Zoology BSc (Hons)

Students are required to take 120 credits each year made up of lectures, practicals and interactive exercises, as well as field trips and tutorials. Modules become more specialised as the degree progresses and the number of compulsory modules varies between years. Assessment is by a mixture of formal examination and continuous assessment. Welsh medium modules are also available. The Master in Zoology is an extended undergraduate programme which allows students to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. If at the end of Year 2 a sufficient standard has been achieved, then progression onto the Masters year will be permitted following completion of Year 3. Year 1 The first year is a general year for all of our zoology related degrees, which will introduce students to several important aspects of modern biology. Students are required to take two compulsory lecture modules, one module in key skills and one practical module. Students can chose to take 30 credits of optional modules. In addition there are tutorials with individual members of staff. Compulsory modules: Organismal Diversity (20): The module will present an overview of basic classification, form and function of the major groups of living organisms. Ecology and Evolution (20): Ecology is about understanding the dynamic changes in individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems in relation to each other and the physical environment, and understanding their evolutionary processes. Biology Practical Module (20): Students will undertake a range of practicals from molecular and cell biology, through to animal function and ecology. Field work is included. The practicals will coincide with the appropriate subject area in the lecture modules. Research Skills (20): The module is aimed at developing a range of skills commonly used by natural scientists, including basic mathematical manipulation, data interpretation, and presentation, experimental design and statistical analysis, IT skills and effective use of the literature. Tutorials (degree specific) (10): Tutorials will be held by individual members of staff to groups of 6 7 students and involve discussions that are degree specific. Tutorials will develop communication skills. Optional modules: Choose 30 credits from: Cellular & Molecular Biology (20) Introduction to Microbiology (10) Comparative Zoology Year 2 In the second year you will extend and deepen your understanding of zoology by specialising in animal diversity, function and evolution. There are five compulsory modules incorporating lectures and practicals. The module called Bioscience Skills will focus on student directed learning and development. You can choose 20 credits of optional modules. Compulosory modules: Bioscience Skills (20) Evolution & Genetics (20) Animal Behaviour (20) Vertebrate Biology (20) Invertebrate Biology (20) Optional modules: Choose 20 credits from: Principles of Conservation (20) Field Courses (20) Year 3 The third year includes a dissertation project that may be experimental or take the form of a literature review, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit your interests. Students have more choice in the third year, and can take between 40 credits of optional modules. Compulsory modules: Animal Survival Strategies (20) Advances in Behaviour (20) Animal Design (20) Dissertation (20) Optional Modules: You choose 40 credits from: Freshwater Ecosystems 2 (20) Molecular Ecology & Evolution (20) Bio Enterprise & Employability (20) Herpetology (20) Practical Developmental Biology (20) Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (20) Fish Physiology (20) Life in a Changing Climate (20) Life in Wetlands (20)