Zoology is the scientific study of animals (living and extinct) at all levels, from the molecular and cellular, to the organismic and ecological. In this degree programme, students learn about animal morphology and function, their interactions with each other and with their environment, conservation, biodiversity and evolutionary biology.

This new BSc programme offers a degree in Zoology as a specific option on the CAO form, which is not currently available in any other higher education institution in Ireland. The course of study includes additional classes focused on practical skills and career development that further engage students and provide key attributes in demand by employers.

The course is delivered on campus and in the field, with blended learning and use of online resources where appropriate.

Aims of the Programme
This degree aims to provide students with a strong foundation in the science of Zoology, including knowledge and understanding of diversity and taxonomy of animals (in air, on land, and in water), their ecology and evolution, the structure and function of animals from the cellular to organismal level, their conservation and exploitation, and mitigation of human wildlife conflicts.

Simultaneously, the programme of study provides students with specialist and transferable skills required to develop excellent careers in the field of zoology, conservation, ecological consultancy and related natural sciences.

The BSc In Zoology aims to develop strong scientific skills in students, with a sound foundation in the scientific process, and a good understanding of the ethics and importance of their work.

The programme is student centric and research-inspired – designed to integrate authentic coursework, knowledge gains, skills and experiential learning that will enable students to demonstrate a broad mastery of zoology.

Programme of study year by year:

First Year
Students take all three of the 15 ECTS subjects available for Science students: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They also take additional modules tailored to give students a strong foundation in zoology, and a shared experience with their classmates. The module Careers in Zoology includes lectures, workshops and discussion sessions focused on zoology-related occupations, research and writing skills, and graduate experience.

Second Year
Students gain a strong understanding of the taxonomy, diversity and form and function of species across the Animal Kingdom. They also take broader Biology modules that provide a foundation in evolution and molecular/cellular biology, which are fundamental to all of the biological sciences. Additionally, students take a new module Field Skills in Zoology, which is exclusive to the Zoology programme.

Third Year
There is a strong focus on ecology in third year, with additional knowledge development in biological statistics, GIS mapping and a new module, Lab Skills in Zoology (exclusive to the Zoology programme students).

Fourth Year
In the final year of study, Zoology students have the opportunity to take on a bespoke research project in the area of expertise of their assigned dedicated supervisor. These capstone projects may be lab-based, computer-based, or field-based, depending on the particular topic under investigation. Some of these projects are offered as work placements with industry partners. Research-inspired teaching underpins all final year Zoology modules – providing the most up-to-date impression of the diversity and complexity of modern zoology. There is also an optional residential field module, which is currently based in Morocco.

Zoology Modules Year by Year

First Year

• Careers in Zoology

Second Year

• Vertebrate Zoology
• Invertebrate Zoology
• Field skills in Zoology

Third Year

• Evolutionary Biology
• Marine Habitats
• Population and Community Ecology
• Applied Ecology
• Lab skills in Zoology
• GIS and Biostatistics

Fourth Year

• Marine & Coastal Ecology
• Phylogenetics and Conservation
• Biostatistics in Natural Sciences
• Animals in Captivity
• Practical Skills in Zoology
• Integrative Zoology
• Literature Review
• Final Year Project

 

• The opportunity to complete your final year project as a work placement with professional environmental consultants, conservation programmes or in other zoological fields.
• Residential and day field courses in Ireland and abroad in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. 
• A strong focus on specific skills and direct contact with staff and other experts in zoology careers.
• Focused practicals in a small exclusive group of students, and the chance to handle native and exotic animals.

There is a broad range of careers available for Zoology graduates, and this innovative degree programme develops all of the key skills that are valued by employers. Besides a strong foundation in zoology and practical techniques in laboratory and fieldwork, students also develop skills in scientific communication and data analysis.

Career opportunities for Zoology graduates include:

• Animal care technician
• Aquaculture/Fisheries
• Biodiversity/Heritage officer
• Conservation
• Data stewardship
• Ecologist
• Environmental consultancy
• Forensic science
• Medical Zoology/Epidemiology
• Museum curator
• Parasitologist
• Research
• Scientific journalism
• Teaching
• Veterinary
• Wildlife Ranger
• Zoo keeper

Some of these careers are available immediately after graduating, and others may require further training to Masters or PhD level.

All final year Zoology students undertake a research project that contributes 20 ECTS, or one third, to the fourth year grade. These projects are directly supervised by one of the academic staff in Zoology, and the projects are tailored to the specific areas of interest of the particular student.

Examples of projects can include:

• Field-based projects in terrestrial or aquatic habitats
• Laboratory projects on venomous animals, parasites or animal genetics
• Desk-based studies modelling animal ecology or behaviour

Work placement projects are also available in partnership with colleagues working professionally in in environmental consultancy, NGOs or wildlife conservation groups.

The work placement projects take place in Semester 1 (Autumn) of final year on a part-time basis, where time is specifically set aside for all students to conduct the practical element of their projects.

Students on work placement projects are co-supervised by the employer and a member of academic staff in Zoology. These projects will be offered to students based on merit following an internal application process.

Students will develop skills specific to certain careers, and develop contacts in the organisations they work in.

Prof Louise Allcock
Dr Christopher Coates
Dr Michel Dugon
Dr Kevin Healy
Dr Colin Lawton (Programme Director)
Prof Grace McCormack
Dr Anne Marie Power

Students learn through a range of teaching and methods across the core modules in Zoology. Most modules have both a lecture and practical component, with some modules being solely dedicated to practical skills.

How Will I Learn?
Zoology incorporates blended learning, flipped classrooms and discussion sessions alongside traditional lectures.

The virtual learning environment Canvas is used to clearly structure and run all modules, and provide supplementary learning materials and ensure all learning outcomes are met.

There are two dedicated field modules, including a new module exclusive to this degree programme, and biometry (biological statistics) and GIS modules that incorporate online, tutorial and computer suite resources.

How Will I Be Assessed?

1. Continuous Assessment—These can be regular weekly assignments, learning journals, poster presentations, essay and short answer exercises.
2. Practical Assessment – All practicals are assessed through in-class exercises, quizzes and/or lab write-ups.
3. Examinations— Written exams for certain modules take place at the end of each semester, in December and May.
4. Oral Assessments—Students give talks based on their final year projects and for other modules, either on their own or as part of a group.
5. Project Work—Research or work placement projects are assessed on the final thesis and on a lab/field notebook, which documents performance in the practical element of the work.

We adhere to a strong marking rubric that is shared with students so they fully understand all learning expectations. Our assessments aim to examine the range of skills our graduates will bring forward in their careers and are aligned to the learning outcomes for each module.

Course queries:
colin.lawton@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):
Dr Colin Lawton
Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Zoology
Head of Zoology

School of Natural Sciences
College of Science and Engineering
T: 091 492335

Q: Do I need to have studied biology at school to take this degree?
A: No, minimum entry requirements include one laboratory based science subject at Leaving Cert, but not specifically Biology. Students take Biology as a subject in First year and gain the information they require there.

Q: What is the difference between this degree and studying Zoology through General Science (GY301)
A: Students can take Zoology through the General Science programme, alongside other Science pathway subjects. There is a broad choice of subjects in the Science programme, allowing students to design their own degree aligned to their interests. This Zoology degree allows students to focus on Zoology from an early stage, and includes modules exclusive to this programme.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,  

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

Equipment and Fieldtrips 
Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you will be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat, dissection tools and/or safety goggles. Students will need appropriate attire for fieldwork (rainproof jacket and trousers, walking boots etc.).

Fieldtrips
The optional (elective) overseas field trip to Morocco in the final year of study carries a cost (in 2025 full board accommodation, flights and all other transport cost €950). The School endeavours to keep this cost to a minimum. Eligible students may also receive additional support from SUSI for these compulsory field trip costs. As this particular module is elective, other alternative optional modules are available.