Zoology, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Zoology encompasses the study of animal anatomy, evolution, ecology, and physiology to better understand behaviour and enhance animal welfare. This course offers students exceptional opportunities to explore modules in diverse natural settings, such as the Gower Peninsula, with its rich habitats and wildlife including adders, otters, and orchids. Students spend the third year of this four-year program on an industrial placement, applying skills to boost employability. The BSc Zoology degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and includes access to advanced facilities like a £1.3 million Visualisation Centre, a £1.6 million survey vessel, and a £4.2 million science laboratory. All courses can incorporate a Year in Industry or Abroad to develop confidence, communication, and practical experience.Modules typically cover animal diversity, ecology, behaviour, and physiology in years one and two, followed by a placement year and advanced topics like biodiversity and animal personality in year four. Assessment involves lectures, seminars, practical classes, field courses, examinations, coursework, and a research project. Swansea University guarantees conditional offers, subject to requirements; visit an Open Day for more details.

Year 1: Areas studied typically include: animal diversity, form and function; cellular and microbial biology; marine and terrestrial ecology and animal behaviour; molecular and evolutionary biology; plants and algae – diversity, form and function; and core skills for Bioscientists. Year 2: Areas studied typically include: animal behaviour in conservation and welfare; entomology; animal physiology; cell and immunobiology; ecological microbiology and the cycles of life; ichthyology; marine invertebrates; molecular ecology; marine ecosystems; parasitology; plant ecology; terrestrial vertebrates; field zoology (residential Pembrokeshire). You will spend Year 3 on an industrial placement, putting your skills into practice and greatly enhancing your employability. Year 4: Areas studied typically include: animal personality: physiology, behaviour and evolution; biodiversity; biological control of invertebrate pests; collective animal behaviour; ecology of marine animals; mammalian carnivore ecology and conservation; phylogeny and macroevolution.