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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BOT 6726C | Principles of Systematic Biology | 4 |
| BSC 6038 | Broader Impacts of Science on Society | 2 |
| PCB 5307C | Limnology | 4 |
| PCB 5415C | Behavioral Ecology | 4 |
| PCB 5615 | Molecular Evolution and Systematics | 4 |
| PCB 6049 | Seminar in Ecology | 1-3 |
| PCB 6377C | Physiological Ecology of Vertebrates | 4 |
| PCB 6447C | Community Ecology | 4 |
| PCB 6675C | Evolutionary Biogeography | 3 |
| PCB 6685 | Population Genetics | 4 |
| PCB 6695 | Seminar in Evolutionary Biology | 1 |
| ZOO 5115C | Vertebrate Paleontology | 3 |
| ZOO 5486C | Mammalogy | 4 |
| ZOO 6005 | Integrative Principles of Zoology I | 4 |
| ZOO 6308 | Dynamic Optimization Modeling in Behavioral and Evolutionary Ecology | 3 |
| ZOO 6406 | Biology of Sea Turtles | 3 |
| ZOO 6456C | Ichthyology | 4 |
| ZOO 6542 | Nutritional Ecology | 3 |
| ZOO 6905 | Individual Studies | 1-8 |
| ZOO 6910 | Supervised Research | 1-5 |
| ZOO 6920 | Zoology Colloquium | 1 |
| ZOO 6927 | Special Topics in Zoology | 1-4 |
| ZOO 6930 | Seminar in Molecular Evolution | 2 |
| ZOO 6931 | Seminar in Marine Turtle Biology | 1-2 |
| ZOO 6939 | Seminar in Animal Behavior | 1-3 |
| ZOO 6971 | Research for Master's Thesis | 1-15 |
| ZOO 7979 | Advanced Research | 1-12 |
| ZOO 7980 | Research for Doctoral Dissertation | 1-15 |
Biology Departmental Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BOT 6276C | Phylogenomics | 4 |
| BOT 6656 | Plant Symbiosis | 3 |
| BSC 6038 | Broader Impacts of Science on Society | 2 |
| BSC 6451 | Computational Tools for Research in Biology | 3 |
| PCB 6675C | Evolutionary Biogeography | 3 |
| PCB 6685 | Population Genetics | 4 |
| ZOO 6930 | Seminar in Molecular Evolution | 2 |
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