The Animal Behavior minor at UNH takes a deep drive into the biological and psychological mechanisms behind animal actions, including communication, mating and social structures. This minor is particularly beneficial for students majoring in biology, psychology or environmental science, as it deepens the understanding of animal interactions and how these behaviors impact ecosystems. It appeals to those fascinated by the complexities of animal life and interested in careers in wildlife conservation, research or veterinary science and for curious, observational and analytical thinkers.
What is animal behavior?
Want to learn more about why animals behave the way they do? This minor will introduce you to the ecology and evolution of animal behavior, while also giving you exposure to research methods and tools used in the field. You’ll gain practical experience while exploring topics such as animal cognition, communication and behavior-informed approaches to wildlife management. Combine this minor with a major such as biology, wildlife and conservation biology,psychology, or zoology to enhance your career options or prepare for advanced studies.
Why study animal behavior at UNH?
Our programs directly engage undergraduate students in research with our faculty, who are experts in a wide range of disciplines. Our research facilities include nine on-campus research labs, including the Integrative Animal Behavior and Ecoacoustics Laboratory and the Confocal Imaging Center, along with off-campus research sites such as the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, the Coastal Marine Lab and the Shoals Marine Laboratory. The program’s progressive and flexible curriculum, award-winning faculty and opportunities for hands-on research prepare students for success in both post-graduate degree programs and the workplace.
Potential career areas
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Animal care
- Conservation biology
- Education and outreach
- Research
- Veterinary practice
- Wildlife and fisheries management
- Wildlife rehabilitation
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Researching Bird-Window Collisions at UNHUNH students, Kaylee Finch and Morgan Lane, are addressing bird-window collisions through their research, aiming to reduce fatalities by identifying collision hotspots and implementing preventive measures on campus.Learn More -
Finding Her Perfect FitKatherine Matczak is a zoology major and animal behavior minor from Bellingham, Massachusetts. There is so much about UNH that Katherine loves – check out her Q&A to learn more.Learn More -
A Major OpportunityMeet Madi Wing, zoology major and double minor in animal science and animal behavior, from Pawcatuck, Connecticut.Learn More
Curriculum & Requirements
This minor is designed for students who are interested in learning more about animal behavior, including the mechanisms that underlie behaviors and the evolutionary forces that may have shaped them. Students will also gain practical skills in the methods used to study animal behavior in laboratory and field settings.
- Academic policies related to Minors.
- Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses taken for the minor.
- No more than 8 credits taken for the minor may be used toward a student's major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| ZOOL 613W | Animal Behavior | 5 |
| Electives | ||
| Minimum of 15 additional credits; At least two of the four electives must come from the Category I list below; the remaining courses may be from either Category I or Category II. | ||
| Category I: | ||
| MEFB 714 | Field Animal Behavior | 4 |
| NSB 727 | Animal Communication | 4 |
| PSYC 720 | Animal Cognition | 4 |
| ZOOL 726 | Conservation Behavior | 4 |
| ZOOL 733W | Behavioral Ecology | 4 |
| ZOOL 736 | Genes and Behavior | 4 |
| ZOOL 740 | Acoustic Ecology | 4 |
| ZOOL 777W | Neuroethology | 4 |
| ZOOL 795 | Independent Investigations in Zoology | 1-4 |
| Category II: | ||
| AAS 421 | Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques | 2 |
| BIOL 720 | Plant-Animal Interactions | 4 |
| BMS 718 | Mammalian Physiology | 4 |
| PSYC 512 | Psychology of Primates | 4 |
| ZOOL 625 | Principles of Animal Physiology | 3 |
| ZOOL 690 | Evolution | 4 |
