Zoology MBiol Honours
- UCAS code: C301
- Full time
- 4 years
Our newly developed, flexible, four-year Zoology MBiol Honours degree will provide you with in-depth training and a thorough understanding of all aspects of animal life along with comprehensive research experience.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Next start date:
- September 2024
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £26400
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This Zoology MBiol Honours degree focuses on developing your scientific knowledge and provides a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of zoology. This ensures you graduate prepared for a role in this varied field.
Through laboratory and field-based teaching, you'll learn and perfect the skills required to succeed in zoology. In your fourth year you'll work alongside our active research staff to delve deeper into more advanced topics.
Our zoology degree shares its first-year programme with other biology degrees in the School and ensures you gain a thorough understanding across a range of topics. You'll select from modules such as: ecology and conservation, genetics and evolution, diversity of life: form and function.
BSc or MBiol?
Some of our degrees are offered at two levels:
- three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- four-year Master of Biology (MBiol)
Our MBiol degrees involve an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, during which you will gain significant research experience to increase your employability.
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
The first year of this degree is shared with other biology degrees in the School. You can transfer to one of our other Biology degrees before the second year should your interests change (subject to achieving the appropriate grades).
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
Diversity of Life: Form and Function | 20 |
Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Cells and Biomolecules | 20 |
Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Crop Pests | 10 |
Animal Health | 10 |
Introduction to Animal Physiology | 10 |
Natural Science Research Impact | 10 |
UK Wildlife | 10 |
Introduction to Scientific Computing for Chemists | 10 |
The Marine Environment | 20 |
Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers | 20 |
With approval from the Degree Programme Director, an alternative optional module to those listed above may be selected.
Your study of animals becomes specialised, with topics such as: animal function (physiology and development); animal behaviour and vertebrate biology. Optional modules are also available in more specialised topics
You'll also take a field course on the identification of insects and birds.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Field Identification Skills | 10 |
Experimental Design and Statistics | 10 |
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Animal Function (Physiology and Development) | 20 |
You must also take one or both of the following modules (shown in the optional list below):
- NES2310 Insect Biology and Origins (20 credits)
AND/OR
- NES2314 Vertebrate Biology (20 credits)
With approval from the Degree Programme Director, an alternative optional module to those listed above may be selected.
You study advanced specialist topics, many of which are linked to our research expertise. To enhance your skills you will have the opportunity to select a module that focuses on the development of ideas for business.
You will further develop your fieldwork skills through field courses.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Physiological Zoology | 20 |
Current Zoology | 20 |
Research Project | 40 |
You must also take one or both of the following compulsory modules (shown in the optional list below):
- NES3301 Biodiversity Science and Management (20 credits)
AND/OR
- NES3302 Current Research in Ecology (20 credits)
You build on the knowledge and skills you developed in the first three years, working alongside our research-active staff to explore advanced topics in zoology. You will undertake a research project working with an active research group.
Modules
Compulsory modules
You must take one of the following compulsory modules (shown in the optional list below):
- NES8300 Research Project (60 credits)
OR
- NES8301 Research Project (60 credits)
Modules
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll be taught via a combination of methods, including:
- lectures
- lab work
- field work
- seminars
- tutor group sessions
Our field and lab based modules provide you with a firm basis to build practical experiences that enhance the scientific skills expected of a biology graduate.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Interviews
-
Portfolio submission
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Research skills
In your third and fourth year, you will undertake a research project, which will help you develop your specialist research skills. You'll be confident in completing an individual investigation and reporting your findings and interpretations to other.
Practical skills
Our Zoology MBiol Honours degree is designed to ensure you gain lots of practical experience, through lab-based classes and the opportunity to take part in a variety of field courses.
You'll have the chance to undertake a mammal surveying skills field course in the UK or Africa. There will also be the opportunity for numerous day excursions.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 3 and 4.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Biology and Zoology student, you'll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.
During your studies, you'll have access to two commercial farms near Newcastle. These are used as demonstration facilities as well as a field station with glasshouse and dedicated teaching facilities.
You'll have the opportunity to access purpose-built laboratories. You can also visit the Great North Museum, where there's a range of important biological collections. We also have our controlled-environment aquaria situated in the Ridley 2 Building.
Support
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet. You can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable).
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Your future
Our zoology degree equips you with a wide range of skills to ensure you have many career opportunities available to you.
92% of zoology graduates were in work or further study within six months of completing this degree*, and many have found work in commercial or medical laboratory positions, conservation work, animal care as well as choosing to study in more specialist areas such as:
- biomedical science
- conservation
- animal behaviour
- environmental consultancy
*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
Qualification: MBiol Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
9250 |
International students full time 4 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
26400 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
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