Zoology BSc

Core modules:

Experimental Skills for Bioscientists

This core module is designed to give you the essential practical skills you'll need for a successful career in scientific research. Throughout this module, you'll build a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, data handling, and scientific methodology.

In Semester 1 you'll learn fundamental lab skills, such as pipetting, microscopy, and performing basic mathematical calculations. You'll also learn to use analytical software to collect and process data.

In Semester 2 you'll work with your coursemates on group projects that allow you to develop your own hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and present your findings in the form of clear and concise lab reports.

This module will train you in the core competencies you'll need to perform experiments and communicate scientific research effectively.

20 credits

Professional Skills for Bioscientists

This module is built around a team-based project focussing on identifying and communicating a real-world bioscience problem.

Your team will pick one issue from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to focus on. You'll research this issue using articles, reports, and data to better understand it, before creating a digital project showing why the issue matters and needs action. Depending on your interests, you could choose to focus on environmental issues, health disparities, or agricultural challenges.

You'll then identify key populations that are affected, outlining the underlying causes that have led to such problems, and consider the career pathways that bioscientists could take to address this challenge.

20 credits

Building Blocks of Life

This core module will introduce you to the essential components that constitute all living organisms.

To understand the complexity of any biological system, we must understand it across scales from molecules through to cells, tissues, organisms, populations and ecosystems.

This module explores the key principles of molecular cell biology that form the foundation of life. You'll learn about the structure and function of cellular components, how genetic information is stored and transmitted, and how cells communicate through signalling pathways in microbes, fungi, animal and plant kingdoms. You'll then explore how single cells develop into multicellular organisms.

We'll also discuss the fundamentals of the immune system of animals, how other organisms such as plants respond to and clear infection, and how this knowledge can be exploited to develop therapeutics including vaccines.

20 credits

Genetics and Evolution

This core module explores the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms and processes that underpin all life on Earth which are the central unifying themes of modern biology. You'll examine sources and mechanisms of variation from genes to populations, and investigate evolutionary processes of selection, adaptation, and the origin of species.

We'll also introduce you to the approaches used to study genetics and evolution including classical population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetic trees, and the fossil record.

At the end of this module, you'll be able to recognise real-world applications of genetics and evolution spanning disciplines from medicine to conservation.

10 credits

Origins and Diversity of Life

This core module will introduce you to the staggering diversity of life on Earth, from extremophiles in hydrothermal vents, and the first plants on land, to animals exploiting niches on land, sea, and air.

You'll start by looking at the origins of life and examine the evidence for major transitions in Earth history, such as the colonisation of land and extinction events that have shaped life over geologic time.

We'll take an in-depth look into the great evolutionary success story of the microbial world. You'll learn about the physiological features and adaptations of microbes that have enabled them to colonise every available niche on the planet and extend this knowledge to give you an understanding of their importance for human health.

10 credits

Form and Function of Living Organisms

This module will introduce you to the scientific study of whole organisms.

You'll explore the physiology, reproduction, and development of animals and plants. You'll learn how both genetic and environmental factors determine animal behaviour, and how those same factors contribute to form, function and diversity across life. You'll also investigate how animals and plants acquire and process energy, nutrients, and water, before examining asexual and sexual reproduction in a range of contexts.

20 credits

Optional modules
You'll choose 20 credits from the following list:

Biodiversity, Climate and Conservation

Humanity is facing inter-related crises of biodiversity decline and climate change. This module will give you an understanding of the anthropogenic and natural factors that determine the distribution of biodiversity, species' interactions and population sizes, and key biological-geochemical cycles that regulate environmental conditions on our planet.

You'll explore links between biodiversity decline, climate change and ecosystem function, before discussing the consequences for nature's ability to provide benefits to people and sustainability, and the solutions that can mitigate these impacts.

During this module, you'll also take part in field-based training to develop practical skills for identifying and measuring biodiversity and carbon storage.

20 credits

Introduction to Neuroscience

During this module, you'll explore the rapidly expanding field of neuroscience, gaining insights into the experimental methods and techniques that are used here.

You'll learn about the fundamental physiological principles that enable the nervous system to function, before exploring the anatomy and physiology of the sensory and motor systems. Alongside understanding the mechanisms of sensation and movement, you'll begin to explore the brain's role in behaviour, cognition, and memory.

By the end of this module, you'll have a solid foundation in neuroscience, preparing you for further study in this exciting field.

20 credits

Introduction to Biochemistry

This module will teach you how a cell works at the molecular level, giving you a solid foundation of knowledge to build on throughout your course.

Your lectures will describe molecular structures, interactions within and between molecules, factors affecting reaction rates, and the specific measurements needed to understand these processes. You'll also learn about the fundamental signalling mechanisms that enable cells to sense their environment, trigger appropriate responses, and regulate metabolic pathways. We'll describe key metabolic reactions like the Krebs Cycle and electron transport chain, which generate the energy necessary for cellular function.

During laboratory sessions, you'll measure biochemical reactions and develop your experimental design and data analysis skills.

20 credits

Core modules:

Experimental Skills in Zoology and Ecology

This core module will build on the laboratory and field techniques and associated scientific skills that you developed in your first year.

Throughout the year, you'll complete mini group research projects, developing your own hypotheses before applying robust experimental design principles to test them. You'll then apply data analysis techniques to visualise and interrogate the data. 

We'll teach you how to effectively communicate your research projects. You'll be shown how scientific posters can be used as a creative and succinct form of communication, and learn how to review your own research in line with relevant literature.

We'll then introduce you to the exciting fields of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and bioinformatics, equipping you with a solid foundation of skills, ready to analyse biogeographical and genomic datasets.

20 credits

Advanced Professional Skills for Bioscientists

During this module, you'll develop the advanced professional skills you'll need for a data-driven world. You'll then apply your new skills, working in a team to address a real-world problem.

We'll train you to use the statistical programming language, R, which is used to apply statistical methods to solve biological data problems.

In the second semester, you'll work in a team to address a 'Global Challenge' from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Alongside your coursemates, you'll work to develop an innovative solution to this challenge by applying your creativity and your biological knowledge. This will give you insight into project management, finance, intellectual property and leadership, depending on your role in the team.

Throughout the year, you'll learn how to evidence your new professional skills for a digital world, and develop self-awareness of your own preferred working styles and how these can contribute to effective teamwork. We'll also teach you how to build a portfolio of evidence that showcases the skills you've developed, making you stand out from the crowd when you start applying for jobs.

20 credits

Animal Diversity

This module will introduce you to the major invertebrate and vertebrate animal groups.

You'll learn about the variety of structure found in the groups and how this relates to function and way of life. We'll also explore evolutionary comparisons between and within the groups.

Through practical work and field trips, you'll put what you've learnt into practice. You'll get the chance to identify selected groups of species under natural conditions, and make inferences from your observations about their ecology, evolution, and behaviour.

20 credits

Principles of Animal Behaviour

This module will introduce you to animal behaviour. You'll explore foraging, reproductive behaviour, mating systems, cooperative breeding and communication.

As part of your learning, you'll test hypotheses about the development, mechanisms, adaptive significance and evolution of behaviours to answer behavioural questions.

20 credits

Optional modules
You'll choose 20 credits from the following list:

Evolutionary Biology

This module will provide insights into major concepts in evolutionary biology, illustrated with a wide range of examples that cut across taxa. The course will cover the origins of variation, adaptation, and natural selection, and discuss how various evolutionary forces affect the evolution of genes, genomes, populations and species. Through a mixture of lectures and practical classes students will learn about new technologies that are revolutionising our understanding of evolution, and will acquire skills in analysing genomes and phenotypes in order to identify the locus of selection.

This unit aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of evolutionary concepts and an appreciation of evolution is crucial to our understanding of biology. This module will:- Provide an understanding of evolutionary concepts illustrated by appropriate and timely examples.- Show how an appreciation of evolutionary principles is crucial to our understanding of biology.- Demonstrate that evolutionary biology is an active area of research where data and argument support alternative interpretations. 

Teaching consists of lectures and interactive practical sessions. Assessment is via a multiple choice exam (to test breadth of knowledge across the module) and a coursework essay (to test depth of knowledge).

20 credits

Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology

This module will give you a broad understanding of neuroscience, covering neurophysiology, molecular biology, neuropharmacology, model organisms, and simple behaviours.

Building on your knowledge from the first year, you'll learn about the concepts behind complex topics such as higher brain function, behaviour, biological psychiatry, and neurodegenerative disease.

20 credits

The Green Planet: Plants, food and global climate change

Plants produce the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat and the materials we use. Because plants are immobile, their growth, development and interactions with the environment are highly flexible, enabling them to respond to a wide range of environmental signals. How plants sense and respond to light, temperature, nutrients will be considered in natural and agricultural environments.  It will also consider plant interactions with beneficial microbes, pests and pathogens. This module will cover how plants integrate developmental and environmental signals to optimise growth, survival and reproduction. Human intervention has led to wild plants evolving into crops, from simple selection in pre-historic times through to current advanced gene editing techniques. The module explores how agriculture arose and the challenges we face in providing a secure food supply to a growing population in an ever-changing environment. You will also gain practical skills in studying how plants respond to their environment.

Teaching methods focus on lectures and interactive practical sessions. Assessment of lectures is via an exam consisting of an essay (to test depth of knowledge) and multiple choice questions (to test breadth of knowledge across the module). Practical assessment is via a laboratory write-up

20 credits

Ecosystems and Sustainability in a Changing World

Human impacts on the world's ecosystems are profound and without precedent in Earth's history. The urgent need to understand the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, land-use change and overexploitation has meant that ecosystem science has become one of the most important biological disciplines. Knowledge developed within this discipline has also become vital for devising strategies in sustainable agriculture. This module will build on the L1 module 'Climate change and sustainability' by exploring human impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and their feedback on climate change, including those in agricultural ecosystems. It will cover the world's and the UK's major ecosystems, considering fundamental processes operating in the present and the past. In doing so, it will consider the interacting roles of energy, carbon cycling, climate, soils, nutrients, fire and biodiversity. Teaching methods include lectures, alongside a field excursion and interactive practical sessions that develop skills in the ecological analysis of plants and soils, and will reinforce some of the key concepts taught in lectures.

20 credits

Principles of Field Biology

This hands-on module will equip you with the ecological understanding and practical skills you'll need for careers or further study in applied ecology, conservation, and research.

We'll give you a strong foundation in sampling principles, including how to select field sites, distinguish between precision and accuracy, and address challenges around replication and representative sampling. 

During the module you'll embark on an intensive week-long field course, with additional field trips and workshops throughout the year. This will give you the chance to develop species identification skills before applying professional sampling techniques across a range of British habitats. 

You'll also carry out mini-research projects and real-world exercises that simulate the work of professional ecologists.

20 credits

You'll choose 20 credits from the following list:

Principles of Ecology and Conservation

This module will develop your understanding of the fundamental ecological processes that determine the diversity, structure, dynamics, and function of communities. 

We'll discuss ecological concepts and the principles and objectives of conservation biology. You'll learn about mitigating factors like economics, social science, and legislation, before exploring key tools and approaches that can reduce the adverse impact of human activity on biodiversity. 

Throughout the module, you'll use case studies to bring these topics to life, covering freshwater, marine and terrestrial communities across a wide range of ecosystems in tropical and temperate environments.

20 credits

Development, Stem Cells, Regeneration and Ageing

This module will give you an in- depth understanding of the developmental process in multicellular organisms, and how genes regulate this. 

During your lectures you'll learn about the development that occurs throughout the entire life cycle of an organism, and its sensitivities to environmental factors, as well as the links between environment, growth and ageing. We'll also discuss how development provides the backdrop of many medically, biologically, and economically important processes and technologies.

Your practical classes will then give you hands-on experience with manipulation of developmental model organisms.

20 credits

Molecular Genetics and Genomics

This module will introduce you to a range of concepts and topics in modern molecular genetics and genomics.

You'll discover how genomes are organised, packaged and maintained, and why these processes are so important. Together, we'll examine how state-of-the-art molecular and computational tools allow us to interrogate genomes to determine how they are inherited and expressed. 

After this, we'll examine how core mechanistic processes (transcription, splicing, mRNA transport and translation) shape how cells operate, and what happens when errors occur in these processes. You'll look at examples in humans and examine the nuclear and extranuclear genetic basis for disease, and how modern genomic tools can be utilised for diagnostics. 

Throughout the module, you'll learn about historic and modern techniques for genetic manipulation through interactive sessions. You'll discover what these tools can achieve; and ethical considerations for using them not just in humans but in all multicellular organisms.

20 credits

Principles of Field Biology

This hands-on module will equip you with the ecological understanding and practical skills you'll need for careers or further study in applied ecology, conservation, and research.

We'll give you a strong foundation in sampling principles, including how to select field sites, distinguish between precision and accuracy, and address challenges around replication and representative sampling. 

During the module you'll embark on an intensive week-long field course, with additional field trips and workshops throughout the year. This will give you the chance to develop species identification skills before applying professional sampling techniques across a range of British habitats. 

You'll also carry out mini-research projects and real-world exercises that simulate the work of professional ecologists.

20 credits