Course Catalogue

Zoology 3B BIOL4138

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Biodiversity One Health Vet Med
  • Credits: 60
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will present a broad coverage of Zoology. Specific topics may include:

■ animal physiology

■ parasite biology

■ ecological and developmental biology

■ quantitative approaches to ecology including experimental design and data analysis

■ designing and implementing a mini research project

Timetable

The course will consist of lectures, laboratories and tutorials as arranged (the timetable varies from week to week).

Requirements of Entry

Normally, this course is only open to students admitted to Level-3 of a programme for which this is a compulsory course. The course may also be available to visiting students, at the discretion of the Life Sciences Chief Adviser and the Course Coordinator.

Excluded Courses

BIOL4066 Marine & Freshwater Biology 3B

Assessment

The course will be assessed by means of a 3-hour examination paper (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). The in-course assessment will include research papers, a poster presentation and an oral research proposal.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide students with a broad-based knowledge and understanding of Zoology; 

■ To further advance laboratory and field techniques in Zoology; 

■ To develop skills relating to independent and critical thinking and forming research hypotheses; 

■ To provide opportunities to further improve written and oral communication skills; 

■ To advance skills related to quantitative analysis of data relevant to Zoology. 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ Demonstrate a broad understanding of the central facts and the experimental basis of modern Zoology; 

■ Solve problems of a numerical or logical nature in the context of this understanding; 

■ Apply practical skills in fundamental techniques in Zoology and analyse and interpret results obtained from using these techniques; 

■ Demonstrate proficient communication skills by giving well-constructed oral and written presentations; 

■ Appraise original scientific literature and promote critical thinking in relation to information obtained and communicated;

■ Form a research question on a Zoology related topic; 

■ Design and carry out a small scale research project.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions