Course summary

Zoology is a science dedicated to the study of animal life, and our degree provides a flexible range of modules covering the different elements from animal behaviour to cellular processes and physiology, and from taxonomy and the diversity of animal life to evolution. Experience a different culture and society whilst studying abroad and take part in our amazing field trips. You will learn from our world-leading academics who bring their expertise into your lectures, practical work and small group tutorials. This will help to develop your understanding of the living world and how this knowledge can be applied to help address global environmental issues. Practical work doesn’t just take place in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You will also have the opportunity to participate in one of our exciting field trips which include local excursions to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Bowland Fells, or residential trips to Doñana National Park in south west Spain, which is home to a plethora of plant, bird and animal species, including the world’s most endangered cat, the Iberian lynx. You can visit some of the UK’s last remaining natural habitats in rural Scotland, and witness a range of animals including red deer, osprey and golden eagles; or contribute to an expert-led study of the Rift Valley of Kenya, where you will evaluate the challenging balance between tropical conversation and human activity. In first year you will learn about the broad foundations of the subject with additional options to study either another area of biology or a subject from a different science. In Year two you will start to gain a deeper understanding of zoology at different levels as you begin to specialise in areas that interest you. Core modules include the study of evolution and vertebrate biology, and you will develop your research techniques in both the laboratory and the field. You will spend your third year studying at one of our overseas partnership universities building your global outlook and connectivity. In your final year you will take a core module in animal behaviour. You will complete your own research project either working with our internationally recognised academics or with an industry partner through our Enterprise and Business Partnerships team. Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner university that offers appropriate modules which contribute credit to your Lancaster degree. Occasionally places overseas may not be available for all students who want to study abroad or the place at the partner university may be withdrawn if core modules are unavailable. If you are not offered a place to study overseas, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent standard degree scheme and would complete your studies at Lancaster. Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of the year or term abroad.