Zoology

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Introduction to Biological Sciences 1

This module covers basic knowledge on cells and biological molecules and how they are connected to the function of major organ systems in animals, plants and humans. The main topics are cell structure, exchange and transport, the genetic code, microbiology and energy processes.

Introduction to Data Analysis

You'll be introduced to different ways of analysing qualitative and quantitative data, learn how to code qualitative data and use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse quantitative data.

Group Challenge (Sciences)

In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.

Introduction to Biological Sciences 2

Explore a range of biological topics relating to whole organism biology, diversity and adaptations. Through lectures, workshops and practical sessions you will delve in to the world of classification and identification, natural selection and evolution, food security, population biology, environmental monitoring and human impacts.

Foundation Maths Skills

This module delivers core mathematics skills at level two and three to give a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: manipulation of numerical data and converting between different units of measurement; exponentials and logarithms; and standard form and problems involving ratio, proportion and percentages.

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Cells and Organelles

Explore the fascinating inner workings of cells, giving you a foundation in areas such as cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. 

Diversity of Life

​Through practical workshops, this module introduces you to the diversity of life and the fascinating adaptations that enable organisms to inhabit nearly all conceivable ecological niches.

Marine Biology: An Introduction

From space, the planet is blue. Marine life has evolved into a myriad of forms living in some of the most extreme habitats on the planet; from great depths to battered coasts. This introduction to marine biology explores the marine environment, the diversity of life within it and how to conserve it.

Evolution

Why did sex evolve? Why do we die? What is a species? How can evolutionary medicine help us? This module will provide you with an understanding of how life on earth came to be what it is, from genes to species. Without evolution, nothing in Biology makes sense.

Ecology (with optional Dive Training)

Ecology is the study of interactions among living organisms and their environment, and is the basis for nature conservation and understanding human impact on the planet. Gain an understanding of ecological theory, applied ecology, and the collection and analysis of ecological data. You can choose to complete integrated PADI Advanced Open Water training, with an opportunity to develop specialist diving skills relevant to ecological science.

Molecular Biology and Genetics

DNA holds the secrets to life itself. Find out how key information is stored within the genes and the processes by which cells decode and interpret this genetic information to bring about essential cellular functions. In this module, you will discover how genetic information is inherited and what happens when things go wrong. Explore how molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques allow us to uncover why genetic changes can lead to human disease and can potentially offer opportunities to diagnose and even treat them. 

Environmental Problems and Solutions

Discover the fundamental principles of environmental systems and the interconnectedness of humankind with the environment.

Vertebrate Zoology

This module provides an integrated view of vertebrate biology by showing how changes over time and geography drive morphology, physiology, behaviour, and ecology in different vertebrates. Structure-function relationships are presented to appreciate how different animals evolve similar solutions and adaptations to the same ecological challenge while closely-related animals diversify in response to different environmental challenges.

Animal Behaviour

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.

Genetic Analysis

You'll take a  problem-based approach to understanding modern molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. 

Principles of Conservation

Have we entered a new era of mass extinctions? Examine current threats to biodiversity and the characteristics that make some species more vulnerable than others. Learn to use scientific evidence to support biological conservation strategies.

Geographical Information Systems

Develop your understanding of the principles and processes behind GIS, the nature and use of spatial data and the application of GIS on this practical module.

Cellular Regulation and Biotechnology

This module will explore the inner workings of the cell, and how our understanding of cell biology can be used in biotechnology. We will consider a range of human, animal, microbial and plant based signalling systems, as well as core techniques. 50% of the module will be based around a lab based project using fluorescent reporter proteins (e.g. GFP). The module will also support you in reading and critically evaluating research papers.

Molecular Evolution and Genomics

What was the last common ancestor of all living organisms? What is all this junk doing in your genome and why is it there? How does speciation really occur? How does evolution shape disease, pathogens and parasites? How does evolution rapidly change animal body shape? We will learn about these questions and many more using knowledge from modern genomics and “big biology”.

Ecological Monitoring

Linking theory to practice, this module looks at how we monitor our natural world in the context of conservation and environmental objectives set by governments or conservation organisations. You'll learn industry standard protocols, interpreting and communicating the findings to inform conservation practice or ensure environmental regulations are met.

Marine Interactions

This module will explore the interactions between marine species, from individual species to marine communities. We will look at individual adaptations, the interactions that structure communities and how species live together.

Fish Ecology

This module is for zoologists who are interested in fish, both in the marine and freshwater environment (as many freshwater species utilise coastal and marine environments in their life cycle), due to their importance in aquatic food webs, ensuring balanced ecosystems and also providing worldwide food security and sustainable communities. This module will focus on their ecology through the lens of population biology, physiology, evolution and interactions with humanity. Practical sessions will expose you to standard modelling and meta-analysis techniques providing you with essential employability skills in the marine sector.

Biological Sciences Year Abroad

Spend a year studying abroad at an approved non-UK university! Living and working internationally will show you university life, and life in the UK, from a brand-new perspective. You will gain independence, experience new ways of studying, and gain an awareness of how different cultures engage with the life sciences; and that’s before we get to the entirely new ecosystems you might get to explore. No matter where you go, all classes are taught in English, but don’t let that stop you from learning a second language while you’re away!

Final Year Projects

Show off what you have learned across your degree! Undertake traditional research-based projects with experts in subjects like climate change, or try something a bit different like creating a documentary on shark attacks. Whatever you choose, it will be something that takes pride of place on your CV. 

STEM Education Projects

On this module you will gain valuable experience in the professional environment of education via placements at local schools, colleges or other educational organisations. You will be a role model for science in the classroom and at the same time train your communication and collaborative skills. You will also develop and deliver an Educational Activity as part of your placement on a topic of your choice.

This module will give you valuable teaching experience if you decide to go into postgraduate teacher training, but also if you plan to work in the conservation sector, educating the public in their perception of the natural world.

Bacterial Genome Sequencing

Prepare DNA from microorganisms, carry genome sequencing, assemble the sequencing reads into a bacterial genome, detect and catalogue the antibiotic resistance genes present and understand the biological importance of this knowledge. You'll be immersed in intensive hands-on laboratory work that will develop excellent employability skills.

Invertebrate Zoology

Invertebrates are among the most diverse and awesome creatures on the planet, bursting with weirdness, colour and intrigue. They are also among the most important animals - vital to ecosystems we depend on for survival. On this module you'll meet world-leading experts in their fields and have the chance to get hands-on with live invertebrates (where possible) in practical sessions and field trips.

Saving our Seas / Saving our Planet

Earth’s natural systems are under unprecedented threat. Complex global challenges such as climate change and food security threaten our ecosystems and wildlife. But what can we do about it and how do we reverse the damage?

This module aims to nurture a generation of graduates with the capacity to answer these questions. Using real world examples tailored to your programme of study, we will analyse conservation and management strategies in place to deal with the numerous threats to our natural world (focusing on marine or terrestrial ecosystems depending on your course).

You will gain experience of producing “real-world” conservation evidence documents that influence how our environment is managed and conserved and develop the social science and interpersonal skills essential for many environmentally-focused careers.

Field Studies (Biology)

Recent students have selected from destinations including a dive-based trip in Malaysia and an exploration of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil (financial contribution required).

Sex and Social Behaviour

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.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring

In the marine and environmental sciences, Environmental Impact Assessment is a core skill that features in a large proportion of advertised job specifications and forms the basis of many jobs in environmental consultancy.

The module engages strongly with industry and practitioners and is taught by staff who have worked closely with developers and regulators in support of EIA preparation and submission. The module uses real-world case studies to illustrate the EIA process and enables the students to carry out their own impact assessment exercise and write it up in the style of a report that would be submitted as part of a wider EIA.

Red Listing Conservation Project

The IUCN Red List is the “world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species”. In this module, you will learn how to undertake Red List assessments of species, determining their vulnerability against the Red List criteria, and could gain an official IUCN endorsement of your abilities. You’ll then apply your knowledge to undertake a desk-based research project to explore extinction risk, threats and conservation of a species group, habitat or geographical region that interests you.

Deep Dives and Big Conversations in Bioscience

This is a module to enrich your final year exposing you to cutting-edge ideas and concepts across the diversity of biological disciplines. This inspirational module aims to allow you to choose a topic to explore in depth, as well as the best way to communicate it to a target audience. For example, recent Science communication projects developed within the University have included immersive VR experiences to communicate flood risks, physics themed escape rooms, lessons developed in Minecraft, citizen science projects, science buskers, as a well as more traditional approaches such as demonstration lectures, radio slots and written outputs. Effective communication will enhance your employability by preparing you for careers in academia, industry, or science policy, and hopefully you will have some fun along the way.

Professional Consultancy Project

Carry out an independent project with an organisation as you gain a workplace experience. If you like the idea of working as a consultant, this would be an ideal choice, and you will also learn more about the organisation hosting you, which could be a company, local authority, charity or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The module provides an opportunity to hone your skills at presenting yourself to secure a placement, negotiating a project topic, and carrying out and writing up research.