or have advanced to gain veterinary and medical qualifications

Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable skills, including:

• Scientific writing and use of scientific software
• Written and verbal communication
• Research and statistical analysis
• Data handling and analysis
• Personal motivation, organisation and self-reflection
• Digital competency
• Laboratory and fieldwork analysis 
• Critical awareness
• Project management

In addition, our zoology course provides an excellent preparation if you would like to move on to further study, including medical qualifications, a masters degree or a PhD. You could choose to continue learning with us by embarking on our MSc Conservation Biology or MSc Environmental Assessment and Control - certain combinations of modules on this course will make you eligible for membership of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.