Zoology is the study of animal life across all levels of organisation; from the evolution and adaptations of whole organisms to the activities of animal cells and the biochemical processes that maintain them.

The Biological Sciences (Zoology) BSc degree builds on the BSc Biological Sciences course and allows you focus increasingly on modules covering various aspects of animal biology and zoology. This includes evolution, animal behaviour and ecology.

 

We rank 5th for graduate employability in the Russell Group Universities. Our graduates work in diverse careers such as medicine, conservation, agriculture and more.

Zoology is the study of animal life across all levels of organisation; from the evolution and adaptations of whole organisms to the activities of animal cells and the biochemical processes that maintain them.

 

In recent years the development of new technologies has resulted in a particular emphasis on the study of the organisation and activities of animals at the cellular and molecular levels.

The modular structure of the Biological Sciences (Zoology) BSc  gives you the opportunity to follow your interests and curiosity as the course unfolds; by choosing your favourite modules in years 2 and 3, you can focus on a single area of biology, or sample content from animal behaviour to molecular biology.

 

Why Study this Course?

There are many reasons to study Biological Sciences (Zoology) BSc at Newcastle:

  • We rank 5th for graduate employability in the Russell Group Universities. Our graduates work in diverse careers such as medicine, conservation, agriculture and more.
  • In addition to the Zoology-focussed content, you will encounter a broad range of topics on our courses, ranging from studies on the three-dimensional structure of individual molecules through to the study of whole ecosystems. 
  • We increasingly incorporate new areas of science relating to biology, such as bioinformatics, and the School has major world leading facilities for research in genomics, structural biology and optical imaging.
  • Specialist field courses for those involved in the study of animals, plants and ecological aspects are also available. 
  • We pride ourselves in our ‘enquiry-based learning‘ strategy that will equip you with the skills to achieve full potential in your future career.

 

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Biological Sciences (Zoology) BSc (Hons)

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Single Honours

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U428

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 Year)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

First Year

  

In Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology you will study the diversity of animal species, and their adaptations, including complex behavioural strategies, reproductive and survival strategies and how these can be understood in the context of evolution. Along with all of the other students on the Biological Sciences programmes you will take other modules (listed below) designed to introduce you to all aspects of this broad subject discipline.

  

First year modules

Key First Year Module:

Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology- An overview of introduction from the pre-biotic era to Darwin and his impact. Natural selection, the origins of altruism and sexual reproduction, genetic determinants of evolution.

Personal and Academic Skills: Communication and Data Analysis

Personal and Academic Development

Fundamentals of Biochemistry – Fundamental biochemical processes taking place inside cells

Genetics I – Storage of genetic information, gene expression and regulation, mitosis and meiosis, gene linkage and chromosome mapping.

Introduction to Microbiology  – Broad introduction to microbiology with a focus on infectious disease, covering bacteria, fungi, protists, archaea and viruses

Cell Biology and Physiology – Tissues, organelles, reproduction and development.

Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences – This module provides a broad overview of the biology of our environment, including topics such as climate change, conservation, ecophysiology and cell biology of plants.

Widening Horizon Module (WHM) – allows you to explore content from other academic programmes of this university in the form of a stand-alone module. 

  

Second Year

The key second year module for zoologists is Animal Biology; this module takes an evolutionary and comparative approach to the study of animal behaviour and its underlying mechanistic control by the nervous system. You choose 4 other optional modules from the list below: Ecology, Cell and Developmental Biology and a field course, particularly Adaptations to Aquatic Environments, are good choices for a zoologist.

  

Second year modules

Key second year module:

Animal Biology – This module explores how the central nervous system translates sensory stimuli to behaviour. Topics include comparative neurobiology, biological timekeeping, sensory biology, learning and behaviour and others.

   

Core module taken by all second year students:

Molecular Biology and its Applications – Genetic analysis and gene cloning, DNA fingerprinting and forensics, genomics and computational approaches to genetics.

Communication and Skills in Biosciences – Science communication in videography, writing and speaking, ethics in science, analysis of the scientific literature.

  

Example optional modules may include:

Microbes and Man – The impact of microbes on humans, bacteria, fungi and viruses, common themes of infectious disease mechanisms.

Cell and Developmental Biology – Development of multicellular organisms, interaction between cells and the cellular matrix, regulation of stem cell function.

Genetics II – Organisation of genes and genomes, generation of genetic diversity, gene transmission and analysis of problems in transmission and molecular genetics.

Evolution of Humans and Other Animals – The primary aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of comparative animal biology in an evolutionary context.

Human Structure and Function – Human anatomy and how it relates to its function and evolutionary origin.

Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems – Core skills in ecosystem knowledge 

Plant Sciences: from Cells to the Environment – Plants interact flexibly with their environment. This module explores the cellular and molecular features facilitati ng such interactions, including interactions with parasites. The module introduces the model plant Arabidopsis, and you will design and test hypotheses in specific experiments

Field Course: Alpine and Glacial Ecology in Norway

Field Course: Adaptations to Aquatic Environments

 

 

Final Year

  

The final year is made up of a combination of taught modules and independent study. It is here that the link between the teaching and the research in the school is particularly important. The final year allows choice from a range of specialised topics in zoology, which are informed and inspired by the research being carried out in the school.

Central to the final year is the research project, which makes up one third of the credits earned in the final year. This allows you to join one of our many research groups, providing the fascinating opportunity to experience research first hand and to contribute to current research projects.

Project work is not limited to the laboratory; some students will do more ecology- or behaviour- based projects involving field work that may be in a UK zoo or further afield. 

 

Final year modules

Choose a research project and at least 2 final year modules from:

   

Cellular Neurobiology  – Neuronal function and neural development, synaptic function, transmitter receptors and ion channels.

Adaptation to changing environments – This ecology-oriented module examines behavioural, physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation to environmental stress. It examines animals’ mechanisms to respond to changes occurring on varying timescales and over diverse geographic areas

Living in Groups: Collective Behaviour in Animals – This module explores features and rules of group behaviour in animals. Introducing formal concepts such as Social Network Analysis, the module defines fundamental rules that govern collective behaviour, and how individuals partake in making and communicating decisions.

    

Example optional modules may include:

Cancer Biology – Regulation of cell division and aberrations in malignant tumours, genetic bases of tumourigenesis, programmed cell death.

Human Evolution – Genetics and genomics, development of bipedalism, development of society and how humans’ activity applies selective pressure on the evolution of HIV.

Molecular and Cellular Immunology – Evolution of the immune system, innate immunity, cell biology of immunity, structural basis of discrimination between self and non-self.

Biodiversity and Conservation Management – Examining the scientific basis of conservation, the threats facing biodiversity and how those threats are assessed, why population size is critical and how biodiversity is maintained either in nature or at a backup location.

Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems – Examining the scientific basis for conservation and its genetic foundation.

Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection – Evolution of bacterial virulence, antibiotics and antibiotics resistance, genomic data in analysing pathogenicity.

Evidence-Based Literature Review

Critical analysis: Developing a research proposal

Laboratory Project

Evolution of vertebrates

Advanced Topics in Animal Behaviour

Human Health + Disease

Research Methods in Microbiology

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Advances in the biosciences are having a profound impact on our daily lives in areas from human health to conservation. Biotechnology, biological pharmaceuticals, and personalised medicine are key growth areas in the health sector. Environmental remediation, climate change and related themes pose multi-faceted challenges for the coming decades. Expert knowledge in biology and the life sciences will be in high demand for the foreseeable future, with bright prospects for exciting and rewarding careers in research, teaching, industry, the NHS and the public sector.

A substantial part of our graduates choose to take a further degree, a postgraduate Masters or PhD. For many career paths, a further degree is an essential stepping-stone, including (but not limited to) careers in research. Our graduates are highly sought after by universities around the world, many stay in Newcastle and join one of our prestigious research groups. 

   

Careers Network

Careers Network, our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you.  Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.