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Zoology

Welcome to Zoology

Zoology at NUI Galway is a dynamic and broad discipline.  Staff members’ research in ecology, evolution and natural products focuses on a whole range of animals: sponges, jellies, corals, lobsters, barnacles, insects, octopuses, sharks, squirrels and pine martens to name a few! We are engaged in theoretical and applied research, solving problems in diverse fields such as eel conservation, wet-setting glue, invasive species, climate change and ecosystem function, using cutting edge equipment and techniques including acoustic and satellite-tracking tags, remotely operated vehicles and next generation sequencing.

 

Latest Zoology News: Mapping out the shape and pace of animal life cycles

Image for press release associated with Healy et al 2019‌ 15 July 2019  
A research team, led by Dr Kevin Healy, has mapped out the life cycles of 121 animals ranging from humans to sponges. The research, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, showed that animal life cycles are mainly described by the “pace” (how fast an animal goes through its life cycle) and the “shape” (how survival and reporduction is spread across the life cycle) of life. 
Read more in the Irish Examiner and the Nature blog.  


Undergraduate degrees

‌‌We offer an undergraduate degree in Zoology through the Science (GY301) pathway, and contribute modules in Zoology to degrees in Environmental Science (GY308), Marine Science (GY310), and Earth and Ocean Sciences (GY314) and to the Marine Science and Biology Study Abroad Programme.  Our emphasis on practical classes combined with sound theoretical knowledge leads to highly skilled graduates.  Our Zoology graduates find diverse employment including in conservation, environmental management, in molecular labs, in aquaculture, and by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Irish Fisheries Board, Teagasc, and the Marine Institute. Graduates may also use their skills creatively to become science journalists, wildlife illustrators or teachers. More info...

 

Postgraduate studies

We have a vibrant postgraduate community in Zoology, with students from six continents currently registered for PhDs in Zoology.  Most of our postgraduate students choose to take 4-year structured PhD courses, but Research Masters (one or two years) can also be selected.  Students interested in pursuing postgraduate research should visit the Zoology Postgraduate pages for more details on research topics and sources of funding.  More info...

Contact Information

Zoology Department

National University of Ireland,
Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
Phone: +353 (0)91 492323 
E-mail: Zoology Department