BSc (Hons) Zoology

From the smallest organisms, birds and primates, to biodiversity, aquatic biology, habitat management and the threat of climate change, on our BSc Zoology you’ll study a wide range of fascinating animals and how they interact with their environments.

The course covers the evolution, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and ecology of animals, along with how to care for and conserve them. You will gain an expert understanding of modern zoology in all its forms, from conservation management to paleoanthropology to molecular biology.

With a strong emphasis on practical work, you will have plenty of opportunities to work in the field, both locally and overseas, to gain valuable skills for your career. You’ll learn core laboratory skills such as titration, pipetting, and how to design and carry out laboratory experiments such as addressing climate change or identifying biological or physiological traits of animals.

You’ll learn to survey the environment, take measurements, collect samples, perform biochemical analysis in practical laboratory work, and interpret your data by creating reports and giving presentations on the results of your findings.

You’ll complete a conservation biology practical on nearby Wimbledon Common, and go to Wales to explore various UK habitats, including river ecosystems, sand dunes, woodlands and rocky shores. This week-long trip will provide you with the perfect experience for work in habitat or conversation management as you gain field-based skills in ecology, animal behaviour and animal physiology.

An optional and student-funded module, Conservation, People and Wildlife: South African Field Course, involves a two-week adventure to South Africa. You’ll learn directly from people living and working in conservation and related fields, and study South Africa’s wildlife including elephants, lions and rhinos. It’s a unique opportunity to get first-hand insight into the reality of conservation in Africa, and gain valuable experience of another culture and country.

Across your years at Roehampton, you’ll develop an expert understanding of modern Zoology. In your first year, you’ll explore the diversity of life on our planet, learning about the evolution and biology of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, vertebrate physiology, cell and plant biology and basic biochemistry, and attend lectures, practical lab sessions and field trips. In year two, you’ll take specialist modules to expand your knowledge, and use our state-of-the-art equipment including microscopes, imaging software, flow-through cytometers for counting bacteria and DNA sequencing tools. In your third year, you’ll choose what to study from our wide list of modules, and complete your research project, tailoring your degree to your interests and aspirations.

You will also have the option of undertaking a placement year between years two and three.