Level 3 Diploma Zoology (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma Zoology (RQF)

Key Points

• Learn about a range of animal life and how to conserve them
• Gain a qualification that will support career options in the wildlife and conservation sectors
• Eligible to apply for a ZSL Fellowship
• Achieve a Level 3 Diploma qualification
• Start studying at any time
• Contributes to UCAS points*

About your Course

This Level 3 Diploma in Zoology qualification explores the origin of life and how it has been able to diversify in so many ways. Over the course of 7 units, you will have the opportunity to study how life has changed from single-celled organisms into the varied types of animal life that surrounds us today.

This interesting qualification looks at how mammals evolved and how they went on to become the dominant vertebrates. You will be able to examine the essential roles of food, reproduction and habitat and the related species adaptations. The qualification rounds up with a look at biodiversity and the importance of environments.

Enrolling on the qualification means that you will be eligible to apply for ZSL Fellowship. Fellows get unlimited access for them and a family guest to ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos plus borrowing rights in the extensive ZSL library of rare zoological texts. By joining as a Fellow, you will be supporting ZSL’s international work to protect wildlife and global ecosystems. Enrol on your course and apply directly to ZSL for Fellowship.

All the material is readily available once you enrol, so you’re able to start right away!

*UCAS Tariff points apply to Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications. We advise checking on the UCAS website for course tariff points and your further training course entry criteria.

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away.

Modules

Unit 1: Origin of Life and Evolutionary Theory

On completing this first unit, students will be able to:

• Understand how Earth was made and why life began on Earth
• Recognise the main events that led to life as we know it evolving
• Know the key figures in evolutionary theory and how their work was significant
• Explain natural selection and how traits are inherited

Unit 2: Animal Diversity

On completing this second unit, students will be able to:

• Understand why animals are organised into their different phyla
• Recognise the main invertebrate phyla and distinguish the difference between each
• Know the key features of the Phylum Chordata and understanding how the vertebrate classes evolved

Unit 3: Mammals

On completing this third unit, students will be able to:

• Understand how mammals evolved
• Identify the three sub-classes of mammals and the features that make them distinct
• Know the distinguishing features of mammals and identifying why these features have made mammals the dominant vertebrates of modern times

Unit 4: Animal Form and Function

On completing this fourth unit, students will be able to:

• Understand the basic requirements that a multicellular animal must have to function
• Identify the organ systems in animals and how they differ to each other
• Explain how the organ systems of the body work together and perform homeostasis with the use of a particular example, thermoregulation

Unit 5: Finding Food

On completing this fifth unit, students will be able to:

• Understand why animals need to eat
• Know the four feeding strategies of animals and be able to give examples
• Understand how herbivores have adapted to consume plant-matter
• Understand how carnivores have adapted to consume prey
• Understand the various ways that prey have evolved to avoid predation

Unit 6: Reproduction

On completing this sixth unit, students will be able to:

• Understand the meaning of asexual and sexual reproduction
• Recognise the different types of mating systems and how animals choose their mates
• Identify how animals ensure fertilization and how intersexual conflict can occur

Unit 7: Animals and their Environments

On completing this seventh unit, students will be able to:

• Understand habitats and why animals might choose to live in a certain place
• Identify factors that might impact species distribution
• Know how animals adapt to different extreme environments
• Recognise the impact urbanisation has on habitats and how animals have adapted to urban areas

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners must be aged 16 or over.

Additional requirements:

You will be registered with the Awarding Organisation once you have confirmed the following:

• The learner taking the course has confirmed their formal name and date of birth
• The first payment instalment has been taken (where relevant)
• You have completed the course introduction

Minimum Age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Diploma in Zoology, students must achieve 37 credits.

You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit and assessed by one of our qualified animal tutors.

When are you assessed?

As you’re in control of how you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments.

This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.

Gatehouse Awards

Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Zoology, an Ofqual regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 610/0055/1).

Gatehouse Awards Ltd is a leading awarding body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, England (Ofqual). They also have a significant international presence providing language testing services.

The Level 3 Diploma in Zoology is ideal if you’re interested in working in one of the many careers related to zoology, or if you currently work in the industry and would like a qualification to top up your knowledge. Gaining a qualification in zoology will support your career progression within the wildlife and conservation sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions