Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science

Zoology is the study of animals at all levels, from their evolutionary origins, molecular and cell biology to their physiology, behaviour and ecology.

This course provides you with an insight into a wide range of animals and their effects on the human world. You'll undertake an independent research project and have the option of taking a field course in South Africa.

You'll likely encounter issues for which you will have had no formal training. This may be in treatment of unusual illnesses, parasites or animal bites, occupational health issues or animal care and treatment procedures.

This degree will give you a strong grounding in essential zoology to allow you to make better informed judgements during your career.

You'll also be introduced to the design and statistical analysis of your own experiments so that you can more objectively analyse the medical and vetinary literature.

Research projects

A wide range of research topics is available, such as parasite-host interactions, animal development, animal nutrition, conservation ecology and animal behaviour. These projects are an important way for you to learn about independent scientific research and develop important skills for future employment.

Recent examples include:

• The importance of urban ponds for biodiversity
• Pollinator declines
• Biosecurity to slow the spread of invasive species
• The effect of parasitic infection on animal behaviour
• Foraging behaviour of gannets
• Diseases of marine mammals
• Insect sperm competition

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Biology Integrated Research Projects 40 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science BSc in the course catalogue

Assessment

Teaching will be through lectures, practical classes, seminars, small group teaching, tutorials and a research project. Assessment is similarly varied, including in-course assessment (formative and summative) and written examinations. The in course assessment exercises include tests of practical skills, essay writing, data manipulation and problem solving. The research project will be assessed throughout the project and on the final written report. Degree classification will be based upon the marks obtained in each of the component modules, with the appropriate credit weighting applied.