Zoology is the science of studying and understanding animals living on land, in freshwater or in the sea. It is the branch of biology that covers behaviour, classification, evolution, conservation, distribution, ecology and natural history, but also includes biochemistry and physiology, palaeontology, molecular biology and genetics, and the structure and function of animals.

Zoology students are able to undertake studies in a range of zoological disciplines including animal behaviour; animal ecology; environmental and comparative physiology; entomology; parasitology and freshwater ecology.

Our mission is to:

-provide students with a thorough knowledge of the diversity of the animal kingdom and an understanding of how that diversity arose through a research-led-and-informed curriculum;

- enable students to graduate with practical laboratory and fieldwork skills, critical problem solving skills, and excellent communication skills;

-harness the unique attributes of UNE's location nationally and internationally and access to a unique fauna, unmatched online education experience, and above-world class research credentials to provide undergraduate students with a holistic education within zoology;

- prepare students for further study or employment across the wide range of disciplines within which zoology is critical; provide broad understanding of zoology for students who do not aspire to continue with employment in the area; and

-instil students with an appreciation of the many facets that make up zoological sciences.

Zoologists are employed by research institutions, CSIRO, local state and federal government agencies, museums, national parks, marine parks, zoological gardens, Antarctic research stations, and as teachers in primary and secondary school among others. Zoologists also are also employed in media organisations (radio, television, social media and print), consultancy firms, aquaculture and biotechnology and animal breeding businesses.