Biological Sciences (Zoology)

Course description

Zoology aims to understand all forms of animal life across all environments, both terrestrial and marine. This includes:

* animals that may be domesticated or farmed, such as livestock, lab animals or pets

* organisms that are serious pests or disease-causing agents

* species that are an essential part of our natural environment and a key species in our ecological communities

No matter how these animals fit into their environment, there is an underlying need to understand their behaviour, population dynamics, physiology and the way they interact with other species and their environments.

Our Zoology degree programme explores this by looking from the evolutionary standpoint, pulling on many of the areas covered in biological sciences, including:

* cell and molecular biology

* developmental biology

* parasitology

* animal behaviour

* population biology

* ecology

You will also spend time in the field carrying out your own research.

**Flexibility within biological sciences**

Biological sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.

We offer a flexible learning experience. With 12 different biological sciences subject areas, you can tailor your programme to your preferred career path. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and can choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.

Our skills-based curriculum will equip you with data analysis, programming and problem-solving skills, as well as teaching you effective communication and independent thinking. This will prepare you to be a part of the next generation of scientific thinkers who apply their skills in various contexts.

**Programme benefits**

* Study on a flexible programme. Explore different areas of biological sciences before specialising in the later years of your degree programme.

* Learn in state-of-the-art laboratories, interactive computing studio facilities and collaborative lecture theatres, ensuring a dynamic and immersive study experience.

* Experience hands-on learning with fieldwork at local sites such as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

* Gain key skills valued by employers such as communication, collaboration, problem solving and data analysis.

* Complete an independent research project in one of our academic research laboratories in your final year.

Subjects