Zoology (with Foundation Year)

Highlights

This four-year course features an integrated foundation year - you’ll graduate with the same qualification as our three-year honours degree - a BSc (Hons) Zoology. The foundation year prepares you for degree-level study, introducing you to essential biology, mathematics, and chemistry, as well as academic and research skills. On the degree, you’ll then receive a thorough grounding in general zoology, exploring the diversity of animal form and function, and the evolution and ecology of the major animal groups.

Excellent facilities include biological, chemical and environmental labs, environmentally controlled rooms, imaging facilities, extensive analytical equipment, and a dedicated student research hub. Access to woodlands, farmland, marine and freshwater aquaria, a herpetarium, small mammal facilities and natural history museum with diverse vertebrate and invertebrate specimens, including primates. Hands-on research experience with world-leading scientists conducting research across the biological and environmental sciences.

Course overview

Situated next to the Irish Sea, Menai Strait and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), you will benefit from our proximity to an exceptional range of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater habitats. Our research is addressing the diverse threats facing species and ecosystems worldwide. This BSc Zoology (with Foundation Year) provides an alternative route to undergraduate study if, for example, you cannot meet entry requirements or would benefit from a further year to prepare to for degree-level study.

The additional foundation year provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university, giving you a taste of learning at this higher level, while building your knowledge, skills and confidence. On successful completion, you will join Year 1 of BSc (Hons) Zoology programme. While studying the foundation year and throughout your degree studies, you’ll have access to our industry-standard facilities and equipment.

As well as large modern teaching and research laboratories, computer rooms, and study spaces, we have dedicated onsite facilities for reptiles, birds, rodents, fish, and arthropods. These include venomous snakes and a large aquarium housing African cichlid fish. Treborth Botanic Garden has a pigeon loft where Bangor scientists and their students conduct cognition, physiology, and biomechanics research; and you can find Alpaca, sheep and bee hives on the farm at Henfaes Research Centre.

Bangor University is home to the Environment Centre for Wales, a partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), whose Welsh branch is based there. Elsewhere in Bangor, you’ll find regional offices for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT). Strong links with these employers provide opportunities for work placements and volunteering, and some contribute to teaching.

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Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have the chance…