Zoology
Bachelor of Science
(Faculty of Science)
Zoology is more than animals in the zoo. It is the scientific study of animal biology from the perspective of the entire animal organism. Zoologists desire knowledge about life and care particularly about understanding how animals lead their lives. Like other groups of scientists, zoologists must be curious and have a knack for problem solving. Successful zoologists are keen observers. Their knowledge is broadly based because zoology, like the other biological sciences, is highly interdisciplinary. Zoologists specialize in numerous approaches to the study of animals. These are as diverse as those used by physicists and engineers or by chemists and molecular biologists.
General Admission Requirements
Application/Document Deadlines
Transfer Students:
- Transfer students must present the competitive average plus the following specified courses:
Zoology
Students are required to present the following courses with a minimum grade of C- or better in each course:
- Biology 241 and 243 (formerly 231 and 233)
- Biology 311
- Biology 313
- Biology 331
- Chemistry 201 or 211 and Chemistry 203 or 213
- one of Mathematics 249 or 251 or 281 or AMAT 217
- one of Mathematics 211 or 221 or 253 or 283 or AMAT 219
Why Study Zoology?
Zoology is the study of animals and as such, students of zoology are deeply curious about the animals with which we share our planet. Zoology Majors are flexible, agile learners interested in pursuing a liberal education in science as a springboard to multiple career opportunities.
With its emphasis on organismal biology, but also covering many molecular, cellular and ecological aspects of animal biology, the Zoology major provides students a thorough understanding of contemporary animal biology. As a Zoology student, you will study animals in their natural environment, or the laboratory setting preparing you to pursue careers in fields like biomedical engineering, biotechnology, human or veterinary medicine, or dentistry. Many people working at zoos, in aquaculture, or as fish and wildlife biologists also have degrees in zoology.
What do I need to get in?
You’ll need to meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Science.
What will I study in my first two years?
All students entering programs in the Department of Biological Sciences will complete a common Biological Sciences core (20 half-courses) before selecting one of the six major programs (Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Botany, Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology, Ecology, Zoology).
The first and second years in Biological Sciences serve as the interlocked foundation for all programs offered by the Department of Biological Sciences. During these two years, you will complete the core Biology courses that are required of all Biological Science students. These courses will expose you to the diversity and unity of life and provide a foundation allowing you to appreciate the factual and conceptual context of specialized disciplines in Biological Sciences. In addition, these courses will expose you to the language of biology and a common set of tools that will allow you to analyze life from a variety of perspectives.
You will also complete supporting courses in Biochemistry, Chemistry and Mathematics during your first two years. Courses in Biochemistry and Chemistry provide you with a basis for understanding the chemical context of life. Required courses in Mathematics give you a basic understanding of calculus and/or linear algebra for application in subsequent major field courses. Throughout these two years there is a heavy emphasis on experiential learning in biology and chemistry courses.
What will I study in later years?
In your third and fourth years you’ll take courses designed to give you a greater understanding of the diversity of live and the relationships between animals, knowledge of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, as well as organismal biology, embryology and physiology of animals. You’ll be able to explore those aspects of animal biology that you find particularly intriguing and that supports your career goals with appropriately selected options.
Science is best learned by practice. Along with laboratory and field components, you’ll have significant opportunities in experiential learning with access to courses offering training in theoretical, laboratory and/or field methods, often involving original and independent thought, practical research and the completion of written and oral reports under the supervision of a faculty member.
The Zoology Honours Program extends the regular program to prepare you for additional education (M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) leading to a research career. In addition to the courses required of all Zoology students, Honours students will complete a two-term research project under the guidance of a faculty member. As an Honours student you will also be encouraged to take 600-level seminar courses to develop an advanced understanding of topics of particular interest.
You will also have the opportunity to take courses off main campus that will enhance their undergraduate experience including exchange programs, travel study courses and field schools. You might wish to spend Fall term taking courses at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre located off the west coast of Vancouver Island, or take spring or summer courses at the Biogeoscience Institute in Kananaskis Country 80 km west of Calgary. You could also look further afield and participate in an overseas field schools offered frequently to destinations such Belize, Costa Rico, Ghana or Madagascar or embark on a term or full year exchange program to one of the U of C’s numerous partner institutions.
During your degree you are also expected to take a number of courses from outside your major field and are encouraged to take courses that will provide breadth and contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of your degree.
What can I do with my degree?
As with many of the programs offered by the Dept. of Biological Sciences, the Zoology program will prepare you for a variety of careers. Many of our students seek admission to the health profession schools (including veterinary medicine) following completion of the degree. Others are interested in careers as educators in secondary or post-secondary institutions. Of course, the degree will also provide you with the necessary background for admission to graduate school and a career as a professional biologist.
Additional Information
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