BSc (Hons) Zoology

This module will give an overview of the world’s major biomes and, using case studies from around the globe, will explore the principal factors that drive the distribution of species and communities and the way wildlife adapts to these factors. Moreover, the module will provide you with a sound understanding of how the application of biogeographic principles can aid conservation planning.

This module focuses on the basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms: the formation, properties and importance of bio-organic molecules, the diverse nature of micro-organisms and their structure, function and importance.

This module will help you develop practical laboratory skills employed in biological laboratory practice and relevant to cell, organismal, micro and molecular biology, which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work.

In the first trimester, this module provides a systems-led approach to understand basic concepts of genetics. In the second trimester, this approach is extended to understand basic concepts of ecosystems. 

Life arose on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago. Today, Earth hosts an extraordinary diversity of organisms, with recent study estimating that there are between 2 and 20 million eukaryote species alive today (the vast majority of which have still not been identified and described by scientists). However, this is a small fraction of all the species that have ever lived, over 99.9% of which are extinct. This module will give you an overview of this remarkable biodiversity, focusing on the major groups of marine and terrestrial organisms, their characteristics, their diversity, and their evolutionary relationships.

In this module, you will learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and will develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year one and beyond. You will also gain an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective writing, data handling, calculation and numerical skills.  

This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive lecture programme and directed reading, enabling you to gain knowledge and understanding of: the range of infectious diseases that impact on humans; the basic biology and life cycles of protozoa and helminths of medical importance; vectors that transmit infectious agents and the internal and external factors that affect transmission of infectious diseases.

The aim of this module is to show you how to learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement and to develop your practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during the rest of the course and beyond.

The aim of this module is to develop the skills of students in data handling, data analysis and quantitative methods across a broad area within the Biological Sciences, with relevance for transferrable workplace skills and future employability. There will be a focus on developing skills with the statistical programming language R, which is becoming an industry standard and skill often sought by employers. 

Physiology is the science of life. During the Systems Physiology module, you will explore the function of each major organ system. You will discover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underly this function and how organ systems are integrated and regulated to maintain homeostasis while allowing the body to adapt to changing metabolic and environmental demands. Laboratory classes use cutting-edge equipment that allows you to see "physiology in action" and develop competence in the techniques used by physiologists to advance the field.

You will study the fundamental principles of population and community ecology, including the impact that factors such as competition, predation and parasitism may have on population size and community structure. This module also has a residential field course where students put theory into practice and conduct their own ecological studies.

This module provides a structured approach to evolution and covers the evolution of animal body plans with a focus on vertebrates as well as covering the mechanisms that drive evolution.

In this module, you will learn about the structure, functioning and ecology of marine ecosystems, and the natural and anthropogenic factors influencing marine biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The module provides you with the opportunity to engage in actual data collection and data analysis during a residential course (compulsory to the module). You will also explore key concepts in marine ecology, including species interactions, ecosystem functioning, environmental change, and ecological monitoring techniques. The module encourages you to adopt an investigative approach to ecological studies through field-based surveys, data interpretation, and critical evaluation of marine ecological issues.

This module focuses on the principles of wildlife ecology and animal behaviour with particular reference to mammal and bird species. It also introduces scientific methods in the study of ecology and behaviour.

This module aims to provide you with knowledge of the structure and evolution of primate societies. You will look at the Primate Order, its distribution, and the conservation priorities for primate species. You will gain an understanding of the ecological and demographic processes that underlie different types of social systems and an insight into the way in which evolutionary ecological, genetic, and physiological analyses can facilitate this understanding.

This module looks at the importance of human and animal parasites, in relation to medical, veterinary or wildlife aspects, life-cycle biology, host response and the principles of parasite epidemiology and transmission. You will also study strategies for parasite detection, diagnosis and control. The module includes extended practical classes based on material collected in the field. 

This module looks at the maintenance and transmission of infectious diseases of veterinary or zoonotic interest. Particular interest is focused on the role of wildlife species in the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases. The role of arthropod-vectors in transmitting infections, and how this influences the ecology of such infections, is also studied.

This dissertation module allows you to develop independent research skills, including both data collection/generation (for example, via lab-based research or fieldwork) and analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. You will also develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability. 

This dissertation module allows you to develop independent research skills, including data analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. You will learn about science communication and the variety of methods in which science can be disseminated and communicated, and then put these methods into practice. You will also develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability.