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zoology
- the branch of biology involving the scientific study
of animals.
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?
- approching 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.
What should I expect to get out of
this major?
Of course, this is directly related to what you put
in. In general, students who study zoology at UW-Madison gain
a variety of skills of value to employers, such as the ability to:
- understand genetic, cellular, physiological, ecological and
evolutionary principles
- demonstrate a solid foundation in related disciplines of chemistry,
physics and mathematics
- demonstrate appreciation of the diversity of life
- understand current issues in biology
- critically evaluate scientific evidence
- engage in scientific inquiry using quantitative problem solving,
critical thinking, and conceptual skills
- plan and execute experiments
- understand biological complexity and the interrelationship
of humans and natural systems
- access information from various electronic and print sources
- apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
- be proficient with accurate details
- clearly communicate scientific information orally and in writing
- demonstrate a foundation for graduate level study in bio science
Still interested? Move on
to major requirements.
Schedule an appointment with zoology
advisor.
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