Bachelor of Zoology at University of Florida

Courses introduce zoology majors to a wide variety of topics while allowing individual interests to be pursued. Advanced undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research with faculty.

Most career opportunities require advanced studies beyond the bachelor's degree. This includes preparation for graduate studies or employment in disciplines such as zoology, ecology, conservation, and biology research; preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary programs; or preparation for secondary-school teaching.

Ultimately, the undergraduate degree in zoology will be shaped by students' coursework, laboratory experience, field work, and the instructors they encounter. These experiences will help to shape their goals as biologists with a focus on zoology.

Majors should work both with a department advisor and a CLAS advisor. CLAS advisors will assist with degree requirements, university and college policy and course selection. Department advisors will help students select appropriate graduate programs, guide them in the admissions process, and help identify appropriate career choices.
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Coursework for the Major

A zoology major consists of a minimum of 32 credits of core zoology coursework plus a minimum of 31 credits of foundation coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics/statistics. Courses used toward the major must be completed with minimum grades of C.

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Students may not apply ZOO 4232, ZOO 4905, ZOO 4911, or ZOO 4940 toward this requirement.

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Including up to two zoology major-approved biological science courses (3000/5000 level) outside of zoology.

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Up to six credits of Individual Studies in Zoology will count toward this requirement:

• BOT 4911
• BSC 4910
• BSC 4912
• ZOO 4905
• ZOO 4911

Students should begin the chemistry and math sequences as soon as possible. A full year of calculus and a course in statistics (such as STA 2023) are highly recommended.

Transfer students must take at least three courses from the Department of Biology (excluding ZOO 4905, ZOO 4911, and ZOO 4940) at the University of Florida as part of the requirements for the major.

Relevant Minors and/or Certificates

Majors in zoology can minor in most other disciplines, and this is a good way to organize students' electives around areas of interest. For instance, a zoology major can earn a minor in chemistry by adding just two chemistry courses: CHM 3400, CHM 3610, or any 4000-level CHM course. Students could also consider language and humanities minors. Note that zoology majors cannot minor in biology, nor can biology majors minor in zoology (the curricula for the zoology and biology majors are too similar).

Zoology students might want to consider the UFTeach Program. There is a severe shortage of qualified high school science teachers in Florida and nationwide. Students interested in the high-demand teaching profession should see a biology department advisor or the UFTeach advisor. Students who complete the UFTeach minor in science teaching and a B.S. in zoology will have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate.
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Research

All zoology majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research. Research experience is valuable on many levels: it diversifies your college experience; it teaches you how scientists apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world questions; it gives you the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers who are the best in their field; it introduces you to cutting-edge scientific questions and techniques; it enhances your resume/CV if you apply to graduate or professional school; and finally, it is essential in helping you determine if science is a good career choice for you.
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CLAS zoology majors may participate in research for course credit, as a scholar (e.g., University Scholar, HHMI Science for Life Scholar, Beckman Scholar), as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant. Please visit Undergraduate Research for more information regarding course credit. Students who plan to enroll for course credit must contact potential research mentors before the end of drop/add. If they miss the drop/add window, they should still contact potential research mentors, if only to discuss upcoming opportunities.
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The Bachelor of Science in zoology offers students an education in the life sciences with an emphasis on animal systems. Students gain knowledge about the diversity of life (its evolution and significance) and about the structure of organisms and ecosystems and how they function (i.e., the acquisition, flow, organization and uses of information, energy and nutrients in living systems). They will learn about the scientific method and how it facilitates the discovery of new knowledge in zoology and biology. This includes how to critically evaluate hypotheses and conclusions in science using verifiable data and how to clearly and effectively communicate the major concepts and hypotheses in zoology and biology and in an appropriate style of presentation.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass an assessment in the two or three 3000/5000-level zoology courses.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Identify, describe and define the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies and theories used within the biological sciences.

Critical Thinking

1. Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
2. Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.

Communication

1. Communicate knowledge, ideas and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Biology Field Test
• Bioethics module quiz
• Scientific literacy paper