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?

Taking animals as the focus, Zoology (BSc or MBiolSci) degrees explore 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 physiology and behaviour to ecology and conservation.

During the first two years of the course, some modules may be selected from those run by the other two biology departments (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences), 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 will participate in the exciting ongoing developments in zoology and gain an excellent range of modern zoological skills and knowledge.

Why Zoology at Sheffield?

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 includes genetic and cellular aspects of animal biology through to ecosystem function and conservation biology, and encompasses both field and laboratory approaches.

Our teaching is linked to our research expertise, and taught by experts on a wide range of animals from crustaceans and insects, through to fish, birds and mammals. The department has outstanding modern facilities for studying terrestrial insects, birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates and has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for analysis of biological materials and molecular genetics.

ZoologyBSc (C300) & MBiolSci (C109)

Why should I choose Zoology?

If your interests in biology are particularly focused on animals and the processes that drive animal evolution, functioning and diversity, then Zoology is the obvious choice. Because principles of biology have much in common across plant, animal, fungal and microbial systems, you will gain a good understanding of current ideas in biology, while having the opportunity to study those ideas in depth with animals, and consider the key things that make animals unique.

What does the Zoology MBiolSci involve?

The 4 year MBiolSci is designed for students who wish to gain a more in depth experience of research. Years 1 to 3 are the same as the BSc but year 4 is devoted to an extensive individual research project and advanced courses in research and communication skills (full details are provided on a separate sheet).

Examples of recent Level 4 research projects in Zoology include: Recombination rates and chromosomal rearrangement in the zebra finch, Heritability and life-history trade-offs in resistance to parasites, How do cuckoo bumblebees survive in their hosts’ nests? Resistance to insecticides and its associated fitness costs in bed bugs.

What can I do with a Zoology degree?

Zoology graduates have a wide array of employment opportunities. These include positions in local, national and international industries, addressing issues that range from conservation and management of natural resources through to medical, veterinary or agricultural research. Opportunities also exist in research and education at universities and research institutes. Zoology also provides training in transferable skills, such as data analysis, project planning, critical thinking and written and spoken communication, which are useful in whatever career direction you choose.

“The course is varied and challenging, covering all major aspects of biology, with modules giving you the choice to investigate the areas you enjoy most in more depth.”

(Level 3 Zoology BSc)

Zoology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)Zoology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)Zoology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)Zoology Course Structure (Levels 1-3)

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Core modules:

Comparative PhysiologyReproduction, Development and GrowthEvolutionBiodiversityPopulation and Community Ecology 1Genes in PopulationsBehaviour of Humans and Other AnimalsPrinciples of Molecular BiologyIntroduction to Cell BiologyPractical Skills in Biology 1 & 2Skills for Biologists

2 modules from options including:

NeuroscienceHuman Form and FunctionEcosystems and Environmental Change

Up to 2 modules from outside Biology (example subjects: modern languages, geography, chemistry, psychology)

Core modules:

Animal DiversityPopulation and Community Ecology 2Data AnalysisPracticals (Animal Diversity, Insect

Biology, Biology Project, plus either: Animal Ecology or Wildlife Forensics)

Zoology Tutorials

4 modules from options including:

Animal BehaviourInsectsEvolutionary EcologyWorld EcosystemsParasitismConservation Principles

Up to 2 modules from Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or from outside biology.

Core modules:

Research ProjectUndergraduate Ambassador Scheme orDissertation

8 modules from options including:

Life in Extreme EnvironmentsGlobal ChangeCooperation and ConflictCommunity EcologyTrends in BiologyIssues in Conservation BiologyBiology and EthicsEcotoxicologyHistory & Philosophy of ScienceEvolutionary EcologyTopics in Evolutionary GeneticsField course (UK, Portugal, Borneo, or

Sweden)