Course summary

This is an extended undergraduate programme which allows you to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. The fourth year offers a unique opportunity to conduct an extended research project either in the laboratory or in the field. Reptiles and amphibians are increasingly appreciated as model organisms in many fields of zoology, as fascinating study subjects in their own right, and are the focus of growing conservation concern due to the alarming decline of many species. This means that we now require a new generation of trained professional scientists with specialised knowledge and skills relating to these animals in addition to a broad zoological background. This course combines traditional zoology with an emphasis upon amphibian and reptile biology and diversity and is delivered along with aspects of conservation management and practices. You will have the opportunity to undertake a herpetology field trip to Arizona at the beginning of the second year and join field activities in the North Wales countryside. We will provide you with a combination of a sound and broad zoological training that covers both pure and applied aspects of animal life, and specialist herpetological knowledge and skills. On this course we offer you a diverse range of laboratory and field zoology experience. Fieldwork is a very important aspect of this course and all our students enjoy them. On this course you will also gain a wealth of other transferable skills such as data analysis, group work, presentational skills, and IT skills. We are proudly a UK centre of research excellence in herpetology, with full-time faculty staff specialising in amphibians and reptiles. You will not only enjoy the modern facilities expected of a modern centre of animal biology but will also benefit from our location. We are very close to an exceptional range of natural habitats where we conduct field work. Field work is a very important component of this degree. Cutting-edge science is integral to our research programmes and feeds through into the teaching environment. Our expertise covers animal biogeography and evolution, population genetics, molecular ecology and wildlife conservation. You will be taught by leading international herpetological researchers in topics ranging from evolution, ecology, biomechanics and systematics to genomics, snakebite and venom evolution. ‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch. If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Zoology (with Foundation Year) C30F.