Zoology
Overview
Zoology is the study of the biology of animals. This simple definition, however, hides the complexity of the subject. There are many levels at which the biology of animals can be studied: molecular, physiological, structural, evolutionary, behavioural and ecological. Our courses emphasise the diversity and conservation of New Zealand's unique animals.
A degree in Zoology will give you an appreciation of how animals function at all levels, whether they live on land, in fresh water, in the sea, or as parasites.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
- Master of Science (MSc)
Papers
See the full list of Zoology (ZOOL) papers.
Programme Requirements
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Zoology
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level |
For students enrolled before 2007: BIOL 111 may be substituted for CELS 191; BIOL 115 may be substituted for HUBS 191 |
18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level |
18 18 18 |
|
| 300-level | Four of ZOOL 313, ZOOL 314, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319, GENE 312, MARI 301, MARI 302 | 72 |
| Plus |
162 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science Students intending to advance to PGDipWLM, PGDipSci, or MSc in Zoology are strongly recommended to take ZOOL 316 |
162 |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Zoology
| Stage | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st stage |
54 further points For students enrolled before 2007: BIOL 111 may be substituted for CELS 191; BIOL 115 may be substituted for HUBS 191 |
18 18 18 18 54 |
| 2nd stage |
54 further 200-level points from Science subject lists 18 further points |
18 18 18 54 18 |
| 3rd stage |
Five of ZOOL 313, ZOOL 314, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319, GENE 312, MARI 301 or MARI 302 18 further 300-level points from Science subject lists With Head of Department approval GENE 311 may be substituted for one 300-level ZOOL paper |
18 90 18 |
| 4th stage |
Four of ZOOL 410, ZOOL 411, ZOOL 412, ZOOL 413, ZOOL 414, ZOOL 415, ZOOL 416, ZOOL 417, ZOOL 419, ZOOL 420 |
48 96 |
| There is no second year Honours course in this subject; admission to the Honours programme is normally at third stage (after passing a total of 252 points, including at least 108 points above 100-level, in the first and second years of study) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Zoology
| Papers |
|---|
|
Four of ZOOL 410, ZOOL 411, ZOOL 412, ZOOL 413, ZOOL 414, ZOOL 415, ZOOL 416, ZOOL 417, ZOOL 419, ZOOL 420 |
Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology
| Papers |
|---|
|
ZOOL 495, and four of ZOOL 410, ZOOL 411, ZOOL 412, ZOOL 413, ZOOL 414, ZOOL 415, ZOOL 416, ZOOL 417, ZOOL 419, ZOOL 420. ZOOL 5 (thesis) Up to 24 points (48 points in exceptional circumstances) from other programmes may be substituted for one (respectively, two) of ZOOL 410-420. Students are strongly recommended to take ZOOL 316 or its equivalent before enrolling for the degree. |
Minor Subject Requirements
Zoology as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), or Bachelor of Tourism (BTour) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | 18 18 | |
| 200-level | 36 | |
| 300-level | Two of ZOOL 313, ZOOL 314, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319, GENE 312, MARI 301 or MARI 302 | 36 |
| Total | 108 |
Further Information
Email us at zoology@otago.ac.nz or visit our home page http://www.otago.ac.nz/zoology


