Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Zoology


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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS


Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: Zoology Majors must have a “C” or better in BIO 100 and BIO 200.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: Zoology Majors require a cumulative 2.0 GPA in all biology, affiliated science, and math courses combined.

Contact Information: Christa Schwintzer, Assistant Director of School of Biology and Ecology, 310 Deering Hall, (207)581-3115


The School of Biology and Ecology offers both BA and BS degrees in Zoology. For information about areas of specialization and for an overview of our facilities, cooperative programs, and list of faculty in the School of Biology and Ecology, see our web site www.sbe.umaine.edu/

Students choosing Zoology as a second major must complete the second major by selecting courses in Areas I-V that are not being used to satisfy the requirements of their first major.

Students majoring in Zoology are not eligible for a minor or second major in Biology or Botany because of extensive overlap in the requirements for these degrees.

Students majoring in Zoology must complete an assessment exit exam in their last semester prior to graduating.

Students majoring in Zoology must earn a score of 4 or 5 in order to receive advanced placement credit for BIO 100.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Both the BA and BS degrees in Zoology provide a strong background in biological sciences. The BA option is structured to ensure a broad liberal arts education and allows more flexibility for minors and double majors. The BA requires lower levels of Affiliated sciences (chemistry, physics) and Math and more social sciences and humanities than the BS. The less stringent BA requirements in Affiliated sciences and Math may be insufficient preparation for a health-professions career and some other careers requiring graduate study. The BA also requires students to develop an enriched international perspective. This may be done by (1) establishing proficiency in a foreign language at the intermediate level, (2) completing at least one semester in a University of Maine approved foreign exchange program, or (3) completing nine credits in General Education courses in Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives. In addition, the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture has a BA requirement of 27 credits in General Education courses in Human Values and Social Context and at least 12 credits must be at the 200 level or above.

For the BA and BS in Zoology, a minimum grade of “C” is required in BIO 100 and in BIO 200 for degree credit.

All students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all Biology, Affiliated Sciences, and Math courses averaged together. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in Biology courses in residence in Biological Sciences Areas I-V.

Requirements for BA and BS degrees outlined below are the same in Basic Biological Sciences and Biological Sciences Areas and differ only in Affiliated Sciences and Math.

Accelerated Binary Degree Programs, including the BS Degree in Zoology
The University of Maine and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM), New England College of Optometry (NECO) and Logan College of Chiropractic (LCC) cooperate in providing accelerated undergraduate curricula leading to consideration for early admission to the cooperating colleges. Students complete three years at the University of Maine and are awarded the BS in Biology upon the successful completion of the first year curriculum at UNECOM, NECO, or LCC. Contact the Office of Health Professions (207) 581-2587 for complete program details and a curriculum for the first three years.

BA and BS in Zoology

The study of zoology increases our knowledge of human biology and of the biology of the many species of animals with which we interact and upon which we are more or less dependent. As in other fields of biology, recent developments in environmental studies, biotechnological research techniques, medicine, and related areas make the study of zoology important and fascinating. These areas are expected to continue growing and to affect our society in many ways and at many levels. Graduates of our Zoology program pursue various careers, depending on their interest, level of educational attainment, and subsequent professional education. Among the more typical career areas are scientific research and development, human and veterinary medicine, environmental monitoring and regulation at state and federal levels, and private design and consulting.

Zoology offers students many choices and allows them to tailor their programs to their interests. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering all major areas of zoology including cells and molecules, genetics and development, physiology, anatomy, evolution and biodiversity, and ecology, and behavior. Each student works with an academic adviser in the faculty to develop a curriculum that best meets the student’s goals and allows for exploration or specialization as desired. Students in their third and fourth years of study, and who intend to pursue post-baccalaureate studies leading to advanced degrees, are strongly encouraged to include independent research under the guidance of a faculty member in their programs.

The University of Maine does not offer a formal degree in fisheries, but a curriculum certified by the American Fisheries Society can be constructed from courses offered by the School of Biology and Ecology, Department of Wildlife Ecology, and the School of Marine Sciences. Students interested in this career path should consult with their academic advisor.

Concentrations in the BA and BS Degrees in Zoology

Optional concentrations are available in:

• Pre-medical Studies (BS degree only)
• Ecology

These concentrations are described in detail following the suggested curriculum for the BS in Zoology.

Accelerated Binary Degree Programs, including the BS Degree in Zoology

The University of Maine and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM), New England College of Optometry (NECO) and Logan College of Chiropractic (LCC) cooperate in providing accelerated undergraduate curricula leading to consideration for early admission to the cooperating colleges. Students complete three years at the University of Maine and are awarded the BS in Zoology upon the successful completion of the first year curriculum at UNECOM, NECO, or LCC. Contact the Office of Health Professions (207) 581-2587 for complete program details and a curriculum for the first three years.

Biology Club

Students majoring in Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Medical Technology) are encouraged to join the Biology Club, a student organization that promotes an interest in the biological sciences and in biological research with invited speakers, panel discussions, debates, trips, social functions, and service projects. The club also supports a local chapter of the national honor society, Beta Beta Beta.
 

Basic Biological Sciences for the B.A. and B.S. in Zoology


Note: BIO 208, Anatomy and Physiology and BIO 222 Biology: The Living Science, will not count towards the major for students majoring in Zoology.

Biological Sciences Areas for the B.A. and the B.S. in Zoology


The following are minimum requirements for these 5 areas: 24 credits, 3 credits/area, 4 lab (L) courses, and at least 3 animal (A) courses from areas III - V.

I. Cell and Molecular Biology


If only one course is selected from this area, it must be BMB 280 or BIO 480

III. Physiology


IV. Biodiversity and Evolution


V. Ecology and Behavior


If only one course is selected from this area, it must be BIO 319, SMS 300, or WLE 200, only one of which may be taken for degree credit.

Affiliated Sciences and Math for the B.S. and B.A. in Zoology


Suggested curriculum for the B.A. in Zoology


First Year - First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


  • Credits: 4
  • see footnote 6

  • Biological Sciences Area Choice.2 Credits: 2-4
  •  International Perspective. 5 Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirement or Elective. Credits: 3

Third Year - Second Semester


  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits: 3-12
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice.2 Credits:3-4

 

Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Biological Sciences Area Choice2 Credits: 3-4
  • Capstone7 or Elective Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits 7-10

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Biological Sciences Area Choice2 Credits; 3-10
  • Elective or Capstone7  Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 3-6

Footnotes


1 See the General Education requirements for all students at the University. If BIO 400 (Biological Sciences Writing Intensive) is used to satisfy the General Education Writing Intensive in the major requirement, then it must be taken in conjunction with a selected upper-level BIO course (see listings in Schedule of Classes), usually during the third or fourth year.

2See above lists of courses in the five Biological Sciences Areas and follow requirements for total number of credits, number of credits per area, number of courses with laboratories (L), and number of animal (A) and plant (P) courses in areas III-V.

3Alternatively, students may take CHY 251/253 and 252/254.

4Alternatively, students may take MAT 126.

5See the description of the B.A. degree above for ways to satisfy this requirement for the B.A. degree.

6Alternatively, students may take PHY 111 and 112.

7The General Education capstone experience may be completed with BIO 388, 392, 402, 438, 447, 450, 454, 463, or HON 499.
 

Suggested curriculum for the B.S. in Zoology


First Year -First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


  • Credits: 4
  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits:  6
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice2 Credits: 5-7

Third Year - Second Semester


  • Credits: 4
  • See Footnote 4

  • General Education Requirement or Elective Credits: 6-8
  • Biological Sciences Area Choice 2 Credits: 3-4

Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Biological Sciences Area Choice2 Credits: 4
  • Capstone5 or Elective Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 6-9

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Biological Sciences Area Choice2 Credits 4-10
  • Elective or Capstone5 Credits: 3 
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 6

Footnotes


1 See the General Education requirements for all students at the University. If BIO 400 (Biological Sciences Writing Intensive) is used to satisfy the General Education Writing Intensive in the major requirement, then it must be taken in conjunction with a selected upper-level BIO course (see listings in Schedule of Classes), usually during the third or fourth year.

2See above lists of courses in the five Biological Sciences Areas and follow requirements for total number of credits, number of credits per area, number of courses with laboratories (L), and number of animal (A) and plant (P) courses in areas III-V.

3 Alternatively, students may take BMB 221/222 and BMB 322/323.

4 Alternatively, students may take PHY 121/122.

5The General Education capstone experience requirement may be completed with BIO 388, 392, 402, 438, 447, 450, 463, or HON 499.
 

Concentration in Ecology


This concentration is intended for students interested in exposure to ecological principles within the context of a rigorous biological sciences curriculum. Students in this concentration must meet all of the requirements for the Biology BA or BS, Botany BA or BS, or Zoology BA or BS degrees. The concentration also includes WLE 220 Introduction to Statistical Ecology and a requirement for a course on environmental influences. A total of 32 credits are required to complete the concentration.

Specific requirements:
 

Affiliated Sciences and Math


Add WLE 220 Introduction to Statistical Ecology as a requirement.

Area I. Cell and Molecular Biology


Free choice among Area I courses on the Biology checklists.

Area II. Genetics


Choose at least one of the following courses:

Area III. Physiology


Free choice among Area III courses on the Biology checklists.

Area IV. Biodiversity


BIO 465 Evolution is required plus 3 additional credits chosen from the courses on the Biology checklists.

Area VI. Primary and Secondary Producers


Choose at least one course labeled A and one course labeled P in Areas I-V. These courses can also satisfy one of the areas above.

Capstone


Choose one of these courses:

Field Experience


Choose at least one course from this list. This course can also satisfy one of the areas above.

Writing requirement (students in the Honors program are exempt


One course required. The courses below satisfy the general education writing intensive requirement and so do not add to the number credits needed beyond the basic biology major. Choose from the following courses:

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