The Animal Biology major offers students training in the biological and natural sciences as they apply to animals. The major covers basic biological sciences foundational to understanding animal evolution, systematics, ecology, physiology and molecular biology. Students in the Animal Biology major are encouraged to think beyond particular groups of animals in which they are interested and to consider science as a process and a way of learning new things about them, and of advancing society. The program emphasizes biological principles used in research and in solving societal conflicts with animals in agriculture, urban areas, or natural environments.

The Program

The major consists of core courses in the sciences that build an understanding of animal biology from the molecular to the ecological and evolutionary levels of organization. After completing these core courses, students choose an interdisciplinary practicum project from general animal biology, predicated on their ultimate career goals. They plan this emphasis of study in a required discussion-seminar course and in consultation with a mentor. The program includes a senior thesis, which each student employs the process and principles of science to propose and carry out the practicum project they choose, integrating the disciplines of the major. The Animal Biology major emphasizes research in biological principles as opposed to animal care and husbandry.

Major Requirements

Animal biology requires lower-division preparation in science, calculus and statistics. You will also take courses in the application of biological principles to animals in natural and agricultural systems. At the upper division, you will deepen your knowledge of biology and its application to animals. You will also choose electives in areas of special interest to you. A special feature of this major is your senior practicum, in which you will design and carry out an individual creative project that will integrate your coursework and practical experiences and serve as a capstone to your major.