Zoology

Unlock the secrets of the animal kingdom, learn how animals survive in the wild, and understand how important they are to the world’s ecosystems. Also available with a Foundation Year

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Key Facts

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Degree

BSc (Hons) Zoology

Degree Duration

3 years :

Full-time

4 years :

Full-time - with Foundation Year entry

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Start Dates

September

Degree Overview

From the smallest organisms, birds and primates, to biodiversity, aquatic biology, habitat management and the threat of climate change, on our BSc Zoology you’ll study a wide range of fascinating animals and how they interact with their environments. The course covers the evolution, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology of animals, along with how to care for and conserve them. You will gain an expert understanding of modern zoology in all its forms, from conservation management to paleoanthropology to molecular biology. With a strong emphasis on practical work, you will have plenty of opportunities to work in the field, both locally and overseas, to gain valuable skills for your career. You’ll learn core laboratory skills such as titration, pipetting, and how to design and carry out laboratory experiments such as addressing climate change or identifying biological or physiological traits of animals. You’ll learn to survey the environment, take measurements, collect samples, perform biochemical analysis in practical laboratory work, and interpret your data by creating reports and giving presentations on the results of your findings. You’ll complete a conservation biology practical on nearby Wimbledon Common, and go to Wales to explore various UK habitats, including river ecosystems, sand dunes, woodlands and rocky shores. This week-long trip will provide you with the perfect experience for work in habitat or conversation management as you gain field-based skills in ecology, animal behaviour and animal physiology. An optional and student-funded module, Conservation, People and Wildlife: South African Field Course, involves a two-week adventure to South Africa. You’ll learn directly from people living and working in conservation and related fields, and study South Africa’s wildlife including elephants, lions and rhinos. It’s a unique opportunity to get first-hand insight into the reality of conservation in Africa, and gain valuable experience of another culture and country. Across your years at Roehampton, you’ll develop an expert understanding of modern Zoology. In your first year, you’ll explore the diversity of life on our planet, learning about the evolution and biology of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, vertebrate physiology, cell and plant biology and basic biochemistry, and attend lectures, practical lab sessions and field trips. In year two, you’ll take specialist modules to expand your knowledge, and use our state-of-the-art equipment including microscopes, imaging software, flow-through cytometers for counting bacteria and DNA sequencing tools. In your third year, you’ll choose what to study from our wide list of modules, and complete your research project, tailoring your degree to your interests and aspirations.
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Important

Foundation Year Option:

This course is offered as a degree with foundation year –  a four-year programme which provides an additional foundation year at the beginning of the degree, that will give you academic and practical experience, as well as the skills you need to ensure you are equipped to successfully complete your chosen degree.

Find out more here about the Foundation Year at Roehampton 

Additional costs:

You may incur additional costs during your education at the University over and above tuition fees in an academic year such as laptops, Stationary and additional resources.

Study Reasons

Careers within Zoology include conservation management and consultancy, museum curating and researcher positions. Graduates develop transferable high-level skills in team work, organising and communicating complex information, and analysis and evaluation, making them suitable for a great range of careers inside and outside of Biology.

Many of our graduates also go onto specialise further at postgraduate study, and take up places on our MRes Primate Biology, Behaviour and Conservation and MbyRes Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour.

Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. They will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers. You’ll also have opportunities to work with our partners across London and beyond, and to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.