Course summary

Our BSc (Hons) Zoology degree offers an interdisciplinary approach for studying the subject. You’ll cover a wide range of different issues and topics, examining the molecular biology, genetics and physiology of animals, while discovering the ways these areas have shaped animal evolution and behaviour and how systems biology brings together these areas. Whether you pursue areas like animal evolution and behaviour, movement physiology and ecology, the genetics of animal populations, or population biology of tropical animals, you’ll find a practical focus to your studies. You’ll learn a wide range of field, laboratory and analytical skills, which are not only vital for the study of zoology but will prove invaluable for your future career. And, while our laboratories and equipment are excellent, we know that there’s no substitute for learning in the field – so you may have the opportunity to take part in field courses and project work across Europe and in Africa. Our zoology degree also provides the option of spending an extra year expanding your horizons, either studying with one of our partner universities overseas, or working on a placement with a business, government agency or a charity. FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Develop practical skills in the laboratory and in the field – that could include fieldwork in the UK, across Europe or in Africa.

• You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying overseas in Europe, North America or Australia, or boosting your career prospects with a 9-12 month placement.

• With our strong industry links, you will have the opportunity to engage in projects with our partners, from the NHS to the RSPB.

• We are investing £115m to transform the way we teach and you learn in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Open from Autumn 2023, our new Dalton building will enhance collaboration between students, staff and industry and provide new and improved teaching spaces, including a 200-student capacity Superlab.

• Learn in high-specification laboratories which include specialist microbiology and molecular biology equipment, industry-standard microscopes and specialist facilities for studying animal behaviour and physiology, as well as controlled environment plant growth chambers and glasshouses, a well-equipped store for fieldtrips, and specialist computing facilities for GIS, behavioural tracking and more.

• Strong links to zoological, conservation and other animal organisations, including Chester Zoo, Kenya Wildlife Service and the RSPCA.

• We have embedded career preparation activities into each year of your course to help build your confidence to apply for your future graduate career.

• Manchester is on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park and within two hours’ drive of three other National Parks, making it an ideal location to study biology.