About This Course
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).
- 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.
Course Content
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 in years 1 and 2. The final year includes a dissertation project, which is supervised by a member of staff on a subject to suit your interests. 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.
Conservation teaching will also take place in the School Natural Sciences which will concentrate on conservation techniques/strategies and management plans.
What will you study on this course?
Year 1
Compulsory modules:
- Organismal Diversity
- Ecology and Evolution
- Practical Skills 1
- Practical Skills 2
- Environmental Management & Conservation
- Tutorials
Year 2
Compulsory modules:
- Conservation Practice
- Bioscience Skills
- Evolution & Genetics
- Principles of Conservation
Optional modules:
- Field Courses
- Principles of Life 2
- Invertebrate Biology
- Introduction to Herpetology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Integrative Zoology
- Vertebrate Biology
Year 3
Compulsory modules:
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Dissertation
Optional modules:
- Advances in Behaviour
- Systematics & Diversity
- Freshwater Ecosystems
- Life in Wetlands
- Attack and Defence in Plants
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Ornithology
- Primatology
- Bio-enterprise & Employability
- Animal Survival Strategies
- Life in a Changing Climate
- Molecular Ecology & Evolution
Further informationFurther information on each module can be found on our website.
We are continuously incorporating student feedback and novel developments into our degrees, which can result in changes to the module content in all years.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Zoology with Conservation (with Placement Year) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Course Costs
Mandatory Costs:
Suitable clothing and equipment for fieldwork will be required e.g. walking boots and waterproofs, rucksack. The cost for these will vary. Approximate cost: £50-£80.
Appropriate stationery for note-taking during classes, e.g. notepad, pens and pencils. The cost for these will vary. Approximate cost: £5-£15.
Optional Costs:
Cost for optional residential Year 2 field course. The cost will vary by trip. Approximate cost free to £1800.
Purchase of Wellington Boots for fieldwork. The cost for these will vary. Approximate cost: £10-£20.
Costs of any visas and vaccinations required if the student opts to undertake project work overseas. The cost for these will vary.
Copies of all required reading materials are provided via the University Library.
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,000 per year (2021/22 entry).
- More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
For 2020 entry:
GCSE: grade C/4 in English, Maths and and Double Award Science. Typical offer is based on a minimum 112 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification e.g.:
- A Levels. For BSc - including grade C in Biology if studying 1 other science subject - Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environment Science, Geography, Geology; or grade B in Biology if not studying another science subject.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma: Including H5 in Biology.
- BTEC National/Extended Diploma: DMM including Merits in 4 Biology modules. Modules accepted: Animal Biology; Animal Anatomy and Physiology; Animal Behaviour and Communication; Animal Breeding and Genetics; Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques; Biochemistry and Microbiology; Fundamentals of Science; Genetics and Genetic Engineering; Inheritance and Genetic Manipulation; Physiology of Human Body systems; Physiology of Human Regulation and Reproduction; Wildlife Populations, Ecology and Conservation. Other Biology-related modules considered case by case.
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical (1080) / Extended Diploma: Distinction overall including 4 Biology modules from the following: Animal Behaviour and Communication, Biological Systems of Animals, Wildlife and Ecology Conservation, Inheritance and Genetics, Ecological Concepts and Application, Population Surveys, Ecology and Conservation. Other Biology-related modules considered case by case.
- Access to HE in the Sciences: Pass
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma is not accepted.
International Candidates: school leaving qualifications and college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information here.
We also welcome applications from mature applicants.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com
For 2019 entry:
- 136-112 tariff points including a level 3 qualification* in Biology and usually one other science subject. Second science subjects we consider include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environment Science etc. Please contact us for advice. *Level 3 qualifications include A levels, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the new UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com.
- Due to the academic requirements for this programme, BTECs, City & Guilds and Access courses are considered on a case by case basis.
- We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements).
General University Requirements
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.
Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.
EU and International students' entry requirements
For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
More information
Home/EU students and International UCAS applicants
E-mail for General Admissions: admissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to:
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0)1248 383717
International students (non-UCAS applicants)
Email to International Admissions: internationaladmissions@bangor.ac.uk or write to
Admissions Office
Bangor University
Gwynedd
LL57 2TF
Telephone: +44 (0) 1248 382028
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.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA) and Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)
The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.
The HEAR is a final graduation report that all undergraduates receive. The report itemises all academic achievements and additional extra and co-curricular achievements. Academic achievements appear on the report automatically and students are able to note their eligible activities by using the online platform ‘My Employability Hub’. This ensures that future employers are made aware of the additional skills the student has gained outside of the curriculum.
The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.
Internships
Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.
Internships offer valuable experience in a professional workplace and there are a range of internships you can get involved in.
Student Volunteering
Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.
The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.
TARGETconnect - Working while you Study
The Skills and Employability Service offers support to students searching for employment during and after their studies.
TARGETconnect advertises the following opportunities:
- Graduate jobs – Local, National and International
- Full-time, part time, permanent and temporary jobs
- Work experience / internships
- Voluntary opportunities
