Course details
A Levels AAA-AAB Other entry requirementsUCAS code C300
Duration 3 years
Fees and additional costs Home/EU students International students
Related subjects Biology Ecology Zoology
Any questions?
Admissions Secretary - Zoology
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone +44 114 222 0123
Email apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Website sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/undergraduate/courses/zoology
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Top 5 for biological research
Research Excellence Framework 2014
7th in the UK for biological sciences
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019
Course description
This course spans microbes, invertebrates, birds, fish, humans and other mammals: how they evolved, how they behave, and how they respond to global change. You'll cover three main themes at Sheffield: animal behaviour, conservation and animal ecology - how animals interact with their environment and each other, evolutionary biology - how animals adapt to their environment, and comparative physiology - the functional characteristics of animals.
All of our students study an essential set of core modules designed to give you the skills that every professional zoologist needs. You'll choose from optional modules that span ecology and conservation biology and plant sciences. You can mix and match these modules, covering physiology, genetics and speciation to behaviour, food-webs, biodiversity and conservation, underpinned by the latest research discoveries from our experts.
In your first year, you'll spend your first week on a field course in Sheffield, collecting and analysing data throughout the city's green spaces and out to the edge of the Peak District. Throughout the year you'll develop practical skills in the lab, including microscopy and genetics, complemented by regular field trips to zoos, aquariums and nature reserves. You'll also have lectures and take part in small group tutorials where you'll enhance your writing, data analysis and presentation skills as you learn about the latest research findings from our world-leading academics.
In your second year, your modules will cover more advanced scientific topics and techniques across zoology. Some students choose to take our science communication module 'Talking the Talk: Getting Science on Film' where you'll get the chance to make factual science documentaries, with support and advice from professional filmmakers. All of our zoology students receive training in modern data analysis techniques and get the opportunity to go on an optional two-week long field course between second and third year, giving you the chance to design and carry out research and develop an understanding of the ecology and biodiversity of different habitats across the globe.
In your third year, you'll complete a research project and dissertation in an area of zoology that interests you alongside your chosen specialist modules. Conducted under the supervision of one of our world experts, you'll work in a small group to define questions, develop experimental protocols, conduct the research, analyse the data and ultimately produce a written report in the form of a scientific publication.
If you want to study zoology, but don't meet the entry requirements to go straight into the first year, our Biosciences with Foundation Year could be for you. After successfully completing the one-year programme, you'll progress onto the first year of your chosen degree.
Financial help from the University - bursaries
If you're a UK student, you could be entitled to a University bursary. A bursary is the same as a grant - you don't have to pay it back.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | AAA - AAB, including Biology and a second science |
| A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB-ABB, including two sciences + B in the EPQ; AAB-ABB, including two sciences + B in Core Maths |
| International Baccalaureate | 36-34, 6 in Higher Level Biology and a second science |
| BTEC | DD in Applied Science (with Distinctions in all biology units if not offered at A Level) + A in an A Level science |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3 D3 D3 - D3 D3 M2, including Biology and a second science |
| Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAABB, including a second science subject + B in Biology |
| Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A+AA - B+AA in Biology and a second science |
| Access to HE | Entry requirements for mature students |
| Other qualifications |
Other UK qualifications
Other EU/international qualifications |
Other requirements
|
|
| If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department | |
Modules - what you study and when
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department direct.
Course information on Department of Animal and Plant Sciences website
First year
Core modules:
| Skills for Biologists 1 | |
| Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development | |
| Biodiversity | |
| Evolution | |
| Genes in Populations | |
| Molecular and Cell Biology | |
Optional modules:
| Animal Behaviour | |
| Ecological identification skills | |
| Ecosystems, Climate and Environmental Change | |
| Plant Physiology, Reproduction and Development | |
| Population and Community Ecology 1 | |
Second year
Core modules:
| Animal Diversity | |
| Animal Diversity Practicals | |
| Animal and Plant Science Tutorials | |
| Careers for Biologists | |
| Data Analysis | |
Optional modules:
Third year
Core modules:
| Research Project | |
| Dissertation | |
| Topics in Modern Zoology | |
Optional modules:
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers.
In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
These figures give an indication of how you'll learn and be assessed. They're a combined average of all the years of the course. The learning and assessment percentages could vary depending on the modules you choose.
| Learning | |
| Scheduled teaching | 19% |
| Independent study | 81% |
| Placement | 0% |
|
Assessment |
|
| Exams/tests | 60% |
| Coursework | 36% |
| Practical | 4% |
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
The Times Good University Guide 2019 puts Sheffield in the UK top 10 for biosciences. We think this means we're doing something right.
We combine lectures with small group tutorials. You'll also take part in cutting-edge field and lab research, giving you an exceptional breadth of experience. We're a close knit community where every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work. Our staff are world leaders in their fields and much of what we teach is based on our own world-leading research.
Our state-of-the-art facilities include controlled environment chambers that simulate natural climates around the world. We also have experimental gardens and glasshouses, artificial stream and pond systems, leading equipment for DNA analysis, biomolecular and elemental analyses, and extensive computing resources.
What our graduates do
Wherever you choose to start your career, you'll be in demand. Each year our graduates join conservation and environmental consultancies, wildlife trusts, museums, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and local, national and international government. They use their transferable skills - in data analysis, project management and teamwork - and their specialist knowledge and skills to thrive in a range of organisations.
Here are some examples of what graduates in each area are doing now:
Biology
Our graduates work in business, IT, consulting, sustainability, museums, banking, agriculture and health. They also work in biodiversity conservation for local and national governments, charities, wildlife trusts and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Many go on to do PhDs.
Ecology and conservation
Ecology graduates are well qualified for careers in government, charity and industry sectors that focus on environmental management and consulting, sustainable forestry, agriculture and conservation. You could go into research, education, journalism, finance, law or a technical profession. Many of our MBiolSci students go on to PhDs.
Plant sciences
Our graduates have an understanding of ideas and techniques that are in demand, particularly in agriculture, biotechnology, crop protection, environmental management and climate change mitigation.
There are excellent career opportunities in government, academic and industrial research institutes focused on science and policy, as well as in teaching and consulting. Plant scientists are also needed in biotechnology companies and administration, including areas that require scientific training, such as computing, research and management skills.
Zoology
Our students graduate with a deep knowledge of zoology as well as core transferable skills in data analysis, presentation and writing. They're well equipped for positions in environmental consulting, wildlife trusts, and international conservation organisations. Some choose to work in business, IT and consulting linked to sustainability, museums, banking, agriculture and health. Many go on to do PhDs.
Student profile
"One of the big assets of coming to Sheffield was the field courses on offer...being able to come out to the Peak District regularly with my tutor or my lecturer, or going on field courses further afield, even internationally. I'm now an environmental photojournalist."
Ben Cherry
Animal and Plant Sciences
"I've loved being able to get involved with real research in my third year and fourth year projects. We've investigated the impacts of forest fragmentation and logging on biodiversity in the tropics. It's exciting to find out new information from your data, and all the highs and lows that come with carrying out the project make it a very gratifying experience."
Cindy Cosset
Animal and Plant Sciences
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply:
How to apply >When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
ucas.com >Contact us
Admissions Secretary - Zoology
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone
+44 114 222 0123
Email
apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Book your place
>
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Find out more and book a place online
>