StudyQA — Bachelor: Zoology — University of New England

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Description

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.

Zoology students are able to undertake studies in a range of zoological disciplines including:

* animal behaviour
* animal ecology
* environmental and comparative physiology
* entomology
* parasitology
* freshwater ecology

This degree will focus on a wide range of issues dealing with the biology of animals. It will include material on the internal functioning of animals (physiology) and the role of animals in their environment (ecology).

Career Opportunities

Zoologists are employed by research institutions, CSIRO, local state and federal government agencies, museums, national parks, marine parks, zoological gardens, Antarctic research stations, and as teachers in primary and secondary school among others. Zoologists also are also employed in media organisations (radio, television, social media and print), consultancy firms, aquaculture and biotechnology and animal breeding businesses.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee

EUR 15680 Year (National)
EUR 15680 Year (International)

Start date February,June,October 2015 Credits 144
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

English

Delivery mode Online Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Attendance No Attendance Teacher support Continuous support with feedback on request

Course Content

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:

understand major zoological concepts and be aware of how these are connected with various areas of the biological, environmental, rural and physical sciences;

demonstrate skills that will provide the foundation for lifelong learning and career development: Solve problems, analyse scientific data, and communicate scientific information to both experts and the wider public;

appreciate zoology as an integral part of society and everyday life;

evaluate and discuss contemporary social and ethical issues related to zoology and animal interactions with their environment and with people;

apply the scientific process, including designing and testing hypotheses and conducting experiments;

develop field and laboratory techniques (such as animal identification, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and keeping a laboratory notebook and understanding of principles of laboratory safety);

demonstrate the ability to read, understand and review critically scientific papers;

prepare oral and written reports in a standard scientific format;

recognise the relationship between animal structure and function at all levels: molecule, cell, whole organism, community and biome;

understand and appreciate the major evolutionary principles that underlie animal development and diversity;

evaluate the principles of evolutionary biology and identify the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of organisms;

recognise the ecological relationships between organisms and their environment; and

develop an awareness of the variety of careers and professions available for Zoologists.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline

The Bachelor of Zoology embeds itself within the wider Biology discipline and shows how animals interact and relate to their environment from cellular to ecological levels. Students will receive knowledge from lectures, on CDs and on Moodle. They will learn knowledge by direct experience in practicals and field excursions. Especially in later years they will be encouraged to read the primary literature. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations in most units and in essays and reports.

Communication Skills

Communication of information may include essays, literature reviews, practical reports and/or reports on small projects. Students will be given some advice on how to write these, and they will be assessed. In some units, they will also present oral reports on topics or projects.

Global Perspectives

Most characteristics of major animal groups are universal, although some Australian animals have peculiarities in anatomy, physiology, ecology or behaviour. There will be an emphasis on general patterns in most units, but some will especially focus on Australian animals.

Information Literacy

Students will be assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written assignments, using books, journals and online sources. There will be significant use of electronic media, especially the scientific literature. In addition, most units will provide teaching and practise in simple and occasionally moderately complex statistical analysis.

Life-Long Learning

The education received in this course will allow students to continue learning about animals from their own observations, reading and other media. Students will develop a range of life-long learning skills such as how to seek out new information and critically analysing such information. Learning to work both independently and cooperatively with others is an important skill to develop. This course will stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and creativity. Grant-writing skills will prepare students for preparing realistic goals, planning effective time use and budgeting for research activities.

Problem Solving

There will be a strong emphasis on careful observation and recording. This leads to generation of hypotheses, which can ultimately be tested. During the practical sessions and projects, students will be instructed in, and practise, the obtaining of relevant skills in approaching problems/tasks, deciding what sort of information is needed, getting that information, and then applying it appropriately. Problem-solving skills will be assessed in the written assignments and discussions.

Social Responsibility

Two major issues that will receive some attention are the need to conserve the earth's biodiversity, of which animals are a most conspicuous part, and the need to treat animals with respect - animal welfare.

Team Work

Some practical assignments and field activities may involve groups of a few students collaborating to collect data. Also projects may be conducted by small groups of students.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

For direct admission into undergraduate courses offered by the University of New England, international applicants must have completed an educational qualification considered to be at least equivalent to completion of Year 12 in Australia.

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).

Assumed knowledge is any two units of Mathematics or Mathematics Extension.

Recommended studies: Biology and/or Chemistry.

For students without the recommended background knowledge, the Faculty offers a Foundation unit in Chemistry and Mathematics.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

Academic Excellence Scholarship
"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."
Alumni Study Travel Fund
Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.
Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of New England.