C300 BSc Zoology (3 yrs)
The effects of global warming on animal life, the ecological impact of populations and animals, the development of mammals and their human parallels - these are all challenges that occupy our zoologists and affect the planet today.
Zoology is the study of animal life, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of animals. Here at Southampton, Zoology is a specialist degree programme embedded within the broader Biology degree. You will study Zoology not only as a pure science, but also discover how zoological knowledge is applied to today’s challenges.
To obtain an in-depth understanding of animals, you will start with a general study of the biosciences, from cell biology and the study of insects, to whole organisms and species, communities and ecosystems. In your third year you will be able to choose a laboratory based or field project, with fieldwork undertaken in the UK or abroad.
Our lecturers are world experts in their areas, researching subjects such as invasive or endangered species, embryonic development in mammals and ageing in social insects. This can lead to advances in medicine to prevent disease amongst both animals and humans.
Career opportunities
Postgraduate study
Teacher training
Medicine
Conservation and the environment
Agriculture
Industry
Journalism
Key facts
Flexible, interdisciplinary programme, with opportunity to choose modules from other disciplines and change degree in year one
Field trip to Spain in year one
Excellent reputation for teaching and internationally acclaimed research
Mark Rose, BSc Zoology student“I became a student at the School of Biological Sciences after negotiating a compromise with my parents. I wanted to leave school and work with animals; they wanted me to go to university.
We made a deal and I went to Southampton to study Zoology and had a fantastic time. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s interested in the natural world.”
Typical entry requirements
GCSEs:
UK applicants should have grades A-C in English, Mathematics and Science.
A Levels:
Three A-level passes, excluding General Studies, are required:
- If offering 2 or 3 science A levels: Grades ABB from 3 A levels.
- If offering one science A level (Biology): Grades AAB with grade A in Biology.
For exceptional students with a single science A level plus two additional non-science subjects, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require an interview.
Biology must be offered at A-level, at either grade B with at least one other A-level science subject, or grade A for applicants with a single A-level science subject. Other science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Environmental Science and Geology.
IB:
32 points, 16 at higher level including two higher level science subjects; Biology 6 points at higher level.
Other applicants:
Applicants with alternative UK or EU qualifications, international applicants and those interested in part-time study should first refer to the general entry requirements.
Selection process:
Intake: 30
Average applicants per place: 7
Selection is normally based on actual or predicted grades plus the reference and personal statement on your UCAS application. Exceptionally we may ask you to come for an interview before making an offer.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Typical course content
To be able to take certain optional modules in Years 2 or 3, you may need to have passed specified modules previously.
Year 1
As BIOL1001 Experimental & Field Biology is the Spanish field course over the Easter vacation, many students opt to undertake a total of 9 modules, thus ensuring a wide range of options in year 2. A free elective from any other discipline can also be taken as an option.
Semester One
In addition to the modules below, the following must be taken and passed by students without a minimum of Chemistry at A level: CHEM1012 Introduction to Chemistry.
Compulsory:
- BIOL1004
- Patterns of life and their evolution
- BIOL1007
- The molecular basis of life I
- BIOL1020
- Bioanalysis
- BIOL1011
- Foundations of physiology I
Optional:
- CHEM1012
- Introduction to chemistry
Semester Two
In addition to the modules below, you may also take an additional module, subject to timetabling constraints, from related subjects such as Mathematics, Economics, Archaeology and Modern Languages.
Compulsory:
- BIOL1001
- Experimental and field ecology
- BIOL1003
- Ecology
- BIOL1005
- Cellular & genetic mechanisms
Optional:
- BIOL1008
- The molecular basis of life II
- BIOL1013
- Cell communications- foundations of physiology II
- SOES1006
- Introduction to marine ecology
- SOES1009
- The living Earth
Year 2
A free elective from any other discipline can also be taken as an option.
Semester One
Compulsory:
Optional:
- BIOL2002
- Cell biology
- BIOL2004
- Pure and applied population ecology
- BIOL2006
- Integrated animal behaviour
- BIOL2014
- Neuroscience
Semester Two
Optional modules can also be chosen from SOES2017 Ecological Processes in the Marine Benthos SOES2020 Environmental Palaeobiology
Compulsory:
- BIOL2001
- Evolution
- BIOL2003
- Animal reproduction and development
Optional:
Year 3
In addition to the modules listed below, in Year 3 you will also take one of the following compulsory combinations:
- In-depth research project (BIOL3034) or
- Literature research project (BIOL3031) and second literature research project (BIOL3032) or
- Short research project (BIOL3050) and literature research project (BIOL3032)
A free elective from any other discipline can also be taken as an option.
Semester One
Optional:
- BIOL3001
- Current topics of cell biology
- BIOL3003
- Plant cell biology
- BIOL3009
- Applied ecology
Semester Two
Optional:
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
The academic year
Eight modular units are taken each academic year, four in semester one and four in semester two. A unit normally consists of two lectures a week plus a three-hour practical on alternate weeks. Practicals and other components of in-course assessment make up 25% of your final mark for the year. We also provide workshops and pastoral tutorials in which you can get specific help on the content of your lectures. Each week students therefore attend eight 45-minute lectures, an average of two 2 to 3 hour practical classes and may also attend a small group tutorial, which should take up to two hours to prepare.
Examinations are held in the two weeks after each semester, in January and June. The marks for the first year do not count towards the final degree classification, but you do have to gain an overall pass in your first year. Currently the second year counts 35% towards the degree and the third year 65%.
The tutorial system
Every student is assigned a personal tutor when they start their university degree. Your course tutor changes every semester, but your personal tutor will stay the same throughout your time here. Your personal tutor will meet you when you enrol, and you will see him/her three or four times a term in the first year, for academic as well as pastoral support. He or she is accessible throughout your time in Southampton.
Research
Our research is relevant to your undergraduate course because you will be taught by people who are experts in their area of research. This is especially important for science subjects, where knowledge is advancing rapidly. This is particularly true for your final year.
In your third year, you have the opportunity to do an individual research project in one of our research laboratories. You will use equipment bought for current research, and do a project designed to further your understanding of your topic.
Administration
We have our own team of administrators who act as a point of contact for day-to-day advice and information for undergraduate students. They are also responsible for collecting assignments and issuing the documents and forms which are required during your period of study.
Programme leader: Dr Lex Kraaijeveld
| Programme | UCAS/JACS Code | Programme length |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Biology | C100 | 3 years |