Zoology, BSc (Hons)

Interested in protecting endangered species, safeguarding habitats or encouraging greater understanding of animals in the wild and in captivity? Our degree helps you build the intellectual, professional, personal and technical skills you need.KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE:

• RANKINGS: The course has been ranked Top 20 in The Guardian University Guide 2023. Zoology at Derby has been rated 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction with the course, 6th for student satisfaction with teaching and 11th for careers 15 months after graduating (The Guardian University Guide 2023). In the National Student Survey 2022, 98% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things

• ACCREDITATION: Our Zoology course was one of the first of its kind in the country to receive accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology, an accolade which carries significant weight within the sector and is only granted after a rigorous independent assessment. We also have accredited degree pathway status from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

• IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE: Focusing on animal biology, our Zoology course covers a broad range of topics such as wildlife conservation, ecology and animal behaviour. You’ll also cover the sciences that underpin genetics, biochemistry and statistics.

• TAILORED TO YOU: Our extensive range of optional modules allows you to tailor the course to meet your career ambitions.

• FACILITIES: Develop vital scientific skills in our high-spec laboratories, insectary, aquatic research facility (created in partnership with SeaLife, Birmingham) and dedicated student research lab.

• FIELDWORK WITH PURPOSE: Our Zoology students have conducted ecological projects in Majorca, and undertaken scientific investigations in the Maldives. Costs of mandatory fieldtrips in optional modules are included in your tuition fees.

• RAISE YOUR PROFILE IN INDUSTRY: You’ll have the opportunity to undertake work placements with a broad range of employers from zoos and wildlife parks to museums, conservation organisations, ecological consultancies and government bodies. You could also get involved in voluntary work with Zoology related industries and the wider community, contributing to initiatives which help safeguard local nature sites and improve the region's green spaces.

• EXPERT TEACHING: You’ll learn from a research-active and dedicated teaching team, many of whom speak at global conferences, publish influential papers and serve on the editorial boards of scientific journals.

• Your first year provides an introduction to themes such as interactions between organisms and their environment, and how they have adapted to life on land. In your second and third years, we take your knowledge to an advanced level by exploring subjects such as bio-innovation, habitat management, genomics, oncology and immunology, tropical marine biology, and ecological consultancy.

• Assessments vary and include computer-based assessments, scientific posters, oral presentations, professional reports, essays, making short videos, fieldwork and laboratory reports, as well as traditional written examinations.

• Our focus is on ensuring you develop strong intellectual, technical and personal skills to build an impressive CV and meet the needs of employers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in zoos, wildlife parks, wildlife trusts, ecology, marine science, the Environment Agency, veterinary practices and environmental consultancy. In addition, our zoology course provides an excellent preparation if you would like to move on to further study, including medical qualifications, a masters degree or a PhD.

• This course is available with a Foundation Year option.

• This course is available with an Industrial Placement Year.