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Zoology with Molecular Ecology

In the past few decades, molecular genetics has become one of the fastest growing fields in the life sciences. The application of molecular methods has spread to virtually all fields of modern biology, including ecology, conservation, breeding and natural resource management, leading to the establishment of the field of ‘Molecular Ecology’. With the expansion of the application of  molecular tools to such a wide range of biological disciplines, itis important that all biologists have a basic understanding of genetics and the application of molecular tools in zoology, evolutionary biology and conservation. On this Zoology with Molecular Ecology degree you will acquire a broad theoretical understanding of zoology and molecular ecology 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 biological areas where molecular ecology is increasingly important (e.g. conservation, animal behaviour, fisheries biology, evolutionary biology).

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. The School of Biological Sciences has particular strengths in molecular ecology with 6 staff members currently conducting research in this area on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Bangor is also home to the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Environment Agency Wales (EAW), the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), as well as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), all of which have close links to the University. 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 for this Zoology with Molecular Ecology degree?

  • Cutting-edge science is integral to our research programmes, and feeds through into the teaching environment. Our expertise covers animal biogeography and evolution, population genetics, molecular ecology and wildlife conservation.
  • Bangor is the home of the Countryside Council for Wales, as well as the divisional offices of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the Environment Agency, all of which have close links to the University and to staff running this degree. 
  • Our excellent teaching facilities include a Natural History Museum and extensive marine and freshwater aquaria.
  • Bangor’s location makes it an ideal place to study biology as we have an extensive range of local terrestrial and aquatic habitats for field trips.
  • A 4 year Master in Zoology (Molecular Ecology) is available.

Career opportunities

There are employment opportunities in Government and Government funded agencies and laboratories who are interested in increasing their knowledge and use of molecular techniques in their conservation and monitoring programmes. Additional opportunities exist within zoos and wildlife parks where genetic studbooks and genetic monitoring are essential components of conservation efforts.

What will I study on this Zoology with Molecular Ecology degree?

Year 1

The first year is a general year for all of our zoology related degrees, which will introduce students to several important aspects of modern biology. Students are required to take two compulsory lecture modules, one module in key skills and one practical module. Students can choose to take 30 credits of optional modules. In addition there are tutorials with individual members of staff.

Compulsory Modules:

Organismal Diversity (20): The module will present an overview of basic classification, form and function of the major groups of living organisms.

Ecology and Evolution (20):Ecology is about understanding the dynamic changes in individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems in relation to each other and the physical environment, and understanding their evolutionary processes.

Biology Practical Module (20): Students will undertake a range of practicals from molecular and cell biology, through to animal function and ecology. Field work is included. The practicals will coincide with the appropriate subject area in the lecture modules.

Research Skills (20): The module is aimed at developing a range of skills commonly used by natural scientists, including basic mathematical manipulation, data interpretation, and presentation, experimental design and statistical analysis, IT skills and effective use of the literature.

Tutorials (degree specific) (10): Tutorials will be held by individual members of staff to groups of 6-7 students and involve discussions that are degree specific. Tutorials will develop communication skills.

Optional Modules:

Choose 30 credits from:

  • Cellular & Molecular Biology (20)
  • Introduction to Microbiology (10)
  • Parasites and Pathogens (10)
  • Animal Science (10)

Year 2

In the second year you will extend and deepen your understanding of Zoology with Molecular Ecology by specialising in animal diversity, function and evolution. There are five compulsory modules incorporating lectures and practicals. The module called Bioscience Skills will focus on student-directed learning and development. You can choose 20 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules:

  • Bioscience Skills (20)
  • Evolution & Genetics (20)
  • Animal Behaviour (20)
  • Vertebrate Biology (20)
  • Invertebrate Biology (20)

Optional Modules:

Choose 20 credits from:

  • Principles of Conservation (20)
  • Field Courses (20)
  • Laboratory Placement (20)
  • Conservation Practice (20)

Year 3

The third year includes a major project that may be experimental or take the form of a Literature Review, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit your interests. Students have more choice in the third year, and can take between 60 to 80 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory Modules:

  • Molecular Ecology & Evolution (20)
  • Bio Enterprise and Employability

Plus choose 20-40 credits from:

  • Experimental Project (40)

OR

  • Literature Review Project (20)
  • Group Project (20)

Optional Modules:

Choose 60-80 credits from:

  • Advances in Behaviour (20)
  • Systematics & Diversity (20)
  • Fish Biology 2 (20)
  • Herpetology (20)
  • Animal Survival Strategies (20)
  • Freshwater Ecosystems (20)
  • Tenerife Field Course (20)

Year 4

The Master in Medical Biology is an extended undergraduate programme which allows students to graduate either with BSc (Hons) at the end of the third year or with a Master at the end of the fourth year. Sufficient standard must be achieved at the end of the second year for progression onto the Masters year following completion of the third year.

For the Master degree, the fourth year is dedicated to an individual research project (90 credits), accompanied by 30 credits including:

  • Current Life Science Topics (10)
  • Advanced Research Skills (20)

Further information on each module can be found on our website.

How will I learn?

For more on studying degree courses see our Study at Bangor section.

Students are required to take 120 credits each year made up of lectures, practicals and interactive exercises, as well as field trips and tutorials. Modules become more specialised as the degree progresses and the number of compulsory modules varies between years. Assessment is by a mixture of formal examination and continuous assessment. Welsh medium modules are also available.

Career Prospects

Our graduates have undertaken a range of careers in fisheries biology, government organisations, local and national media, and further education.

Course facts

UCAS course codes: C318 (BSc/ZME); C381 (MZool/ME)

Length: 3 years (BSc); 4 years for the Master degree

Entry requirements

  • 260-320 points including Biology and usually one other science subject at A2 level. (Please note, we do not consider Psychology as a science subject for the purposes of study in the field of Biological Sciences.)
  • Irish Leaving Certificate including Biology at Higher level.
  • Scottish Highers including Biology at Advanced Higher Level.
  • Access and BTEC qualifications.
  • Mature age students with relevant experience.
  • Students will be assessed for transition onto Masters at the end of Year 2.

Want to know more about this Zoology with Molecular Ecology degree?

Mrs Tracey Johnstone, Admissions Administrator, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL572UW

Tel: 01248 382527

Email: ucas.enquiries@sbs.bangor.ac.uk

Website: www.bangor.ac.uk/biology