Zoology  

ZOOL 400 - Professional Perspectives in Zoology
Credits: 1.00
Presentations by departmental faculty provide an informal overview of various zoological topics and professional opportunities. The course acquaints students with faculty, provides information on departmental research projects, and facilitates early research involvement for students. Required for all first-year zoology majors. (Fall only). Cr/

ZOOL 401 - Human Biology
Credits: 4.00
Elementary study of structure, function, and development of all systems of the body. No credit toward major or minor. Cannot be taken for credit after ZOOL 507-508. Special fee. Lab.

ZOOL 408 - Ocean Sciences
Credits: 4.00
Ocean sciences is a hands-on, inquiry-based introduction to marine systems, focused primarily on marine biology and ecology. Designed to introduce students to science as a way of knowing and understanding the world around us, specifically the world's oceans and their contributions to world food and oxygen supply, their role in regulating climate, and their unfortunate overexploitation for our technological world. Uses evolution as the unity common to many seemingly different forms of life. Helps students discover the relevance of the topic to their own lives and to the many problems that face us in the 21st century. Engages students by helping them discover first-hand the joy and excitement that comes from making discoveries using the scientific method. Prereq: acceptance to Campus-to-Coast Fellowship Program.

ZOOL 410 - Marine Immersion
Credits: 2.00
An intensive 2-credit course for incoming freshmen, surveying a range of marine-related fields (with an emphasis on biology and ecology), research approaches, and organisms. The course is based at the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, where students. and some faculty, will be in residence. "Marine Immersion" introduces students to the breadth, excitement, and challenges of marine sciences through lectures, demonstrations, and field experiences offered by a cohort of UNH faculty, and through short research projects carried out on the island. It also introduces them to resources and opportunities available at UNH, provides an opportunity to get to know some of their professors, and lets them begin building a network among their peers even before they arrive in Durham. Special fee.

ZOOL 412 - Biology of Animals
Credits: 4.00
Fundamentals of modern animal biology from cells to organisms, including structure, function, genetics, development, ecology, and the diversity produced by animal evolution. Weekly demonstrations and virtual e-labs provide a hands-on introduction to the animal kingdom. Special fee. Lab. (Fall semester only.)

ZOOL 412H - Honors/Principles of Zoology
Credits: 4.00
See description for ZOOL 412.

ZOOL 415 - Biomechanics
Credits: 4.00
Introduces the physical workings and properties of organisms and their environments. Basic physical concepts of forces, fluid mechanics, scaling, and materials properties are introduced in the context of organismal behavior and morphology. General topics include the physical properties of fluid environments, animal locomotion, the mechanical significance of size, and the structure and function of biomaterials. Special topics relating to current research in the field. Emphasizes using physical concepts to gain insight into organismal functions, adaptations, and habitats.

ZOOL 460 - Biological Illustration
Credits: 2.00
Scientific publishing and illustration including labeling, color techniques, and printing processes. Illustration techniques include (1) pen and ink: wildlife illustrations; (2) carbon dust: half-tone illustrations; (3) colored pencil: drafting film; (4) watercolor: for accurate and detailed illustrations. The student may choose to explore a single technique in-depth with subjects selected from a wide variety of material on Appledore Island. Course size is limited to allow individual attention. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 474 - Introduction to Marine Science
Credits: 4.00
Allows non-biology majors to experience the breadth of the marine sciences under field conditions at an island (Appledore) laboratory, with excursions to seal and seabird colonies on the neighboring islands and whale feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine. Involves field investigation, lab work, and lectures as well as reading, independent research, and scientific writing. Topics include general marine biology, intertidal ecology, plankton biology, fisheries, and benthic (sea floor) communities. (Summers only at Shoals Marine lab.)

ZOOL 503 - Introduction to Marine Biology
Credits: 4.00
Organization of marine biological communities in various marine environments?pelagic, benthic, temperate, tropical. Major emphasis on the approaches (e.g., analysis of energy flow and predator-prey interactions) used to analyze marine communities and on the sampling techniques employed for each approach and the habitat type. Prereq: BIOL 411-412. (Also offered as PBIO 503.) Special fee. Lab.

ZOOL 507 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
Credits: 4.00
Cellular and systematic aspects of the human body. Laboratory exercises utilize preserved specimens, dissectible models, living tissue and computer-aided instruction. No credit if credit earned for ANSC 511-512 or ZOOL 625. Not offered for credit to zoology majors. Lab. Special fee.

ZOOL 508 - Human Anatomy and Physiology
Credits: 4.00
See description for ZOOL 507.

ZOOL 510 - Field Ornithology
Credits: 4.00
Introduces field ornithology focusing on the biology, ecology, and behavior of avifauna on the Isles of Shoals. Includes such ornithological field methods as censuring techniques, territory mapping, banding, behavioral observation, and creating a field notebook. Fieldwork is designed to supplement many classroom concepts, including territoriality, breeding biology, and survivorship. Prereq: one year of college-level biology. Lab. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 518 - Vertebrate Morphology
Credits: 5.00
Evolutionary and comparative examination of vertebrate anatomy. Covers the structure of the major systems at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Special fee. Lab.

ZOOL 529 - Developmental Biology
Credits: 4.00
Introduces developmental biology, examining basic developmental mechanisms and their evolutionary contexts. Principles and tools of the trade, overview of major developmental events in various phyla, current areas of research and other special topics. Labs include different ways to observe development (from low- to high-tech), and work with selected live material. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. No credit if credit earned for ZOOL 729. Special fee. Lab.

ZOOL 542 - Ornithology
Credits: 4.00
Identification and biology of birds, especially those of northeastern United States. Involves field trips, laboratory work, and lectures. Prereq: one semester of biology. (Spring semester only.)

ZOOL 545 - Tropical Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Study of the factors affecting distribution and abundance of organisms of coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical dry and moist forest. Course conducted over winter break in the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, USVI. $250.00 deposit required at registration. Program fee. Prereq: one biology course. Permission required. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 570 - Climates and Ecosystems
Credits: 4.00
Practically-oriented. Emphasizes 1) the definition, description and measurement of major abiotic factors (e.g., radiation, temperature, atmospheric moisture and precipitation, and winds and currents; 2) the role of both biotic and abiotic coastal environmental factors with respect to plants and animals, including humans; and 3) the fundamentals of dynamic meteorology and short-term weather prediction from observations of natural coastal phenomena such as cloud and wind patterns. Special attention is given to the terrestrial and littoral microclimate of Appledore Island. Prereq: one year of college-level biology; some physics or physical geography preferred. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 600 - Field Experience
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
A supervised experience providing the opportunity to apply academic experience in settings associated with future professional employment and/or related graduate opportunities. Must be approved by a faculty advisor selected by the student. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 credit hours. Prereq: permission. Cr/F.

ZOOL 600W - Field Experience
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
See description for ZOOL 600. Cr/F. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 610 - Principles of Aquaculture
Credits: 3.00
Introduces the culture practices employed for production of aquatic organisms. Topics include ecological and environmental considerations, selective breeding, nutrition, diseases, processing, and marketing. Emphasis on finfish. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent.

ZOOL 611 - Principles of Aquaculture Lab
Credits: 2.00
Laboratory exercises in aquaculture covering the use of chemical reagents to monitor water quality; brood stock feeding and management; use of anesthesia and fish handling; spawning marine finfish; culturing algae, rotifers and artemia for marine larviculture; larviculture of marine finfish; assessing fish growth; hatchery hygiene. Includes site visits to local production facilities. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Coreq: ZOOL 610.
Co-requisites: ZOOL 610

ZOOL 625 - Principles of Animal Physiology
Credits: 3.00
Introduces the principles of animal function. The major systems (digestion, metabolism, respiration, circulation, osmotic and ionic regulation, nerve-muscle function, endocrine control) are covered with emphasis on functional mechanisms at the cell and tissue levels. Prereq: two years of the biology core curriculum.
Co-requisites:

ZOOL 626 - Animal Physiology Laboratory
Credits: 2.00
Basic training in the measurement of function in animals, data analysis and expression, and the development of scientific communication skills. Special fee. Writing intensive.
Co-requisites: ZOOL 625

ZOOL 628 - Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology
Credits: 5.00
Stresses the rich diversity of marine invertebrates by integrating phylogenetic trends with physiological and behavioral adaptation, and with ecological and symbiotic interactions. Offers a comparative survey of invertebrates from protozoans to protochordates; deals with aspects of form and function, development, evolution, classification, ecology, and natural history. Students work with live and preserved animals. Extensive dissections and a field component are required. Prereq: BIOL 411-412. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 665 - Conservation Genetics
Credits: 4.00
Conservation genetics is the application of genetics to preserve species as dynamic entities capable of coping with environmental change. Includes genetic management of small populations, resolution of taxonomic uncertainties, defining management units within species, and the use of molecular genetic analyses to forensics and the understanding of the biology of species. Topics include methods of measuring genetic diversity in populations, identification of the units of biodiversity to which conservation efforts are directed, genetics of population fragmentation, genetic management of wild and captive populations, reintroduction of organisms back into the wild, and the role of forensics in enforcement and development of species recovery plans. Recitation. No credit if credit received for GEN 705 or ZOOL 705.

ZOOL 674 - Field Marine Science
Credits: 8.00
Introduces the marine sciences with an emphasis on field work in natural habitats. Examines aspects of the systematics, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of marine organisms, including intertidal plants and invertebrates, fishes, marine mammals and birds; fisheries biology; oceanography, marine geology; and human impacts on the marine environment. Sessions include lectures, discussions, field work, experience aboard a coastal research vessel, and excursions to distinctive habitats. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Students may not take Field Marine Science after taking Field Marine Biology and Ecology. Prereq: one full year of college-level biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 675 - Field Marine Biology and Ecology
Credits: 8.00
Introductory marine science course emphasizing field work in natural habitats with a focus on marine ecology. Examines the ecology of the intertidal zone and the ecological, evolutionary, and physiological adaptations of marine organisms. Course includes lectures; discussions; field work, including quantitative field sampling methods; experience aboard a coastal research vessel; and excursions to distinctive habitats. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Students may not take this course after taking Field Marine Science. Prereq: one full year of college-level biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 690 - Evolution
Credits: 4.00
Biological evolution is the changes within populations of organisms that extend beyond the lifetime of individuals. Darwin's mechanism of evolution by natural selection, and other evolutionary forces, explain the diverse adaptations of organisms to different environments. Topics include principles of heredity, sources and maintenance of variation, adaptation, speciation, classification, development, the history of life and the earth, and current controversies. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 701 - Conservation Biology
Credits: 4.00
Critical and quantitative investigation of current issues in the conservation of biological systems. Issues addressed include habitat restoration, nonindigenous species, harvest strategies, conserving genetic diversity, population viability analysis, global climate change, endangered species recovery, habitat fragmentation, and reserve design. Case studies include examples drawn from terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems. Weekly laboratories include trips to local habitats of concern. Prereq: BIOL 541 or permission. A statistics course is highly recommended. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 705 - Population Genetics
Credits: 4.00
Explores the forces affecting the frequency and distribution of allelic variation in natural populations. Emphasizes the relative roles of mutation, selection, random drift, and inbreeding in structuring genetic variation and on the quantification of the genetic structure of populations. Prereq: BIOL 604. (Also offered as GEN 705.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 708 - Stream Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Ecological relationships of organisms in flowing water; streams as ecosystems. Lectures on physical and chemical features of streams, floral and faunal communities, and factors controlling populations and behavior of stream organisms. Lab exercises employ both field and laboratory experimental techniques. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 710 - Ichthyology
Credits: 4.00
Introduces the evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of fishes, with emphasis on New England species. Prereq: principles of biology or equivalent. Lab. (Offered in alternate years.)

ZOOL 711 - Zooplankton Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Methods of sampling populations, factors regulating temporal and spatial distribution, trophic interactions of communities, role of zooplankton in the food web of lakes. Experimental techniques employed in field trips to freshwater habitats; seminars examine current research. Prereq: general biology. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 712 - Mammalogy
Credits: 4.00
Evolution, ecology, behavior, physiology, and diversity of mammals. Focuses on conceptual issues such as the relations of structure, function, physiology, and ecology of species; reproductive physiology and life history strategies; and the evolution of mating systems and social structure. Requires familiarity with mammalian groups to the family level and identification of local fauna to species. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Lab. (Not offered every year.) Special fee.

ZOOL 713 - Animal Behavior
Credits: 4.00
Introduces the naturalistic study of animal behavior. Emphasizes the evolution, development, physiology, and ecology of behavior. Topics include the genetic and acquired bases of behavior, neuroethology and behavioral endocrinology, communication, orientation, foraging strategies, reproductive ecology, and the evolution of altruistic behavior. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Lab. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 714 - Ecology of Animal Behavior
Credits: 4.00
An animal's behavioral patterns represent its abilities to deal with the environment dynamically. Course focuses on ecological and evolutionary significance of behavioral patterns found in all organisms, particularly those animals that inhabit coastal marine environments. Strong emphasis on methods of behavioral research and interpretation of behavioral patterns using field observations of diverse fauna of Appledore Island and surrounding waters. Prereq: introductory biology; experience in psychology, animal behavior, or ecology is helpful. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 715 - Molecular Evolution
Credits: 4.00
Rates and patterns of evolutionary change in biomolecules; forces affecting the size and structure of genomes; molecular mechanisms of organismal evolution. Emphasizes integrating evidence from biochemistry, molecular genetics, and organismal studies as well as on methods of reconstructing phylogeny from molecular sequences. Prereq: BIOL 604. Some knowledge of statistics is recommended. (Also offered as GEN 715.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 717 - Biology of Lakes
Credits: 4.00
Introduces the ecology of freshwater systems, with emphasis on lakes. Origins of lakes and the effects of watersheds on lake chemistry, nutrient cycling, and the lake food web are explored. Other topics include the impact of human disturbances on productivity and aquatic food webs and methods used for the management and restoration of lakes. Comparisons are made of the structure and functions of lake ecosystems found in temperate, tropical and arctic regions. Prereq: general biology. (Also offered as PBIO 717.

ZOOL 719 - Field Studies in Lake Biology
Credits: 4.00
Ecology of lakes and other freshwater habitats examined through field studies. Emphasizes modern methods for studying lakes; analysis and interpretation of data; and writing of scientific papers. Seminars on research papers and student presentations of class studies. Field trips to a variety of lakes, from the coastal plain to White Mountains to investigate problems, such as eutrophication, acidification, biodiversity and biotoxins. Capstone experiences include interaction with state agencies lake stakeholders, and the submission of written manuscripts for publication. Prereq: introductory biology. (Also offered as PBIO 719.) Special fee. Lab. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 723 - Quantitative Genetics
Credits: 4.00
Analysis of continuous variations in populations simultaneously segregating at multiple loci; genetic and nongenetic factors and the complex interactions between them; models and methods of analysis, for both theoretical and practical applications. Prereq: BIOL 604, BIOL 528 is strongly suggested. (Also offered as GEN 723.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 725 - Marine Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Marine environment and its biota, emphasizing intertidal and estuarine habitats. Includes field, laboratory, and an independent research project. Prereq: general ecology; permission. Marine invertebrate zoology, oceanography, and statistics are desirable. (Also offered as PBIO 725.) Special fee. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 730 - Underwater Research
Credits: 4.00
Hypothesis testing and experimental design, theoretical and practical aspects of sampling, and critiques of current research papers. Includes special problems of conducting research underwater (diving physics and physiology, theory and use of diving tables, hyperbaric medicine) and underwater techniques (underwater photography and video, photo quadrates, tagging and marking, cages and enclosures). Students must supply their own equipment. Students with special research interests are encouraged to enroll in an additional third week of independent underwater research. Prereq: recognized scuba certification, a medical examination, one year of biology or other supporting science. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 732 - Lake Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Credits: 4.00
Lectures and seminars on interpreting lake water quality, developing a natural history inventory for lakes, the process of creating a lake management plan, and resolution of conflicting uses of lakes. Students develop actual lake management plans in cooperation with government agencies and lake associations. Guest speakers from state agencies and non-governmental organizations. Introduction to GIS (Geographic Information Systems) methods for the analysis of lakes and watersheds. Present lake management issues from scientific and social science points of view. Open to students from all disciplines. (Also offered as PBIO 732.) Special fee. Lab.

ZOOL 733 - Behavioral Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Behavioral adaptations of animals to their environment, including the evolution of behavior and behavioral genetics; foraging and competition for resources; reproductive ecology, mating systems and parental care; and the evolution of cooperative behavior. Examples include both vertebrates and invertebrates. Emphasizes critical understanding of concepts as exhibited in oral and written exercises. Students conduct independent investigations. Prereq: ZOOL 713 or permission. Lab. (Offered in alternate years.) Writing intensive.

ZOOL 734 - Diversity of Fishes
Credits: 6.00
Emphasizes the diversity of fishes in two aspects: diversity of evolutionary solutions to problems faced by fishes and the great diversity of different types of fishes that inhabit the world. Prereq: one full year of college level biology; background in vertebrate biology is recommended, but not required.

ZOOL #740 - Introduction to Biogeography
Credits: 4.00
Biogeography is an integrative field of inquiry that unites concepts and information from evolutionary biology, ecology, systematics, geology, and physical geography. This course covers theories and data from several disciplines with emphasis on evolutionary aspects of biogeography. Attention is given to the biogeography of individual taxa rather than groups of species or communities. Prereq: BIOL 541. ZOOL 690, Evolution, is strongly recommended. Recitatio

ZOOL 745 - Biology and Diversity of Insects
Credits: 4.00
Study of the biology of insects, the most diverse group of organisms, focusing on why they are unique, how they have become so diverse, and the basis of their success. The laboratory is designed to develop an understanding of insect diversity through utilization of different sampling techniques in several habitats, sorting to "morphospecies," and use of biodiversity indices. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Special fee. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 750 - Biological Oceanography
Credits: 4.00
Biological processes of the oceans, including primary and secondary production, trophodynamics, plankton diversity, zooplankton ecology, ecosystems and global ocean dynamics. Field trips on R/V Gulf Challenger and to the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Prereq: one year of biology or permission of the instructor. (Also offered as ESCI 750.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 751 - Research in Marine Biology
Credits: 6.00
Introduces the adaptations of organisms to marine environments and the role these adaptations have in structuring marine communities using an experimental approach. Emphasizes experimental design, implementation, data analysis, and scientific presentations. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Prereq: one year of college-level biology. Additional experience in ecology or physiology is recommended. (Summers only at Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 753 - Marine Vertebrates
Credits: 6.00
Lectures, laboratory work, and fieldwork on the systematics, ecology, and physiology of fishes, marine reptiles, marine birds, and marine mammals of the Gulf of Maine. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Prereq: field marine science or vertebrate biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

ZOOL 772 - Fisheries Biology
Credits: 3.00
Principles of fisheries science, with emphasis on techniques used to assess the biological characteristics of exploited fish populations, and the use of such information for fisheries management. Prereq: ZOOL 710 or equivalent; permission. (Not offered every year.)

ZOOL 773 - Physiology of Fish
Credits: 4.00
Investigates the physiological processes responsible for maintaining homeostasis in fishes. Focuses on the function and regulation of the major organ systems during stress and environmental adaptation. Topics include reproduction, osmoregulation, digestion, endocrinology, and sensory perception. Prereq: ZOOL 625 or equivalent;/ or permission.

ZOOL 777 - Neurobiology and Behavior
Credits: 4.00
Survey of fundamental concepts and recent discoveries in neurobiology. Topics include structure and function of neurons, development, cellular basis of behavior (sensory and motor systems), neuropharmocology, and neural plasticity (learning). Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or permission. Physiology (ZOOL 625) also desirable.

ZOOL 795 - Special Investigations
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
Independent study in various areas including but not limited to animal behavior, developmental biology, ecology, endocrinology, evolution, ichthyology, genetics, history of biology, invertebrate biology, neurobiology and behavior, protozoology, teaching practices, underwater research, vertebrate biology, and biological techniques. Course sections for advanced work, individual or group seminar. May include reading, laboratory work, organized seminars, and conferences. Prereq: permission of department chairperson and staff concerned.

ZOOL 795W - Special Investigations
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
See description for ZOOL 795. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 796 - Special Investigations
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
See description for ZOOL 795.

ZOOL 796W - Special Investigations
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
See description for ZOOL 796. Writing intensive.

ZOOL 799 - Honors Senior Thesis
Credits: 2.00 to 4.00
Working under the direction of a faculty sponsor, the student plans and carries out independent research resulting in a written thesis. Limited to students entering their senior year; required for students in the honors program or working toward honors-in-major. Prereq: permission. A two-semester sequence. 2-4 credits each semester; 8 credits maximum. IA (continuous grading) given at the end of the first semester. Writing intensive.