About us
Staff in the Department of Zoology are fascinated by animals, from the level of the cell right up to whole populations and ecosystems.
We have an outstanding international reputation, with strengths in conservation biology, insect ecology, muscle physiology, comparative physiology, freshwater ecology, coastal marine ecology, behavioural ecology, herpetology and avian ecology.
Our aim is to foster an interactive and supportive research environment with undergraduate and postgraduate students that leads to a deeper understanding of animals and their environments.
Our teaching has a strong hands-on focus with an emphasis on practical training in the field and laboratory.
Developing the skills of our graduates in animal identification and ecological methods is a high priority, facilitated by dedicated field courses and access to superb natural habitats found in the campus Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas on campus.
Facilities
Besides sophisticated research laboratories, the Department is well supported with general facilities including fluorescence microscopy, darkroom, GPS room, electronic and IT workshop, constant temperature rooms and vehicles.
The Department maintains several hectares of fenced reserve in easy walking distance, with aviary and macropod colonies. Close by is a University-managed facility, comprising the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary on 30 Hectares of University land and the Nature Conservation Reserve on 70 Hectares of Crown land
The Department also has access to a modern 150 room animal house capable of holding a diverse range of organisms.
