Zoology

BSc (Hons)

Part-Time
In the most recent National Student Survey (2012), our BSc (Hons) Zoology course achieved a score of 100% for 'Overall Satisfaction'.

Emma Burton

2nd year student

“Through module choices, my course will allow me to tailor it around marine biology. This will give me the necessary experience to work in this field.”

Course overview

A search on the Internet for 'famous zoologists' brings up Charles Darwin, Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, David Attenborough and Richard Dawkins, to name but a few of the people whose lives have been shaped by a desire to study and to understand the many and varied aspects of animal life.

Zoology is the study of animals. It is a broad discipline, ranging from invertebrate biology to vertebrate physiology, ecology and behaviour. To understand animal life, zoologists are also interested in related subjects such as cell biology and genetics. Undergraduates studying Zoology at Anglia Ruskin have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as animal behaviour, ecology and conservation or wildlife biology.

Stephanie White

Zoology BSc (Hons), 2nd year

“Being a new student who wasn't familiar with Cambridge, at first I was sceptical on how easy it would be to socialise. However, the vast amount of clubs and societies that Anglia Ruskin offers has provided me with a great opportunity to meet new people who share similar hobbies. The trips and tutor meetings within the course also helped to support this. I'm now in my 2nd year of studying the course and have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. Currently I am deciding upon my chosen dissertation question and am looking forward to researching it. I love how the course continues to challenge me, and the active style of teaching has continued to keep me captivated. I have also been lucky enough to have been accepted on both a scuba diving trip to survey the coral reef in Egypt, as well as going to Holland to study zoo enclosures as part of the course later this year. These field courses will not only provide me with unforgettable experiences but also essential work experience which will later assist me in getting a job within animal research. ”

Module guide

Level 4 Core Modules
  • Animal Form and Function
  • Biomeasurement
  • British Wildlife and Conservation
  • Core Biology
  • Ecology
  • Introduction to Animal Behaviour & Welfare
Level 5 Core Modules
  • Invertebrate Biology
  • Practical Biology
  • Preparation for Research
  • Vertebrate Biology
  • Biological Oceanography
Level 6 Core Modules
  • Biological Conservation
  • Mammalogy
  • Undergraduate Project

Assessment

This course uses a wide range of methods of assessment, including essays, practical reports, computer-based assessments, presentations, debates, classroom- or laboratory-based tests, reviews of scientific papers and examinations. The weighting of different assessment methods varies between modules and levels of study.

Study abroad options

The Department of Life Sciences has exchange agreements with the University of New Brunswick, Canada, and Marshall University, West Virginia, USA. Students taking Zoology may be able to take advantage of the exchange programme, subject to availability of suitable courses at the host university.

Special features

Field Trips - The Department of Life Sciences organises a wide range of one day and residential field trips to a variety of exciting locations both in the UK and abroad. Residential field trips currently include deer watching on the island of Rum, Scotland; marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecology and animal behaviour in Devon; seabirds and seals in the Farne Islands; marine biology in western Scotland; studying zoo design and management in the Netherlands; tropical wildlife and ecology in Kenya, and diving and marine biology in the Red Sea. (Note: residential field trips require a significant financial contribution from the student.)

Facilities

As well as good teaching facilities, our department is fortunate to be located in Cambridge. The city provides a wealth of opportunities for attending lectures and visiting museums and libraries. Cambridge is increasingly becoming a world centre for the theory and practice of wildlife conservation, with prestigious organisations like Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife International and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre being based in the city. The Cambridge Natural History Society (established 1857) holds its meeting at Anglia Ruskin. We are corporate members of The Cambridge Conservation Forum and the Tropical Biology Association. If you are interested in captive animal behaviour, you can benefit from the animal facilities available at College of West Anglia at Milton in Cambridge.

Links with industry and professional recognition

Zoology graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the Zoological Society of London and other professional organizations.

Work placements

Work placements do not normally form part of the Zoology BSc course at Anglia Ruskin, although many of our students undertake relevant voluntary work such as supporting their local wildlife trust.

Associated careers

Our Zoology pathway is designed to provide you with the specialised skills required to work as a professional in a wide range of areas relating to the biology of animals. You will receive a very good general training as a scientist, enabling you to work in the field or in the laboratory (or both!). Potential employers of Zoology graduates include zoos, government agencies, environmental consultancies, wildlife conservation organisations, and educational and research establishments. The course may also lead to further postgraduate study and a research career.

Previous Zoology graduates from Anglia Ruskin University have gone on to find jobs with the RSPB, with leading zoos, with local wildlife trusts and with fieldwork and research teams in locations ranging from Costa Rica to Africa.
UCAS Tariff points: 240
Additional Requirements: Required subject(s): GCE A-level Biology GCSE(s) Required: 3 GCSEs at grade C including English and Maths
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

For students who do not meet the standard entry tariff but have at least 40 UCAS points, a 4 year (full-time) or 8 year (part-time) option is available.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

How to apply

Location

Duration

4-6 years

Teaching times*

Monday 9am-1pm and Thursday 5pm-6pm

Available starts

September

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Faculty

Science & Technology

Department

Life Sciences

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:

 

*Teaching days and times are for guidance only and are subject to change each academic year. We advise all applicants to wait until they are in receipt of their timetable before making arrangements around their course times.

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