Why Zoology?
Animals have always been my passion. I am particularly interested in conservation. I knew from an early age I wanted to create change and be able to make a difference in the world around us.
Hear from Zoology student James who talks about what he enjoys most about his course and studying at the University of Nottingham.
University has set me up with the skills and knowledge I need to make a real difference in the world.
At secondary school I didn’t think of myself as very academic. I loved sport and I am a keen hockey player. Starting university allowed me to focus on things I am interested in and meet other students
Coping with the transition to uni life
All of my family went to university so it was sort of expected that I would too. University life is very different to being at school, you're a lot more independent and are living on your own as opposed to being with family. Before I started I didn’t really understand what a lecture would be like or how I would feel living in accommodation. I’ve fitted in really well and the way it runs and how I manage my time works for me. I’ve made loads of friends and joined some societies. My tutor has been really supportive too.
Why Nottingham?
When I was researching which university might be right for me, I discovered Nottingham had a good reputation and rankings for zooology courses. I never actually visited campus but saw from the virtual tour what a lovely green campus it was. It also has well-equipped sports facilities which was really important to me. Now I’m here I really enjoy walks around the beautiful lake and regularly visit David Ross Sports Village.
Course content
During my degree I have met lots of really friendly lecturers and researchers who encourage you to get involved. A highlight for me has been the practical aspect working with friends and expert lecturers in the labs. One highlight was working in the lab to draw the parts of a squid and using a quill to sign my name in squid ink! I’ve also met lots of PhD students so learnt a lot from them. My lecturers have encouraged me to get as much hands-on experience working with animals and in conservation areas as possible out of term time.
The best bit of the course is that it is a force for good. I can use the skills and knowledge I’ve learnt to make a real difference in the world. I could even prevent an animal becoming endangered
James Hollow
I’ve also really enjoyed the field trips which have included surveying small mammals in the forest and mist netting of birds in Wales for data collection. I’m really excited about a trip to visit the Mexican rainforest. I’ll be working as an assistant on conservation projects monitoring primates, bats and native birds. Not everyone gets the chance to scuba dive with turtles as part of their degree do they?
Making friends
My advice to anyone that is worried about fitting in or making friends would be to get involved with lots of societies. They are a great way to get involved, try out new hobbies and learn new skills. I am the sport secretary for BioSoc which is a large society here. I manage the teams and make sure fixtures go ahead on schedule. It is a lot of responsiblity, but a great opportunity to gain transferable skills. I've made a really great group of friends through this. It’s made my university experience better, I’ve got to meet some new people that aren’t in my halls or friendship group.
I am full of fun facts. This is great for conversation
Work experience
During my degree I’ve done lots of conservation-related volunteering. This has included working at a farm animal sanctuary so I gained lots of experience in handling goats, pigs, rabbits and all sorts of things. I’ve volunteered at a centre for retired racehorses and even surveyed, using GPS equipment, toad activity at night time! I’ve also worked within the university as a peer mentor and as a subject ambassador which has been really rewarding too.
Support
There is so much support available if you need it. Whether that’s from your tutor, course lecturers or the university’s wellbeing team. I’m dyslexic so I have been given additional software to help me with my studies. The lecturers have given me an extension on handing work in when I’ve needed it too. There’s also lots of mental health support and I’ve found my friends are really good at looking out for me as well. Sometimes it might be hard to know where to start with something so chatting to them can help. Whether it is how to organise your time or tips on writing an essay.
The future
Thanks to the volunteering opportunities I’ve been involved in, I’m fortunate that I’ve got a job lined up for when I graduate. I will be working as an ecological consultant. I’m really excited about lots of opportunities to travel. University has set me up with the skills and knowledge I need to make a real difference in the world.
James' advice
I am a big fan of societies as they are a great opportunity to make lots of friends and get involved in extra-curricular activities outside of your course. I have found everyone so welcoming and it is the people that have really made my time at Nottingham what it is.
