Program Overview
University of Florida Zoology Program
The University of Florida offers a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, providing students with a comprehensive education in the life sciences, focusing on animal systems. This program is designed to equip students with knowledge about the diversity of life, its evolution, and significance, as well as the structure and function of organisms and ecosystems.
Program Description
The Zoology major focuses on the study of individual organisms and populations, their relationships to each other and the environment, with a core foundation in evolution and ecology. Courses emphasize various disciplines, including anatomy, behavior, genetics, physiology, and other specialized fields. The program encourages advanced undergraduate students to participate in research with faculty, introducing them to cutting-edge scientific questions and techniques.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate with a Zoology major, students must complete:
- A minimum of 32 credits of zoology coursework
- A minimum of 31 credits of foundation coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics/statistics
- All coursework must be completed with minimum grades of C
- At least three upper-level Zoology courses from the Department of Biology (excluding specific courses)
- A full year of calculus and a course in statistics are highly recommended
Course List
Required foundation coursework includes:
- General Chemistry 1 and Laboratory
- General Chemistry 2 and Laboratory
- Organic Chemistry 1
- Organic Chemistry 2 and Laboratory
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1
- Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 or Introduction to Statistics 1
- Physics 1 and Laboratory
- Physics 2 and Laboratory
Required major coursework includes:
- Integrated Principles of Biology 1 and Laboratory
- Integrated Principles of Biology 2 and Laboratory
- Genetics
- Zoology or zoology-related major electives, including at least three 3000/4000-level ZOO courses
Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses required for progress toward the major. The critical-tracking requirements are as follows:
- Semester 1: Complete one of the following in BSC, CHM, or MAC
- Semester 2: Complete CHM 2045/CHM 2045L and BSC 2010/BSC 2010L or MAC 2311
- Semester 3: Complete BSC 2010/BSC 2010L and MAC 2311 with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- Semester 4: Complete CHM 2046/CHM 2046L and BSC 2011/BSC 2011L with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- Semester 5: Complete CHM 2210 with a 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- Semester 6: Complete at least one 3000/4000 level course towards the required core coursework
- Semester 7: Complete Physics I requirement and at least two 3000/4000 level courses towards the required core coursework
- Semester 8: Complete all remaining major course requirements
Relevant Minors and Certificates
Zoology majors can minor in most other disciplines. For instance, a Zoology major can earn a minor in chemistry by adding just two chemistry courses. Students might also consider language and humanities minors. Note that Zoology majors cannot minor in Biology, nor can Biology majors minor in Zoology, due to similar curricula.
Research
All Zoology majors are strongly encouraged to participate in research, which can be done for course credit, as a scholar, as a volunteer, or, in rare cases, as a paid research assistant. Research experience is valuable for diversifying a student's college experience, teaching them how scientists apply knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world questions, and introducing them to cutting-edge scientific questions and techniques.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Zoology program, students will be able to:
- Identify, describe, and define the basic terminology, concepts, methodologies, and theories used within the biological sciences.
- Analyze biological information and develop reasoned solutions to problems using the processes and applications of scientific inquiry.
- Discriminate ethical behavior from unethical behavior in scientific research.
- Communicate knowledge, ideas, and reasoning clearly and effectively in written or oral forms appropriate to the biological sciences.
Assessment Types
Assessment types include:
- Biology Field Test
- Bioethics module quiz
- Scientific literacy paper
Curriculum Map
The curriculum map outlines the courses that introduce, reinforce, and assess the student learning outcomes. Courses include BSC 2010, BSC 2011, PCB 3063, PCB 3713, PCB 4043C, PCB 4674, PCB 4723C, ZOO 4205C, and ZOO 4307C.
Plan of Study Grid
The plan of study grid provides a semester-by-semester outline of the courses required for the Zoology major. This includes general education requirements, foundation coursework, and major coursework. The grid ensures that students complete all necessary courses in a timely manner to graduate within four years.