X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Zoology (ZOO)

Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science

The Major in Zoology offers a broad education in the life sciences while providing a more specialized understanding of the structure, function and ecology of animals. This major qualifies students for post-graduate work in zoology and other life sciences and provides a sound science background for students wishing to pursue careers in teaching, government service or the private sector.

Major (Honours Program)

Students may enter this major in Semester 1 or any semester thereafter. A student wishing to declare the major must consult the Faculty Advisor. A minimum total of 20.00 credits is required to complete the major.

Semester 1
BIOL*1030 [0.50] Biology I
CHEM*1040 [0.50] General Chemistry I
MATH*1080 [0.50] Elements of Calculus I
PHYS*1070 [0.50] Introductory Physics for Life Sciences
0.50 Arts or Social Science electives *
Students who are admitted deficient in one OAC/4U course in Biology, Chemistry or Physics must take the equivalent introductory course in first semester. The first-year science core in that subject should be completed by the end of Semester 3.
Semester 2
BIOL*1040 [0.50] Biology II
CHEM*1050 [0.50] General Chemistry II
PHYS*1080 [0.50] Physics for Life Sciences
STAT*2040 [0.50] Statistics I
0.50 Arts or Social Science electives *
Semester 3
ZOO*2090 [0.50] Vertebrate Structure and Function
ZOO*2100 [0.50] Developmental Biology
1.50 electives **
Semester 4
BIOC*2580 [0.50] Introductory Biochemistry
MBG*2000 [0.50] Introductory Genetics
MCB*2210 [0.50] Introductory Cell Biology
ZOO*2700 [0.50] Invertebrate Morphology & Evolution
0.50 electives **
Semester 5
BIOL*3110 [0.50] Population Ecology
BIOL*3400 [0.50] Evolution
ZOO*3200 [0.50] Comparative Animal Physiology I
ZOO*3700 [0.50] Integrative Biology of Invertebrates
0.50 electives **
Semester 6
BIOL*3120 [0.50] Community Ecology
ZOO*3210 [0.50] Comparative Animal Physiology II
1.50 electives **, ***
Semester 7
ZOO*3000 [0.50] Comparative Histology
ZOO*4070 [0.50] Animal Behaviour
ZOO*4910 [0.50] Integrative Vertebrate Biology
1.00 electives **
Semester 8

2.50 electives **

* CIS*1200 is recommended for those needing to improve their computer skills

** suggested electives list available from the faculty advisors

*** BIOL*2250 is strongly recommended if independent research project courses are anticipated in semesters 7 and/or 8

Electives must include:

  1. A minimum of 0.25 credits from:

    ZOO*4920 [0.25] Lab Studies in Ornithology
    ZOO*4930 [0.25] Lab Studies in Ichthyology
    ZOO*4940 [0.25] Lab Studies in Herpetology
    ZOO*4950 [0.25] Lab Studies in Mammalogy
  2. A minimum of 0.50 credits from:

    BIOL*4410 [0.75] Field Ecology
    BIOL*4600 [0.75] Tropical Ecology
    BIOL*4610 [0.75] Arctic Ecology
    BIOL*4700 [0.50] Field Biology
    BIOL*4710 [0.25] Field Biology
    BIOL*4800 [0.50] Field Biology
    BIOL*4810 [0.25] Field Biology
    IBIO*4500 [0.75] Research in Integrative Biology I
    IBIO*4510 [0.75] Research in Integrative Biology II
    IBIO*4521/2 [2.00] Thesis in Integrative Biology
    ZOO*4170 [0.50] Experimental Comparative Animal Physiology
    ZOO*4300 [0.75] Marine Biology and Oceanography

    Other field or research courses with approval of faculty advisor.

  3. At least 1.00 Arts or Social Science electives.

  4. This major must contain at least 6.00 science credits at the 3000 or 4000 level, which must include at least 2.00 at the 4000 level. The restricted elective in point number 1 above counts as part of this 3000 or 4000 level requirement.

Note: The Major in Zoology is a flexible program which allows students in consultation with faculty advisors, to design a program to meet their own needs and interests. For example, students may wish to concentrate in Evolutionary Physiology, Quantitative Zoology, or Systematic Zoology for which lists of electives are available from faculty advisors.

Minor (Honours Program)

Students in programs other than Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Marine and Freshwater Biology and Ecology who have a strong interest in Zoology may choose to take a minor in Zoology.

A minor in Zoology requires a minimum of 5.00 credits, 4.00 of which must be from the following list:

BIOL*3110 [0.50] Population Ecology
BIOL*3120 [0.50] Community Ecology
BIOL*3400 [0.50] Evolution
ZOO*2090 [0.50] Vertebrate Structure and Function
ZOO*2100 [0.50] Developmental Biology
ZOO*2700 [0.50] Invertebrate Morphology & Evolution
ZOO*3000 [0.50] Comparative Histology
ZOO*3200 [0.50] Comparative Animal Physiology I
ZOO*3210 [0.50] Comparative Animal Physiology II
ZOO*3700 [0.50] Integrative Biology of Invertebrates
ZOO*4070 [0.50] Animal Behaviour
ZOO*4330 [0.50] Biology of Fishes
ZOO*4910 [0.50] Integrative Vertebrate Biology
ZOO*4920 [0.25] Lab Studies in Ornithology
ZOO*4930 [0.25] Lab Studies in Ichthyology
ZOO*4940 [0.25] Lab Studies in Herpetology
ZOO*4950 [0.25] Lab Studies in Mammalogy

The remaining 1.00 credit may also come from this list or from outside this list, in consultation with a faculty advisor.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Canada
519-824-4120