What is Zoology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences?
Zoology is the branch of biology concerned with the classification, properties, and characteristics of animals and the scientific study of the evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, habitats, and health of animals and humans.
Zoologists are professionals who study a variety of animal species and are largely responsible for the improvement of the quality of life, preservation, and protection of the animal kingdom.
A zoologist’s knowledge is vital in preserving natural habitats, protecting endangered species, and managing wildlife’s adjustment to our ever-changing climate.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Zoology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences courses in the following subject areas:
- Zoology Course – The study of animals and their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and habitats.
- Pre-University Animal Science – Gain a solid foundation in Biology and basic Animal Science principles and practices while studying modules within the animal care sectors such as Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, and Biology.
- Diploma in Animal Psychology – The study of fundamental topics such as: how to calm an animal, how to choose the right pet, how to recognize animal behavior, and how to understand animals.
- Certificate in Animal Diseases – The study of the responsibilities concerning identifying animal diseases, health care of animals, veterinary diagnostic sample collection, implementing animal health care programs, providing nutritional advice and support for animals, and domestic animal toxicology.
- Animal Care Assistant – Gain fascinating insights into the health care, grooming, welfare needs, and behavior of a wide variety of small animals.
- Certificate in Animal Conservation – An introduction to wildlife conservation, wildlife ecology, planning for wildlife, habitat conservation, flora and fauna, and marine conservation.
- Certificate in Animal Welfare – A study of managing animal welfare needs, complying with animal health care requirements, and understanding animal welfare for wild animals.
- Certificate in Animal First Aid – A study of common health issues in domestic pets, tips for pet owners when medicating pets, basic first aid for animals, routine health care for animals, and rehabilitation of domestic animals.
Studying Zoology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences in college
There are many Zoology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences courses that take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or volunteering to help with Wildlife Trusts and Societies.
Work Experience will not only allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a course in Zoology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of Animals and their Biology and Physiology.
Working as a zoologist you could be based indoors in a lab, outdoors in the field, or even in remote overseas locations. You’ll study species and populations of animals and work with animals out in the field, in captivity, or a laboratory.
As a zoologist, you can specialize in a particular area. You can work with reptiles and amphibians (herpetologists), mammals (mammologists), birds (ornithologists), fossil remains (paleozoologist), or parasites (parasitologists). Job titles vary greatly and may include zoological field assistant, field biologist, wildlife biologist, conservation biologist, or field assistant.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. In an industry, research, or higher education zoology role, you’ll typically work from 9 am to 5 pm. However, hours may vary when conducting field trips or working on research projects. Certain factors may dictate working times, for example, environmental issues like tidal changes and animal activity times such as nocturnal sleep patterns. In conservation roles, it is common to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Work can be physically tiring and involve working long hours in challenging terrain.
Some jobs and research positions may require you to travel or live abroad.
Related jobs include:
- Zoologist
- Academic researcher
- Animal nutritionist
- Ecologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental education officer
- Environmental manager
- Field trials officer
- Marine scientist
- Marine biologist
- Nature conservation officer
- Research scientist
- Science writer
- Zookeeper
- Animal physiotherapist
- Biomedical scientist
- Toxicologist
- Veterinary nurse
- Veterinary surgeon
Further study
After completing a course in Zoology, Biological and Biomedical Sciences you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as biology, marine biology, or environmental biology.
FAQ
What are the different types of work in Zoology?
You can choose to work in a range of areas within the Zoology field, such as:
· Conservation of endangered species and habitats
· Animal education and welfare
· Controlling pests and diseases
· Drug development and testing
· Improving livestock and crops in agriculture
· Teaching and research
What are the sub-disciplines of Zoology?
A Subdiscipline is a specialist field of study or work within a broader field, in Zoology some of the most common are:
· Entomology
· Insects
· Herpetology
· Amphibians and reptiles
· Ichthyology
· Fish
· Invertebrate Zoology
· Animals without backbones
· Malacology
· Molluscs
· Mammalogy
· Mammals
· Ornithology
· Birds
· Primatology
· Primates
· Animal behavior
· Palaeontology
· Fossils
· Socio-biology
· Behaviour, ecology, and evolution of social animals such as bees, ants, schooling fish, flocking birds, and humans
Where can I study Zoology: Biological and Biomedical Sciences?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· Gorillas can catch human colds and other illnesses.
· Turtles, water snakes, crocodiles, alligators, dolphins, whales, and other water-going creatures will drown if kept underwater too long.
· The only mammals to undergo menopause are elephants, humpback whales, and human females.
· There is a species of jellyfish that is immortal. It can revert to its child state after having become sexually mature, and therefore never dies.
· Sharks kill fewer than 10 people per year. Humans kill about 100 million sharks per year.
· The male Gentoo and Adelie penguins “propose” to females by giving them a pebble.
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