Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science BSc

Course overview

Zoology is the study of animals at all levels, from their molecular basis up to the way they interact with their ecosystems. On this course you will gain an in-depth knowledge of zoological science and research. You will be provided with the opportunity to explore genetics, evolution, animal behaviour and conservation science and a range of related disciplines.

With this intercalated course you will gain a deeper insight into a wide range of animals, how they came to be and how they function. You can choose to study animals, including humans, from a broad perspective. This may include sociality and eusociality, development, behaviour, nutrition and sustainable agriculture and wildlife conservation. During your Biology Research Project, you'll be encouraged to design and analyse your own scientific study, which will equip you with numerous transferrable skills.

This course will give you a strong grounding in the essentials of zoology to give you a broader perspective of life on Earth and our place within it.

Course highlights

• Choose from a wide range of module options covering topics from genetics, through animal production to landscape ecology.

• Access to a wide range of natural landscapes for your research project: the diverse Yorkshire coastline, the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Peak District are all within easy reach.

• Excellent links with a range of relevant partners, including zoos, wild animal parks, nature reserve managers and research institutes.

Course details and modules

All students undertake a compulsory 40-credit Biology Research Project. You can also choose 4 to 6 modules from the list of optional modules.

Biology Research Project

A wide range of research topics are available, such as parasite-host interactions, animal development, animal nutrition, sustainable livestock production, conservation ecology and animal behaviour. These projects are an important way for you to learn about independent scientific research and develop relevant skills for future employment. The data from some of our best projects have been used in scientific publications, with students involved in authorship.

Recent examples include:

• Biosecurity to slow the spread of invasive species
• The effect of parasitic infection on animal behaviour
• Foraging behaviour of gannets
• Diseases of marine mammals
• Functional diversity of coral reef fishes
• Insect sperm competition
• The role of the Major Histocompatibility Complex in human mate choice
• Animal welfare in pig production
• The exotic pet trade and the sale of endangered species

Course structure

The optional modules offered may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science BSc in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Biology Research Projects (40 credits)

Field courses

Students completing the BSc Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science have the option of taking our field course in South African ecology. This will cover biodiversity in a range of South African habitats and will provide key experience in field research techniques, species identification, and conservation strategies.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Zoology in Relation to Medicine and Veterinary Science BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, and may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Teaching will be through lectures, practical classes, seminars, small group teaching and a research project. Assessment is similarly varied, including in-course assessment (formative and summative), practical reports and written examinations. The in course assessment exercises include tests of practical skills, essay writing, data manipulation and problem solving. The research project will be assessed throughout the project and on the final written report. Degree classification will be based upon the marks obtained in each of the component modules, with the appropriate credit weighting applied.

Entry requirements

Other course specific tests:

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

The personal statement should demonstrate interest and enthusiasm in zoological science.

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The course is designed to give you a challenging, yet enjoyable and rewarding year which will add significantly to your skills, knowledge, and enhance your career opportunities on graduation.

The course allows full integration with existing science based BSc courses and includes delivery of a substantive research project.

In addition to providing subject-specific knowledge, we equip you with the best possible skills for future careers. There is a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving. You will gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. You will be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your intercalating year.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.