Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals. It covers a broad range of topics including behaviour, morphology, physiology, development, ecology, evolution and taxonomy.

Within Zoology the desire to understand the behaviour of animals has led to the development of a separate branch of Zoology (ethology) which focuses on animal behaviour. On this course you will study traditional zoology but with an emphasis on animal behaviour in which you will discover how animals interact with one another and their environments, specifically looking at the mechanisms, functions, development and evolution of behaviour.

Our aim is to provide you with sound zoological training and equip you with skills necessary for a career in the field of zoology and animal behaviour. The provision of a diversity of laboratory and field zoology experience, both home and abroad, is an important component of the course, as is the acquisition of transferable skills (data analysis, group work, presentational and writing skills, IT skills). Our excellent teaching facilities include a Zoology Museum which boasts an exceptionally comprehensive collection of invertebrate and vertebrate material, and a botanical garden close to the Menai Strait with a number of habitats that can be used for a range of behavioural studies. We are also part of the Environment Centre Wales which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).

Placement Year 

This course is available as a 4-year ‘with Placement Year’ option. Please apply for Zoology with Animal Behaviour with Placement Year BSc C3DP. Find out more about 'with Placement Year' courses here. 

The placement year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements. 

You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree, and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services. 

Internships

Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.

Career

Zoologists have gained employment in wildlife management, environmental consultancy, and local and national media, whilst some have undertaken a range of postgraduate programmes.