What is zoology?
Zoology is a field within the biological sciences dedicated to the study of animals.You’ll be introduced to the evolution, biodiversity and ecology of animals, comparing the physiological, anatomical and behavioral adaptions in creatures that range from tiny unicellular protista to terrestrial and marine birds and mammals. Combine this minor with a major such as education, business, biology,or environmental conservation and sustainability to continue your interest in animal sin your career or graduate studies.
Why study zoology at UNH?
Our programs offer easy access to ocean, lake and mountain habitats and emphasize hands-on learning, engaging you in research. Our faculty are experts in disciplines including freshwater, estuarine and marine biology, aquaculture, physiology, neurobiology and behavior. You’ll have opportunities in research facilities such as the Anadromous Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Research Laboratory, the Aquaculture Research Center, the Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory and the Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex. Summer courses can be taken at the Shoals Marine Laboratory in zoology-related fields such as seabird and marine mammal ecology, ornithology, shark biology, forensic science and animal behavior.
Potential career areas
- Animal care
- Aquaculture
- Biotechnology
- Conservation biology
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental protection
- National Park Service
- Nonprofit leadership
- Outdoor education
- Primary and secondary education
- Public Relations
- Research
- State and federal fish and wildlife agencies
- Wildlife rehabilitation
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Hands-on environmental studies for U.S. studentsEcology, sustainability, and environmental science were the focus of a special visit by EcoQuest’s international students to the Ramsar wetland at Pūkorokoro Miranda on 28 October 2022.Learn More -
Already an Accomplished ResearcherHannah Manning is a biomedical science: medical and veterinary sciences major with a double minor in classics and zoology and is the recipient of their second Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).Learn More -
Dept. Faculty Offer Cheers and Good WishesThe Department of Biological Sciences wants to make sure all its 2020 graduates know that the faculty are thinking of them as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to what's next.Learn More -
Bonnie Brown, Amy Papineau Graduate from LEAD21Bonnie Brown and Amy Papineau were among the 90 professionals from the nation's land-grant system who recently completed the LEAD21 leadership development program.Learn More
Curriculum & Requirements
The Zoology Minor is designed to provide a general introduction to animals and their ecology, while requiring in-depth knowledge of the diversity of at least one group (Animal Survey Course), a course dealing with animal structure, behavior, or physiology, and an additional animal-focused course of the student’s choice.
The Zoology minor requires five courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | ||
| BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | 4 |
| Select ONE from Category I (Animal Survey): | 4-5 | |
| MEFB 628 | Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology | 5 |
| MEFB 510 | Field Ornithology | 4 |
| NR 712 | Mammalogy | 4 |
| ZOOL 542 | Ornithology | 4 |
| ZOOL 555 | Introduction to Entomology | 4 |
| ZOOL 566 | Herpetology | 4 |
| ZOOL 710 | Sharks and Bony Fishes | 4 |
| Select TWO from Category II (Animal Form, Function, Development & Behavior): | 4-5 | |
| ZOOL 518 | Comparative Morphology and Biology of Vertebrates | 4 |
| ZOOL 529 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| ZOOL 625 | Principles of Animal Physiology | 3 |
| BMS 718 | Mammalian Physiology | 4 |
| MEFB 773 | Physiology of Fishes | 4 |
| NSB 727 | Animal Communication | 4 |
| ZOOL 613W | Animal Behavior | 5 |
| ZOOL 690 | Evolution | 4 |
| ZOOL 736 | Genes and Behavior | 4 |
| Select ONE from Category III (Ecology): | 4-5 | |
| BIOL 541W | Ecology | 4 |
| MEFB 717 | Lake Ecology | 4 |
| MEFB 741 | Sharks: Biology and Conservation | 4 |
| MEFB 772 | Fisheries Biology: Conservation and Management | 4 |
| NR 660 | Ecology and Biogeography of New Zealand | 5 |
| NR 661 | Restoration Ecology and Ecosystem Management in New Zealand | 4 |
| ZOOL 708 | Stream Ecology | 4 |
| ZOOL 733W | Behavioral Ecology | 4 |
| ZOOL 740 | Acoustic Ecology | 4 |
College of Life Sciences and Agriculture students: two courses in the major may be used toward the minor, as long as selected from the courses listed above.
