Zoology

By Ethan Moser - Last update


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What is Zoology?

Zoology is the scientific study of the behavior, structure, and classification of animal life. Students interested in careers in zoology will study the basic principles of biology as well as the specifics of animal physiology and distribution. 

What 3rd Level Courses are Available?

  • Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
    • Ecology – the study of the relationship between living things, including humans, and their environment.
    • Environmental Science – the study of how to solve environmental problems using biology, physics, and ecology.
    • Biology – the study of life and living things.

Studying Zoology in College

Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of Zoology including animal classification and biology.

In subsequent years of study, students will combine practical work, written exams, and laboratory work as benchmark assessments of their course progression. 

Most undergraduate Zoology courses run for three or four years and in certain cases universities will facilitate work experience. 

It is common with all science-based subjects that students are expected to engage in a high number of contact hours with lecturers and tutors, ensuring their successful completion of a rigorous curriculum and preparing them for careers in Zoology after university.

A bachelor’s degree is adequate for some non-research jobs. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working as researchers, animal nutritionists, and biologists.

Career Options

Graduating from college with a degree in Zoology will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set. A science degree teaches students to think critically and creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable problem solving and communication skills. 

Many recent graduates have gone into ‘entry-level’ careers in Zoology working as technicians, toxicologists, and clinical researchers. 

Other careers in Zoology that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training and/or experience to qualify for, eg teaching, research and consulting positions.

 Related jobs include:

  • Academic Researcher
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Ecologist
  • Field Trials Officer
  • Marine Biologist
  • Conservations Officer
  • Research Scientist
  • Science Writer
  • Zookeeper
  • Toxicologist
  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Educator

Further study

An undergraduate Zoology degree is often the first step to go onto further postgraduate study often involving specialization in particular fields and areas of Zoology and/or undertaking work in new, sometimes interdisciplinary fields. 

Visit postgrad.ie for more information.

FAQ

  • What points do I need to study Zoology?
    • Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.
    • Many universities also require a Leaving Cert grade O2/H6 in Mathematics, O2/H6 in Laboratory Science, and O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognized subjects. 
  • Are there any particular qualities you need to study Zoology?
    • Students interested in careers in Zoology will need to enjoy math and science as well as their application in the real world. They will need to be innovative, creative, and collaborative as well as being able to communicate their own ideas and opinions. 
  • Where can I study Zoology?
    • Explore your options here

Did You Know?

  • There is a species of jellyfish that is effectively immortal. The species is able to revert back to its child state after reaching sexual maturity, and therefore never dies!
  • Sharks kill fewer than 10 people per year, while humans kill approximately 100 million sharks every year!
  • A king cobra’s venom is so deadly that a single gram of it is enough to kill a person 150 times over!

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Ethan Moser



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