Program Overview

Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals. It covers a broad range of topics including behaviour, morphology, physiology, development, ecology, evolution and taxonomy. The desire to understand the behaviour of animals has led to the development of a separate branch of Zoology called ethology which focuses on animal behaviour. On this degree you will study traditional zoology with an emphasis on animal behaviour. You will discover how animals interact with one another and their environments, specifically looking at the mechanisms, functions, development and evolution of behaviour.

We will provide you with broad zoological training that covers both pure and applied aspects of animal life. One of the most important components of this course is giving you both laboratory and field course experience, as well as transferable skills, including data analysis, group work, presentation, and IT skills.

You will not only enjoy the resources expected of a modern centre of animal biology but will also benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats where field work is conducted. We have our own substantial Zoology Museum and are part of the Environment Centre Wales which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). We also have our own marine and freshwater aquaria, avian, mammalian and herpetological facilities.

Placement
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.

The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.