Career opportunities
A degree in Zoology opens the door to a wide variety of jobs and career options. There are opportunities in government departments and ministries, such as the Department of Conservation, and the Ministries of Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry, and Environment. In these areas, Zoology graduates are involved with research, harvest management and pest control, as well as writing reports and developing and monitoring policy. Graduates can find careers where they are responsible for the use and care of our natural resources and environment with Regional and District Boards. There are also jobs for Zoology graduates with Crown Research Institutes (e.g. Landcare, NIWA) and private research organisations (e.g. Cawthron Institute). Zoology graduates are also employed in medical, veterinary and biotechnology laboratories.
There are increasing opportunities to develop careers in eco-tourism as advisers, guides and managers. Some Zoology graduates are working in fisheries and aquaculture with private companies, while others have found jobs as environmental consultants. You may decide that you want to share your interest and knowledge of animals and their environments in a position as a curator, an information officer, or a guide for a museum, nature park or zoo. There are also teaching opportunities for graduates and Zoology is an important major subject for those wishing to become secondary school biology teachers.
Discover the world of animals
Dive into hands-on research and fieldwork with Otago’s unique Zoology degree options. Learn from world-class lecturers in New Zealand’s wildlife capital and explore diverse animal sciences.
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Lachie Scarsbrook:
Hi, I’m Lachie, and I study Zoology at the University of Otago. When I was growing up, I was obsessed with animals like most kids, which meant studying Zoology at Otago was the natural selection.
Studying Zoology at Otago gives you the chance to be a part of a wide variety of undergraduate research projects. Whether it be neurobiology, animal behaviour, or physiology, you’ll get involved in some hands-on research that will enable you to understand how animals work, but also the wider implications of why they work.
Another amazing part about Zoology is the lecturing staff. They’re all really approachable, really friendly, and you get to develop personal relationships with them, which is unlike any other course.
Dr Nic Rawlence:
So, my name is Dr Nic Rawlence. I run the Ancient DNA Lab in the Zoology Department at the University of Otago. I basically do Jurassic Park. While we can’t get DNA out of fossils, recreate dinosaurs, and let them run amok and eat lawyers, we can use that ancient DNA to basically work out how New Zealand’s ecosystem and prehistoric wildlife functioned before humans arrived in New Zealand, how it was impacted, and how we can use that to save what we’ve got left.
Otago’s really unique in New Zealand. It’s the only place where you can do Zoology in the country – an actual specific Zoology degree. And that’s really good because we’re in the wildlife capital of New Zealand. We’ve got Orokonui with takahē up over near Port Chalmers. We’ve got the Otago Peninsula with little blue penguins, sea lions, and the yellow-eyed penguin – the world’s rarest penguin.
Our lecturers actually work throughout New Zealand and around the world doing fieldwork. So, when you come to Otago, you’ll be learning from these world-class lecturers and taking papers right from conservation of our endangered wildlife, ecology – how animals function within the environment – through to physiology – how all their internal systems function – right through to the building blocks of life, DNA (or Mr DNA out of Jurassic Park), and how we can use that to work out if the kākāpō in the North Island was genetically different to the kākāpō that we have in the South Island.
Our degrees are very, very hands-on. You’ll be taking lots and lots of labs, learning from the best, but you’ll also be doing fieldwork, not just as part of your course. All of our lecturers and researchers are looking for volunteers, so you can actually become part of the research and contribute to that.
We’ve had undergraduate students contribute to my lab’s research, and we’ve put their names on papers and published with them. With a Zoology degree, it’s world-class, especially if you go ahead and do postgraduate honours, a master’s, or a PhD. Our Zoology graduates are wanted the world over for their expertise, for their knowledge, and for that specific Zoology degree that is unique in New Zealand.
Zoology at Otago
Zoology is a modern science set not only in the mountains, grasslands, oceans, fiords and wetlands of the world, but also in the controlled environment of the laboratory. The Department of Zoology has an international reputation for research in freshwater ecology, wildlife and conservation biology, neurobiology and animal behaviour, parasitology, genetics, environmental physiology and evolutionary studies.
What will I learn?
In your first year you will learn about the biology of cells, the biology of animals and the basics of statistics. You will cover topics such as molecular biology, cell ultrastructure and function, genetics, bacteria and viruses and theories of evolution. The courses have a strong New Zealand flavour with an emphasis on the unique nature of the animals of New Zealand and their conservation problems. In your second and third years, you will continue your study of animal diversity, physiology and evolution, with the option of including papers from subjects such as Ecology, Genetics, Statistics and Computer Modelling, and Marine Science.
How will I study?
In your first year your CELS 191 and BIOL 112 lectures and laboratory classes will be supplemented with student study groups, computer-based self-assessment tests, CAL (computer-aided learning) laboratories, and many in-house designed computer exercises. Your lectures will be accompanied by a set of notes (often interactive) and other course materials that are accessible via the internet. Laboratory classes and field trips will complement your lectures in Zoology in your second and third years. Internal assessment forms 40–50 per cent of the final grade for papers in Zoology, and the rest is derived from final examinations.
Can I combine my Zoology study with other subjects?
Many Zoology students also major in another subject such as botany, ecology and genetics. Other students complete a double degree in areas like Law, Commerce and Arts.
What about further study?
A Zoology major can lead on to a further degree, including an MSc, PhD or Postgraduate Diplomas in Natural History Filmmaking and Communication, Environmental Science or Wildlife Management.
Recommended background
There is no first-year course in Zoology. Students who intend to major in Zoology should enrol in Biology (CELS 191, BIOL 112) and Statistics (STAT 110) in their first year. There are no special requirements, but it is recommended that you take NCEA Level 3 biology or its equivalent.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Zoology
Explore postgraduate study in Zoology at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a support...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOL 112 Animal Biology | 18 |
| CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology | 18 | |
| STAT 110 Statistical Methods, or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 | |
| 200-level | ZOOL 221 Animal Designs for Living | 18 |
| ZOOL 222 Evolutionary Biology | 18 | |
| ZOOL 223 Animal Physiology | 18 | |
| 300-level | Three of: ZOOL 313 Animal Function and Environment ZOOL 314 Neurobiology ZOOL 315 Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology ZOOL 316 Biological Data Analysis and Computing ZOOL 318 Freshwater Ecology ZOOL 319 Conservation Biology GENE 312 Evolutionary Genetics | 54 |
| One further paper from ZOOL 313, ZOOL 314, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319, AQFI 352, GENE 312, GENE 314, MARI 301, MARI 302 | 18 | |
| Plus | 180 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science ZOOL 316 Biological Data Analysis and Computing, is strongly recommended for students intending to advance to PGDipSci or MSc in Zoology, PGDipWLM, or MWLM, and is required for students intending to advance to BSc(Hons) in Zoology. | 180 |
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOL 112 Animal Biology CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology | 18 18 |
| 200-level | At least two of: | 36 |
| 300-level | At least one of ZOOL 313, ZOOL 314, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319, GENE 312 One further paper from ZOOL 313, ZOOL 314, ZOOL 315, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 318, ZOOL 319, GENE 312, GENE 314, MARI 301, MARI 302 | 18 |
| Total | 108 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
ZOOL papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZOOL221 | 2025 | Animal Designs for Living | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL222 | 2025 | Evolutionary Biology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL223 | 2025 | Animal Physiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL313 | 2025 | Animal Function and Environment | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL314 | 2025 | Neurobiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL315 | 2025 | Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL316 | 2025 | Biological Data Analysis and Computing | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL318 | 2025 | Freshwater Ecology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL319 | 2025 | Conservation Biology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL410 | 2025 | Evolutionary Genetics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL411 | 2025 | Evaluating Trends and Controversies in Ecology and Evolution | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL412 | 2025 | Neurobiology and Behaviour | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL414 | 2025 | Comparative Physiology | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| ZOOL415 | 2025 | Disease Ecology | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL416 | 2025 | Freshwater Ecology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL417 | 2025 | Harvest Management | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ZOOL418 | 2025 | Conservation Biology of Marine Mammals | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ZOOL419 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ZOOL420 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Zoology | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ZOOL422 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Animal Behaviour | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL423 | 2025 | From Extinction to De-Extinction | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| ZOOL424 | 2025 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| ZOOL425 | 2025 | Conservation Genomics | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| ZOOL480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (15 July 2025 - 29 May 2026) |
| ZOOL490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 29 May 2026) |
| ZOOL495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026), 2nd Non standard period (1 December 2025 - 30 October 2026) |
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