Zoology is the study of the behaviour, classification, physiology, and distribution of animals – whether they are alive or extinct.

The word ‘zoology’ is derived from the ancient greek words ‘zoon’ (animal) and ‘logos’ (study/knowledge).

You need to have a good command over biology, chemistry, mathematics – especially statistics. As a zoologist one also needs to be somewhat good with language – it is useful to be prepared to be familiar with latin and greek words, as these form the root of many of the terms used by zoologists around the world today.

It is imperative for a zoologist to have good written and communicative skills, and an ability to handle analytical data. Computer skills, project management skills, and the ability to work independently as well as a part of a team, are all also highly imperative to being able to function well in this profession.

What can one do with a degree in Zoology?

With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology, the work options are varied and diverse. Zoologists can work at zoos, in conservation, for non-profits, for the government, chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum companies, or for universities, and museums.

You can go on to become an ecologist, an environmental consultant, a marine scientist, a research scientist, or a field scientist.

Options for postgraduate degrees to specialize in an area of interest, are also widely undertaken by zoologists. For example, one can specialize in environmental conservation or marine biology.

Some famous Zoologists

Sir David Attenborough – British naturalist and tv personality, best known for his broadcast  series ‘Life’ and his natural history programmes for the BBC (Clare College, Cambridge  - Natural Sciences; LSE – Social Anthropology).

Dame Jane Morris Goodall – British primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace, considered to be the world’s leading specialist on chimpanzees, established the Jane Goodall Institute (Newnham College, Darwin College;  Cambridge)