Zoology with Herpetology BSc (Hons)

About This Course

Reptiles and amphibians are increasingly appreciated as model organisms in many fields of zoology, as fascinating study subjects in their own right, and are the focus of growing conservation concern due to the alarming decline of many species. This means that we now require a new generation of trained professional scientists with specialised knowledge and skills relating to these animals in addition to a broad zoological background.

This BSc degree course in Zoology with Herpetology combines traditional zoology with an emphasis upon amphibian and reptile biology and diversity and is delivered along with aspects of conservation management and practices. You will have the opportunity to undertake a herpetology field trip to Arizona at the beginning of the second year, and to take part in field activities in the North Wales area.

We will provide you with a combination of a sound and broad zoological training that covers both pure and applied aspects of animal life, and specialist herpetological knowledge and skills. On this course we offer you a diverse range of laboratory and field zoology experience. Fieldwork is a very important aspect of this course and all our students enjoy them. On this course you will also gain a wealth of other transferable skills such as data analysis, group work, presentational skills, and IT skills.

We are proudly a UK centre of research excellence in herpetology, with full-time faculty staff specialising in amphibians and reptiles. You will not only enjoy the modern facilities expected of a modern centre of animal biology but will also benefit from our location. We are very close to an exceptional range of natural habitats where we conduct field work, including a range of nationally important reptile and amphibian sites. Field work is a very important component of this degree.

Cutting-edge science is integral to our research programmes and feeds through into the teaching environment. Our expertise covers animal biogeography and evolution, population genetics, molecular ecology and wildlife conservation. You will be taught by leading international herpetological researchers in topics ranging from evolution, ecology, biomechanics and systematics to genomics, snakebite and venom evolution.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?   

• TV presenter is Steve Backshall is now part of our teaching team.
• Many of our staff have received awards to acknowledge their contributions to teaching and pastoral support 
• We have a natural history museum containing a comprehensive collection of invertebrate and vertebrate material, marine and freshwater aquaria and facilities for holding reptiles. 
• Our location is ideal with an extensive range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats within easy reach for field trips and final year projects.