Animal Biology

Animal Biology is the scientific study of animals across all levels of organisation, from the molecular and cellular processes that underlie physiological function to the ecological relationships that connect individual animals to their environments. It is a discipline that encompasses anatomy and physiology, behaviour, genetics, nutrition, and ecology, and applies those foundations to understanding companion animals, livestock, and wildlife in ways that matter for veterinary practice, agriculture, conservation, and public health.

At Nottingham Trent University, this three-year, full-time degree provides a sound grounding in the major scientific principles of animal biology, with core study in anatomy and physiology, genetics, behaviour, ecology, and nutrition. The programme focuses particularly on companion and livestock species, reflecting the areas in which graduate expertise is most in demand, and combines lecture-based learning with practical animal handling in specialist facilities. This hands-on approach ensures that you develop not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills and confidence working with animals that professional contexts require.

Animal biology graduates work across a wide range of sectors where knowledge of animal science is valued: veterinary support, zoological collections, wildlife conservation, animal welfare, the livestock and agricultural industries, food production, pharmaceutical research, and public health are all common destinations. The scientific grounding and practical experience the degree provides also prepares graduates well for postgraduate study in zoology, veterinary bioscience, ecology, conservation biology, or related applied sciences, for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue research.