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Course overview

BSc (Hons) Zoology with Entomology will allow you to study structure, classification, behaviour, health and nutrition and conservation of a wide range of animal species, with a focus in insects and other invertebrates.

Through the programme you will gain specialist knowledge and skills in ecology, physiology, genetics, evolution, taxonomy and behaviour using the diversity of invertebrate and vertebrate species as a focus. The programme recognises the importance of an understanding of both scientific principles and the socio-economic context to enable an intelligent application of policies, technologies, and management systems appropriate to wild, zoo, domestic, and agricultural animals, in the UK and internationally. Attention is given to specific strategies and key skills such as those emerging with respect to wildlife conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, disease and pest control, managing fisheries, improving livestock including through genetic modification, animal welfare on farms and in zoos, and the national and international legislation underpinning these subjects. As an Entomologist you will develop a broad knowledge of invertebrate species and be able to apply a range of skills to solve practical problems and to undertake a wide variety of career opportunities. 

Through a range of teaching and learning methods including tutorials, laboratory and field classes, and residential field courses you will develop your key skills including field surveying, species identification, sampling procedures, data analysis and research methods. Opportunities to investigate the use of technologies in the studies of animals, including Geographical Information Systems and eDNA, will be explored. As a graduate, you will possess practical skills in laboratory and field techniques, project management, data handling, analysis, and report writing, as well as the ability to engage in further study and postgraduate research. Finally, recognising the importance of the effective communication of scientific and related material to a wider audience of planners, policymakers and the general public, you will acquire skills in report writing, oral presentations and critical and analytical thinking. 

A core first year, shared between Applied Zoology, Zoology with Entomology, and Zoology with Environmental Management allows students the freedom to transfer between these three course areas during their first year, once they have experienced some of the learning opportunities at ÎÞÂ붯»­. You will put into context your learning through the opportunity to select species to focus their studies on in a number of their modules throughout the programme. In Year 2 you will start to study your specialisations, allowing for further contextualization. Your integrated placement year in Year 3 of the programme allows you to put into practice what you have learnt, and to develop both specialist and core skills that will increase your employability as well as feeding into your final year of study. During the final year, you will explore your specialisation further and will undertake original research as part of your Honours Research Project.

Work Placement

Challenge yourself in a real workplace during your placement year, which takes place between your second and fourth years at uni. Having chosen to specialise in entomology, this is your chance to learn from those already working in this exciting field, whether you pursue work with an organisation such as the Natural History Museum or Butterfly World, a lab-based role, or exploring agricultural pest management. Or maybe you’ll take the opportunity to work with species you won’t find at Harper such as zoo animals. You might work for Chester Zoo, for example, or the Durrell Wildlife Conservation. Whatever you choose, our placement team will support you both before and during your placement. 

Careers

Entomologists are sought after and can choose from a range of interesting and rewarding careers. Some zoologists/entomologists may themselves controlling pests to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly, or to protect public health or forestry. Some graduates continue their studies to become research scientists, work as environmental consultants or nature conservationists, or in insecticide and drug development and sales. You could become a field trials officer, work in animal welfare and education, develop policies and regulations, or even find a role in the growing field of forensic entomology, using your knowledge of insect life cycles to help police solve crimes.