Future Students

Zoology

Zoologists are concerned with theoretical topics as diverse as molecular evolution, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, behaviour and community ecology, and with applied aspects that range from fauna conservation and pest management to stream ecology and water quality studies.

All units in Zoology are designed to give students a sound knowledge and understanding of animal structure and function, and the evolutionary processes that have engendered animal diversity.

An appreciation of the pivotal relationship between animals and their environment is stressed through the study of biological adaptation, which is reflected in the animals' morphology, physiology and behaviour.

Zoology can be studied as a major under the Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a major under the Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) or Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology) named programs.

Zoology can also be studied as a combined degree; Science/Arts, Science/Commerce, Science/Economics, Science/Education, Science/Engineering, or Science/Law.

In the second year of the Bachelor of Science degree you choose units towards at least two majors. During your third year you must complete at least one major, but you may also complete two (or more) majors.

Level 1
You will follow the Life Sciences Foundation Package (Biological Stream) involving Biology, Chemistry, Maths and statistics, plus two elective units.

Level 2
You will study Invertebrate Zoology and Vetebrate Zoology units, and at least one of Invertebrate Studies and Vertebrate Adaptation. Plus units toward a second major. During semester you will be exposed to the great diversity of invertebrate animals and learn about their evolution, ecology and physiology through the units Invertebrate Zoology and Invertebrate Studies. Field and laboratory work are an essential part of the course and help to teach and reinforce practical skills in animal identification and study.

You will study the structure, function and development of the vertebrate animals in the units Vertebrate Adaptation and Vertebrate Zoology. In addition to learning how to identify these animals and being aware of their evolution and ecology, you will use problem-based methods to interpret how some of these animals were able to move onto land, to conquer the sky, and for others to return to the sea.

Level 3
In Level 3 you will study: Animal Ecology, Genetics and Evolution, Zoophysiology, and Behavioural Ecology. In addition, there are a number of optional units in Aquaculture, Herpetology, Comparative Neurobiology, Molecular Biology, Marsupial Biology, Marine Ecology, andAnimal Ethics and Welfare. Or units toward your second major if you elect to do a double major.

If you are interested in finding out which subjects you will study then have a look at the Course Outline. This will show you the core units and the options for the course, along with course rules.

You will notice that each unit has a unit code, for example BIOL1130. The first number in the unit code indicates the level of the unit - in this case level one. For a more detailed description of a particular unit, click on the unit code.

Career opportunities

Zoology graduates are employed in pure and applied research positions in universities, in private sector companies (esuch as agriculture, mining, fisheries, aquaculture), in public agencies such as CSIRO, museums and government departments (including the Department of Environment and Conservation, State Fisheries) or in school teaching.