BSc (Hons) Zoology Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth

Build a strong foundation in biological thinking through hands-on field and laboratory work. You'll learn how to gather, analyse and interpret scientific data, develop essential skills in evaluation and presentation, and start to work independently as a biologist. This module prepares you for deeper study by strengthening your confidence in core scientific practices.

Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Practicals

Explore the molecular and genetic features that allow cells to function. You'll investigate cell biology in the context of plant and animal development and learn how cells process complex information to give biological outcomes which have implications at the cellular, tissue and whole organism levels. This module provides a vital grounding in cell biology and development.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Discover the principles guiding ecological systems and the immense diversity of life on Earth. You'll investigate ecological patterns, evolutionary relationships and the processes that sustain natural communities. By exploring how biodiversity is studied and protected, you'll gain a clear understanding of ecology's central role in conservation and sustainable management.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Explore how plants and animals function through the lens of comparative physiology, comparing the structures and systems that help them survive. You'll learn about key physiological processes and how diverse organisms solve similar biological challenges. This module establishes a broad understanding of organismal biology and prepares you for deeper study in physiology and ecology.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Explore the evolutionary principles that shape species and their behaviour. You'll examine genetic inheritance, population genetics, adaptation, fitness, speciation, and the fossil record using key examples and practical classes to deepen understanding. Historical developments in evolutionary thought provide context for modern interpretations, helping you approach biology through the lens of evolutionary adaptation.

Assessment: 50% Examinations 50% Tests

Receive regular support from your Personal Tutor and develop skills that support your success beyond academic study. You'll take part in tutorials, careers sessions and stage meetings, exploring personal development, skill tracking, goal setting and professional planning. This module helps you understand how support, reflection, and structured guidance combine to enhance your progress, wellbeing, and future opportunities.

Experience ecological research first-hand during a residential field course in southern Spain. You'll develop skills in species identification, sampling design, taxonomy and biodiversity assessment, working directly with real ecological data. By designing and testing hypotheses, you'll gain the confidence and practical expertise needed for future field-based scientific work.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests

Take part in an immersive UK based field course that builds your confidence in real ecological research. You'll learn to identify major organism groups, practise core sampling and survey techniques, and work with biodiversity data collected first-hand. Through guided fieldwork and student-led exploration, you'll develop ecological and scientific skills grounded in local environments.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests

Discover why animals behave the way they do by exploring the causes, development, function and evolution of behaviour. You'll learn scientific methods for studying behaviour and consider how behavioural knowledge supports practical applications, from welfare improvements to conservation. This module equips you with strong analytical and observational skills in behavioural science.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Examine life-history strategies and the physiological processes that support growth, survival and reproduction in animals. You'll undertake ecophysiological research exploring how environmental pressures influence organismal function. Through comparative examples, this module deepens your understanding of how animals adapt and respond to environmental challenges in both natural and changing environments.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Explore the remarkable diversity of animal life by studying the morphology, development and taxonomy of major vertebrate and invertebrate groups. You'll compare key traits across extant and extinct species, uncovering the evolutionary innovations that define each group. This module offers a deep, integrated understanding of the form, function and evolution of animals.

Assessment: 50% Practicals 50% Examinations

Develop essential laboratory and field skills used across the biological sciences. You'll learn safe and effective techniques for data collection, experiment design and analysis using tools such as statistical software and bioinformatics. This module builds your competence and confidence in practical biology, preparing you for more advanced research and technical work.

Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Tests

Deepen your engagement with coordinated support and skill-tracking during Stage 2. This module helps you to strengthen your personal and professional development, through pastoral support and careers sessions, preparing you for the increased independence and complexity of upper-level study. It ensures continued academic progression and confidence.

Explore the biological principles essential for effective conservation. You'll examine population ecology and conservation genetics to understand extinction risk and persistence of species and study their relevance to conservation management. This module strengthens your ability to apply core ecological concepts to real world conservation challenges and prepares you for more advanced conservation study.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Gain hands-on experience in zoological field methods on this residential course. You'll learn to design studies, carry out ecological sampling, identify species, analyse data and present your findings. With a strong focus on scientific rigour and detailed observation, the module prepares you for advanced fieldwork and professional roles in zoological and ecological research.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests

Explore the fundamental biology of marine organisms, focusing on diversity of form and function in key groups. Develop an understanding of the evolution and anatomy of organisms across the marine tree of life including marine vertebrates, invertebrates and algae. Build an understanding of marine biodiversity and how morphological and physiological traits allow organisms to inhabit a range of marine environments.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Experience tropical biology first-hand through a residential field course focused on biodiversity, sampling techniques and species identification. You'll design field studies, collect and analyse data, and practise scientific communication. Immersion in tropical ecosystems deepens your understanding of ecological processes and the complexity of biodiversity in global hotspots.

Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests

Undertake at least 24 weeks of hands-on professional training with an approved host organisation. During your placement, you'll apply biological knowledge in real work settings, develop technical and transferable skills, and gain insight into how biological science operates across sectors. This experience helps bridge academic learning with future career ambitions.

Examine how species form, diversify and evolve. You'll investigate species concepts, mechanisms of speciation and the evolutionary processes driving biological diversity. The module also explores how diversity has changed through evolutionary time, giving you a comprehensive foundation in evolutionary biology and biodiversity science.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations

Undertake an independent research project from concept to completion. You'll develop a research question, design and execute your study, analyse results and communicate your findings. This module strengthens your ability to work independently, solve problems and reflect on your academic and professional development.

Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Practicals

Enhance your professional and academic development in the final stage of your degree. This module incorporates tutorials, stage meetings and careers sessions, ensuring that you graduate with a strong, well-rounded skill profile aligned to your career goals.

Investigate how climate change is reshaping plant and animal biology and distributions. You'll explore current predictions for ecological change over the coming century and examine how this knowledge informs conservation action. By connecting climate science with ecological practice, the module prepares you to engage with one of the most urgent challenges facing biodiversity.

Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations