Zoology is a branch of biology that studies animals and animal life, including behavior, structure, evolution, relationships with other organisms, and interactions with the environment. Depending on their research focus, zoologists may work in the field, in controlled settings, or in laboratories.
Moreover, zoologists also study how animals develop, reproduce, evolve, and pass traits from one generation to the next. Because of this, university zoology programs often combine fieldwork, laboratory training, data analysis, and core biological sciences.
In this article, we will be talking about universities that offer strong zoology or zoology-related study options.
Top Zoology Schools in the World
1. University of Cambridge
The undergraduate route to zoology at the University of Cambridge is through the Natural Sciences Tripos. In the first year, students study three experimental subjects and one mathematical subject, with zoology contributing to options such as Evolutionary Behaviour, Biology of Cells, Physiology of Organisms, and Mathematical Biology. In the second year, students choose three subjects and begin to specialize, while the third year allows students to specialize in Part II Zoology.
At the postgraduate level, Cambridge’s Department of Zoology has students working toward MPhil and Ph.D. degrees in Zoology. The department also states that it aims to provide an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for staff and students.
2. University of Oxford
The old stand-alone Zoology Department is no longer the current departmental structure at the University of Oxford. Oxford’s Department of Biology was formed in August 2022 by merging the previous departments of Plant Sciences and Zoology. The department now teaches the MBiol Biology undergraduate course, the MSc by Research in Biology, and the DPhil in Biology.
Oxford’s Biology course is broad and includes topics such as animal behavior and physiology, conservation, ecology, evolutionary biology, cell biology, genomics, and developmental biology. All students join the MBiol course; at the end of Year 3, students may leave with a BA or continue to the MBiol, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Outside academics, Oxford also offers a collegiate community and more than 400 clubs and societies.
3. The University of Melbourne
At the University of Melbourne, students can study Zoology as a major within the Bachelor of Science. The major covers animals from cells through to behavior, and students can focus on animal biology, animal behavior, wildlife biology, reproduction and development, or a combination of these areas. Students also develop skills in data collection and data analysis.
During the first and second years of study, students complete prerequisite subjects for the major, including biology and zoology subjects. In the third year, they complete 50 points, or four subjects, of specialized zoology study. Throughout the degree, students also take science electives and breadth, or non-science, subjects.
4. Miami University
Miami University offers Zoology as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. The zoology major can be tailored to students interested in health sciences, animal physiology, cell and molecular biology, ecology or environmental studies, or evolution and systematics.
Students may double major in Botany and Zoology, but only nine credits of the Advanced Hours requirement may be used for both degrees. Students may not double major in Biology and Zoology. The Bachelor of Science route has more related-hour requirements than the Bachelor of Arts route, so students should review the current bulletin before choosing a path.
5. Texas A&M University
The Bachelor of Science in Zoology at Texas A&M University is designed to expose students to all aspects of the study of animals. After foundation courses in vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, students may choose from animal biology classes in areas such as cellular and developmental biology, physiology, anatomy, ecology, and evolution.
The program includes biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics or statistics, physics, biochemistry, animal physiology, genetics, evolution, and invertebrate zoology. Graduates may continue into advanced zoology study, specialized zoological fields in agriculture and renewable resources, or professional fields such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and other health-related areas. Texas A&M is also known for Aggie traditions and core values such as excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service.
6. Colorado State University
At Colorado State University, Zoology students study animals, including their origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes. Students may focus on general training in animal biology or choose from areas such as animal behavior, development, aquatic biology, ecology, genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular and molecular biology, physiology, systematics, and vertebrate morphology.
The curriculum includes laboratory experiences as well as courses in introductory biology, invertebrates, vertebrates, evolution, and ecology. Career paths listed by the university include environmental technician, ecologist, animal trainer and instructor, fish and wildlife technician, veterinary technician or assistant, laboratory technician, production supervisor, and other animal- or science-related roles.
We hope this article on the best zoology schools in the world was helpful. Make sure to also check out our Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.
