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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate BSc Degree in Zoology
Entry to undergraduate courses in Zoology by Irish students is through the CAO route into general Science (GY301). Specialist modules in Zoology are also available to students in years 2 to 4 of undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science (GY308), Marine Science (GY310), and Earth and Ocean Sciences (GY314) and to those on the Marine Science and Biology Study Abroad Programme.
Students pursing a degree in Zoology through Science (GY301), take the following specialist zoology modules. Full details of options availabe through Science (GY301) can be found in the Bachelor of Science handbook.
1st Year
Zoology makes up one quarter of the first year Biology module (BO101) giving all students a taster of what they can expect from Zoology in later years.
2nd Year
Core modules:
Students can progress to 3rd year Zoology if they take these 4 modules.
- BO201: Molecular and Cell Biology (5 ECTS)
- BO202: Evolution and the Tree of Life (5 ECTS)
- ZO208: Invertebrate Biology (5 ECTS)
- ZO209: Vertebrate Zoology (5 ECTS)
3rd Year
Students need to pass the 3 core modules and 3 options to progress to 4th year Zoology.
Core modules
- ZO315: Applied Ecology (Semester II, weeks 7-12) (5 ECTS)
- ZO317: Evolutionary Biology (Semester I, weeks 1-6) (5 ECTS)
- ZO320: Concepts in Population and Community Ecology (Semester II, weeks 1-6) (5 ECTS)
Recommended Options
- ZO318: Geographic information systems (Semester II, weeks 7-12) (5 ECTS)
- ZO3101: Marine Habitats (Semester I, weeks 7-12) (5 ECTS)
- AN223: Embryology and Development (Semester II, weeks 7-12) (5 ECTS)
- EOS3103: Palaeontology and Evolution (Semester I) (5 ECTS)
Students may take BO3101: Developmental Biology in place of any of the above modules.
Students wishing to take EOS and Zoology pathways together at 3rd year must take the Zoology core modules plus ZO318, ZO3101 and EOS3101 as their Zoology options, together with the following EOS modules: EOS3104 Fieldskills training; EOS3101 Geological structures and maps; EOS303 Ocean dynamics; EOS305 Intro to Applied Field Hydrology; EOS323 Sediments & the Sedimentary record; EOS3102 Environmental & remote Sensing.
4th Year
The fourth year course includes an greater mixture of facilitated and independent learning. For example students carry out a research project (20 ECTS) and a literature review (10 ECTS). There are two core lecture only modules (each 5 ECTS); Marine and Coastal Ecology, and Phylogenetics and Conservation. In addition students complete Advanced Zoology topics during which students have to read a list of books suggested by staff, followed by sitting an open book exam. Integrative Zoology is another module where current topics are discussed by staff and students and students must complete a report based on these discussions. We also run an optional field course overseas. Fourth year is therefore a very dynamic year for students providing them with a set of advanced skills and involving them deeply in departmental life.
Core modules
- ZO414: Advanced Zoology Topics (5 ECTS)
- ZO415: Biometry (5 ECTS)
- ZO416: Integrative Zoology (5 ECTS)
- ZO417: Marine and Coastal Ecology (5 ECTS)
- ZO418:Phylogenetics and Conservation (5 ECTS)
- ZO4101: Final Year Project in Zoology (20 ECTS)
- ZO425: Literature Review (10 ECTS)
In addition, the Practical Skills module, which takes place in Morocco, is highly recommended and taken by most students. The number of places on this module is limited to 20, and there is a cost associated with it.
- ZO419: Practical Skills in Zoology (5 ECTS)
Students who do not take ZO419 take 5 ECTS from other modules/disciplines. Available options are listed in the Bachelor of Science Degree handbook.
Information for prospective students
Overview, Entry Requirements, Course outlines etc...