Bachelor of Zoology

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.

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to teach students about all aspects of the biology of animals - including structure, function, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behaviour and evolution.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a coherent understanding of zoology by articulating the methods of zoology, explaining why current zoological knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of zoology in society; exhibit depth and breadth of knowledge of zoology by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area and knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area; critically analyse and solve zoological problems by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning a scientific project, selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct a scientific project, and collecting, accurately recording, analysing, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data; be effective communicators of zoology by communicating zoological results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes; and be accountable for their own learning and zoological work by being independent and self-directed learners, working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context, and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will be able to demonstrate a depth and range of knowledge relevant to the discipline of zoology including a knowledge of the diversity of the animal kingdom and how that diversity arose (evolution). They will be proficient in a variety of field and laboratory skills in zoology. Communication Skills Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results and information to a wide range of audiences using multiple mediums (e.g., print, oral and via an online presence). Problem Solving Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems in zoology using the scientific method, including statistics and mathematics. Information Literacy Graduates will be able to collect, understand and evaluate scientific results from a wide range of sources using different platforms. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be able to take social responsibility by recognising the relevant ethical frameworks within which scientific research on animals is practiced and show a capacity for working responsibly and safely in both individual and team environments. Lifelong Learning Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability for self-directed learning using critical thinking and analytical skills. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will be able to function as a part of team members or leaders of a collaborative team.