Course Description
Zoology is the study of all animal life; from primitive microscopic malaria-causing protozoa to large advanced mammals, across all environmental spheres from red deer in mountain forests to dolphins in deep oceans, and from underground burrowing voles to golden eagles in the skies. Some of these animals are useful to us and we nurture them as pets or livestock; some are serious pests or disease-causing; and some are simply splendid and awe-inspiring. No matter what our relation with the animals, we need to understand their behaviour, population dynamics, physiology and the way they interact with other species and their environments. That is Zoology!
The degree programme at Aberdeen provides you with a strong foundation in biological sciences, principles and methodologies, while providing you with expertise in zoology. Your courses include topics in animal diversity and evolution, behaviour, population ecology, physiology, parasitology, zoonotic diseases, marine biology and conservation management taught by lecturers who are world-leaders in their areas of zoology.
Course Content
In year 1 you will complete eight courses. Some of these are compulsory courses and you will also choose optional elective courses from a wide range of options within the University.
Compulsory Courses
Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009) - 15 Credit Points
Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012) - 15 Credit Points
Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511) - 15 Credit Points
Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512) - 15 Credit Points
The Cell (SM1501) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.
In year 2 you will complete compulsory and elective courses. Popular elective courses are Conservation Biology, Ocean Biology, Genes & Evolution or courses relating to Biomedical Science, Plant Science or Geography.
Compulsory Courses
Genes and Evolution (BI2017) - 15 Credit Points
Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018) - 15 Credit Points
Ecology (BI2020) - 15 Credit Points
Principles of Animal Physiology (BI2510) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice, plus one of the field courses listed below:
- BI 25F4 Fish and Shellfish Biology Field Course
- BI 25F3 Parasitology Field Course
- BI 25F2 Coastal Biodiversity Field Course
- BI 25F1 Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology Field Course
- ZO 25F1 Littoral and Sublittoral Marine Biology Field Course 1
In year 3, in addition to compulsory courses, popular optional course choices include Animal Behaviour, Animals in Captivity, Marine Ecology and Ecosystems, Biology and Control of Infectious Diseases and Applied Marine Biology.
Compulsory Courses
Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010) - 15 Credit Points
Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3011) - 15 Credit Points
Animal Population Ecology (ZO3307) - 15 Credit Points
Environmental Physiology (ZO3513) - 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice, at least 30 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences at level 3.
In year 4, the Honours year, you will carry out a research project as well as writing an extended essay and completing advanced courses of your choosing.
Compulsory Courses
SBS Honours Project (Semester 1) (BI4016) - 45 Credit Points
This independent research project develops your skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis, as well as important generic skills, including presentation and time management.
Projects are field-, lab- and/or desk-based, developed on a topic of your interest under the direction of a supervisor.
Training in skills needed to perform your project is provided by world-leading researchers and their teams.
Workshops and drop-in sessions provide training in data analysis and thesis production.
This skill set will be appropriate for advanced study in the field of biological science or other careers where the generic skills that you will develop are highly valued.
Entry Requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
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