Duck on Highfields Park during autumn

Zoology BSc

Medical School Building and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you fascinated by the incredible diversity of animal life, and eager to play a role in its conservation?

Our BSc Zoology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, offers an in-depth exploration of animals at every level, from their genetic makeup to their impact on ecosystems. You'll develop a strong foundation in core biological principles while tailoring your studies with optional modules spanning animal behaviour, conservation, physiology, neuroscience, and biological photography.

With a strong emphasis on practical skills, employability, and global challenges, our course prepares you for careers in research, conservation, environmental consultancy, and beyond.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences

Mandatory

Year 1

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Mandatory

Year 1

Anatomy and Physiology

Mandatory

Year 1

Genetics, Molecular Evolution and Diversity

Mandatory

Year 1

Biodiversity, Ecology and Behaviour

Mandatory

Year 2

Further Skills in the Life Sciences B

Mandatory

Year 2

Genetics and Genomics

Optional

Year 2

Cellular Communication in the Nervous System 

Optional

Year 2

Evolution and Development of Animals

Optional

Year 2

Brains in the Wild

Optional

Year 2

Immunology

Optional

Year 2

Development of the Nervous System

Optional

Year 2

Fundamentals of Ecology

Optional

Year 2

Ecology Field Course

Mandatory

Year 3

Project

Mandatory

Year 3

Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Contemporary Issues in Science

Optional

Year 3

Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics

Optional

Year 3

Neurological Disorders

Optional

Year 3

Health, Ageing and Disease

Optional

Year 3

Current Topics in Human Environmental Impacts on Health 

Optional

Year 3

Adapting to Change: Evolution and Behaviour

Optional

Year 3

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 

Optional

Year 3

Real-World Applications of Genetics and Genomics  

Optional

Year 3

The Cell Biology of Cancer  

Optional

Year 3

Illuminating Life: Advanced Imaging and Technologies 

Optional

Year 3

Conservation Biology

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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 Friday 28 March 2025. 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

You typically have around 15-16 contact hours per week, taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals and field courses. In addition, you have individual and small-group tutorials supporting taught content and student wellbeing.

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 studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park

Course data

Open Day June 2022