YEAR 1

You will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

YEAR 2

In semester 1, you will develop your knowledge of fundamental aspects of biology. In semester 2, you will be introduced to specialist subject areas according to your interests (e.g. animal biology; biomolecular sciences; human biology; infection biology).Ê

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.

YEARS 3, 4 AND 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) fieldwork becomes an important component of your study mix. Specific topics you may study include invertebrate and vertebrate biology; ecology; molecular ecology; animal physiology; parasite biology; and marine biology. There are also courses on experimental design, data collection and analysis.

A major component of your final year is an independent research project. This project will give you the chance to research something new, and the results sometimes contribute to scientific publications.

You can take Zoology as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year, between the third and final years of the degree. This is normally spent doing research in industry or some other organisation such as a research institute in the UK or overseas.

The list of available final-year optional courses is subject to change each year. In addition, places in optional courses may be limited, so students are not guaranteed a place on a particular final-year option.