ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY  101 — ANIMAL BIOLOGY

3 credits.

General biological principles. Topics include: evolution, ecology, animal behavior, cell structure and function, genetics and molecular genetics and the physiology of a variety of organ systems emphasizing function in humans.

ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY  102 — ANIMAL BIOLOGY LABORATORY

2 credits.

General concepts of animal biology at an introductory level emphasizing the evolutionary relationships between animals. Learn about general body plans and strategies used to accomplish the basic tasks of staying alive in major animal groups using preserved and live animals. Study the diversity within each group of animals by integrating the body plans with the lifestyle and ecology of animals. Dissections of earthworm, freshwater mussel, squid, sea star, and rat aid the study of these general principles.

ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  151 — INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

5 credits.

Topics include: cell structure and function, cellular metabolism (enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis), information flow (DNA, RNA, protein), principles of genetics and selected topics in Animal Physiology.

ZOOLOGY/​BIOLOGY/​BOTANY  152 — INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

5 credits.

Topics include: selected topics in plant physiology, a survey of the five major kingdoms of organisms, speciation and evolutionary theory, and ecology at multiple levels of the biological hierarchy.

ZOOLOGY 153 — INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Topics include: cell structure and function, cellular metabolism (enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis), information flow (DNA, RNA, protein), principles of genetics, and selected topics in Animal Physiology. Designed for engineering majors that do not need a lab component.

ZOOLOGY/​PL PATH  154 — TINY EARTH: ANTIBIOTIC DISCOVERY RESEARCH

2 credits.

Learn basic methodology in scientific research and discovery, including laboratory techniques, quantitative reasoning, scientific communication, and collaboration. Gain hands-on laboratory experience working with microbes to test original hypotheses concerning the discovery of potential antibiotic compounds while addressing the world's antibiotic resistance crisis by contributing data to the global "Tiny Earth" network of researchers to advance potential drug development. Tiny Earth seeks to encourage students to pursue careers in science through real-world, applied research experiences and aims to address a worldwide health threat of the diminishing supply of effective antibiotics by "student-sourcing antibiotic discovery." Concurrent enrollment in BIOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ZOOLOGY  152 is required for permission to enroll.

ZOOLOGY 199 — DIRECTED STUDY

1-3 credits.

Directed study/independent research. Experience hypothesis development, research through faculty mentorship.

ZOOLOGY 200 — TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

1-3 credits.

Introductory topics in biological sciences.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ENVIR ST  260 — INTRODUCTORY ECOLOGY

3 credits.

The relationships of organisms and the environment. Population dynamics and community organization, human-environment relationships, action programs.

ZOOLOGY 275 — BIOLOGY OF THE DINOSAURS

3 credits.

Biology, ecology and evolution of dinosaurs. Use anatomical correlates and phylogeny to understand physiology, adaptation, and evolutionary transitions. Examples include predator-prey interactions, the evolutionary transition to flight, and how late Mesozoic ecology gave rise to our modern world.

ZOOLOGY 299 — DIRECTED STUDIES IN ZOOLOGY

1-3 credits.

Directed study/independent research. Experience hypothesis development, research through faculty mentorship.

ZOOLOGY 300 — INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION

3 credits.

Introduction to invertebrate diversity and biology, with emphasis on anatomy, development, and systematic relationships of the main animal phyla. Phyla are discussed in the context of major themes in animal evolution, such as the origin of tissue layers, the diversity of feeding mechanisms, the evolution of terrestrialization, patterns of diversification through time, and the conservation of transcriptional circuitry. Focus on animal diversity from a phylogenetic and developmental perspective.

ZOOLOGY 301 — INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION LAB

2 credits.

Introduction to invertebrate diversity and biology, with emphasis on anatomy, development, and systematic relationships of the main animal phyla. Phyla are discussed in the context of major themes in animal evolution, such as the origin of tissue layers, the diversity of feeding mechanisms, the evolution of terrestrialization, patterns of diversification through time, and the conservation of transcriptional circuitry. Focus on animal diversity from a phylogenetic and developmental perspective.

ZOOLOGY/​ENTOM  302 — INTRODUCTION TO ENTOMOLOGY

4 credits.

Principles including morphology and classification.

ZOOLOGY 303 — AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE BIOLOGY

3 credits.

The form, function, development, basic physiology and ecology of the freshwater and marine invertebrates in the context of their environment. Study live invertebrate specimens, their habitat selection, adaptation and diversity.

ZOOLOGY 304 — MARINE BIOLOGY

2 credits.

Explore the biological and ecological systems of the oceans and marginal seas. Focus on understanding how marine organisms interact with their physical environment and how the biological components of the oceans are interconnected through trophic interactions and habitat selection.

ZOOLOGY/​ENVIR ST  315 — LIMNOLOGY-CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES

2 credits.

General limnology. Physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes of lakes. Environmental problems and rehabilitation of lakes.

ZOOLOGY 316 — LABORATORY FOR LIMNOLOGY-CONSERVATION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES

2-3 credits.

Biological, physical, and chemical characteristics and their interrelationships in Wisconsin lakes and streams.

ZOOLOGY 320 — FIELD MARINE BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Provides a hands-on, research-driven experience within a marine environment, centering on exposure to 1) the diverse organisms and ecological interactions of coastal marine habitats 2) conservation issues relevant in these habitats 3) the research process from formulating interesting biological questions to conducting scientific research. Features immersion in a variety of marine habitats along with presentations by experts on marine conservation issues.

ZOOLOGY/​F&W ECOL  335 — HUMAN/ANIMAL RELATIONSHIPS: BIOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES

3 credits.

An interdisciplinary approach to our complex and often contradictory relationships with non-human animals, including information about the nature, needs and behavior of human and non-human animals in relation to our personal and professional interactions with them.

ZOOLOGY/​ENTOM/​M M & I/​PATH-BIO  350 — PARASITOLOGY

3 credits.

The biology of water-borne, food-borne, soil-borne and vector-borne parasites of animals including humans. Parasites are explored in the context of transmission, associated disease, diagnosis and treatment options, and environmental, cultural and socioeconomic drivers of disease epidemiology.

ZOOLOGY/​ENVIR ST/​F&W ECOL  360 — EXTINCTION OF SPECIES

3 credits.

A comprehensive treatment of the ecology, causes, and consequences of species extinction. Ecology and problems of individual species, habitat alteration and degradation, socio-economic pressures and conservation techniques and strategies.

ZOOLOGY 370 — GENERAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Develop a broad understanding of how life works at the molecular level. Covers structure, chemistry, and functions of macromolecules, focusing primarily on how nucleic acids carry out their central roles in cells, rather than transmission genetics. Other topics include the governing principles by which life evolved, functions, and is organized; the experimental methods used to study these processes; and the historical context for our understanding of them. In other words: soup-to-nuts of nucleic acid biology and chemistry.

ZOOLOGY/​ENTOM  371 — MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY

3 credits.

Arthropods of medical and veterinary importance, how they affect their hosts and transmit diseases.

ZOOLOGY 400 — TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

1-3 credits.

Various intermediate level topics in Biology. Each section will explore a different topic in biology.

ZOOLOGY 405 — INTRODUCTION TO MUSEUM STUDIES IN THE NATURAL SCIENCES

2-3 credits.

Provides an overview of natural history museums, including history, field collecting, specimen preparation, collection preservation, ethics, education and employment opportunities. Introduces the natural science museums and library collections located on the UW campus.

ZOOLOGY/​ANTHRO/​BOTANY  410 — EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Evolutionary biology, emphasizing how modern scientists study evolution. Topics include: nature and mechanisms of microevolution, macroevolution, adaptation, speciation; systematics and taxonomy; quantitative genetics and measurement of natural selection; phylogenetic analyses of behavior, physiology, morphology, biochemistry; current controversies in evolution.

ZOOLOGY 415 — GENETICS OF HUMAN HISTORY

3 credits.

Covers a range of topics related to human genetics and evolution. Explores questions about what genetic differences between humans tell us about our species' evolutionary and demographic history, and conversely, how our history has shaped the genetic diversity of people living today. At a time of rapidly increasing ability to sequence huge numbers of genomes such questions play a central role in understanding how genetics impacts individuals' disease risks, how to interpret reported ancestry and family history from direct-to-consumer genotyping kits, and how genetics can (or importantly, cannot) inform descriptions of human diversity and concepts of race. Includes topics of diversity and inclusion in genomics studies, with a focus on the application and limits of results obtained from one group to our understanding of other groups.

ZOOLOGY 425 — BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY

3 credits.

Explore how organisms make decisions and how these decisions affect their survival. These decisions are key aspects of an organism's life, e.g. foraging behavior, mating behavior, anti-predator behavior, and habitat selection. Approaches these questions with the perspective that understanding the proximal and ultimate basis of behavior requires understanding the ecological and evolutionary context of behavior.

ZOOLOGY 430 — COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES

5 credits.

Basic vertebrate anatomical systems and a consideration of variations, using functional embryological and evolutionary approaches. Lab dissection and study of representative vertebrate material.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY  450 — MIDWESTERN ECOLOGICAL ISSUES: A CASE STUDY APPROACH

2 credits.

How ecological principles can be used to address contemporary environmental issues such as water quality, invasive species, and population growth. Emphasis on midwestern issues, practical approaches, the role of history, and geographic context.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​F&W ECOL  460 — GENERAL ECOLOGY

4 credits.

Ecology of individual organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and the biosphere. The interaction of organisms with each other and their physical environment. These relationships are studied, often in quantitative terms, in both field and laboratory settings.

ZOOLOGY 470 — INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT

3 credits.

Introduction to the major features and mechanisms of early embryonic development in animals, including (1) the major stages of early development, (2) how form arises in the embryo (morphogenesis), (3) how differences arise between cells in the embryo, and (4) how specific genes control these processes.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ENTOM  473 — PLANT-INSECT INTERACTIONS

3 credits.

Multiple ways in which arthropods exploit plants, plant traits that deter or augment insects, environmental mediation of these interactions, effects on population dynamics, community ecology and co-evolution, and implications to natural resource management, environmental quality, and sustainable development.

ZOOLOGY 500 — UNDERGRADUATE NEUROBIOLOGY SEMINAR

1 credit.

A wide range of topics in neurobiology research from molecular neurobiology to integrative systems. Topics discussed by invited UW-Madison faculty researchers might include: ion channels and synaptic plasticity, neural development, sensory and cognitive physiology, biological basis of behavioral disorders and cognitive decline.

ZOOLOGY 504 — MODELING ANIMAL LANDSCAPES

3-5 credits.

Use computer and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based modeling to explore how climate, topography, vegetation type, and key animal properties all interact to specify from first principles the energetics and activity constraints of animals on any landscape. Links individual, population and community variables at landscape scales.

ZOOLOGY/​ENVIR ST  510 — ECOLOGY OF FISHES

3 credits.

Interactions of fishes with their physical, chemical, and biotic environment; physiological ecology, community ecology and fisheries sciences. Lake Mendota perch fishery and Shedd Aquarium field trips.

ZOOLOGY/​ENVIR ST  511 — ECOLOGY OF FISHES LAB

2 credits.

Anatomy and taxonomy of Wisconsin fishes and projects in fish ecology.

ZOOLOGY/​AN SCI/​F&W ECOL  520 — ORNITHOLOGY

3 credits.

Introduction to bird biology, ecology, and behavior. Topics include the evolutionary origin of birds and flight, anatomy and physiology, functional morphology, migration, communication, reproductive strategies, ecological adaptations and roles, and biogeographical patterns.

ZOOLOGY/​AN SCI/​F&W ECOL  521 — BIRDS OF SOUTHERN WISCONSIN

3 credits.

Outdoor and indoor labs/lectures emphasizing identification of southern Wisconsin birds by sight and vocalization. Two required Saturday field trips in Southern Wisconsin.

ZOOLOGY/​PSYCH  523 — NEUROBIOLOGY

3 credits.

Basic mechanisms in cellular neurophysiology: electrophysiology and chemistry of nerve signals, mechanisms in integration, simple nervous pathways and their behavioral correlates.

ZOOLOGY 525 — TROPICAL HERPETOLOGY

1 credit.

Introduction to perhaps the least known but most threatened groups of tropical vertebrates, the amphibians and reptiles ("herps"). Focuses on the range of tropical habitats and the amphibians and reptiles to be found there, using the current extinction crisis among these animals as an underlying theme.

ZOOLOGY/​ENTOM  540 — THEORETICAL ECOLOGY

3 credits.

Introduction to theoretical ecology, including hands-on experience in computer modeling.

ZOOLOGY/​GEOSCI  541 — PALEOBIOLOGY

3 credits.

The evolutionary process as interpreted from the fossil record. Topics include: the study of form; tempo and mode of evolution; levels and mechanisms of evolutionary change; extinction in the fossil record; trends and patterns in the history of life; macroevolution.

ZOOLOGY/​GEOSCI  542 — INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY

3 credits.

The evolutionary history, morphology, and ecology of fossil invertebrates. Labs emphasize fossil identification and recognition of basic morphological features.

ZOOLOGY 555 — LABORATORY IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Developmental anatomy and laboratory manipulations of representative animal embryos used extensively for analysis of developmental phenomena (sea urchins, amphibia, annelids, molluscs, ascidians, insects, chicks, fish, mice).

ZOOLOGY/​F&W ECOL/​LAND ARC  565 — PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY

2 credits.

Emphasizes the importance of spatial patterns at broad scales. Concepts and applications are covered.

ZOOLOGY 570 — CELL BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Comprehensive course on modern aspects of cell biology.

ZOOLOGY 603 — ENDOCRINOLOGY

3-4 credits.

An introduction to the role that hormones play in a variety of physiological pocesses and behaviors from a molecular to a systems level. Topics include hormonal involvement in growth, development, homeostasis, reproduction, and behavior, with an emphasis on vertebrate systems.

ZOOLOGY 604 — COMPUTER-BASED GENE AND DISEASE/DISORDER RESEARCH LAB

2 credits.

Learn to navigate open access biological and biomedical databases that include a wealth of information regarding genes, gene expression, gene pathways, behavioral characteristics, and disorders or diseases. This includes extracting information to develop new ideas, and using multiple databases to develop new ideas on which genes may be playing important, but previously underappreciated or unknown roles.

ZOOLOGY 611 — COMPARATIVE AND EVOLUTIONARY PHYSIOLOGY

3 credits.

Examines general physiological principles by comparing taxa from diverse evolutionary histories and ecological adaptations. Examples include adaptation to environments differing in salinity, temperature, altitude, pressure, or pollution, and examines how nervous and endocrine systems evolved to support the adaptations.

ZOOLOGY 612 — COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY

2 credits.

Investigating physiological adaptations in different animals. Design and execute experiments.

ZOOLOGY/​NEURODPT  616 — LAB COURSE IN NEUROBIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

4 credits.

Independent experimental modules exploring neurophysiology and behavior will be completed in groups. Learn techniques and develop investigations into three separate areas of neurobiology.

ZOOLOGY/​ANTHRO/​NTP/​PSYCH  619 — BIOLOGY OF MIND

3 credits.

Origins and structures of mind, brain, and consciousness. Transitions from early mammalian through primate to hominid intelligence. Genetics and plasticity in brain development. Modern studies of human brain mechanisms and consciousness.

ZOOLOGY/​NTP  620 — NEUROETHOLOGY SEMINAR

2 credits.

A group discussion of primary literature articles relevant to the neural basis of behavior with a purpose to understand the neural basis of behavior in animals, to learn to read papers critically and improve discussion leading skills.

ZOOLOGY/​ENTOM/​GENETICS  624 — MOLECULAR ECOLOGY

3 credits.

Basic principles of molecular ecology. Lecture topics include population genetics, molecular phylogenetics, rates and patterns of evolution, genome evolution, and molecular ecology.

ZOOLOGY 625 — DEVELOPMENT OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

2 credits.

Survey of the principles guiding neuronal development. Covers descriptive and experimental analyses of developmental mechanisms underlying the formation of both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ENVIR ST/​F&W ECOL  651 — CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

3 credits.

Application of ecological principles and human dimensions to the conservation of biological diversity. Topics: biodiversity science; conservation planning; population ecology; habitat loss, species exploitation, invasive species, pollution; human attitudes and activities as they affect the biosphere; approaches to monitoring interventions.

ZOOLOGY 655 — MODELING NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISEASE

3 credits.

Systematically explores current animal models of human diseases that affect the central nervous system. Topics will include birth defects that disrupt normal brain architecture (holoprosencephaly and neural tube closure defects), birth defects affecting the visual system, and postnatal disease, e.g. neurodegeneration and stroke.

ZOOLOGY/​F&W ECOL  660 — CLIMATE CHANGE ECOLOGY

3 credits.

The evidence that the Earth's climate is changing at unprecedented rates is now overwhelming. Environmental tipping points are being crossed and many species are adapting or failing to adapt. Climate change poses a significant problem for conserving and managing wildlife and their habitats. Climate change and its ecological impacts will be discussed and analyzed.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​F&W ECOL  672 — HISTORICAL ECOLOGY

2 credits.

Study the importance of past events for current ecosystems. Emphasizes concepts and applications.

ZOOLOGY/​NEURODPT/​PSYCH  674 — BEHAVIORAL NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY SEMINAR

2 credits.

Behavior results from a complex interplay among hormones, the brain, and environmental factors. Behaviors and their underlying neural substrates have evolved in response to specific environmental conditions, resulting in vast species diversity in behavioral and neuroendocrine solutions to environmental problems. Designed to explore the primary literature on the neuroendocrine underpinnings of behavior spanning from feeding to sex differences in complex social behaviors. A range of taxonomic groups will be discussed, including (but not limited to) mammals, birds, and fish.

ZOOLOGY 677 — INTERNSHIP IN ECOLOGY

2 credits.

Provides support and structure for those interested in gaining hands-on experience working as a volunteer with local environmental, ecological or conservation groups.

ZOOLOGY 681 — SENIOR HONORS THESIS

1-6 credits.

Mentored individual research and study for students completing a thesis in an Honors program.

ZOOLOGY 682 — SENIOR HONORS THESIS

1-4 credits.

Mentored individual research and study for students completing a thesis in an Honors program.

ZOOLOGY 691 — SENIOR THESIS

1-6 credits.

Mentored individual research and study for students completing a senior thesis.

ZOOLOGY 692 — SENIOR THESIS

1-4 credits.

Mentored individual research and study for students completing a senior thesis.

ZOOLOGY 698 — DIRECTED STUDY

1-6 credits.

Selected research projects for juniors and seniors.

ZOOLOGY 699 — DIRECTED STUDIES IN ZOOLOGY

1-6 credits.

Selected research projects for juniors and seniors.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY  725 — ECOSYSTEM CONCEPTS

3 credits.

Scope and objectives of ecosystem ecology; roles of theory, long-term studies, comparative studies, and large-scale experiments; scaling problems; ecosystem services and ecological economics; adaptive ecosystem assessment and management.

ZOOLOGY/​ATM OCN/​ENVIR ST/​GEOSCI  750 — PROBLEMS IN OCEANOGRAPHY

3 credits.

Introduction to techniques used in the study of the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of the marine environment.

ZOOLOGY/​NEURODPT/​NTP  765 — DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE

3 credits.

Analysis of neural development with emphasis on experimental approaches. Combination of lectures and discussions of primary literature. Topics include neural induction, patterning, mechanisms of axon guidance, neural crest cell migration and differentiation, cortical development, and synapse formation and elimination.

ZOOLOGY 799 — INDEPENDENT STUDY

1-6 credits.

Advanced topics in zoology explored through individual research projects.

ZOOLOGY 800 — ADVANCED TOPICS IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

1-3 credits.

Various advanced topics in the Biological Sciences

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​ENTOM/​GENETICS  820 — FOUNDATIONS OF EVOLUTION

2 credits.

Explore some of the most important themes and debates that have permeated evolutionary biology over the last 50 years. Read key papers related to each controversial topic, debate the pros and cons of competing viewpoints, and reflect on the relevance of the issue to contemporary evolutionary biology.

ZOOLOGY/​BOTANY/​F&W ECOL  879 — ADVANCED LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY

3 credits.

Emphasizes spatial patterning (its development and importance for ecological processes) and often focuses on large regions. Learn concepts, methods, and applications of landscape ecology.

ZOOLOGY/​ATM OCN/​BOTANY/​CIV ENGR/​ENVIR ST/​GEOSCI  911 — LIMNOLOGY AND MARINE SCIENCE SEMINAR

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY/​AGRONOMY/​ATM OCN/​BOTANY/​ENTOM/​ENVIR ST/​F&W ECOL/​GEOG  953 — INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY RESEARCH AT UW-MADISON

1-2 credits.

Introduces new graduate students to the diversity of ecologists across the UW-Madison campus. Includes discussions of key topics in professional development, research presentations by faculty members, and discussions of assigned papers with senior graduate students.

ZOOLOGY/​AN SCI/​OBS&GYN  954 — SEMINAR IN ENDOCRINOLOGY-REPRODUCTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

0-1 credits.

Promotes scientific and professional development. Presenters develop and deliver research presentations to a scientific audience, field questions, and receive critiques about their presentation style and scientific approach. Additional presentations include professional development, career advancement opportunities, and topics of interest to the endocrinology and reproduction community at large.

ZOOLOGY 955 — SEMINAR-LIMNOLOGY

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY 956 — SEMINAR-ECOLOGY

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY 957 — SEMINAR-EVOLUTION

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY 958 — SEMINAR-BIOPHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY 960 — SEMINAR IN CELLULAR BIOLOGY

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY 962 — SEMINAR-ETHOLOGY

1 credit.

Sections in various fields of zoological research.

ZOOLOGY/​ATM OCN/​BOTANY/​ENVIR ST/​F&W ECOL/​GEOG/​GEOSCI  980 — EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE SEMINAR

1 credit.

Topics in earth system science. Emphasis on the coupling between atmospheric, oceanic and land surface systems, involving physical geochemical and biological processes, and including interactions with human systems.

ZOOLOGY 990 — RESEARCH

1-9 credits.

Advanced research in biology as part of graduate program requirements arranged with mentoring faculty.