About this program
Zoology BSc (Hons)
The BSc in Zoology involves a wide-ranging exploration of the animal kingdom, investigating the structure, development, evolution, classification, behaviour, and distribution of all types of animals, both living and extinct. The choice of modules provides organismal, cellular, and molecular perspectives, including developmental, behavioural, neurophysiological, and environmental approaches with examples ranging from single-celled animals to marine mammals.
Admission requirements
These grades are the overall standards required to consider you for entry. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
- SQA Highers
- GCE A-Levels
- IB points
International applicants
If English is not your first language you will need an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English language qualification.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Learn moreProgram content
First Year
In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all biology degree programs. Both of the following modules are compulsory.
Students take the following compulsory first-year modules:
- Biology 1
- Biology 2
Second Year
In second year, modules are chosen which will best prepare you for your intended degree (or group of possible degrees) and new topics are introduced in some second-year modules such as evolutionary biology and ecology. Students intending to study zoology at Honours level must take the following compulsory modules:
- Comparative Physiology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Research Methods in Biology
- Vertebrate Zoology
Honours
In third year, you will continue to specialise in zoology via a wide range of modules covering core topics. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:
- Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach
- Biology of Marine Organisms
- Ecosystems and Conservation
- Evolution
- Genes, Cells and Development
- Terrestrial Zoology.
In fourth year, you will study your chosen subject area at a deeper scientific level and will also have the opportunity to select from a wide range of small, group-specialised modules. These modules are taught by academics at the forefront of their discipline.
In this year, students also undertake a substantial final year research project. This research project is designed to develop skills in experimental design and problem-solving, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and communication skills. The project is selected and supervised by a member of academic staff. This project occupies half of the year.
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
The BSc in Zoology is taught through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- practical classes
- field work.
The practical elements of the course, which are taught in the laboratory and in the field, enable you to learn the wide range of skills required of a modern biologist. Students are taught in state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. Alongside the development of practical biological skills, students are also given the opportunity to expand on their presentation and IT skills.
Typical class sizes:
- First year: lectures 250 to 330, practicals 80 to 100 students
- Second year: lectures 80 to 150, practicals 40 to 60 students
- Third year: lectures 20 to 70, practicals 20 to 60 students
- Fourth year: 5 to 25 students.
Fourth year allows you to focus on a major project which occupies half of the year. Working on this project will enable you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees. The project can also lead to your first publication in a scientific journal.
When not attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:
- working on individual and group projects
- undertaking research in a laboratory
- undertaking research in the library
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations.
Tuition
Career paths
Graduates from the School of Biology have a wide range of skills sought by employers:
- laboratory and field data collection
- data handling and presentation
- problem-solving
- teamwork
- planning
- organisation and communication skills.
Biology graduates have secured employment as:
- clinical scientists
- consultant ecologists
- marine mammal scientists
- museum curators
- school teachers.
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About this institute
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first University. As a 600 year-old institution, we are known across the globe for our world leading quality and depth of research. For six centuries some of the world’s brightest and most promising...
Why study at University of St Andrews
Studying in St Andrews is a unique and rewarding experience that will take your skills and knowledge to the next level.
Students at St Andrews have access to some of the world’s best professors and lecturers and a degree from the University of St Andrews is sought after by employers around the world.
In addition to award-winning teaching and research, the University of St Andrews has an array of facilities which result in high levels of student satisfaction and a world class reputation.
Contact info
University of St Andrews
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