BSc Zoology

3 years full-time

Zoology is a fascinating, exciting and vibrant science. Zoologists study animal life in all its forms and at all scales. While many zoologists focus on animal ecology, behaviour and conservation, others are interested in how animals function at the genetic or physiological scale. Here at Reading we provide a diverse course that meets all of these interests, while ensuring that all of our graduates receive a firm foundation in modern biology. We ensure that you have the opportunity to experience fieldwork, both locally and during field courses held in Scotland (marine biology), France (terrestrial ecology) and our Tropical Biology Field Course, where we focus on primates (including orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and gibbons), birds and insects (Java and Borneo).

The Zoology degree is modular and each year you will study a number of relevant compulsory modules, which include Mammals and Ecology in Year 1, Entomology and Animal Behaviour in year 2 and Animal Diversity and Birds in the final year. In addition you may choose modules up to a total of 120 credits, including the compulsory ones, from a wide range of subjects from within the School of Biological Sciences, or from other Schools and Departments including modern languages.

Zoology modules

	Compulsory	Optional
1st Year	Ecology:Species and their Interactions  Exploiters and Exploited Mammals Genes and Chromosomes The Living Cell Practical Field Ecology Introduction to Zoology	Biochemistry and Metabolism Introductory Microbiology Plant Diversity, Structure and Utilisation
2nd Year	Animal Behaviour Birds Evolutionary Biology Introduction to Entomology Invertebrate Zoology Vertebrate Zoology Tropical Biology Field Course or Zoology Field Course (Devon)	Endocrinology Life and Death of a Cell Immunology
3rd Year	Animal Diversity Research Project	Conservation Biology Urban Ecology Forensic Zoology

The University of Reading has a long history of excellence in Zoology, stretching back to 1906. Unlike many universities, we have retained a traditional Zoology degree balanced with modern biology. At Reading you will study animals at a range of levels; their diversity, structure, ecology, behaviour, taxonomy, conservation and evolution. At the same time you will gain expertise in a wide range of techniques, ranging from molecular genetics through to field-based studies of ecology and animal behaviour. We emphasise the need for field skills and all zoologists must take modules that teach skills in animal identification, surveying and methods of trapping. There are also compulsory residential field courses that specialize in marine biology, vertebrate studies or tropical zoology (Java and Borneo).

Excellent Facilities

The School of Biological Sciences is a Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) for applied undergraduate research skills in Zoology and Applied Ecology and Conservation. We offer a fantastic zoological resources in having retained and restored the lifetime collection of the first Professor of Zoology at Reading; the Cole Museum of Zoology. This collection of over 4,000 specimens, many of them rare, is used in teaching and students have the opportunity to work in the museum as a volunteer. We also have a campus Nature Reserve, managed and maintained by our students as part of the Centre for Wildlife Assessment and Conservation.

Career prospects

A wide variety of careers in the biological sciences are available to Zoology graduates, such as posts in animal welfare, education, consultancy, agriculture, the Civil Service, local government and animal charities. Recent Reading Zoology graduates have gone on to jobs in taxonomy and biodiversity, conservation, ecotourism, environmental law and policy, nutritional medicine and wildlife management. Many zoologists choose to go on to some form of post graduate training (PGCE, MSc, PhD), and often opt to take our very successful MSc programme in Wildlife Management and Conservation.

The University of Reading has a long history of excellence in zoological research, stretching back to the foundation of the University (see the Cole Museum pages for more details). We are proud of the excellence of our teaching, and have just completed a revision of our course to ensure that it is as relevant and up-to-date as possible.

 

Student testimonial:

"Choosing to study at Reading was definitely the most daunting and best decision I have ever made. Reading Zoology at Reading was amazing; I met lifelong friends, learnt lifelong lessons all whilst learning enough zoology to achieve a first class honours degree! I was lucky enough to travel to Borneo and Java as one of my modules in the 2nd year of the course, which was certainly an unforgettable experience, meeting enchanting orangutans and discovering breathtaking invertebrates at every turn. Through all three years of my course I spent every Wednesday afternoon volunteering at the Cole Museum of Zoology, certainly my favourite place on campus. My advice to you is to throw yourself into university life and enjoy every moment!"

Emma Redman, BSc Zoology  2007-2010