Zoology, Minor - COLSA, UNH

Undergraduate

Zoology

Investigate cutting-edge research in animal behavior, conservation, and ecosystem dynamics, learning advanced techniques that highlight the intricate relationships between species and their environments.
Degree
Minor
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
5
Credit
20 hrs.
Full-time
- -
Part-time
- -
student holding bird

Biological Sciences

The Zoology minor at UNH prepares you to explore animal biology and ecological systems. You’ll study research in animal behavior, conservation and ecosystem dynamics, learning techniques that reveal the relationships between species and their environments. 

The minor emphasizes practical skills through scientific exploration, equipping you for opportunities in environmental conservation, biodiversity research and animal sciences.

Department of Biological Sciences

Contact Cards

Senior Lecturer
Spaulding Hall, Room 262, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-0072
Administrative Coordinator
Spaulding Hall, Room 116b, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-4400

What is zoology?

Zoology is a field within the biological sciences dedicated to the study of animals. You’ll be introduced to the evolution, biodiversity and ecology of animals, comparing the physiological, anatomical and behavioral (adaptations) in creatures that range from tiny unicellular protista to terrestrial and marine birds and mammals. Combine this minor with a major such as education, business, biology, or environmental conservation and sustainability to continue your interest in animal sin your career or graduate studies.

Why study zoology at UNH?

Our programs offer easy access to ocean, lake and mountain habitats and emphasize hands-on learning, engaging you in research. Our faculty are experts in disciplines including freshwater, estuarine and marine biology, aquaculture, physiology, neurobiology and behavior. You’ll have opportunities in research facilities such as the Anadromous Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Research Laboratory, the Aquaculture Research Center, the Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory and the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex. Summer courses can be taken at the Shoals Marine Laboratory in zoology-related fields such as seabird and marine mammal ecology, ornithology, shark biology, forensic science and animal behavior.

Potential career areas

  • Animal care
  • Aquaculture
  • Biotechnology
  • Conservation biology
  • Environmental consulting
  • Environmental protection
  • National Park Service
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Outdoor education
  • Primary and secondary education
  • Public Relations
  • Research
  • State and federal fish and wildlife agencies
  • Wildlife rehabilitation

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The Zoology Minor is designed to provide a general introduction to animals and their ecology, while requiring in-depth knowledge of the diversity of at least one group (Animal Survey Course), a course dealing with animal structure, behavior, or physiology, and an additional animal-focused course of the student’s choice.
 

02
Requirements for the Program
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Academic policies related to Minors.

  • The Zoology minor consists of completing five courses.
Required Courses
BIOL 412Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology4
Category I: Animal Survey
Select one course from the following:4-5
MEFB 628Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology5
MEFB 510Field Ornithology4
NR 712Mammalogy4
ZOOL 542Ornithology4
ZOOL 555Introduction to Entomology4
ZOOL 566Herpetology4
ZOOL 710Sharks and Bony Fishes4
Category II: Animal Form, Function, Development & Behavior
Select two courses from the following:4-5
ZOOL 518Comparative Morphology and Biology of Vertebrates4
ZOOL 529Developmental Biology4
ZOOL 625Principles of Animal Physiology3
BMS 718Mammalian Physiology4
MEFB 773Physiology of Fishes4
NSB 727Animal Communication4
ZOOL 613WAnimal Behavior5
ZOOL 690Evolution4
ZOOL 736Genes and Behavior4
Category III: Ecology
Select one course from the following:4-5
BIOL 541WEcology4
MEFB 717Lake Ecology4
MEFB 741Sharks: Biology and Conservation4
MEFB 772Fisheries Biology: Conservation and Management4
NR 660Ecology and Biogeography of New Zealand5
NR 661Restoration Ecology and Ecosystem Management in New Zealand4
ZOOL 708Stream Ecology4
ZOOL 733WBehavioral Ecology4
ZOOL 740Acoustic Ecology4