Zoology
BSc (C300) & MBiolSci (C109)
Zoology is the study of animals from their genes and behaviour to their
role in ecosystems and their interactions with each other, pathogens,
plants and microbes. Zoology addresses such questions as:
• Are animal populations controlled by disease, predation or
competition?
• How do genes and physiology determine the ability of animals to adapt
to extreme environments?
• Why are there so many more insects than mammals?
• What are the most e!ective strategies for conserving threatened
animal species?
Taking animals as the focus, the Zoology (BSc or MBiolSci) degree
explores genetics, behaviour, population ecology, and evolution.
Understanding these is key to understanding how animal distribution
and abundance responds to both human-induced and natural
environmental change. Underpinning the Zoology course is a strong
evolutionary theme and an emphasis on the importance of advances in
genetics and DNA technology for our understanding of the biology of
animals at every level from physiology and behaviour to ecology and
conservation.
During the first two years of the course, some modules may be selected
from those run by the other two biology departments (Molecular Biology
& Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences), providing opportunities to
gain access to an exceptional breadth of expertise in most of the major
areas of modern biology, including human biology, genetics and
biochemistry. You will participate in the exciting ongoing developments
in zoology and gain an excellent range of modern zoological skills and
knowledge.
Why Zoology at She!eld?
The Department of Animal & Plant Sciences is an internationally
recognised centre of excellence in teaching and research in zoology, with
specialists in mating systems and evolution, community ecology,
molecular ecology, and e!ects of environmental pollution and global
change on animals. Our expertise includes genetic and cellular aspects of
animal biology through to ecosystem function and conservation biology,
and encompasses both field and laboratory approaches.
Our teaching is linked to our research expertise, and taught by experts
on a wide range of animals from crustaceans and insects, through to fish,
birds and mammals. The department has outstanding modern facilities
for studying terrestrial insects, birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates and
has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for analysis of biological
materials and molecular genetics.
Zoology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Core modules:
Core modules:
Core modules:
Comparative Physiology
Reproduction, Development and Growth
Evolution
Biodiversity
Population and Community Ecology 1
Behaviour of Humans and Other Animals
Genes, Cells and Populations
Practical Skills in Biology 1 & 2
Skills for Biologists
Animal Diversity
Population and Community Ecology 2
Data Analysis
Zoology Practicals (options include:
Animal Diversity, Insect Biology, Biology
Project, Ecological Interactions)
Zoology Tutorials
Research Project
Undergraduate Ambassador Scheme or
Dissertation
Options including:
Ecosystems and Environmental Change
Options including:
Animal Behaviour
Insects
Evolutionary Biology
World Ecosystems
Symbiosis
Conservation Principles
Modules from Biomedical Science and
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or from
elsewhere in the University (eg: modern
languages, geography, chemistry,
Modules from Biomedical Science,
psychology).
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, or
from elsewhere in the University.
Options including:
Life in Extreme Environments
Global Change
Trends in Biology
Conservation Issues and Management
Biology and Ethics
History & Philosophy of Science
Evolutionary Ecology
Conflict and Cooperation
Topics in Evolutionary Genetics
Field course (UK, Portugal, Borneo, or
Sweden)
Why should I choose Zoology?
If your interests in biology are particularly focused on animals and the
processes that drive animal evolution, functioning and diversity, then Zoology is
the obvious choice. Because principles of biology have much in common across
plant, animal, fungal and microbial systems, you will gain a good understanding
of current ideas in biology, while having the opportunity to study those ideas in
depth with animals, and consider the key things that make animals unique.
What does the Zoology MBiolSci involve?
The 4 year MBiolSci is designed for students who wish to gain a more in depth
experience of research. Years 1 to 3 are the same as the BSc but year 4 is devoted
to an extensive individual research project and advanced courses in research
and communication skills (full details are provided on a separate sheet).
Examples of recent Level 4 research projects in Zoology include: Recombination
rates and chromosomal rearrangement in the zebra finch, Heritability and lifehistory trade-o!s in resistance to parasites, How do cuckoo bumblebees survive in
their hosts’ nests? Resistance to insecticides and its associated fitness costs in bed
bugs.
What can I do with a Zoology degree?
Zoology graduates have a wide array of employment opportunities. These include
positions in local, national and international industries, addressing issues that
range from conservation and management of natural resources through to
medical, veterinary or agricultural research. Opportunities also exist in research
and education at universities and research institutes. Zoology also provides
training in transferable skills, such as data analysis, project planning, critical
thinking and written and spoken communication, which are useful in whatever
career direction you choose.
“The course is varied and challenging, covering all major aspects of biology, with modules
giving you the choice to investigate the areas you enjoy most in more depth.”
(Level 3 Zoology BSc)