ObjectivesStudents successfully completing the University of Leicester Science Foundation Year Programme can progress automatically to the first year of one of our degrees in Biological Sciences.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements * A/AS Levels: Three A2 levels usually required, normally two in relevant science subjects, with at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. Two AS levels considered in place of one A2 level. General Studies is not accepted. * GCSE: English, Mathematics, and Chemistry normally required at Grade C or above if not held at A2/AS level. * Access to HE course: Pass, with at least the requisite credits at level 3. * European Baccalaureate: Pass with 70% overall. * International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 32-34 points. * Leicestershire Progression Accord: BBB as above plus full Accord credits. * BTEC Nationals: Full Diploma with DDM (equivalent to 320 UCAS Tariff points), plus any subject / GCSE requirements. * Other Qualifications: Other national and international qualifications welcomed. * Mature students welcomed: Alternative qualifications considered. * Second Year Entry: Possible for those with advanced qualifications compatible with our degree structure. * Applicants are not normally interviewed. * All applicants receiving offers will be invited to visit the School. * These degrees are not available on a part-time basis.
Academic titleBSc Biological Sciences Zoology
Course descriptionBSc Biological Sciences Zoology
Programme
First Year
The first year is common to all the programmes, providing a sound base for advanced study across the breadth of modern Biological Sciences, from molecules to populations. Modules taken cover Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Animal & Plant Diversity, Cell & Developmental Biology and Environmental & Evolutionary Biology. Tutorials and laboratory work are integral to all of these modules, enabling you to develop your critical and practical skills. There are also modules in Chemistry and skills-based teaching including ICT & Numeracy and Study & Communication skills.
Second Year
The second year studies topics such as: behavioural ecology that investigates the evolution of behaviour and involves a visit to Twycross Zoo to study the social behaviour of primates; ethology that investigates the mechanisms of behaviour; animal physiology, which addresses cellular systems physiology of mammals; island biodiversity, which includes a residential field course in Majorca; and animal ecology which also includes a residential field course. In addition Zoology students take our core module on Research Skills, and can select other modules from the second year list.
Final Year
The final year includes modules in; comparative physiology, with a particular emphasis on the comparison of locomotor control in arthropods and mammals; wildlife management and conservation biology; marine biology, a residential field course focusing on whales, dolphins, seals and sea-turtles. Animal behaviour is further studied through modules looking at social evolution and cooperation in nature, a residential field course studying marine mammals, as well as the neuroscience of behaviour. There is also a residential field course in applied ecology. Recent research project topics have included: sexual conflict in seed beetles, adaptive flexibility in male mate choice, schooling behaviour in fish, and a range of projects on social behaviour based at Twycross Zoo on primates such as Ebony Leaf Monkeys, Woolly Monkeys, Bonobos, Chimps and Gorillas.