5 Understandable Reasons Why Zoology Is a Tough Subject to Study

What is zoology?

Zoology is the scientific study of the animal kingdom of a specific area or time. It involves the study of structure, physiology, behavior, evolution, distribution, and classification of both extinct and living animals.

There are approximately 8.7 million species on earth and among them, 1 to 2 million are thought to be animals.

Now is the time to dive deep and to describe in detail the 5 reasons that make zoology a tough subject to study.

What makes zoology difficult?

1. Laborious course content

Zoology is one of the most expansive sciences because of the sheer diversity of the animal kingdom, and the complexity of the biological systems governing their behaviour.

Many universities typically offer zoology as a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

The courses often start with a general study of biosciences, including genetics, cell, and molecular biology, basic biochemistry, taxonomy, animal behaviour, ecology, conservation of wildlife, and biodiversity.

One can also study the zoology of vertebrates, invertebrates, marine life, and primates.

Zoology is highly technical, and deeply rooted in science. This means you need to have a good scientific background. There are many difficult terms in the course contents that are hard to remember so if you possess knowledge of A-Level or AP biology, chemistry and maths, you will find things much easier!

If not, then you’ll need much practice and time to learn them by heart.

It is difficult to memorize different biological and biochemical pathways, their enzymes, effectors, steps, products, byproducts, and the chemical formulas in biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology.

Learning the scientific names of different animals along with their corresponding phylum and hierarchy while studying vertebrates and invertebrates is also not an easy job.

During taxonomy, generic and species name of every animal gives you a very tough time to learn by rote and requires a lot of time.

To understand and solve genetic problems looks interesting but sometimes it becomes very challenging to handle them.

Individuals who have studied biomedical science understand the struggles of genetics!

A small mistake during the solution can change the entire results at the end.

Universities also offer optional modules in parasitology and infectious diseases that are not for the faint-hearted.

2. Extensive and back-breaking lab work

Dissection of cockroaches, molluscs, frogs, pigeons, etc, to study their different body parts and the pithing of a frog in advanced anatomy/physiology practical classes are other milestones to cross during zoological studies.

Preparing samples for section cutting, staining and finally observing them under a microscope with different magnifying lenses need practice and time.

To examine and understand the different steps of embryo development in an egg during embryology practical hours need careful incubation time periods and skills.

There is much more practical work related to other zoology courses.

Students usually attend their coursework during the early hours of the day. In the afternoon and evening, they work in the laboratories.  

This daily grinding routine makes zoology a tough subject to study.

3. Immense dedication and courage

Human activities and climate change are a continuous threat to wildlife so the role of the zoologist to save the endangered population is very clear and important.

Zoologists travel all around to study different species both in their captivity and wild habitats.

During the visits, their job is to identify and monitor both inter and intraspecies interaction and their relationship with the ecosystem.

This is notably crucial as climate change continuously transforms natural habitats.

So, they need to work outdoors and travel often to collect specimens, gather data, monitor, and manage animal populations.

Such work demands full dedication, patience, analytical thinking, and excellent teamwork skills that make zoology a tough subject to study.

4. Wet and dry lab work

Pure and applied zoological study demands side-by-side working both in wet and dry labs.

Wet bench work needs a laboratory set up with lab benches, hoods, sinks, microscopes, centrifuges, and other lab equipment.

It involves working with chemical and biological specimens including animals, tissues, cells, bacteria, and viruses.

Different software and statistical methods are used in biology dry lab to analyze already generated data.

The main responsibility of a zoologist in this purely scientific field is to conduct research and analyze data.

Zoologists conduct laboratory experiments, generate data, develop results with the use of different computer soft wares and statistical programs, and finally present the reports to show their results.

Strong communication skills, computer experience, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, active learning, and proficiency with a variety of soft wares make zoology a tough subject to study.

5. Difficulties in job seeking

After completing your studies, you also face much competition in job seeking in the zoology field.

You may continuously need to improve your CV by getting additional certificates and licenses to get in and to remain in this field.

This makes zoology a tough subject to study.

For instance, a zoologist working within the field of marine biology may need to earn their SCUBA certification for deep-water research.

Others may keep their GIS certificate up-to-date to efficiently continue gathering data out in the field.

Summary

Zoology is an incredibly interesting degree to study and opens you up to an amazing world of both laboratory and field-based work.

It also takes some serious dedication to go the distance with zoology, especially when it comes to finding work.

Trends show that people most successful at zoology have a genuine passion for learning the underlying science and biology, but also love to get stuck into the real manual work!

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