Zoology BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): C304; C305
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three years full-time or four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Brackenhurst Campus
Introduction:
Do you have a passion for the animal kingdom and a burning curiosity about the diverse creatures that inhabit our planet? This course will nurture your interests and provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to pursue a vast range of careers.
Studying on our idyllic Brackenhurst Campus, this highly practical degree is packed with field trips, laboratory work, interactive sessions and opportunities to ignite your passions. You won’t have to go far to apply your knowledge as Brackenhurst acts as an outdoor classroom. From hedgerows to woodlands, and ponds to freshwater streams, there is endless scope to learn and develop.
Zoology is a broad discipline that allows you to delve deeper into physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, animal behaviour and much more. It really is an undergraduate degree like no other. Share your enthusiasm with likeminded students and admire the passion that your lecturers have for the subject. The course is built to ensure you leave NTU with a widely recognised science degree. You won’t just graduate with a qualification; you’ll unlock opportunities to exciting careers in environmental consultancy, research laboratories, education, wildlife management, science communication and more.
-
You will be based at our Brackenhurst Campus, a stunning 200-hectare estate, with access to our modern Animal Unit, which houses over 250 animals from 70 species, as well as a range of modern laboratories to apply your knowledge. -
You will work with employers on Work-Like Experience modules and engage in field trips. Examples of previous locations include Rutland Water, Oxford Museum of Natural History, The Deep aquarium and Frampton Marshes. -
We're ranked 2nd in the UK for the number of year-long placement undergraduates studying Animal Science (HESA data 2021/22). -
We're ranked 3rd in the UK for the number of undergraduate students studying Animal Science (HESA data 2021/22).
Which course is right for you?
We offer three animal science degrees, each with a different focus:
- BSc (Hons) Zoology (this course) / BSc (Hons) Zoology (with foundation year) - covers a diverse range of invertebrate and vertebrate species in relation to their biology, evolution, taxonomy and identification.
- BSc (Hons) Animal Biology / BSc (Hons) Animal Biology (with foundation year) - focuses on managed domestic species such as companion, working and farm animals.
- BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology / BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology (with foundation year) - focuses on captive housed zoo animals and exotic species.
We also offer BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation / BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation (with foundation year).
What you’ll study
Studying Zoology at NTU guarantees a well-rounded science graduate. You will explore different groups of animals, classification, identification and taxonomy. With experts as teachers, you will also learn to manage and handle taxonomic data and apply your findings to the broader issues of conservation. You will become a force for change.
Your final year studying Zoology will allow you to take the reins to your own destiny. The course culminates in a dissertation: an independent research project that you choose, that reflects your interests. The modules have been carefully selected to enhance your career aspirations and ambitions.
Whatever your preferred route, you will have a plethora of opportunities to build connections within industry, apply your knowledge to the real world, and absorb expertise from your tutors who have a genuine interest in your future.
Here’s a detailed, year-by-year breakdown of the modules you’ll study:
Animal Behaviour
Study patterns of behaviour and the reasons why animals behave as they do in managed housing systems.
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 Physiology
Study the fundamental biological systems of animals, and how these work together to maintain homeostasis. Explore cell physiology, principles of anatomy and physiology and the physiological systems of a broad range of animal species
Pathogen Biology
Learn about the biology of the different microorganisms and common pathogens in animals. This module will mix practicals and theory to establish pathogen classification, structure and reproduction.
Principles of Ecology
Study the interaction of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in relation to the distribution of populations and communities within ecosystems.
Fundamentals of Taxonomy
Study the principles of taxonomy and evolution and develop the skills needed to identify extant animal species across a range of familiar and some unfamiliar taxa. You will also be introduced to ethical, legal and sustainability concepts relevant to zoology.
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.
Vertebrate Zoology
Explore, from an evolutionary perspective, the biology of a range of chordate and vertebrate taxa. You will analyse the factors that have driven evolution and extinction, and engage in discussion of the evolutionary processes, phylogeny and the science (including genetics) used to investigate these concepts.
Invertebrate Zoology
You will evaluate, through a series of lab and fieldtrip based practical exercises, the form and function of a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species and their adaptations to the environment. Investigate the effectiveness of these adaptations for survival and the mechanisms involved in their evolution and the phylogenetic tracing of this.
Biology of Host Parasite Relationships
Become immersed in the fascinating and sometimes gruesome world of parasites. Parasites have evolved diverse and complex mechanisms in order to successfully parasitise their hosts and to adapt to both the micro and macro habitats that they inhabit. Within this module you will investigate these relationships and explore the evolutionary processes that have led to them, alongside further development of classification and reflective skills.
Zoological Specimens and Collections
Through a range of non-residential field trips, develop your skills and knowledge relating to the sampling, identification and preservation of zoological specimens.
This is a placement year for students on the four-year course
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 zoology.
Zoology in the Field
You will attend a residential field course as a major part of this module. The module brings together the skills and knowledge gained throughout the course and supports you in applying these concepts and skills within the context of field work. You will further develop your ability to apply reflective practice, provide feedback, collaborate and think critically.
Animal Cognition and Behaviour
Apply zoological concepts studied during the first and second year (behaviour, physiology, genetics, evolution and phylogeny) to investigate contemporary issues within animal behaviour and cognition across a range of invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, including humans. Active collaborative learning will support you in developing your critical thinking, communication and feedback skills.
Zoology Applications and Advances
Integrate the knowledge and skills gained in earlier stages of the course and explore their applications within industry and research. Both well established and contemporary applications of the zoological sciences (e.g. genetics, physiology, taxonomy, ecology and behaviour) will be explored using a collaborative learning and solutions-based approach. Further develop essential graduate skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
You'll also choose one optional module:
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.
Aquatic Zoology
Discuss and evaluate a range of issues such as overfishing, climate change, and pollution, including current focuses on noise pollution, microplastics, agricultural runoff, and endocrine-disruptors. Learning is supported by fieldwork that allows students to engage with aquatic environments and the anthropogenic and community factors that influence them.
Video Gallery
How you’re taught
We understand that everyone learns differently so we have designed the course to accommodate your strengths. With a combination of interactive team-based learning, workshops, lectures, seminars, laboratory work and fieldwork on our rural campus, you’ll develop core skills to work with a variety of stakeholders in the professional world. Not only will you learn differently, but you’ll be also assessed differently too. We don’t stick to traditional methods; we keep our assessments relevant and up to date with the industry. From video-based assessments to the creation of posters, from field research notebooks to presentations, you will learn lifelong skills.
Our students love the interactive element of the course. You will regularly engage with others like yourself and be encouraged to express thought-provoking insights with your tutors. This course isn’t just about gaining knowledge, you will become an individual that understands and appreciates different perspectives.
As a student at Brackenhurst Campus, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including our laboratories and our Animal Unit, to complement your studies. Housing over 250 animals of more than 70 species, you’ll study a diverse range of animals, including reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals, large and small. A truly unique opportunity right on your doorstep.
Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.
Typically, your contact hours will break down as follows:
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 (23%), independent study (77%)
If you choose to complete a placement, you’ll take it between year 2 and year 3 of study.
How you’re assessed
Year 1 Coursework (50%), written exam (50%)
Year 2 Coursework (66%), written exam (17%), practical (17%)
Year 3 Coursework (67%), practical (33%)
Careers and employability
Your future career
A degree in zoology provides you with a widely recognised science qualification, in addition to a range of highly valuable transferable skills. It is common for students to continue their studies in a further degree or research.
Your potential areas for employment include:
- environmental consultancy
- government agencies
- research laboratories
- museums
- field science and conservation agencies
- data analysis
- science communications across a variety of media
- graduate schemes, particularly those directed at science graduates
- further study at MSc and/or PhD level
- research and academia.
Placement opportunities
We will support you to undertake work experience opportunities throughout your course. You can also take an optional placement year. We have links with zoos and safari parks, nature reserves, animal research organisations and conservation groups across the UK and internationally.
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 animals, reptiles, birds, fish and other small animals, as well as larger animals including donkeys, horses and goats.
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
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.
- Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level Biology grade C or equivalent.
Please note we also consider Biology modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.
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.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
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.
Please note we also consider Biology modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
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:
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:
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 some students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available both in paper format at the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library, and also in online access format.
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 2024 entry
Mode of study | International tuition fee |
Full-time | £17,150 |
Full-time with placement | £17,150 + £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 some students choose to purchase. Book costs vary between courses and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. A good supply of these essential text books are available both in paper format at the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library, and also in online access format.
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.
Please remember to include any information about 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.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.