Zoology

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Compulsory modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

• Professional and Research Skills for Biologists

  Develop key experimental design and data analysis skills necessary for your degree. You’ll learn how to identify and evidence your skills and experience to help you secure employment in the future.

• Animal Form and Function

  The module provides an integrated view of animal biology by showing how ecology shapes morphology, physiology and behaviour in different animals and across different environments, including marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Optional modules

Optional modules let you tailor the course to your interests. Please note, the availability of optional modules can vary each trimester. And some modules may require prior study (taking an earlier module, for example).

• Evolutionary Biology

  Explore the development of modern ideas in evolutionary biology, and their importance for understanding a variety of fundamental biological processes. You’ll study a range of different topics, including genetic techniques in evolution, phylogenetics, population process and natural selection in the wild.​

• Fish Ecology

  Develop a detailed understanding of fisheries science covering taxonomy, distribution, growth, mortality, population dynamics, feeding, reproduction, parasites and predation. The module is under-pinned by theoretical and practical exercises, allowing you to understand key fisheries assessment methods used globally.

• Behavioural Ecology

  Develop your understanding of why wild animals behave the way they do. You’ll study the proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour, and the interactions between animals and their environment.

• Conservation Biology

  In this module, you will begin by studying patterns of biodiversity and the characteristics of different ecosystems, and go on to explore patterns of biogeography. You’ll examine current threats to biodiversity and the characteristics, such as life-history, ecology and distribution that make some species more vulnerable than others.

• Aquatic Zoology

  Explore the major taxonomic groups in the marine environment, focussing on taxonomy, diagnostic characteristics and funky features. You’ll carry out practical observations of fish, squid, crustaceans, annelids and nematodes, and improve your skills in taxonomy and identification.​

• Geographical Information Systems

  ​The ability to visualise data and present it in the form of a map is an essential skill for many ecological job roles. This module is a practical course designed to develop your understanding of the principles and processes behind GIS, the nature and use of spatial data and the application of GIS in the ecological and environmental science sector. You’ll be given training in industry-standard software and carry out an independent project relevant to your degree course.​

• Genetic Analysis

  Takes a problem-based approach to understanding modern molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. You will become accustomed to modern methods of laboratory investigation, genetic data analysis and debate-current discoveries.

• Intertidal Systems

  Here we look at the temporal and spatial factors affecting composition and productivity of intertidal systems, and the sustainability of intertidal resources. Develop your field sampling and laboratory identification skills and apply them in an intertidal monitoring context.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

Your final year includes residential field studies, an optional placement in industry, and a research project which you can complete as a member of one of the faculty's research groups or at Hull's award-winning submarium, The Deep.

Optional modules

Core and compulsory modules are fundamental to achieving the learning outcomes for your course and must be studied.

• Sensory Physiology of Animals

  Discover the fascinating world of animal communication to learn how sensory systems control behaviour, and how this is applied to and affected by human activity, including climate change.

• Freshwater Fisheries and Conservation

  Develop an understanding of the status and importance of freshwater fisheries worldwide. You will learn how humans impact on freshwater fisheries, rehabilitation processes, conservation methods and legislative instruments all used to protect and develop fisheries.

• Biology in Education

  This exciting module enables you to conduct original research in a subject of your choosing within the broad area of Educational studies. You will plan, implement and report with guidance from a supervisor and through guided group tutorials.

• Field Studies

  ​Explore somewhere new and learn new field-based skills on one of our residential field trips (a financial contribution is required).  Destinations vary but recent students have selected from a dive-based trip in Malaysia, an exploration of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, Mediterranean ecology in Mallorca and UK ecology at Malham Tarn.  ​

• Independent Research Project

  You will have the unique opportunity to work on your own lab-based project alongside researchers. You'll have direct input into experimental design and will analyse your data before writing it up in a dissertation. For many students, this is the highlight of their degree, as it's a chance to show off their skills in a real-world environment.

• Concepts in Ecology

  Should we focus conservation of species based on their importance or their vulnerability? How much is a coral reef worth and is it more valuable than a mangrove? Why can’t we just stop things from going extinct? These kinds of questions are the foundation of this module. You'll consider how theoretical ecological concepts impact applied ecological processes such as conservation.

• Insect Biology

  Insects are among the most numerous, diverse and awesome creatures on the planet. An Aladdin's cave, bursting with weirdness, colour and intrigue. They are also among the most important animals - vital to ecosystems we depend on, but also wreaking terrible destruction. In a mix of lectures, workshops, practicals and fieldtrips, you will discover this amazing, crazy little world we’re lucky enough to study.

• Wildlife Management

  Study a range of key topics associated with the management of wildlife populations. You’ll explore topics such as sustainable harvesting, human-wildlife conflicts, wildlife disease, population management and decision making through case-studies such as tiger habitat conservation and the management of upland forests and roe deer populations.​

• Sex and Social Behaviour

  Evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology are taken to the next level in this module. You'll develop a deeper understanding of fascinating topics such as the evolution of sex, cryptic female choice, sperm competition, sexual conflict, parental care, brood parasitism, co-operative breeding and much more.

• Extinction

  Investigate and discuss questions on prehistoric, historical and contemporary extinctions, from genetic, evolutionary, ecological, paleoecological, geographical and geological perspectives.

• Practical Conservation

  Work in partnership with local environmentally orientated organisations to help further their objectives. You'll learn about the day-to-day practicalities of species and habitat management, population surveys, public engagement and promoting sustainable use of environmental resources.

• Structured Research Project

  Undertake a collaborative research project, working with a team of other students to investigate research questions relevant to your degree. Projects have included DNA barcoding of biodiversity, sensory physiology and animal responses to ocean acidification, and pollution monitoring of the Humber Estuary.