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Zoology

 

Zoology - the branch of biology involving the scientific study of animals.

Students in professor Anthony Ives zoology class, Photo by Bryce Richter

Is this major a good fit for you?

The zoology major involves broad topics of animal structure, function, evolution, ecology, development, genetics, and behavior, with lots of opportunity to explore or concentrate in specialized areas.  It is a gateway to the diverse and expanding area of modern animal biology.

Do you enjoy/are you interested in:

  • high school biology?
  • the incredible variety of animals that inhabit our planet?
  • learning how animals (including humans) function?
  • observing wildlife?
  • going to zoos/aquariums?
  • understanding behavior of animals?
  • how animals (including humans) interact with their environment?
  • designing experiments?
  • approaching problems from a scientific methodology?
  • helping others to understand biological concepts?
  • how brains function to formulate and pursue all these questions?

Why study zoology?

It asks questions about life - questions that you might have, such as:

  • What environmental and physiological factors affect the distribution and abundance of organisms on the earth?
  • How do cells change as they age, and how does this affect the whole organism?
  • How can genetics help answer questions about disease, adaptation, behavior, or extinction?
  • How do matter and energy flow through ecosystems, and how is this flow being affected by human activities?

(Modified from Waldorf College Biology Dept. website)

Some cite the critical importance of this field, and those in it, for the upcoming decisions of our lifetimes:

"No one can predict the future, but this much is known: the next century is the time of the biologist, who will be in the forefront of the most challenging intellectual problems, such as understanding the most elemental building blocks of the mechanisms of life, the mechanisms of memory and of learning, the molecular basis of embryonic development, and the rules that help predict the behavior of the environment. Biology also lies at the heart of major social problems that face the human race in the coming decade, such as sensible management of the environment and the effective control of human populations. It is vital that educated people understand the contributions that biological sciences have made and will continue to make for the future welfare of human beings."

(School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine)


What can I do with this major?

(what are some jobs related to zoology?) 

The zoology major requirements are flexible, and can be tailored to prepare you for advanced study and/or enhance your career prospects in many different areas: 

health professions and public health; law; life sciences research in university, government, and industrial settings; education including museum, nature center, secondary school and college teaching; scientific writing or illustration, biotechnology; environmental planning; natural resource management; and much more.

Get a better idea by checking out:


For whom is this major designed?

The zoology major works well for those planning continued study after graduation, as well as for those who plan to seek an entry-level position related (or unrelated) to an area of biology.  Those planning graduate/professional study will commonly find that pre-requisites for their future programs fit well with zoology major requirements and that these courses complement each other nicely.  Those planning for entry-level employment will find a number of opportunities for hands-on experience, through lab, field work, and directed study. We welcome students who enter our program with well-defined goals AND those who initially have only a vague and general interest in animals or certain aspects of biological science.

Still interested?  Move on to major requirementsSchedule an appointment with zoology advisor.

 
Department of Zoology | UW Home | Biology in L&S