The zoology major is a gateway to the diverse areas of modern biology. The major can be tailored to prepare students for advanced study and careers in many different areas: health professions and public health; law; life sciences research in university, government, and industrial settings; education including museum, nature center, secondary school, and college teaching; biotechnology; and environmental studies.
Specialized preparation is offered in ecology, systematics, limnology, morphology, molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, genetics, neurobiology, physiology, evolution, and behavior. Several possible areas, emphasizing different interests, are outlined in the requirements tab. They include ecology, evolution, and behavior; anatomy, physiology, and organismal biology; and cellular, molecular, and developmental biology. The department encourages undergraduate participation in research and offers summer research scholarships to outstanding students.
Goals of the Zoology Major
The zoology major emphasizes critical thinking and conceptual skills that come from an understanding of how scientific information is obtained and evaluated, and of how this information can be applied to societal issues. The major provides a solid foundation in genetic, cellular, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary principles, and in the related disciplines of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. As a result, the major fosters an understanding of biological complexity including the interrelationships among humans and natural systems.
The unique characteristics of the zoology major include:
- broad-based, yet integrated training in wide-ranging areas of biology;
- solid foundation of basic principles and processes in biology;
- flexibility and advising needed to allow students to tailor the major to their specific goals;
- wide range of opportunities for undergraduate involvement in independent research and senior thesis.
How to Get in
All students who are interested in pursuing the zoology major must schedule an appointment with the Zoology Major advisor. No major declaration forms are required to declare zoology major.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| LS Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Math, Chemistry & Physics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Math—complete one: | 4-10 | |
| Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
| Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
| Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry I and Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | ||
| Survey of Calculus 1 | ||
| Chemistry—complete one: | 5-9 | |
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| Physics—complete one: | 8-10 | |
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| General Physics and General Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 17-29 | |
Biology and Zoology
Complete 30 credits from the sections below.
Introductory Biology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Introductory Biology | 10 | |
| Introductory Biology and Introductory Biology | ||
| Option 2: BIOCORE—complete both: | 10 | |
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics and Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Biology and Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Option 3: Animal Biology 1 | 5 | |
| Animal Biology and Animal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Total Credits | 5-10 | |
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BOTANY/BIOLOGY 130 is recommended, but not required for students pursuing Option 3 (Animal Biology).
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Directed Studies in Zoology | ||
| Invertebrate Biology and Evolution | ||
| Invertebrate Biology and Evolution Lab | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
| Aquatic Invertebrate Biology | ||
| Marine Biology | ||
| Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Laboratory for Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Field Marine Biology | ||
| Human/Animal Relationships: Biological and Philosophical Issues | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Extinction of Species | ||
| General Molecular Biology | ||
| Medical Entomology: Biology of Vector and Vector-borne Diseases | ||
| Topics in Biology | ||
| Introduction to Museum Studies in the Natural Sciences | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Genetics of Human History | ||
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
| Midwestern Ecological Issues: A Case Study Approach | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Animal Development | ||
| Modeling Animal Landscapes | ||
| Plant-Insect Interactions | ||
| Undergraduate Neurobiology Seminar | ||
| Ecology of Fishes | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Ecology of Fishes Lab | ||
| Birds of Southern Wisconsin | ||
| Neurobiology | ||
| Tropical Herpetology | ||
| Paleobiology | ||
| Invertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Laboratory in Developmental Biology | ||
| Principles of Landscape Ecology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Computer-based Gene and Disease/Disorder Research Lab | ||
| Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology | ||
| Comparative Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Lab Course in Neurobiology and Behavior | ||
| Biology of Mind | ||
| Neuroethology Seminar | ||
| Molecular Ecology | ||
| Development of the Nervous System | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Modeling Neurodevelopmental Disease | ||
| Climate Change Ecology | ||
| Historical Ecology | ||
| Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Seminar | ||
| Internship in Ecology | ||
| Senior Honors Thesis and Senior Honors Thesis | ||
| Senior Thesis and Senior Thesis | ||
| Directed Study | ||
| Directed Studies in Zoology | ||
| Physiology 1 | ||
| Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
| Primate Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Primate Conservation | ||
| Introduction to Biochemistry | ||
| General Biochemistry I | ||
| Algae | ||
| Taxonomy of Mature Insects | ||
| Basic and Applied Insect Ecology | ||
| Wetlands Ecology | ||
| Field Ecology Workshop | ||
| Terrestrial Vertebrates: Life History and Ecology | ||
| Diseases of Wildlife | ||
| Colloquium in Environmental Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Disease Biology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | ||
| Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
| Hormones, Brain, and Behavior | ||
| Total Credits | 20-25 | |
A maximum of 6 credits of approved non-ZOOLOGY subject courses count toward the 30 credits required for the major. Students can take ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 Animal Biology and ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 102 Animal Biology Laboratory for the Introductory Biology requirement is recommended for students who complete this sequence.
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Only 3 credits of ANAT&PHY 335 Physiology count toward the 6 credits of approved non-ZOOLOGY subject courses.
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all ZOOLOGY and major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 Upper Level major credits, taken in Residence 1
- 15 credits in ZOOLOGY, or courses that count for the major, taken on the UW–Madison campus
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ZOOLOGY 299–699, intermediate/advanced BIOCORE, and courses that count toward the major that have an intermediate/advanced designation are considered Upper Level in the major.
Honors in the Zoology Major
To earn Honors in the Major in Zoology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 University GPA
- Earn a 3.300 GPA in all courses that count toward the major
- Complete 12 credits, taken for Honors, with individual grades of B or better. Select 6 credits from ZOOLOGY 300-680 or approved non-ZOOLOGY subject courses (above).
- Complete ZOOLOGY 681 and ZOOLOGY 682, for a total of 6 credits.1
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A written thesis proposal must be approved by the thesis mentor and a department advisor. While most theses are completed during the fall and spring of a student’s senior year, other combinations of terms are possible. More information about the proposal process, timing, and grading of a thesis can be found on the Department of Integrative Biology website.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Connect and describe the concepts that make up the structure and function of all living things through the principles of genetics, cellular biology, and physiology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of life through the principles of evolution.
- Make connections between organisms, their habitats, and systems through the principles of ecology.
- Make connections between the biological sciences to humans and ecological systems and appreciate the complexity of these systems.
- Identify, think through, and solve a problem using quantitative reasoning and critical thinking skills.
- Develop an ability to plan and carry out scientific experiments by obtaining and evaluating scientific information and effectively communicating information through oral and written presentations.
- Understand current issues in biology and apply scientific knowledge to societal issues.
- Make connections between self and natural world, and personal responsibility with social issues.
- Develop a sense of competence in the field of study through research experiences and written and oral communication of findings.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 103 or 109 | 4-5 | CHEM 104 | 5 |
| MATH 112, 114, or 171 | 3-5 | MATH 113 or 217 | 3-5 |
| Communication A1 | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| Foreign Language (if required) | 3-4 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 1511 | 5 | ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 (Satisfies Communication B)1 | 5 |
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| INTER-LS 210 | 1 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| Social Science Breadth | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 4 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYSICS 103, 201, or 207 | 4-5 | PHYSICS 104, 202, or 208 | 4-5 |
| I/A COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (if required for the BS) | 3-5 | I/A COMP SCI, MATH, or STAT (required for the BS) | 3-5 |
| I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-6 | I/A ZOOLOGY | 4 |
| Elective | 3 | L&S Breadth | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-4 | I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3-4 | I/A ZOOLOGY | 3-4 |
| L&S Breadth | 3 | Elective | 6 |
| Elective | 3-6 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
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Students can take ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 Animal Biology and ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 102 Animal Biology Laboratory for the Introductory Biology requirement is recommended for students who complete this sequence.
Student may also satisfy Introductory Biology with BIOCORE. Consult the advisor for the program regarding this option.
Advising and Careers
Advising
Students are encouraged to consult with a department advisor to construct individual programs appropriate to their own needs. Please use Starfish or call 608-262-2742 to make an appointment with the zoology advisor. iBio Starfish
Directed Study
The zoology major is an excellent scaffold for students interested in an undergraduate research experience. A maximum of 10 credits of Directed Studies (ZOOLOGY 299, ZOOLOGY 698, ZOOLOGY 699), Senior Thesis (ZOOLOGY 691, ZOOLOGY 692), or Senior Honors Thesis (ZOOLOGY 681, ZOOLOGY 682) will count toward the 30 credits required for the major.
The Department of Integrative Biology offers both ZOOLOGY 299 Directed Studies in Zoology and ZOOLOGY 699 Directed Studies in Zoology. ZOOLOGY 299 is recommended for students before they have completed their introductory biology course sequence, and ZOOLOGY 699 is recommended for students who have completed their introductory biology course sequence. Directed Studies in Zoology are graded on an A to F scale. Students cannot take Directed Studies on a pass/fail basis.
Directed Studies allows students to gain experience in a wide range of research areas in biology and to learn research techniques that are not easily taught in the classroom. Such experiences allow students to make more informed decisions about their future goals and careers.
Before students can enroll in ZOOLOGY 299 or ZOOLOGY 699, they must set up an appointment with a professor/mentor of their choice, and work with the professor/mentor to:
- Decide the specific number of credits, and
- Plan the work required to earn those credits.
Such plans can involve reviewing relevant literature in the area, developing a proposal for independent research, and/or conducting an experiment in the mentor's study area.
Students interested in doing in-depth research as undergraduates in an area of interest can elect to do a Senior Thesis or Senior Honors Thesis (see below). Students should contact a department advisor at the beginning of their junior year to explore possible research areas.
Senior Thesis
Students interested in making a longer-term commitment to a research project may consider undertaking a Senior Thesis. Students should contact a department advisor during their junior year to explore possible research areas in zoology.
Zoology Senior Thesis Requirements:
- Approval of a department advisor, and
- Completion of ZOOLOGY 691 and ZOOLOGY 692, a two-semester thesis research sequence, during the senior year (6 credits).
It is recommended that candidates for the Senior Thesis take ZOOLOGY 699 during the second semester of their junior year to prepare for the thesis.
Careers
The Department of Integrative Biology encourages our majors to begin working on their career exploration and preparation soon after arriving on campus. We partner with SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science. L&S graduates are in high demand by employers and graduate programs. It is important to us that our students are career ready at the time of graduation, and we are committed to your success.
L&S Career Resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
People
Please visit the Faculty and Affiliate Faculty pages on the Integrative Biology website for information about our faculty and their research areas.