BSc Zoology

Institution University of Sheffield
Method At the institution
Location Sheffield
Type Undergraduate
Course fee By request

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BSc Zoology

Objectives Zoology is the study of animals from their genes and behaviour to their role in ecosystems and their interactions with each other, pathogens, plants and microbes. Zoology addresses such questions as: - Are animal populations controlled by disease, predation or competition? - How do genes and physiology determine the ability of animals to adapt to extreme environments? - Why are there so many more insects than mammals? - What are the most effective strategies for conserving threatened animal species? We offer our Zoology course as a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a four-year Masters in Biological Sciences (MBiolSci). Taking animals as the focus, this three-year Zoology BSc explores such diverse topics as genetics, behaviour, population dynamics, and evolution. Understanding these is key to understanding how animal distribution and abundance responds to both human induced and natural environmental change. Underpinning the Zoology course is a strong evolutionary theme and an emphasis on the importance of advances in genetics and DNA technology for our understanding of the biology of animals at every level from behaviour to conservation. You will participate in the exciting ongoing developments in zoology and gain an excellent range of modern biological skills and knowledge. The course is taught by experts on a wide range of animals from microscopic protozoa, through crustaceans and insects to fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. The Department of Animal & Plant Sciences is a leading and internationally recognised centre of excellence in teaching and research in zoology, with specialists in mating systems and evolution, community ecology, molecular ecology, parasitism and disease, and effects of environmental pollution and global change on animals. Our expertise across these fields involves genetic and cellular aspects of animals through to ecology, environmental interactions and conservation biology, and encompasses both field and laboratory approaches. Our teaching is linked to our research expertise, a key element being training in methods, techniques and core skills of observation, testing of ideas, data collection, analysis and critical interpretation that are central to scientific investigation. This training provides excellent preparation for level 3 project work where students apply these skills to their own research, under the guidance of an experienced researcher. During the first two years of the course, some unrestricted modules may be selected from those run by the other two biology departments (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences; may require AS Chemistry), providing opportunities to gain access to an exceptional breadth of expertise in most of the major areas of modern biology, including human biology, genetics and biochemistry. You may have the opportunity to attend field courses in the UK (ecology), Portugal (animal behaviour) or Borneo (tropical rain forests) in the summer between your second and third levels of study. The department has outstanding modern facilities for studying terrestrial insects, birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates. The Times Good University Guide consistently ranks us in the top six for whole organism biology. In the 2006 National Students Satisfaction Survey, courses in bioscience at Sheffield are ranked joint fourth out of 58 UK universities for overall student satisfaction with teaching quality.
Entry requirements Entry requirements GCE/VCE A Levels - ABB BTEC National Diploma - 3 Distinctions + interview Scottish Highers - AAABB Irish Leaving Cert. - ABBBB International Baccalaureate - 33 points Core Requirements - Grade B in GCE A Level Biology plus another A Level science subject (may include Psychology or Geography). A Level and AS Level Chemistry are not essential.
Academic title BSc Zoology
Course description Our students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.

Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.

Important notice :
This is a list of modules that have been offered in the past. We expect similar modules to be offered for courses starting in 2009.

This information is provided for illustration only and you should check with the department directly when applying to confirm module options.

Typical First Year Modules

Module/Unit Credits
Behaviour of Humans and Other Animals 10

Biodiversity 10

Comparative Physiology 10

Evolution 10

Genes in Populations 10

Introduction to Cell Biology 10

Population and Community Ecology 10

Principles of Molecular Biology 10

Information Technology Skills in Biology 5

Laboratory Skills in Biology 1 5

Laboratory Skills in Biology 2 5

Tutorials (Biology) 5

Typical Second Year Modules

Module/Unit Credits
Animal and Plant Science Tutorials 10

Data Analysis 10

Invertebrates 10

Vertebrates 10

Animal Diversity 5

Biology Projects 5

Insect Biology 5

Animal Behaviour 10

Animal Population and Community Ecology 10

Biodiversity 10

Evolutionary Biology 10

Freshwater Ecology 10

Insects 10

World Ecosystems 10

Animal Ecology 5

Wildlife Forensics 5

Typical Third Year Modules

Module/Unit Credits
Project 20

Biology Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme 20

Dissertation 20

Animal Ecology and Behaviour Field Course 10

Behaviour Ecology Field Course 10

Biology and Ethics 10

Community Ecology 10

Cooperation and Conflict 10

Ecotoxicology 10

Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology 10

Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems 10

History and Philosophy of Science 10

Issues in Conservation Biology 10

Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics 10

Parasitism 10

Sex and Reproduction 10

Social Insects 10

Trends in Biology 10

Tropical Rain Forest: Biology Field Course 10