Program Information

Chair: Marta L. Wayne
Graduate Coordinator: John (Gordon) Burleigh

The Department of Biology offers graduate programs in Zoology leading to the Master of Science in Teaching, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The requirements for these degrees can be found in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Our program emphasizes Integrative Biology, with integration accomplished through a focus on the theoretical foundations provided by evolutionary biology and ecology. Our faculty has expertise in ecology, evolution, behavior, comparative and environmental physiology, genetics, development, and phylogenetics. We work in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments and geographic regions (tropics through subpolar), and on a range of organisms (including plants). Our faculty value integrative research (e.g., by crossing levels of organization from gene expressions to species interactions), linking theory with data (through use of statistical and mathematical tools), and using natural history to guide the development and testing of rigorous conceptual frameworks. Many of our faculty also are interested in applying and testing basic science in applied contexts (e.g., conservation biology and ecotoxicology).

Our approach is highlighted through our first-year, required, graduate course, Integrative Principles. Each student’s supervisory committee will recommend additional courses according to the academic background and research plans of the student.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Zoology

• Doctor of Philosophy
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences
• Master of Science
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences
• Master of Science in Teaching
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development
  • concentration in Wetland Sciences

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Zoology Courses

Biology Departmental Courses

zoology (PHD)

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will identify, define, and describe basic fundamentals of biology and a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of zoology

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will design a research project, collect data, analyze and interpret the results. They will be able to present the results of original research in oral and written form

SLO 3     Skills     
Students design a research project, collect data, analyze and interpret the results. They will be able to present the results of original research in oral and written form

SLO 4     Professional Behavior   
Students will demonstrate ethical behaviors, professional conduct

SLO 5     Professional Behavior   
Students will be able to interact and communicate with professionals at scientific conferences

Zoology (MS)    

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will identify, define, and describe the basic fundamentals of biology and zoology

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will design a research project, collect data, analyze and interpret the results and present this in written and oral form

SLO 3     Professional Behavior     
Students will practice ethical behaviors and professional conduct

SLO 4     Professional Behavior   
Students will interact and communicate with professionals at scientific conferences

Zoology (MST) 

SLO 1     Knowledge        
Students will identify, define, and describe the basic fundamentals of zoology

SLO 2     Skills     
Students will define, explain and communicate key concepts in zoology and biology

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Students will engage in ethical behaviors and professional conduct

SLO 4     Professional Behavior     
Students will practice ethical behaviors and professional conduct