Biological Sciences
The Zoology Bachelor of Arts degree at UNH offers an interdisciplinary education that explores animal biology and its societal connections. You’ll engage in research on animal behavior, physiology and conservation, combining scientific inquiry with humanities and policy perspectives.
The program emphasizes versatile skills through research and critical thinking, preparing you for careers in wildlife conservation, science communication, environmental policy and education.
*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.
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Zoology is a field within the biological sciences that is dedicated to the study of animals. Students learn how animals evolved, comparing their physiological, anatomical and behavioral adaptions, from tiny unicellular protista to terrestrial and marine birds and mammals. The B.A. in zoology is designed as a flexible program, allowing students to pursue an interdisciplinary or dual major to pursue careers in fields such as education or public relations.
Learning zoology at UNH is enhanced by easy access to ocean, lake and mountain habitats. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning and directly engage undergraduate students in research. Our faculty are experts in a wide range of disciplines, including freshwater, estuarine and marine biology, aquaculture, physiology, neurobiology and behavior, and welcome undergraduate students into their labs. Students also have opportunities to work in numerous research facilities, including the Anadromous Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Research Laboratory, the Aquaculture Research Center, the Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex and the Shoals Marine Laboratory.
Built upon the common background of the biology core curriculum, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Zoology is designed for students to create an interdisciplinary or dual major, particularly if they want to pursue public relations, teaching, or other careers in combination with a liberal arts background. Students have more flexibility when choosing courses from the biology core and may enter this program as freshmen or transfer in from other liberal arts or science programs.
The bachelor's degree in zoology is one of the specialized curricula recognized by the New England Board of Higher Education and participates in the New England Regional Student Program. Please refer to the Tuition Break Online Database for a list of eligible New England States.
All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
Minimum grade of D‐ or better is required in CHEM 411, PHYS 401, and MATH 424B (if taken); minimum grade of C‐ or better is required in all other courses.
ZOOL 600, BIOL 695, ZOOL 795, or ZOOL 799H may substitute for one elective with academic advisor approval, if taken for a minimum of four credits. The four credits may be spread over multiple semesters if they are consecutive and with the same faculty mentor.
Students must fulfill a foreign language requirement in lieu of one advanced elective.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Courses | ||
| BIOL 411 | Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular | 4 |
| BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 528 | Applied Biostatistics I | 4 |
| or BIOL 428 | Quantitative Biosciences | |
| or BIOL 633 | Data Analysis for Life Science | |
| or BIOL 711 | Experimental Design & Analysis | |
| or MATH 424B | Calculus for Life Sciences | |
| BIOL 541W | Ecology | 4 |
| BMCB 501 | Biological Chemistry | 4 |
| ANSC 612 | Genetics of Animals | 0 |
| or GEN 604 | Principles of Genetics | |
| CHEM 411 | Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences | 4 |
| PHYS 401 | Introduction to Physics I | 4 |
| ZOOL 400 | Professional Perspectives in Zoology | 1 |
| ZOOL 518 | Comparative Morphology and Biology of Vertebrates | 4 |
| ZOOL 625 | Principles of Animal Physiology | 3 |
| ZOOL 690 | Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL 780 | Capstone Companion Course | 1 |
| Zoology Electives | ||
| Animal Survey Courses | 4-5 | |
Select one course from the following: | ||
MEFB 628 | Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology | |
MEFB 510 | Field Ornithology | |
NR 712 | Mammalogy | |
ZOOL 542 | Ornithology | |
ZOOL 555 | Introduction to Entomology | |
ZOOL 566 | Herpetology | |
ZOOL 710 | Sharks and Bony Fishes | |
| Electives 1,2 | ||
| Select two courses from the following: 1 | 4-5 | |
| ANTH 660 | Human Osteology | 4 |
| BIOL 695 | Biology Teaching Practices | 1-4 |
| BIOL 720 | Plant-Animal Interactions (C) | 4 |
| BIOL 706 | Data Science with R for the Life Sciences | 4 |
| BMS 503/504 | General Microbiology | 3 |
| BMS 718 | Mammalian Physiology | 4 |
| MEFB 503 | Introduction to Marine Biology | 4 |
| MEFB 510 | Field Ornithology | 4 |
| MEFB 628 | Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology | 5 |
| MEFB 675 | Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | 3 |
| MEFB 717 | Lake Ecology | 4 |
| MEFB 755 | Biological Oceanography | 3 |
| MEFB 772 | Fisheries Biology: Conservation and Management | 4 |
| MEFB 773 | Physiology of Fishes | 4 |
| NR 615 | Wildlife Habitats | 4 |
| NR 640 | Wildlife Population Ecology | 4 |
| NR 642 | Introduction to Biogeography | 4 |
| NR 650 | Principles of Conservation Biology | 4 |
| NR 712 | Mammalogy | 4 |
| NSB 727 | Animal Communication (C) | 4 |
| TECH 797 | Undergraduate Ocean Research Project (C) | 2 |
| ZOOL 529 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| ZOOL 542 | Ornithology | 4 |
| ZOOL 555 | Introduction to Entomology | 4 |
| ZOOL 566 | Herpetology | 4 |
| ZOOL 600 | Field Experience | 1-4 |
| ZOOL 613W | Animal Behavior | 5 |
| ZOOL 708 | Stream Ecology (C) | 4 |
| ZOOL 710 | Sharks and Bony Fishes | 4 |
| ZOOL 726 | Conservation Behavior (C) | 4 |
| ZOOL 733W | Behavioral Ecology (C) | 4 |
| ZOOL 736 | Genes and Behavior (C) | 4 |
| ZOOL 740 | Acoustic Ecology | 4 |
| ZOOL 777W | Neuroethology (C) | 4 |
| ZOOL 795 | Independent Investigations in Zoology | 1-4 |
| ZOOL 799H | Honors Senior Thesis (C) | 1-4 |
| Shoals Courses: | ||
| MEFB 505 | Introduction to Applied Science Communication | 4 |
| MEFB 506 | Marine Parasitology and Disease | 4 |
| MEFB 510 | Field Ornithology | 4 |
| MEFB 530 | Evolution and Marine Diversity | 4 |
| MEFB 535 | Marine Mammal Biology | 4 |
| MEFB 674 | Ecology and Marine Environment | 4 |
| MEFB 702 | Sustainable Marine Fisheries | 4 |
| MEFB 714 | Field Animal Behavior | 4 |
| MEFB 730 | Underwater Research | 4 |
| MEFB 741 | Sharks: Biology and Conservation | 4 |
| MEFB 751 | Research in Biology at the Shoals Marine Lab | 4 |
| MEFB 754 | Anatomy and Function of Marine Vertebrates | 4 |
| Study Abroad Courses: | ||
| NR 660 | Ecology and Biogeography of New Zealand | 5 |
| NR 661 | Restoration Ecology and Ecosystem Management in New Zealand | 4 |
| NR 662 | Environmental Policy, Planning and Sustainability in New Zealand | 3 |
| NR 663 | Applied Directed Research in New Zealand (C) | 4 |
A single course cannot be used for both a core requirement and an elective (e.g., ZOOL 542 cannot be used to fulfill the animal survey requirement and as an elective).
A 600, 695, 795, or 799 experience may substitute for one elective with academic advisor approval, but only if taken for at least four credits. These four credits may be spread over multiple semesters if they are consecutive and with the same faculty mentor
As part of the University of New Hampshire’s Discovery Program requirements, all students must complete a capstone experience during their senior year (after earning at least 90 credits). The capstone experience for students majoring in Biology consists of BOTH (1) an approved individual experience AND (2) the successful completion of the BIOL 780 Capstone Companion Course. Students will not be approved for graduation until capstone certification has been granted.
1) The individual experience
The individual experience may be satisfied through various forms of experiential learning (e.g., Honors thesis, mentored research project, internship) or a course denoted with a “(C)” in the courses listed above. The individual experience must fulfill at least one of the University’s capstone criteria:
Before beginning any capstone individual experience, students MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED CAPSTONE APPROVAL FORM to their Program Coordinator.
Students can obtain this form on the Department's Capstone page or from their Program Coordinator. Here they will describe their proposed individual experience and how it fulfills at least one of the University’s capstone criteria listed above. If the student is selecting a “C” course for their individual experience, they should obtain the course syllabus from the instructor for information about the course’s content and learning objectives.
2) Enrollment in BIOL 780 Capstone Companion Course
Students will also be required to enroll in BIOL 780 (1 cr.) during the semester of their individual experience. BIOL 780 is offered every Fall and Spring semester.
Note: Because BIOL 780 is not offered during the summer, students cannot complete their individual experience during the summer and graduate during that same September. Summer experiences could only be used as individual capstone experiences if completed the summer before the student’s senior year.
As part of the University of New Hampshire’s Discovery Program requirements, all students must complete a capstone experience during their senior year (after earning at least 90 credits).
For students in catalog years AY 20-21 and earlier, the following is a list of capstone options and the capstone designation form:
Capstone Designation Form
For students in catalog years AY 21-22 and later, the capstone requirements have changed. Capstone Requirements
Students interested in the Zoology B.A. major may also be interested in the following advanced degrees at UNH. Students in the program also have the opportunity to participate in the UNH accelerated master’s program.
