Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 UMaine Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 UMaine Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Zoology


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 courses in Biological Sciences Areas I-V, affiliated science, and math courses combined.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience:  BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 402  or BIO 428 or BIO 431 or BIO 438 or  BIO 450 or BIO 463 or HON 498 and HON 499* or BIO 480 and BIO 483. For specific requirements, see the curricula for individual concentrations.

*The thesis topic must be in Zoology and the thesis advisor should be in the School of Biology and Ecology.

Contact Information:  Ann Dieffenbacher-Krall, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, 100 Murray Hall, (207)581-2540, um.biology@maine.edu


The study of zoology increases our knowledge of human and animal biology. 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 biology including cells and molecules, genetics, evolution, physiology, anatomy, biodiversity, ecology, and behavior. Students enrolled in the Honors College will find the program complementary to their degree studies.  Each student works with an academic advisor 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, 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.  Students wishing to spend a semester studying abroad are advised to discuss this option with their advisor early in their program.

The B.S. and B.A. degrees in Zoology are offered by the School of Biology and Ecology.  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, visit https://sbe.umaine.edu.

Students choosing Zoology as a second major are not required to complete a Zoology capstone provided the student completes a capstone for their first major.  Zoology is not allowable as a second major for students whose first major is Animal & Veterinary Science with Pre-Veterinary concentration because of substantial overlap between requirements.

Students majoring in Zoology are not eligible for a minor or second major in Botany or Biology 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.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits originating from the University of Maine in Biological Sciences Areas I-V.

Students wishing to transfer from other institutions or from another program within the University of Maine must have completed BIO 100: Basic Biology with a grade of C or better, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, and a grade of C or better in MAT 111 or no grade record in MAT 111 and a passing score on Part 1 of the Math Placement Exam.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts

The School of Biology and Ecology offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in Zoology.  Both degrees provide a strong background in biological sciences.  They have the same requirements in biological sciences and differ only in the level of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and social sciences required. The B.S. requires more in-depth study of chemistry, math, and physics while the B.A. requires more in-depth study of social sciences and humanities. The B.S requires more in-depth study of chemistry, math, and physics while the B.A. requires more social sciences and humanities.  The B.S. provides preparation for the health professions, while the B.A. ensures a broad liberal arts education and allows more flexibility for minors and double majors.

Expertise in Zoology is essential to insure that sound science is the foundation for public policy, laws, regulations, business decisions, natural resource management, and communication about scientific ideas and issues.  Educators, artists, writers, lawyers, economists, public policy makers and politicians, and business people in green industries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and agribusiness greatly benefit from a strong background in science.  Pairing a BA with a second major or minor builds strength for careers in education, communication, policy, law, or business.  In addition, the critical thinking, reading, and writing skills gained through humanities and social sciences courses can significantly contribute to a career in science.

BA students are required to declare a minor or 2nd major in an approved subject outside of botany, biology, or zoology, or complete additional General Education requirements as noted below.  BA students are encouraged to explore career options through the University of Maine Career Center and with their academic advisor to select a minor or 2nd major that adds breadth to the academic program by developing skills and knowledge outside of the primary major.

Concentrations in the B.S. and B.A. Degrees in Zoology

The Ecology Concentration is open to students in either the B.S. or B.A. degree program.  This concentration is intended for students interested in exposure to ecological principles within the context of a rigorous biological sciences curriculum.

The Pre-medical Studies Concentration is open to students in the B.S. degree program only, not the B.A.  This concentration is intended for students preparing for a career in medicine or one of the other health professions (dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician assistant, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related fields). Students completing this concentration will be fully prepared for advanced studies in these fields. In addition to the required science and mathematics courses, the concentration also includes general education courses that are desired by many medical schools. The concentration allows for considerable choice in courses and provides valuable guidance to students and their advisors with regard to course selection in their major and in general education requirements.

Biology Club

Students majoring in Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Medical 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.

Accelerated and Special Programs

The University of Maine, 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 B.S. in Zoology upon the successful completion of the first year curriculum at NECO or LCC. Contact the Career Center’s Health Professions Career Consultant (207) 581-2587 for complete program details and a curriculum for the first three years.

Tufts additionally offers a “Maine Track” MD program, in partnership with Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland Maine, for applicants who are interested in a unique, innovative curriculum that will offer clinical training experiences in Maine and expose medical students to the unique aspects of rural practice as well as training in a major tertiary medical center.

Combined B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany, Entomology, or Zoology

“Double Up” programs allow highly dedicated students to earn both the B.S. and the M.S. degrees in five to six years. This allows the student to save time and reduces the cost of the M.S. degree. See our web site for details, https://sbe.umaine.edu, or the Graduate School webpage, https://umaine.edu/graduate/.

Bachelor of Science Core Requirements


1. Basic Biology:

  and   (Minimum grade of C required in each.) 

2. General Chemistry

   , and    

3. Organic Chemistry I

  and  ; or   and     

4. Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry

  and  ; or BMB 322  and     

5. Physics I: 

  or    

6. Physics II: 

  or    

7. Calculus

   or    or    

8. Statistics

  or   or PSY 241   

9. Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 24 credits including 3 credits each from areas I, III, IV, and V, and 6 credits from area II.  At least four lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO Area courses, and at least three animal courses (A).  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine

10. Required Course: 

   

11. Satisfy general education requirements: To fill the general education capstone requirement, Zoology B.S. students must take one of the following:

   BIO 428 ,      , or both   and  

12. Minimum average GPA 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-9 above and capstone. 

Bachelor of Arts Core Requirements


1. Basic Biology:

  and   (Minimum grade of C required in each.) 

2. General Chemistry

   , and    

3. Organic Chemistry:

  and  ; or    and CHY 253  

4. Physics

  or   or    

5. Mathematics

   or    or   or   or   or PSY 241  

6. Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 24 credits including 3 credits each from areas I, III, IV, and V, and 6 credits from area II.  At least four lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO Area courses, and at least three animal courses (A).  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at University of Maine.

7. Required Course: 

   

8. Minimum average GPA 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-6 above and the capstone. 

9. Satisfy General Education requirements.  Be aware that a total of 6 credits are required in Quantitative Analysis.  To fill the general education capstone requirement, Biology B.A. students must take one of: 

   BIO 428 ,      , or both   and  

10. International Perspectives or a Minor or Second Major:  Filled by either 1) Establishing intermediate level proficiency in a foreign language, or 2) at least one semester in a UMaine approved foreign exchange program, or 3) 9 credits in Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives, or 4) completion of a minor or second major not closely related to the student’s primary major.   The following minors or second majors fill this requirement.  Other minors or majors may be acceptable with prior approval of the Undergraduate Program Coordinator.  Minors: Accounting, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Administration, Climate Studies, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Economics, Education, English, Ethics and Political Philosophy, French, Graphic Design, International Affairs, Journalism, Leadership Studies, Legal Studies, Management, Marketing, Marxist and Socialist Studies, Mathematics, Media Studies, New Media, Philosophy, Political Science, Political Theory, Renewable Energy Science and Technology, Resources and Agribusiness Management, Sociology, Spanish, Statistics, Studio Art, Theatre.  Second Majors: Computer Science, Mathematics, Secondary Education, Studio Art.

Ecology Concentration Requirements


1.  Satisfy the core requirements of either the B.S. or B.A. degree program.

2.  Statistics requirement: Take the following course to satisfy the requirement: 

   Note for B.A. students,   requires either   , or   as a prerequisite.

3. For BIO Area V: Take the following courses: 

   or    and at least 3 additional credits chosen from  BIO 309 ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,   ,  ,SMS 308 ,  , or  

4. Primary and Secondary Producers: Choose at least one plant course, labeled P, from the BIO Areas.

5. Environmental Influences: At least 3 credits from this list:

  ,  ,   , or   

6. Field Experience: At least one of the following courses:

  , BIO 430 ,  , BIO 463 ,  , or  . This course can also satisfy one of the BIO areas for the basic Zoology major.

7. General Education requirement: To fill the general education capstone requirement, students in the Ecology Concentration must take one of the following:

 ,     or   (Topic must be in ecology and  thesis advisor should be in SBE).

8. Writing Intensive: ENG 315  or ENG 317  

Pre-medical Studies Concentration Requirements


1. Satisfy the core requirements for the B.S.

2. Fill the B.S. Organic Chemistry requirements with: 

 ,  ,  , and   

3. At least one of the BIO area I choices must come from this list:

 ,  , BMB 280 , or   

4. At least one of the BIO area III course choices must come from this list:

 ,  , or   

5. From BIO area IV, students must take either: 

  and  ; or      

6. To fill the general education capstone requirements, students in the Pre-medical Studies Concentration must take one of the following list:

  (highly recommended),   ,     (topic in Biology with an SBE faculty advisor), or both BIO 480  and BIO 483 .

7. Biochemistry:

  and    

If, and only if, CHY251, CHY 252, CHY 253, and CHY 254 are also taken, will BMB 323 count as one of the four required BIO area labs.

8. Writing Intensive (take one of the following):

 ,  , or  . Optional for students completing the Honors Program.

9. Other requirements:

 ,  ,  , and  one of PHI 235  (recommended), PHI 100 , PHI 230 , PHI 231 , PHI 233 . (BIO 302 is optional for students completing the Honors Program).  

10. Recommended coursesINT 107  and INT 207   are highly recommended, but not required.

Pre-medical Studies Notes


a.    Inclusion of BIO 480, Cell Biology, is highly recommended. This course can only count in one area.

b.    Physician assistant, pharmacy, optometry, and physical therapy schools require two semesters of anatomy and physiology (8 credits). This requirement can be met by combining BIO 335, Human Anatomy, and BIO 377 & 378 Medical Physiology and lab (recommended);  or by combining BIO 208, Anatomy and Physiology, and BIO 377 & 378 Medical Physiology and lab. Note that BIO208 does not count toward the Biology or Zoology degree requirements.  Check with the Health Professions Career Counselor for details of the program you want to pursue.

c.    Students pursuing this concentration may want to consider a minor in Neuroscience, Chemistry, Psychology, or Business.

d.    Pre-medical studies students are strongly encouraged to work with the Career Center’s Health Professions Career Counselor throughout their entire undergraduate program.

Bachelor of Science Core Requirments-New England College of Optometry 3+


Students in the UM-NECO 3+ program complete 90 credits at UMaine over three years, moving on to NECO in their fourth year.  Upon completion of the first year at NECO, 30 credits are transferred back to UMaine and students are awarded their BS degree.

1.  Basic Biology:

BIO 100  and BIO 200  

(Minimum grade of C required in each)

2.  General Chemistry:

CHY 121 , CHY 122 CHY 123 ,  and CHY 124  

3.  Organic Chemistry I:

CHY 251  and CHY 253  

4.  Biochemistry:

BMB 322  and BMB 323  

5.  Physics I:

PHY 111  or PHY 121  

6.  Physics II:

PHY 112  or PHY 122  

7.  Calculus:

MAT 116  or MAT 126  or MAT 136  

8.  Statistics:

STS 232  

9.  Biological Sciences Area Credits (see below): minimum of 17 credits including courses from areas I-V as noted for each area. At least three lab courses (L) must be taken among the BIO area courses.  A minimum of 12 of these credits must be taken at the University of Maine.  For area I, students take BMB 300 to completely fill the area. At least three animal courses (A) from the BIO areas must be taken.

10.  Required Course:

NFA 117  

11.  Satisfy general education requirements.  Capstone and Writing Intensive within major are satisfied by the NECO course credits.   Students must take PSY 100 (fills Social Contexts) and either ENG 315  or ENG 317 (fills Writing Intensive)

12.  Courses recommended but not required: INT 107 , INT 207  

13.  Minimum average GPA: 2.0 is required for all courses listed in items 1-9 above to complete UMaine degree.  NECO requires an overall GPA of 3.3 and a within-major GPA of 3.1.

14.  Upon completion of the first year at NECO: the student must have NECO send a transcript to UMaine.  Successful transfer of 30 credits (minimum grade of C-) from NECO to UMaine is required to complete the UMaine Zoology degree. The degree will be awarded at the end of the semester in which the NECO first year transcript is received by UM Office of Student Records.

Biological Sciences Areas for the B.S. or B.A.


If BIO 431, BIO 438, BIO 450, or BIO 463  is taken as a capstone, it can go toward satisfying the area in which it is listed and can count as a laboratory course (if labeled L), but cannot count towards the 24 credits required in Areas I-V.  BIO 480 can count as a capstone if, and only if, BIO 483 is also taken.  In this case, BIO 480 can go toward satisfying one of the BIO areas, but the credits do not count towards the 24 BIO area credits;  the two credits from BIO 483 can be counted toward the 24 BIO area credits.

Area I. Cell and Molecular Biology


Students must take BMB 280 or BIO 480 or 6 total credits from the area.

Area II. Genetics and Evolution


Both courses are required.

Area III. Physiology


Students must take 3 credits from the Area.

Area IV: Biodiversity


Students must take 3 credits from the Area.

Area V: Ecology and Behavior


Students must take BIO 319 or SMS 300 or 6 total credits from the area.

Alternate Area


Courses within the Alternate Area can be included in the 24 total area minimum credits, but do not count toward any specific area except by prior arrangement with the program coordinator.  A total of three credits from BIO 387 or BIO 391 can be counted toward the 24 credit total.

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence 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


Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 (Appropriate fall capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 402, BIO 463, or HON 499)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 12

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area I, if not previously filled, with lab)
  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 (Appropriate spring capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 428, BIO 431, BIO 438, BIO 450, BIO 480 & 483, HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 8

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Zoology with Ecology Concentration


First Year - First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Credits: 4
  • or other BIO Area plant course

  • Capstone or BIO Area, animal, Credit: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in fall semester include BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 463 or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 8

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Capstone or BIO Area, animal, Credits: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in spring semester include BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 431 or HON 499.)
  • Environmental Influences Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or Electives Credits: 9

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Zoology with Pre-medical Studies concentration


First Year - First Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Credits: 3 (if Area I has not yet been filled.  This course is recommended for all pre-med students.)
  • with

  • Credits: 2  (If both BIO 480 and 483 are taken, BIO 480 counts as a capstone unless another capstone course is completed.  BIO 483 will count as a BIO Area lab and as 2 BIO Area credits.)
  • Credits: 4 (optional)
  • Capstone (Acceptable spring capstone courses include BIO 388 or BIO 431 or BIO 438 or BIO 450 or BIO 480 & 483 or HON 499.)
  • or

  •  Remaining General Education Requirement or elective credit: 7

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence 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


  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area III with lab, animal)
  • General Education Requirement or course for minor Credits: 9
  • Elective Credits: 2

Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Capstone or BIO Area Credit: 3 (Acceptable fall semester capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 402, BIO 463, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements - Writing Intensive Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirement or course for minor Credits: 3
  • BIO area lab Credits with lab: 4
  • Electives Credits: 2

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • BIO Area Credits with lab (if 4th lab is still needed): 4
  • Capstone or elective Credits: 3 (Acceptable spring capstone courses include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 428, BIO 431, BIO 438, BIO 450, BIO 480 & 483, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirements or courses for minor Credits: 8

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.A. in Zoology with Ecology Concentration


First Year - First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


  • BIO Area Credits: 4 (e.g., area III with lab, animal)
  • General Education Requirement or courses for minor Credits: 9
  • Elective Credits: 2

Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Credits: 4
  • Capstone or BIO Area, animal, Credit: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in fall semester include BIO 388, BIO 392, BIO 463, or HON 499.)
  • General Education Requirement or courses for minor Credits: 6
  • Elective Credits: 2

Fourth Year - First Semester


  • Capstone or BIO Area, animal, Credits: 3 (Acceptable capstone courses in spring semester include BIO 388 or BIO 392 or BIO 431 or HON 499.)
  • Environmental Influences Credits: 3
  • General Education Requirements or courses for minor or Electives Credits: 8

Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Zoology, NECO 3+


First Year - First Semester


Second Year -Second Semester


Third Year - First Semester


Third Year - Second Semester


Note:


An additional 3 credits of General Education Requirements (Population and the Environment) will need to be taken in the summer or winter term.