BSc Zoology (C300)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Modern zoology is a dynamic, integrative field, and this course gives you the opportunity to explore the full depth and breadth of animal biology from the molecular mechanisms that underpin life, to the ecological interactions that shape entire ecosystems.

You will investigate genetics, physiology, behaviour and evolution while developing the analytical and practical skills needed to understand animals in their natural environments and in the context of global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change.

Our biology degree begins with a broad foundation, giving you the chance to explore the full spectrum of life sciences. As you progress into years two and three, you will be introduced to more choices and have the freedom to tailor your course to your interests, specialising or maintaining breadth in your studies. Opportunities include a week-long field, or laboratory-based, course selected from a range of subject areas and a practical research project.

The School of Biological Sciences has a world-class reputation for research in animal behaviour, including studies of animal communication in terrestrial and aquatic environments, and the ecology of interactions between animals, plants and their environment. You will learn in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building, home to world-leading researchers in animal behaviour and sensory biology, and experience internationally recognised field studies on wild animal populations.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
ABB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Biology units

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in Biology and another science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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Advanced Higher: AA in Biology and another science-related subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; including 12 credits in Biology and 12 credits in another science subject, one achieved at 12 credits at Distinction and the other achieved at 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit.. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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