Zoology

Programme Short Name: BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Load (FT vs PT): Full Time
Levels (UG, G, etc): Undergraduate studies
Course Information:

CAO Code: DN200 BBB
CAO Points Range 2015: 510 - 625
Length of Course: 4 Years
DN200 Places: 402

Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics (Min OB3/HD3), one laboratory science subject or Applied Mathematics or Geography (Min OB3/HD3). Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3.

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:
A-Level/GCSE
Other EU Applicants
Non-EU Applicants
Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes
Level 6/7 Progression Routes
Mature Entry Route


Why is this course for me?

Zoology is often thought of in terms of treks into the wild to study rare and endangered species. However, this is only one facet of this fascinating subject. Modern zoology deals with all aspects of animals from genetics and cell biology to ecology and animal behaviour. The Zoology degree at UCD provides modules in a wide range of disciplines, including marine, terrestrial and freshwater biology, evolutionary biology, animal behaviour, palaeontology, ecology, pest control, population genetics, developmental biology, and animal physiology and cell biology.


What will I study?

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Zoology. Topics include animal behaviour, animal development, systems ecology and cell biology.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Zoology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Zoology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Zoology (includes a research project where students work alongside researchers in areas as diverse as animal genetics, evolution, freshwater biology or conservation and biodiversity.)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click the relevant link below:
First Year
Second Year
Third - Fourth Year


Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Because of the nature and breadth of the subject, Zoology graduates are employed in most of the industries and state organisations that employ biologists. These include the National Parks and Wildlife Services, National Museum, Marine Institute, semi-state bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, ESB, BIM and the Inland Fisheries Ireland, conservation bodies, aquaculture, universities, secondary schools, environmental consultancies and several areas of biotechnology.

Graduate opportunities are also available for students to pursue MSc or PhD programmes. Taught MSc programmes at UCD include Applied Science (Environmental Science), Evolutionary Biology and World Heritage Management.


Student Profile

“I’m not quite sure what I expected from my zoology degree when I first started but it has turned out to be more that I could have hoped for! After studying Biology as my only science subject in secondary school I was sure I wanted to follow the biology path. It wasn’t difficult to choose what area to pursue once I got to university; I always knew I wanted to learn about animals, but it was only after seeing the opportunity to study zoology in UCD that I decided it was the perfect degree for me. As a result, I’ll be spending this summer in Madagascar doing field work for my Fourth year dissertation project on chameleons. After I graduate, I hope to find myself working in a natural history museum or doing research.”

Lorna Cudmore, Student


Related Programs: Agri-Environmental Sciences
Animal Science
Environmental Biology
Genetics
Pathway


Contact Information:

Prof Thomas Bolger
UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science
Science Centre (West)
Belfield, Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 2330
Email: tom.bolger@ucd.ie