Track in Zoology
Zoology is the natural science concerned with all aspects of animal life, from molecular biology and structure to their ecology and evolution. Areas of specialty include animal diversity, morphology, development, behavior, geographic distribution, and environmental interactions of animals both living and extinct.
Students following this academic track often pursue graduate study in a range of specialties or seek admissions to health professional programs. Students may seek technical careers, laboratory or field positions in government or industry, or environmental consulting. Some students will combine this track with preparation for careers in primary and secondary education.
Elective Courses:
- Conservation Biology (BSC 3052)
- Marine Biology (BSC 3312)
- Biogeography (BSC 4821C)
- Biology of Aging (PCB 4244)
- Biomathematics (BSC 4933)
- Ecology of Infectious Disease (PCB 4402)
- General Ecology (PCB 3043)
- Ecology Laboratory (PCB 3043L)
- Immunology (PCB 4233)
- Immunology Laboratory (PCB 4233L)
- Animal Development (PCB 4253)
- Human Physiology (PCB 4701)
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience (PCB 4843)
- Advanced Invertebrate Zoology (ZOO 3205)*
- Advanced Invertebrate Zoology Lab (ZOO 3205L)*
- Concurrent enrollment required Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (ZOO 3713C)
- Herpetology (ZOO 4343C)
- Ornithology (ZOO 4353C)
- Biology of Fishes (ZOO 4454C)
- Animal Behavior (ZOO 4513)
- Histology (ZOO 4753C)
Opportunities for Research & Hands-on Experience
Students are strongly encouraged to gain experience in research through sponsoring faculty and their labs. You can become involved in research in these labs and at local research facilities in three ways:
- Directed Individual Study (BSC 4900) Research or other individual study for credit:
Available to students with a GPA of 3.0 in courses that apply to the major. Search faculty pages here for appropriate mentors. - Honors in the Major:
(BSC 4970). A two-semester independent research experience for qualified students. Available to students with a GPA of 3.2. - Medical Volunteering:
Volunteering is a great way to find out if a topic interests you and gain experience even if you can't make a semester-long commitment (though some students do volunteer long-term). Internships provide experience outside of academic labs. For a list of volunteer and internship opportunities read the Department of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Opportunities page
Facilities:
The Department maintains well equipped instructional and research facilities for studies in zoology. On campus, faculty laboratories are housed in the King Life Science Building and the Biomedical Research Facility, and off-campus at the FSU Costal Marin Laboratory. Facilities include the Bioanalytical and Molecular Core, the Biological Science Imaging Resource, Sequencing Laboratory, and Mission Road Research Facility, as well as the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine. Other local resources such as the Tallahassee Museum of History and the privately owned Tall Timbers Research Station provide additional opportunities.
Registration:
Contact: For details, see the Advising Office or find an appropriate faculty member.
Register here to be added to a voluntary list of track members to receive news and updates of interest to the track via email.