Have you been fascinated by animals and the tiniest insects or were you a fan of Steven Irwin, the man that literally lived for animals and died because of one. At first, nature might seem like a big ball of rope that is intertwined and knotted, but when you take a closer look and try to understand nature’s handiwork, you’ll understand why animals behave in a certain way or why and allows you to understand and admire nature for what it is.
In this article, we are taking the opportunity to dive deeper into nature and explain everything you need to know to become a Zoologist.
What is Zoology?
Zoologists are biologists that study various animal species. There is an excellent variety of animals and complex processes occurring within them. Zoology is known to be one of the broadest fields of science. Zoologists often study animals and their interaction with the ecosystem. They learn the animal’s physical characteristics, diets, behaviours and the impact humans have on them. There are over 2 million animal species; therefore, zoologists usually specialize in one or more of the zoology branches.
What do You Study in a Zoology Degree?
Core Subjects Taught in Zoology
Global Challenges in Biology: In this subject, students will be taught how human health, quality of life, and future are linked to the well being of organisms and the environment that we share. This lays the foundation for understanding and facing the environmental and biomedical challenges facing humans and the planet.
Zoology: Covers animals diversity and evolution. Describes the variety and life histories of animals. Students will become familiar with the body form, functions, life history, and characteristics of the animals’ major group.
Animal Behaviour: Covers about animal behaviours, from developments to physiological and how patterns of behaviour evolve. Students are often asked to critically evaluate and test hypotheses about behaviour and carry out research projects on animal behaviours.
Biostatistics & Experimental Design: This subject allows students to examine the process that drives plants and animals’ diversity and distribution. It covers how new species are discovered, recognized and described
Why Study Zoology in Australia?
Global Academic Recognition: Despite being one of the largest countries, Australia has a small nation, but that does not stop them from being the home for some of the best research institutions. Universities in Australia provide high-quality academic programs in the science field like nursing and healthcare, biology, chemistry and even zoology.
Wide Choice of Subjects: Just because you have signed up for a degree in Zoology does not mean that you cannot study subjects out of the course. In Australia, students are allowed to broaden their spectrum of learning by choosing subjects not listed in the course.
Language: Studying in countries where the first language is not English could be a hassle, especially when doing simple grocery shopping or even asking questions to your lecturer. However, this isn’t a problem for international students who opt to study in Australia as English is the primary language. However, students might struggle for a few months initially trying to understand the Australian slang but eventually get the hang of it.
Wide range of Animals & Insects: Australia is the best place to opt for if you want to pursue a Zoology course as it has a wide range of animals and insects, even some of the deadliest species can be found in Australia. Australia is the home for 21 out of 25 venomous snakes, crocodiles, poisonous spiders and also the Tasmanian devils.
What can You do with a Zoology Degree?
Career Opportunities with a Degree in Zoology
Zoologist: Conducts field and laboratory research, gathering pieces of information about animals in their natural habitat or in captivity
Animal Nutritionist: Responsible for creating and balancing ratios to ensure all dietary needs are met for the animals under their supervision.
Zookeeper: A zookeeper works with all kinds of animals, including preparing food and feeding them, checking for signs for distress, injuries or diseases in animals, helping to care for sick animals and keeping daily healthcare records.
Ecologist: Studies how plants, animals and humans interact with each other. Ecologists will need good analytical skills as they will be conducting various experiments.
Do You have to Work in a “Zoo” if you Study Zoology?
Despite the name, a degree in Zoology will do more than to just qualify you to work in a Zoo. The science, research data, analysis and behavioural skills you’ll learn can make you attractive to a wide variety of organizations including charities, government agencies and research centres.
What Other Similar Degree Programs could You Take?
Animal Science: Is described as “studying the biology of animals under the control of humans”. Animal science is often linked between science and business producing domestic livestock, for example, sheep, cattle and swine.
Animal Bioscience: The study of animals metabolism, genetic, physiology, behaviour, health and the social and environmental impact towards domestic animals.
Wildlife Science: Studies the native and exotic amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals and biodiversity and human-wildlife interaction. Looks at how the entire ecosystem works from the tiniest bees to the antarctic blue whale.
Marine Biology or Science: Focuses on marine life and organisms their behaviour and interactions with the environment. A marine biologist studies biological oceanography and the associated chemical, physical and geographical oceanography to understand marine organisms.
Academic Entry Requirement for Zoology Degree in Australia
ATAR
A minimum of of 65
International Baccalaureate
Minimum 24 points
SPTM
Minimum score of 7
UEC
Minimum 12 points
A-Level
Minimum 8 points BBC or
Entry requirement vary according to universities, for more information please contact Excel Education
English Requirement for Zoology Degree in Australia
IELTS
A minimum overall of 6.5 and 6.0 in all sub-bands.
TOEFL
A minimum overall score of 79, Reading: 13, Listening:12, Speaking:18 and Writing: 21.
PTE
An overall score of 64 and 60 in all sub-bands
English Requirements might vary according to universities, for more information please contact Excel Education
Top Universities to Study Zoology Degree in Australia
The University of Melbourne is continuously ranked among the leading universities globally and the number 1 university in Australia. Degrees at the University of Melbourne stands out for offering students the opportunity to spend a year exploring a range of subject areas before choosing a major. Students also study subjects that are not included in their course, giving them a breadth of knowledge that sets that apart.
The University of Queensland holds the number 1 rank for Biological Science in Queensland and 44th place globally. The university has consistently maintained a global reputation for creating positive change by delivering knowledge leadership for a better world. Students have access to world-class technologies and more advanced knowledge, making them stand out than the rest.
According to the QS Global World Ranking, Monash University is the largest university in Australia and is currently ranked at number 55. Monash University offers one of the most extensive ranges of degrees in Australia and provides students with the flexibility to study at either one of their campuses in Malaysia, Italy, India, China, or their partnered institutions.
According to the QS Global World Ranking, University of Western Australia currently holds the first rank in Western Australia and is now placed among the world’s top 100 universities. UWA has a dynamic and progressive community of lecturers and researchers. Students are granted the university’s strong industry connection that allows students to gain practical first-hand work experiences.
According to QS World University Ranking, the University of Tasmania is the fourth oldest university in Australia and currently ranks in the top 300 universities in the world. Biological science is one of the disciplines that are highly rated at UTAS according to the QS ranking.