Zoo Biology, BSc (Hons)

This course focuses on the biology of exotic animals, namely non-domestic and non-UK wildlife. This is applied to all aspects of management and species conservation of both captive and non-captive populations. You will study the major principles of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, conservation, behaviour, ecology and animal management.

This course will give you a sound knowledge and understanding of animal biology and the ability to apply this to the rapidly expanding animal industry. Lectures cover the major scientific principles of:

• anatomy
• physiology
• behaviour
• ecology
• nutrition.

You will learn to apply these principles to:

• welfare
• breeding
• conservation
• management.

The Zoo Biology route focuses on the biology of exotic animals, namely non-domestic and non-UK wildlife and applies this to all aspects of management and species conservation of both captive and non-captive populations.

Why choose this course?

• We have strong links with UK zoos and wildlife parks.
• You will have access to our modern animal unit on campus which houses over 200 animals.
• Field trips include zoo visits and an optional conservation projects trip in Mauritius.
• Teaching is informed by current research undertaken by academics in the School.
• Our brand new 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million campus library opened in 2013.

Want to find out more?

• Book your place on an open day.
• Watch footage from our peregrine falcon nest
• Find out more about our Animal Unit.

How many places are available on the course?

There are approximately 45 places.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for course dates.

Where will I study?

Brackenhurst campus has a number of specialist units for:

• animal
• equine
• farm studies.

These include an Animal Unit housing over 200 animals and representing over 60 different species. The campus also includes a range of semi-natural and constructed habitats which provide a valuable resource for you.

What will I study? Modules

Year One

• Anatomy and Physiology will give you a broad understanding of animal structure and function across a range of species.
• Animal Practice Relating to Exotics gives students a fundamental working knowledge of the legal framework relating to ex situ and in situ conservation. You will gain a global perspective and understanding of the issues which influence the management of exotic species.
• Exotic Animal Management covers successful approaches to management. You will also find out about the constraints imposed by captivity. Your handling skills will be developed.
• Animal Behaviour and Legislation looks at patterns of behaviour and the reasons why animals behave as they do, both in captivity and in the wild.
• Biodiversity and Ecology refers to the diversity of life on Earth. Major topics covered include:
  • speciation
  • identification
  • measurements of biodiversity
  • conservation of species and ecology
  • the relationship between animals and their environment.
• Principles of Animal Science will develop your understanding of key biological and chemical principles of relevance to Animal Science. You will also develop a range of practical laboratory skills necessary for your future study of social, nutritional and environmental needs.

Year Two

• Zoo Animal Health and Disease introduces the principles of animal health and disease, including pathogenic organisms, a range of common diseases, and their symptoms and treatments.
• Management of Reproduction in Exotics will provide you with an overall understanding of genetics, reproduction and breeding. You will also look at the factors influencing reproductive success in captive and endangered species. You will examine how these can be addressed through knowledge of reproductive physiology and anatomy.
• Research Skills explores the principles of scientific investigation in relation to Animal Science. You will cover topics including:
  • experimental design
  • data generation and collection
  • data analysis.

Teaching is supported in the laboratories and Animal Unit.

• Biological Basis of Behaviour will advance your knowledge and understanding of key areas of mammalian physiology, including cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory physiology and pharmacology.
• Zoo Nutrition aims to address issues facing the feeding of captive animal populations, specifically restrictions placed on diet provision in captivity.
• Zoo Organisation evaluates the role of zoological collections, and the implementation of legislative and non-legislative frameworks.

Year Three

• Adaptive Physiology studies the physiological challenges presented by different environments and the adaptations that enable animals to overcome them.
• Issues Relating to Exotics will enable you to consolidate previous and concurrent areas of study and relate this knowledge to current animal issues. This module specifically focuses on those issues pertinent to exotic species and provides a forum for discussion and debate.
• The Dissertation module is an independent research project which provides an opportunity for an in-depth look at a subject of personal interest within the field of exotic species.
• Zoo Animal Management looks at the role of zoos and wildlife parks in the contexts of conservation, education and research, and at the reproduction of wild animal populations.
• Behaviour Management looks at the effects of captivity and domestication on animal behaviour and how these can be managed effectively in these animals. This module also addresses the effect of captivity on exotic species and aims to provide solutions from knowledge

Contact hours

You will have 13 hours of scheduled contact time per week, of which approximately two and a half hours will be practical work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including the following.

Coursework 63%

• Assignments - 30%
• Portfolio - 33%

Practical 4%

• Oral assessment - 4%

Exams 33%

What do the course fees cover?

The annual fee for your undergraduate degree course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition.

• You will be given a pre-paid printing allowance of £20 (which currently equates to up to 400 sides of A4 black and white printing) for use in NTU Print Shops.
• We will supply you with laboratory equipment, coats and safety equipment, where required.
• You will not have to pay a tuition fee for you Year Abroad / Sandwich year when it is part of your course.
• Your tuition fees cover any additional administration fees for International Exchange.
• You will be given two tickets to the Graduation Ceremony (any additional tickets will incur a fee).

What is not included in the fee?

You will need to budget for the following:

• general printing of coursework in addition to the printing allowance
• books and texts
• accommodation and travel costs
• travel and accommodation costs involved in year abroad, sandwich year or any placements you take
• graduation social events
• additional field trip or field work costs where not borne by the School.

Language classes are available via the University Language Programme at a very reasonable additional fee, alongside your chosen course. These do not bear credit towards your course.

Are you an international student?

Find out more about our entry requirements, fees and accommodation.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change Investment in facilities

We have invested over £20 million in our facilities at Brackenhurst campus in the last eight years.

Our beautiful 200 hectare estate acts as an outdoor classroom for fieldwork and research.

The estate is home to a diverse range of species including kestrels, yellowhammers, hedgehogs, badgers and great crested newts.

You can take look at the facilities available on campus. These include the:

• Animal Unit
• Environment Centre
• laboratories.

Eco-library

Our brand new 1,000 square metre, £2.5 million pound campus library opened in 2013. The library building uses energy-efficient and low-carbon initiatives such as photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, intelligent lighting control, heat-reclaim ventilation during winter, renewable cladding materials, locally sourced materials and water-leak detection systems.

Our biodiversity analysis of the library site highlighted the need to check for protected species such as bats and great crested newts. We've created new ponds, fence-ringed areas and bespoke habitats as part of our mitigation strategy.

Peregrine falcons - live streaming

The Newton building at Nottingham Trent University has, for the last decade, been home to a breeding pair of peregrine falcons, who nest on an outside ledge near the top. Watch live footage or archive video of them nesting, laying eggs and rearing their chicks.

Green Flag status

Brackenhurst campus has been awarded the Green Flag status, a national award recognising green spaces throughout the country. We received the award along with other notable green spaces such as Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park and St James’s Park.