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Zoo Biology BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): C300 / C303
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time or four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This course represents a unique opportunity for you to study a wider range of species than those covered in traditional animal science degrees. Your learning will focus on the biology of exotic species, namely non-domestic and non-UK wildlife. Your lectures will cover major scientific principles, including anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, ecology and nutrition. You’ll apply these principles to the management and conservation of zoo species.
Which course is right for you?
We offer four animal science degrees, each with a different focus:
- BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology (this course) - focuses on captive housed zoo animals and exotic species.
- BSc (Hons) Animal Biology - focuses on managed domestic species such as companion, working and farm animals.
- BSc (Hons) Zoology - covers a diverse range of invertebrate and vertebrate species in relation to their biology, evolution, taxonomy and identification.
- FdSc Animal Science - is more vocational, with greater emphasis on practical and applied skills.
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You will have access to our modern on-campus Animal Unit which houses around 250 animals of 70 different species. -
We're ranked first in the UK for teaching quality in Animal Science courses. (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023) -
NTU is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). We are also a teaching provider for Species 360s’ animal record keeping system: Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). -
92% student satisfaction for BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology (SW) (National Student Survey, 2022).
What you’ll study
This course will give you a sound knowledge and understanding of animal biology, with a particular focus on zoo species.
Your lectures will cover major scientific principles, including:
- anatomy
- physiology
- behaviour
- genetics
- ecology
- nutrition.
You will learn to apply these principles to:
- welfare
- breeding
- conservation
- management.
You will focus on the biology of exotic animals, namely non-domestic and non-UK wildlife and apply this to all aspects of management and species conservation of both captive and non-captive populations.
Animal Physiology
Gain a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species.
Animal Husbandry
Learn how to successfully manage animal collections and develop practical handling skills across a range of species.
Animal Behaviour
Study patterns of behaviour and the reasons why animals behave as they do in managed housing systems.
Nutrition Principles
Learn the nutrition principles associated with nutrients’ classification, digestive systems in animals and the basics of animal metabolism.
Animal Reproduction and Genetics
Learn the underpinning principles of animal genetics and how these link with reproductive physiology. Practical sessions will investigate assisted reproductive technologies and how these increase an animal’s reproductive success in captivity.
Animal Health and Disease
Gain an understanding of the causes of disease, the function of the animal immune system and influences of management on animal health. Develop technical and analytical laboratory skills relevant to the animal industry and gain an understanding of how these techniques are utilised in animal disease investigation.
Animal Cognition and Training
Understand how animal cognition affects training. Develop training skills to enable you to apply different approaches to training animals and reducing behavioural problems.
Priorities for Modern Zoos
Understand the role of zoos in the contexts of in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Explore how education within zoos can contribute towards conservation.
Physiology of Behaviour
Explore the way in which animals behave in relation to their environment. Learn and understand key areas of mammalian physiology and pharmacology, and how this relates to behaviour.
Research Skills
Explore the principles of scientific investigation in relation to animal science. Topics covered include experimental design, data generation and collection, and data analysis. You'll also explore commonly used statistical packages.
Animal Nutritional Health
Investigate how nutrition affects animal health and understand diet formulation in a variety of species.
Zoo Conservation Genetics
Apply the theory of traditional population genetics with the practicalities of captive breeding. You'll look at the goal of retaining long-term evolutionary potential in endangered species.
- This is a placement year for students on the four-year course.
Zoo Biology Field Course
Evaluate the complexities and limitations of managing zoo species. Topics include behavioural management, advanced nutrition, enclosure design and management, and preventative health care. Learning takes place on a residential trip in a real-life zoo environment (aka Zoo Tour)!
Welfare Science
Evaluate methods of assessing and monitoring animal welfare, including physiological and behavioural indicators of good and poor welfare. You'll apply your knowledge to a variety of situations in various management systems and levels of confinement, and across a range of species.
Dissertation
You will undertake an independent research project. This is an opportunity to take an in-depth look at a subject of personal interest to you within the field of zoo biology.
Anthrozoology
Explore all facets of human-animal interaction, including implications on wild animal behaviour and conservation, the use of zoo animal ambassadors, human-animal relationships and the human-animal bond.
You'll also choose one optional module:
Adaptive Physiology
Study the physiological challenges presented by different environments and the adaptations that enable animals to overcome them.
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Study advanced topics in nutritional science. These include clinical nutrition, recent advances in the field, ethical and sustainability issues in nutritional provision for animals under human care, and research methods relevant to the nutritional sciences.
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures and practical sessions.
We have strong links with UK zoos and wildlife parks. Throughout the course, you’ll hear from external industry professionals through guest lectures and visits to a range of animal health, welfare and conservation organisations, zoological and wildlife parks, aquaria and breeding centres. Your assessment will be based on coursework and formal examinations.
"I adore my course. I’m so happy I chose this and not another. Between the lab work and the theory lessons we have, nothing is boring and there is always something to learn. The staff are great and always on point."
(BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology student review, Student Crowd)
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/ seminars/ workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 2 lectures/ seminars/ workshops (26%), independent study (74%)
- Year 3 lectures/ seminars/ workshops (20%), independent study (80%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (50%), written exam (33%), practical (17%)
- Year 2 coursework (50%), written exam (17%), practical (33%)
- Year 3 coursework (83%), written exam (17%)
Careers and employability
Your future career
Developed in conjunction with representatives from industry, the course is designed to maximise your potential in a broad range of animal-related careers.
These include various roles within zoos both in the UK and abroad, working in areas such as conservation education, research, and zookeeping.
Our graduates have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- London Zoo
- Department for Conservation for New Zealand
- Huntingdon Animal Research Life Sciences.
You could also progress on to postgraduate study.
Placement opportunities
You’ll also be encouraged and supported to gain important and relevant industry experience at appropriate organisations throughout the course.. Our students have previously been based at organisations such as welfare organisations or feed manufacturers.
Students have carried out placements at companies such as:
- Woburn Safari Park
- Bristol Zoo
- Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust: Paignton Zoo
- Dao Tien Endangered Primate Centre (Vietnam)
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey)
- UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve (South Africa).
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Animal Unit
During this course, your theoretical studies will be complemented by the use of our specialist Animal Unit. Housing over 250 animals and more than 70 species, you'll get the opportunity to study a diverse range of companion animals, reptiles, birds, fish and other small animals, as well as larger animals including donkeys, horses and goats. Qualified and experienced academic and technical staff provide expert tuition in animal handling, animal training, environmental enrichment and much more.
You'll also use our specialist cattle roundhouse that can be used for animal observations and to develop your handling skills of larger breeds.
Research
You’ll find a variety of equipment available at the Animal Unit to support your research project:
- A thermal camera
- Digital camcorders with specialist software
- Time lapse camera
- Mammal traps
- Digital video recording facilities in some animal rooms
Volunteering
Why not broaden your horizons and give something back by taking part in our Animal Unit’s successful volunteer programme?
The animal unit volunteer programme is an extra-curricular opportunity open to all students at Nottingham Trent University. You’ll get the chance to work closely with our qualified and skilled team of technicians on a variety of tasks such as maintenance, health checks, medical administration and behaviour management such as enrichment and training.
These sessions are recognised and verified by the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) to support your CV and boost your employability.
Entry requirements
- 104 - 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Access to Higher Education courses
If you’re aged 19+ and don’t have the qualifications to meet the entry criteria, you can study an Access to HE course right here at NTU. These one-year courses are designed specifically as an alternative route to university.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.
- GCSE English, Maths and Science grade C / 4.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons, waterproof trousers, coat and overalls for working on the animal unit.
Tuition fees for September 2023 entry
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £16,500 |
Full-time with placement | £16,500 + £1,850 (placement year) |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities, in the UK and abroad, may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other costs
All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons, waterproof trousers, coat and overalls for working on the animal unit.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement. Remember to mention any relevant work experience.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Advice on writing a good personal statement
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
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