Apart from the biological study of animal life this degree course will also focus on related topics like their habits, evolution, nature and behaviour. It is a large and diverse field with many specialities in it, ranging from ecology, microbiology, palaeontology right the way through to plants and micro-organisms.

Zoology is a branch of biology and is one of the oldest sciences studied, with many people seeing it as one of the most exciting and modern ones around. These days it is viewed as a cutting edge science where students can study in detail the many different types of animal species that humans share the plant with. It is universally looked upon as an important field of study that enhances our understanding of the world we live in and how human activity impacts on the environment.

Many degree courses will also give students an insight into the latest developments in zoology, this is important as it is constantly expanding due to scientific advances that continue to open up new areas of research.

This degree will give you a excellent foundation on which to build for a future career in the growing environmental and conservation sectors. Learning key skills and knowledge that employers see as essential can also lead to careers in fields such as teaching, research, medicine and veterinary science.

On a zoology degree course areas of study will include:

  • Animal biodiversity.
  • Conserving and managing wildlife populations.
  • The threat that climate change poses to wildlife populations.
  • How the intense use of farming is affecting certain species.
  • Environmental pollution.
  • Parasites and diseases that affect animals.
  • Veterinary science.
  • Issues to do with animal welfare.
  • Evolution and how life started on planet Earth.
  • How animals interact with each other.
  • The foraging habits of animals.
  • The mating habits of animals.
  • How animals adapt to the environment they live in.
  • The genetics of marine invertebrates.
  • Natural selection in the animal world.
  • The study of insects and vertebrates.
  • Organismal Diversity
  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Key aspects of zoological phenomena from molecular to ecological levels.
  • Animal Biology Practicals.
  • Animal Survival Strategies
  • Fish Biology
  • Freshwater Ecosystems
  • Molecular Ecology and Evolution
  • The structure of DNA.
  • Invertebrate classification.
  • The food chain of living organisms.
  • Vertebrate zoology.
  • Marine biology.
  • Species identification.
  • Animal reproduction.
  • Botany.
  • Arachnology (study of spiders).
  • Cetology (whales and dolphins).
  • Ichthyology (fish).
  • Herpetology (snakes).
  • Ornithology (birds).
  • Paleozoology (study of extinct animals).

Zoology student personal profile
Below is a personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Example

“The experiences I have had over the last two years at college and in employment have given me new perspectives on and changed my attitudes towards the natural world and the animal kingdom. For me it all started at college where I received what is sometimes referred to as the ‘Inconvenient Truth’ talk, it was a life changing experience that woke me up to the dangers facing our planet and got me interested in conservation, living organisms and in particular Zoology. My tutors were all very positive and encouraging and I am grateful to them for not only introducing me to this subject but also for helping me to grow intellectually for also teaching me new ways of thinking.

Towards the end of my final year at college and after learning a lot of theory about animal evolution, behaviour and physiology I decided that the time was right to gain some real life experience of working with animals. So over the summer months I worked on a voluntary basis at a local veterinary surgery. My goal was to gain practical experience of the medical and surgical treatment of animals. Although the work was unpaid I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt a great deal about the prevention and spread of disease in animals, the procedures for prescribing medicine, how to identify illness and the importance of maintaining accurate records.

All things considered I believe I would make an ideal candidate for your Zoology course for three main reasons. Firstly I feel I have a genuine passion for subject, secondly I possess the required academic qualifications and thirdly I have real life practical work experience of working with animals (after having been a unpaid volunteer in a veterinary surgery). All of these points will also hopefully demonstrate to you that I am well equipped to continue studying a subject that I already have considerable knowledge of. My commitment to Zoology can further be shown by the fact that even though I have been told that Zoology is not a ‘strong’ subject and may in some ways limit my ability to work in other well paid industries, I still feel attracted to it as it is a field of study that fascinates me and that I have a passion for. I am willing to forsake other more potentially ‘lucrative’ degree courses for something I really enjoy doing.

In the search for a suitable university to study at I have read through quiet a few prospectus’s and visited a number of campuses. I wanted to find a course that covered all the key areas I was interested in and also taught through a combination of lectures, field trips, online learning, tutorials and projects. I am pleased to say that your course and university ticked all the right boxes for me. Your universities location, superb transport links and close proximity to major geographical attractions also attracted me as well as the fact that several of my friends are current undergraduates at your university and they all speak very highly of your institution.”

More zoology personal statement examples 

Typical university interview questions

Why do you want to enrol on a zoology degree course?

Answers

  • I feel that a degree qualification in zoology can be useful to me in understanding the animal kingdom and natural world and also assist me in finding employment in diverse industries that interest me i.e. biomedical research, agriculture and environmental management.
  • The course will help me to gain transferable skills that are much valued by employers. I will learn how to critically evaluate scientific information, write articulate and conclusive reports and interpret vast amounts of data.

What made you apply to our university?

Answers

  • Your expertise encompasses cutting edge science along with excellent on campus facilities such as an extensive marine and freshwater aquaria along with a comprehensive collection of insects and vertebrate material. All of this proves to me that your Zoology Department is dedicated and committed to providing its undergraduates with everything they need.
  • As part of the Zoology degree you allow students to spend up to 6 months at a University in either Europe or the United States on a student exchange programme.
  • Your university appears to be a very exciting and dynamic place to be.

Field work on a zoology degree course
Students should note that zoology is a practical subject and that field trips and getting your hands dirty will be part and parcel of the course.

Skills you will learn on a zoology degree course

  • You will gain transferable research, analysis, evaluation and reporting skills.
  • How to scrutinise data in terms of quantity and quality.
  • Discover your own learning styles and teaching preferences.
  • Learn to evaluate biological problems.
  • Classes will show students how to interpret data and information.
  • Problem solving and team work.
  • Listening and discussion skills.

How are students taught
Through practical classes, classroom lectures, direct reading, field trips, tutorials and also research.

How long will a zoology degree course last?
Typically a full time course will be between 3 – 4 years.

 

Online degrees
Online degree courses
Online zoology degree

Related degrees
Animal science degree
Marine biology degree
Veterinary science degree
Veterinary degree

More degrees
University courses

Student resources
Essay writing
Graduate internships
Introduction to graduate fasttrack schemes
Revision timetable
Revision tips
Student accommodation
Student loan company
Study skills
UCAS personal statement
University interview questions

Other career links
Medical CV templates

Student CV examples
Student CV templates (over 30 free professional written examples)

More career resources
Cover letter examples (over 50 expertly cover letter examples)
CV templates (over 300 free professionally written samples)