Squirrel on University Park campus

Zoology MSci

Medical School Building and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you fascinated by the diversity of animal life on our planet, and driven by the need to conserve species in the face of global challenges like climate change?

This course aims to foster a new generation of zoological researchers who can unravel the secrets of animal behaviour, physiology and ecology, to enhance animal welfare, make farming more sustainable, and preserve precious biodiversity.

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this integrated master's degree will take you on a journey from learning about the building blocks of life and its incredible diversity in year one, to the cutting edge of zoological research in year four. You will receive training in the key knowledge, practical and transferable skills needed to enter the world of research and development, whether it be in academia, conservation, farming or veterinary science. 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Genes, Molecules and Cells

Mandatory

Year 1

Life on Earth

Mandatory

Year 1

Core Skills in Biology, Genetics & Zoology

Mandatory

Year 1

Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour

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

Optional

Year 2

The Genome and Human Disease

Optional

Year 2

Evolutionary Biology of Animals

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

Optional

Year 2

Neurobiology of Disease

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

Molecular Evolution: Constructing the Tree of Life

Optional

Year 3

Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis

Optional

Year 3

Social Insect Biology

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

Mandatory

Year 4

Zoology Year 4 Research Project

Mandatory

Year 4

Research Presentation Skills

Mandatory

Year 4

Research Planning and Preparation

Optional

Year 4

Cutting Edge Research Ideas in Molecular Biology

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis

Optional

Year 4

Process and Practice in Science

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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 Monday 13 January 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

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

Course data

Open Day June 2022