Zoology with Conservation (with Placement Year) BSc (Hons) at Bangor University

Increasing interest in environmental conservation by governments and the public alike means that we now require a new generation of trained professional scientists with a sound zoological knowledge and an appreciation of the issues involved in local and global conservation.

This course provides traditional zoology (taxonomy, morphology, physiology and cell biology) with an emphasis upon animal ecology (biodiversity, ecology, behaviour and evolution. In addition you will take courses providing an appreciation of the need for environmental conservation and the means by which conservation objectives can be achieved. To this end the course establishes links between the academic learning environment and external environmental and conservation organisations in the form of project work and practical management plans.

You will acquire a broad theoretical understanding of zoology and conservation plus the acquisition of associated practical skills. Along with a comprehensive range of transferable skills, this degree will equip you with skills for employment in a conservation career.

You will benefit from the proximity of an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats where field work, which is an integral part of the degree is conducted. Bangor is also home to the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), as well as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), all of which have close links to the University and staff associated with this course. Biological Sciences is also part of the Environment Centre for Wales which is a partnership venture between Bangor University and the Natural Environment Research Council’s Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH).

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

• Cutting-edge science is integral to our research programmes, and feeds through into the teaching environment. Our expertise encompasses studies into the evolutionary and population ecology of marine invertebrates and reptiles; population genetics; and climate change and wetland ecology.

• Bangor has always been one of the main UK universities for ecology and, situated adjacent to Snowdonia National Park, is ideally located for this degree. It is the home of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and the Environment Agency (now part of Natural Resources Wales) as well as the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), all of which have close links to the University and staff associated with this course.
• As part of the course you may choose to spend 3-6 months in year 2 at a University in either Europe or the United States on a student exchange programme.

Careers

Conservation zoologists work mostly in government organisations (local councils, CCW, CEH and EA) or in non-governmental organisations (eg National Trust, RSPB). Ranges of career paths are available within these organisations, from wildlife monitoring and assessment to the practical implementation of conservation management plans.