BSc (Hons) Zoology

BIOL129Z
Professional Development in Biological Sciences 1 0 credits

Skills in fieldwork, e.g. in identification, or in the laboratory, e.g. in liquid handling, are an important aspect of any biology degree, and can contribute to the employability of graduates. The purpose of this module is to track the progressive acquisition of a range of basic field, laboratory and transferable skills of relevance to each degree programme, and delivered in the other Level 4 modules.

BIOL131Z
Cells: The Building Blocks of Life 20 credits

The cell is the basic building block of life. This module introduces you to the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the cell biology that allow different cells to do different things including some highly specialised cells of multicellular organisms. The module will then focus on the molecular basis that underlies cell function introducing you to the metabolic pathways and molecules that allow cells to work.

BIOL132Z
Ecology and the Diversity of Life 20 credits

This module introduces the fundamental principles of ecology and the diversity of life. It examines patterns of life on Earth, past and present, and how an understanding of these supports efforts to conserve biodiversity and manage resources sustainably. The module also provides an overview of the domains of life on Earth, introducing the remarkable variety of organisms with which we share the planet.

BIOL133Z
Principles of Physiology 20 credits

This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles of comparative physiology, and the structure and function of the body systems of plants and fungi as well as animals. The module also introduces the concept of environmental physiology, how organisms respond to their environment.

BIOL136Z
Behaviour and Ecology Field Biology 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to basic natural history, including identification of key groups of plants and animals. It allows students to explore how the environment can impact animal behaviour, distribution and welfare. The module introduces learners to the systematic collection of scientific data in the field, and apply their knowledge to the design of a field research study.

MBIO161Z
Evolution and Behaviour 20 credits

Covers the principles underpinning evolution with a special focus on animal behaviour as adaptive traits. Module covers concepts of the genetic basis of inheritance, population genetics, selection, adaptation, function, fitness and speciation. We will use key examples and practical classes to illustrate key ideas and consider the development of some of the ideas in a historical context.

BIOL119Z
Introduction to Biology 20 credits

This module is designed to give you some fundamental basic skills and information to help you start to become an independent biologist. The module will cover data and information gathering, analysis, evaluation and presentation. Much of the module will be based around field/lab activities providing you with data for analysis and presentation.

BIOL205Z
Animal Behaviour 20 credits

The module addresses why animals behave in a particular way and the methodology involved in studying them. This involves understanding the causation, development, function and evolution of behaviour. We will also discuss how this knowledge might be applied in practical situations.

BIOL225Z
Professional Development in Biological Sciences 2 0 credits

Skills in fieldwork or in the laboratory, as well as other transferable skills, e.g. in data handling, are an important aspect of any biology degree, and can contribute to the employability of graduates. The purpose of this module is to track the continued acquisition of a range of field, laboratory and transferable skills of relevance to each degree programme, and delivered in the other Level 5 modules.

BIOL226Z
Animal Ecophysiology 20 credits

We will investigate the life history and associated normal physiological processes in animals and examine how the environment, including pathogens, affect development, survival and reproduction of animals.

BIOL230Z
Zoology Field Course 20 credits

On this field course, and in associated lectures and workshops, you will learn to collect field data in a safe, rigorous and meticulous manner. Students will learn how to design appropriate field experiments, observational techniques, animal and plant identification and taxonomy, data recording and analysis, interpretation of data, and report writing.

BIOL232Z
Comparative Zoology 20 credits

This module will immerse students in traditional comparative zoology, developing a deep understanding of the morphology, development, and taxonomy of a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate groups. Students will focus on the evolution of definitive morphological and physiological features within each group, including examples from both extant and extinct taxa.

BIOL234Z
Methods in Biology 20 credits

Using core and programme specific activities this, module equips students to perform key laboratory and field techniques in the biological sciences using appropriate methods with regard for safety and risk assessment. The module embeds core skills such as data analysis and presentation, the use of statistical analysis software (e.g. R) for analysis and data presentation, searching and use of literature and bioinformatics.

BIOL204Z
Principles of Conservation Biology 20 credits

Successful conservation is dependent on a thorough grasp of fundamental biological principles. The conceptual aspects of population, molecular, & evolutionary ecology which are central to understanding the dynamics of, and future threats to, extant populations of organisms are reviewed.

MBIO228Z
Biology of Marine Organisms 20 credits

This module will provide an introduction to fundamental aspects of the biology of marine organisms. Particular attention is paid to the diversity of form and function within key groups of marine chloroxygenic organisms and animals and how this allows them to inhabit different marine environments.

APIE303
Biology:Placement

All students on our degrees have the option of undertaking a (minimum of 6 month) work placement at a company or university anywhere in the world undertaking some kind of work (usually research-based) relating to their programme of study.

MBIO324Z
Speciation and Diversity 20 credits

This module deals with the nature, generation and significance of biological diversity through a discussion of recent species concepts and mechanisms of speciation in a range of organisms, with emphasis on the evolutionary processes at work. This is followed by an investigation of the nature and significance of biological diversity; how it is assessed, and how it is distributed.

PROJ302Z
SoBMS Project 40 credits

This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.

BIOL310Z
Global Change Biology 20 credits

This module provides the student with an in-depth overview of the likely consequences of climate change for plant and animal species biology and distribution over the coming century. From this starting point we will show how an understanding of climate change biology is vital for conservation theory and practice over coming decades.

BIOL320Z
Animal Nutrition 20 credits

This module examines the principles and practice of animal nutrition for a range of animal species. It provides an understanding of feds, feed evaluation, diet formulation and feeding. The module also examines the impact of ingredient, physical, manufacturing and legal constraints on the production of diets.

MBIO317Z
Behavioural Ecology 20 credits

This module examines the theory underpinning key conceptual models in behavioural ecology (e.g. optimal foraging, ideal free distribution, game theory). These models will be critically discussed in relation to empirical studies.

MBIO363Z
Fish and Fisheries 20 credits

This module explores the biology of fishes and its application to the science of fisheries management. There is a focus on seminal works and recent advances in the primary literature.

MBIO364Z
Conservation Physiology 20 credits

This module introduces learners to this emerging field of conservation through a lecture-discussion based format. This module explores fundamental physiology principles and approaches that have been used to inform the conservation of marine species and ecosystems challenged by natural and anthropogenic stressors.

BIOL323Z
Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques 20 credits

Learn to use a range of modern animal behaviour analysis techniques in a variety of settings, such as labs, farms, zoos etc. Cover how you identify and follow individual animals to collect social data and construct a social network, how to analyse animal movement and how we can test and train animals to assess behavioural changes - and how to communicate, to a wider audience, the importance of these techniques.

BIOL324Z
Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics 20 credits

Technological advances have generated a substantial increase in the amount and speed of data production. You will build expertise in skills used for data analysis, essential for working in the life sciences (big data sets, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, image analysis and genomics etc.) to address questions in biology, ecology, evolution and behaviour; and communicating these complex ideas to the wider public.