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 431 or BIO 438 or BIO 450 or BIO 463 or HON 498 & 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, annd@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.

The Zoology major 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 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 score of 30 or higher on 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 a minor or more in-depth study of 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, allowing students to build career-enhancing skills.

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 Entomology Concentration is open to students in either the B.S. or the B.A. degree program.  The concentration is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of the form and function of insects, their interactions with people and society, the study of insect conservation, and management in natural and human-derived systems.

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/.