Zoology BSc

Program Overview

Through hands-on fieldwork and practical classes, students gain proficiency in key areas, including conservation, physiology, and evolutionary biology. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the program boasts experienced faculty, a research-intensive environment, and opportunities for international field courses, fostering exceptional career prospects in animal-related professions.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork and practical classes, taking advantage of the diverse habitats surrounding Aberystwyth, including coastlines, estuaries, woodlands, and hills. Students have the opportunity to learn field skills in tropical zoology, tropical ecology, and animal behavior, both locally and overseas in tropical rainforest environments like the Amazon basin or Costa Rica, depending on module choice. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Outline:

Year 1

• Core Modules:
• Cell Biology (BR17520): 20 credits
• Comparative Animal Physiology (BR16720): 20 credits
• Ecology and Conservation (BR19320): 20 credits
• Genetics, Evolution and Diversity (BR17120): 20 credits
• Microbial and Plant Diversity (BR19920): 20 credits
• Skills for Wildlife Scientists (BR15720): 20 credits

Year 2

• Core Modules:
• Invertebrate Zoology (BR25420): 20 credits
• Research Methods (BR27520): 20 credits
• Vertebrate Zoology (BR26820): 20 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Animal Behaviour (BR21620): 20 credits
• Behavioural Ecology (BR23920): 20 credits
• Evolution and Molecular Systematics (BR21720): 20 credits
• Freshwater Biology (BR22020): 20 credits
• Marine Biology (BR22620): 20 credits
• Tropical Zoology Field Course (BR23820): 20 credits
• Veterinary Health (BR27120): 20 credits
• Wildlife Management (BR27220): 20 credits

Year 3

• Core Modules:
• Research Project (BR36440): 40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Animal Behaviour Field Course (BR34920): 20 credits
• Behaviour and Welfare of Domesticated Animals (BR35120): 20 credits
• Behavioural Neurobiology (BR35320): 20 credits
• Global Biodiversity Conservation (BR33420): 20 credits
• Parasitology (BR33820): 20 credits
• Population and Community Ecology (BR33920): 20 credits
• Wildlife Conservation (BR34520): 20 credits

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Essays
• Exams
• Presentations
• Posters
• Portfolios
• Reports
• Practical exercises
• Data analysis

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and fieldwork.
• The majority of teaching staff in the Department of Life Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active.
• Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.
• The Department has a large number of research-only staff with whom students may have contact.

Careers:

Graduates from the BSc Zoology program have pursued a wide range of careers, including:

• Zookeepers
• Educators
• Conservationists
• Animal welfare professionals
• Researchers at the Natural Environment Research Council
• Veterinary Laboratory Agency staff
• Wildlife documentary producers
• Veterinarians (after further study)
The program equips students with a broad range of skills, including:
• In-depth understanding of zoology and related disciplines
• Field and laboratory techniques
• Hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Effective written and oral communication
• Ethical working practices
• Teamwork and independent work skills
• Time management, organization, and knowledge transfer

Other:

• Aberystwyth is located near several internationally recognized habitats, including UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, two RAMSAR wetlands, two marine special areas of conservation, two National Nature reserves, and several sites of special scientific interest.
• The program offers opportunities for students to gain work experience through the Careers Service, GO Wales, and the Year in Employment Scheme.
• Students have access to the extensive collection of zoological specimens housed within the university museum.
• Residential field courses are available to varied locations, including tropical rainforests.
• Students are assigned a personal tutor who provides academic and personal support.