This course is about studying the animals with whom we share our planet. As a subject it meets the needs of a wide range of people, and is an ideal course for anyone who loves wildlife and wants to learn more about the natural world.

Through scientific study you will get to understand everything about the life of animals, from how they breed and communicate, their social structures, right through to how they interact with humans. At its core, the course will give you new perspectives on the animal kingdom, and a solid introduction to zoology. There will be opportunities to study diverse topics such as; the animal rights movements, how animals become domesticated, why certain species become extinct, and how animals evolve and change over time to fit the environment within which they live. Through stimulating online classes you will also learn about the challenges that face the planets animals, insects and ecosystem.

Apart from receiving a firm foundation in the study of the animal kingdom, you will also gain valuable transferable skills in the areas of research, communication, data collection, critical thinking and observation. The course is flexible, and will give you the opportunity to research and investigate those areas that interest you the most. 

Online zoology degree overview

The internet provides a wide range of distance learning options. These courses are offered entirely online, provide a high standard of teaching and support, and allow students to choose from a wide variety of modules. There is no need to attend large, overcrowded and sometimes intimidating lectures. Instead web based learning opens up opportunities for you to customise a program to fit around your lifestyle, something you cannot do with a traditional campus based course.

Personal tutors can stay with you throughout the course. They will be easily accessible, always there to help you, and will act as your main point of contact. You will be taught by lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. This last point is particularly important for an area like zoology where new advances and discoveries are being made all the time.

Through a unique approach to education you will learn about the latest developments in zoology as soon as they happen. Self learning is encouraged and the course is flexible enough to allow students to focus on subjects, periods and themes that interest them the most, and to study at a pace that suits them.

Typical modules and subjects that can be taught on a distance learning zoology course

  • Animal Diseases
  • Animal Classification
  • Animal Reproduction
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Animal Ecology
  • Animal Evolution
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animal Survival Strategies
  • Anatomy
  • Bird Diversity
  • Captive Animal Management
  • Cell biology
  • Cognitive Evolution
  • Conservation Biology
  • Conservation Management
  • Developmental Biology
  • Ecosystems
  • Ecotourism
  • Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
  • Environmental Law
  • Environmental Palaeobiology
  • Evolution
  • Field Biology
  • Forensic Zoology
  • Freshwater Ecology
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Human Biology
  • Life Sciences
  • Introduction to Entomology
  • Introduction to Ichthyology
  • Introduction to Zoology
  • Invertebrate Zoology
  • Marine Ecology
  • Marine Vertebrates
  • Parasitology
  • Physiology
  • Plant Diversity
  • Principles of Conservation
  • Taxonomy
  • Tropical Zoology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Veterinary Science
  • Vertebrate Zoology

Students will learn how to

  • Study animals in their natural environment.
  • Write professional essays and reports.
  • Carry out individual research projects.
  • Collect, organise, and handle information.

Students will learn about

  • The social organisation of animals.
  • The behavioural patterns of animals.
  • Wildlife conservation and management.
  • The ecological impact of human population growth on animals.
  • How animals live and adapt to their environment.
  • The effects of global warming on the animal kingdom.

Career prospects and roles for zoology graduates
As a qualification a zoology degree is highly regarded by future potential employers in all sectors of the economy. However it is most valuable when applying for jobs that involve working with animals, the environment and conservation. Here is an example of the type of fields where this degree can make you stand out;

  • agriculture
  • aquaculture
  • animal research
  • animal charities
  • animal breeding businesses
  • animal shelters
  • biotechnology
  • chemical-pesticide industry
  • eco tourism
  • environmental consultancy
  • farming
  • fisheries
  • museums
  • national and marine parks
  • pharmaceuticals
  • zoological gardens
  • zoo keeping

About this page
This is a resource page that will give you useful information about what you can expect to learn on an accredited online zoology degree course. It also lists links to a selection of popular and relevant online degrees that are run by established US universities. We have focused on North America because at present most English language online courses are run by academic institutions based in the United States of America. Through the links on this page you will find out about the:
Admission requirements
Course costs
Course length
Enrolment dates
Financial aid available to students
Modules

 

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