2024/25 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Zoology

Total credits: 360

Entry requirements:

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

Biological Sciences Undergraduate School

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Biosciences

Programme specification:

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme in 2023/2024 or before. For students entering the programme from September 2024 or after, you can find the details of your programme:

BSc Zoology(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Zoology is the scientific study of the animal kingdom. It encompasses the molecular building blocks of life up to the way that animals behave and interact with their environment. Zoologists understand the diversity of animal forms, and the ways that they function. Professional Zoologists may apply their specialist knowledge in a variety of fields including nature conservation, animal production or scientific research.
On the Zoology programme you will study everything from animal cell biology, physiology and behaviour, how animals are shaped by evolutionary forces and how animal populations and communities function. With opportunities for intensive field study during every year of the programme, field courses will build on your practical lab and experimental design skills. In your final year, you will be tasked with completing your own fully independent research project. Throughout the programme, you will develop team-working, independent-working, problem-solving and communication skills, all of which are in demand by employers.
This 3 year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and to carry out your own extended research project.

Year 1
The first year of Zoology provides a solid basis for the programme. Six core modules cover cell biology, biodiversity, evolution and practical and research skills to ensure you have an understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin zoology. You will use multi-disciplinary approaches ranging from genetics to whole-organism biology and ecological surveys. You will also be able to broaden your zoology perspectives by choosing three optional modules, such as vertebrate evolution, applied biology, immunology and the biology of the mind.
For the Zoology students intensively study terrestrial field zoology at the scale of the individual organism, to the population and whole ecosystem.
By the end of year 1, you will understand the structure and functioning of life on earth and will be able to demonstrate a wide range of practical and research skills in the lab and in the field. https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/flexible-degrees-1

Year 2
The year starts with the Year 2 compulsory residential field course in marine zoology, based on a rocky shore along the UK coast. You will gain hands-on experience of marine organisms and their habitats, expanding your knowledge of animal behaviour, animal development, evolution and adaptation while further developing research skills in the lab and the field.
Your practical, experimental and analytical skills will be developed as you specialise in the core topics of zoology, including adaptation, animal behaviour, and physiology, with options to choose up to four modules covering genetics, parasitology and ecology. This includes an optional non-residential field course in urban ecology where you will evaluate the structure and function of biodiversity in Leeds and develop ideas on how to make cities more ecologically sustainable.
By the end of year 2, you will appreciate the diversity of disciplines within zoology and be able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of core topics. You will also be prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake your research project in your final year. At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to choose an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Year 3
You will complete a compulsory advanced module on animal behaviour and can choose four to six modules at the cutting edge of their discipline on subjects including genetics, evolution, ecology and conservation science. The optional field course to South Africa involves a 2-week programme of lectures, seminars and extensive fieldwork to complete a short research project on the ecology of a semi-arid landscape.
Your third year will have a strong focus on independent research, with your research project running across semesters 1 and 2. This is your opportunity to undertake zoological research on the topic of your choice, under the supervision and guidance of an experienced researcher.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Students will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:

Discovery modules:

Students may choose to study 10 credits of discovery modules as part of optional module selection.

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

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Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 40 credits from the following optional modules:

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Discovery modules:

Students may select up to 10 credits of discovery modules.

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Year3 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.

Compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study at least 50 credits of the following optional modules:

Discovery modules:

Candidates can study up to 10 credits of discovery modules:

Last updated: 16/10/2024 10:52:49

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