Zoology
UCAS code C303
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
A Zoology degree can provide you with the knowledge and training not only for a job working as a zoologist but also equips you for a career in the environmental, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.
Introduction
The Master of Zoology (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Zoology and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.
In the first three years, you’ll study a broad range of modules including animal behaviour, conservation biology, ecology, evolution, and animal physiology with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.
The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification. Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.
What you'll learn
- Develop field skills in zoologically rich locations in a wide range of habitats
- Learn about the ecology of populations and the diversity of ecosystems
- Understand the evolution of behavioural patterns and their contribution to survival, success, and fitness
- Understand current approaches to conservation and the management of species and ecosystems
- Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
- Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
- Work independently and collaboratively
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Use lab equipment correctly and safely
- Plan, initiate, and carry out projects
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
- Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
- Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
- From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
- Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
- Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of zoology. You will study animal behaviour and physiology, and explore the relationship between hosts and parasites. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in animal husbandry or marine ecology.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
- Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
- Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
- Animal Behaviour BIOS207
- Practical Skills in Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour BIOS208
- Parasites, Pathogens and Hosts BIOS211
- Animal Ecophysiology BIOS222
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
- Animal Anatomy, Physiology & Husbandry BIOS220
- Marine Ecophysiology, Ecology and Exploitation ENVS251
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of zoological research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. You will also develop advanced field skills and you will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Research Project BIOS301
- Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
- Research Methods BIOS303
- Applied Conservation Biology BIOS318
- Advanced Ecology for a Sustainable Future BIOS325
- Advanced Topics in Evolutionary Biology BIOS327
- Zoology Field Course BIOS333
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year four
The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the internship with other modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Research Project LIFE700
- Research Methods and Application LIFE731
OPTIONAL MODULES (Choose one)
- Advanced Statistics for Biological Research LIFE707
- Informatics for Life Sciences LIFE721
- Informatics for Life Sciences (Off campus) LIFE621
OPTIONAL MODULES (Students choose either the research internship, or two of the remaining modules)
- Research Internship LIFE701
- Evolution and Behaviour LIFE709
- Coding for Life Sciences LIFE733
- Cellular Biotechnology and Biological Imaging LIFE749
- Emerging Infections and Pandemic LIFE751
- Computational Biology LIFE752
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Data Analysis LIFE754
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology LIFE756
- Analysing Climate processes and variability ENVS475
- Advanced Conservation Biology ENVS423
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, field work, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.
How you're assessed
Assessed work including essays, presentations, group work, qualitative and experimental reports together with examination results from years one, two, three contributing to your final degree classification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBB (including Biology: B and ) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDD Applied Science pathway only. Distinctions in each of Principles and Applications of Science I & II required. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus BB in Biology and a second Science at A level. Pass required in science practicals. Acceptable second sciences: Applied ICT; Biology (and Human Biology); Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; ICT; Life and Health Sciences; Mathematics; Psychology; Physics; Statistics. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
Grade B, plus BB in Biology and a second science at A level. Pass required in science practicals. Acceptable second sciences: Applied ICT; Biology (and Human Biology); Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; ICT; Life and Health Sciences; Mathematics; Psychology; Physics; Statistics. |
| Access |
30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 credits at Merit in a relevant Access Diploma. 15 credits in Biology and Chemistry at Distinction required. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Study as a bachelor's degree
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
Your experience
With more than £30 million invested into our of the art teaching facilities and resources, your studies are fully supported. You can shape your studies by choosing a diverse range of modules from across the range of Biosciences subjects for a career in the environmental, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.
Explore where you'll study
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place for postgraduate study
- Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
- Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
- Access to world-class facilities
- Provide specialist training with taught and research components
- Options for intercalating students
- Vibrant postgraduate community.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
Employability is embedded into the Zoology MBiolSci programme and can be the necessary stepping stone into a successful career in many sectors such as government agencies, animal charities and welfare groups, wildlife parks and conservation projects. Alternatively you may choose to opt to study for a PhD in Veterinary Science.
Recent employers include:
- AstraZeneca
- BBC
- Chester Zoo
- Home Affairs and Security
- Royal Society of Biology
- The Environment Agency