Duck on Highfields Park during autumn

Zoology BSc

Medical School Building and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you curious about the huge diversity of animal life on our planet, and passionate about its conservation? 
 
Our course, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, aims to inspire you through the study of animals (including humans) at every level, from their DNA right up to their role in ecosystems.  
 
A range of optional modules taught by leaders in their field will allow you to tailor the course to your interests. It is possible to switch to an integrated four-year master's course (MSci), depending on your grades in the second year.  

Practical work

You will gain experience in a range of laboratory and field work techniques from your first semester onward.Local and optional international fieldwork will include activities such as:

  • Behavioural ecology field course in Portugal
  • Biodiversity field course in France
  • Final year projects on behaviour, conservation and evolution in diverse species

In year three you will do a year-long research project guided by a member of academic staff, where we will train you in transferable and advanced research skills.  

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Genes, Molecules and Cells

Mandatory

Year 1

Life on Earth

Mandatory

Year 1

Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour

Mandatory

Year 1

Core Skills in Biology, Genetics & Zoology

Optional

Year 1

Human Physiology

Optional

Year 1

Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Optional

Year 1

Hallmarks of Cancer

Optional

Year 1

Causes and Consequences of Cancer

Mandatory

Year 2

Higher Skills in the Biological Sciences

Mandatory

Year 2

Neurobiology of Disease

Optional

Year 2

Evolutionary Biology of Animals

Optional

Year 2

The Genome and Human Disease

Optional

Year 2

Behavioural Ecology Field Course

Optional

Year 2

Biodiversity Field Course

Optional

Year 2

Ecology

Optional

Year 2

Animal Behaviour and Physiology

Optional

Year 2

Building Brains

Optional

Year 2

Biological Photography and Imaging I

Optional

Year 2

Developmental Biology

Optional

Year 2

Insect Biology

Optional

Year 2

Infection and Immunity

Optional

Year 2

Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Optional

Year 2

Reproductive Physiology

Mandatory

Year 3

Zoology Research Project

Mandatory

Year 3

Science and Society

Optional

Year 3

Advances in Immunology

Optional

Year 3

Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Optional

Year 3

Biological Photography and Imaging II

Optional

Year 3

Evolution and Behaviour

Optional

Year 3

Evolutionary Ecology

Optional

Year 3

Conservation Genetics

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Parasitology

Optional

Year 3

Social Insect Biology

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Evolution: Constructing the Tree of Life

Optional

Year 3

Conservation

Optional

Year 3

Ageing, Sex and DNA Repair

Optional

Year 3

Cancer Biology

Optional

Year 3

Common and Complex Diseases

Optional

Year 3

Aquatic Biology

Optional

Year 3

Current Topics in Development and Genetics

Optional

Year 3

Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Wednesday 3 April 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

You will study in the School of Life Sciences building on University Park Campus and the Medical School, which is located within the Queen's Medical Centre. We have large lecture theatres, smaller seminar rooms and large multidisciplinary laboratories.

Teaching methods

  • eLearning
  • Field courses
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Placements
  • Practical classes
  • Problem-based learning
  • Self-study
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment varies on the module being studied but typically is a combination of the types below. Exams happen twice a year at the end of each semester. Find out more about our teaching on our school website.

 
Assessment methods
  • Examinations
  • Dissertation
  • Presentations
  • Coursework
  • Formative assessments
  • Poster presentations
  • Practical write-ups
  • Research project

Approximately 18 hours of contact time per week split between tutorials, lectures and practicals, with 18 hours of self study.

You will be in a tutor group of no more than 7 students.

Varying class sizes.

You will have a broad understanding of the biology of animals, at both the organismal and the molecular level, and will have had the opportunity to focus on your particular areas of interest. Your final year project will have given you the freedom to pursue a specific research area of interest. The combined knowledge and skills gained from all years of your undergrad degree will prepare you for either further study or a career in many varied industries including:
 
  • Conservation and Zoos
  • Ecological Consultancy
  • Graduate Veterinary Programmes
  • Animal Care Sector
  • Teaching
  • Science Communications and Journalism
  • University Research
  • Wildlife Film-making and Photography
  • Scientific Governmental Agencies
 
Find out more about the career options open to zoology graduates, including recent Nottingham graduate destinations by visiting our careers website.

Average starting salary and career progression

93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.


HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Course data

Open Day June 2022