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Bachelor of Zoology

Why study the Bachelor of Zoology at UNE?

Zoology is the science of studying and understanding animals living on land, in freshwater or in the sea. It is the branch of biology that covers behaviour, classification, evolution, conservation, distribution, ecology and natural history, but also includes biochemistry and physiology, palaeontology, molecular biology and genetics, and the structure and function of animals.

Zoology students are able to undertake studies in a range of zoological disciplines including:

* animal behaviour

* animal ecology

* environmental and comparative physiology

* entomology

* parasitology

* freshwater ecology

This degree will focus on a wide range of issues dealing with the biology of animals. It will include material on the internal functioning of animals (physiology) and the role of animals in their environment (ecology).

Zoologists are employed by research institutions, CSIRO, local state and federal government agencies, museums, national parks, marine parks, zoological gardens, Antarctic research stations, and as teachers in primary and secondary school among others. Zoologists also are also employed in media organisations (radio, television, social media and print), consultancy firms, aquaculture and biotechnology and animal breeding businesses.

Note: Trimester 3: Off Campus Part-time Only

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Career Opportunities

Zoologists are employed by research institutions, CSIRO, local state and federal government agencies, museums, national parks, marine parks, zoological gardens, Antarctic research stations, and as teachers in primary and secondary school among others. Zoologists also are also employed in media organisations (radio, television, social media and print), consultancy firms, aquaculture and biotechnology and animal breeding businesses.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

3 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

ATAR / OP

72.55 / 12

2013 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

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Domestic Students

New domestic students to UNE apply to study on-campus through UAC or QTAC

For more information, click here

New domestic students to UNE apply to study off-campus direct to UNE

Former and current domestic UNE students apply to study on campus or off campus direct to UNE

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways
For more information, click here
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CRICOS Code: 069341J
Official Abbreviation BZool
Course Type Undergraduate
Commencing
Responsible Campus Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Off Campus
Course Duration
  • 3 Years Full-time
  • Up to 10 years Part-time
2012 ATAR 72.55
2012 OP 12
Fees CSP / International
Total Credit Points 144
How to apply

New domestic students to UNE apply to study on-campus through UAC or QTAC

For more information, click here

New domestic students to UNE apply to study off-campus direct to UNE

Former and current domestic UNE students apply to study on campus or off campus direct to UNE

For more information, click here

International students apply direct to UNE through International Marketing and Pathways

For more information, click here

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.
Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).

Assumed knowledge is any two units of Mathematics or Mathematics Extension.

Recommended studies: Biology and/or Chemistry.

For students without the recommended background knowledge, the Faculty offers a Foundation unit in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

WORK300 can be included as a unit if the student is able to line up an appropriate work place (e.g. UNE Zoology Museum, Australian Museum, CSIRO, Birds Australia, Taronga Zoo) and a program that does not conflict with their studies.
Honours

A fourth Honours year is available to students with an above average academic record. Study is undertaken in one of the disciplines chosen for specialisation leading to the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours. BSc(Hons) graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Scholarships

The University offers a number of Faculty/College and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Academic Colours

Cardinal (BCC 186)
Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These Course Rules & Plans are ONLY to be used if you Commenced, Transferred or Changed Versions in the Bachelor of Zoology in 2013.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).

Advanced Standing

Candidates are refered to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) three years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure

 Credit Points
Core Units 90 cps
Listed Units 30 cps
Elective Units 24 cps
Total 144 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Zoology.

Award of Honours

A fourth Honours year is available to students with an above average academic record. Study is undertaken in one of the disciplines chosen for specialisation leading to the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours. BSc(Hons) graduates who achieve the appropriate level of Honours are eligible to apply to enrol for a research Master degree or the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Exit Pathways

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in the Sciences on completion of 48 credit points.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Advanced Diploma in the Sciences on completion of 72 credit points.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to teach students about all aspects of the biology of animals - including structure, function, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behaviour and evolution.
Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. understand major zoological concepts and be aware of how these are connected with various areas of the biological, environmental, rural and physical sciences;
  2. demonstrate skills that will provide the foundation for lifelong learning and career development: Solve problems, analyse scientific data, and communicate scientific information to both experts and the wider public;
  3. appreciate zoology as an integral part of society and everyday life;
  4. evaluate and discuss contemporary social and ethical issues related to zoology and animal interactions with their environment and with people;
  5. apply the scientific process, including designing and testing hypotheses and conducting experiments;
  6. develop field and laboratory techniques (such as animal identification, anatomy, physiology, behaviour and keeping a laboratory notebook and understanding of principles of laboratory safety);
  7. demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and review critically scientific papers;
  8. prepare oral and written reports in a standard scientific format;
  9. recognise the relationship between animal structure and function at all levels: molecule, cell, whole organism, community, and biome;
  10. understand and appreciate the major evolutionary principles that underlie animal development and diversity;
  11. evaluate the principles of evolutionary biology and identify the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of organisms;
  12. recognise the ecological relationships between organisms and their environment; and
  13. develop an awareness of the variety of careers and professions available for Zoologists.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline
The Bachelor of Zoology embeds itself within the wider Biology discipline, and shows how animals interact and relate to their environment from cellular to ecological levels. Students will receive knowledge from lectures, on CDs and on Blackboard. They will learn knowledge by direct experience in practicals and field excursions. Especially in later years they will be encouraged to read the primary literature. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations in most units, and in essays and reports.
Communication Skills
Communication of information may include essays, literature reviews, practical reports and/or reports on small projects. Students will be given some advice on how to write these, and they will be assessed. In some units, they will also present oral reports on topics or projects.
Global Perspectives
Most characteristics of major animal groups are universal, although some Australian animals have peculiarities in anatomy, physiology, ecology or behaviour. There will be an emphasis on general patterns in most units, but some will especially focus on Australian animals.
Information Literacy
Students will be assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written assignments, using books, journals and online sources. There will be significant use of electronic media, especially the scientific literature. In addition, most units will provide teaching and practise in simple and occasionally moderately complex statistical analysis.
Life-Long Learning
The education received in this course will allow students to continue learning about animals from their own observations, reading and other media. Students will develop a range of life-long learning skills such as how to seek out new information and critically analysing such information. Learning to work both independently and cooperatively with others is an important skill to develop. This course will stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and creativity. Grant-writing skills will prepare students for preparing realistic goals, planning effective time use and budgeting for research activities.
Problem Solving
There will be a strong emphasis on careful observation and recording. This leads to generation of hypotheses, which can ultimately be tested. During the practical sessions and projects, students will be instructed in, and practise, the obtaining of relevant skills in approaching problems/tasks, deciding what sort of information is needed, getting that information, and then applying it appropriately. Problem-solving skills will be assessed in the written assignments and discussions.
Social Responsibility
Two major issues that will receive some attention are the need to conserve the earth's biodiversity, of which animals are a most conspicuous part, and the need to treat animals with respect - animal welfare.
Team Work
Some practical assignments and field activities may involve groups of a few students collaborating to collect data. Also projects may be conducted by small groups of students.
 

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