Zoologists are experts in how animals behave, adapt, reproduce, evolve and interact with their ecological niche. The incredible biodiversity of terrestrial and aquatic animal species in Florida makes it a great location for studying zoology year-around. Many accredited colleges in Florida offer a zoology major or specialized curriculum for students interested in researching animal populations in their natural habitats. Training in zoology prepares you for graduate study or entry-level jobs in zoological parks, nature centers, government agencies and environmental consulting businesses.
University of Florida
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers a comprehensive major in zoology and opportunities to conduct research with distinguished professors. In addition to general education classes, majors must complete 32 credits of approved science courses along with chemistry, physics and advanced math. To fulfill the zoology major, students study genetics, evolutionary biology, vertebrate anatomy, marine biology, avian biology and technical writing for the sciences. Research experience is strongly encouraged to help students learn how to apply classroom knowledge to real-world conservation questions and environmental issues.
Florida State University
Florida State University at Tallahassee offers a 38-credit biology major with an optional zoology track. Examples of recommended classes within the track include conservation biology, marine biology, insect biology, ecology, vertebrate anatomy and physiology, animal behavior and invertebrate zoology. Faculty members offer expertise in areas such as herpetology, population biology, evolutionary genetics and roles of predators in the food chain. Abundant research opportunities exist at nearby locations, such as the FSU Marine Laboratory, the local Museum of History and the Tall Timbers Research Station.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, Christian school in West Palm Beach that offers a biology major with a zoology concentration. Students interested in a zoology career complete 43 credits of general education, six credits of math, eight credits of chemistry and 47 science credits. Students pursuing a zoology concentration take classes such as cell biology, vertebrate anatomy and embryology, genetics and field biology. Natural history classes focus on the Everglades and the Galapagos Islands. Class sizes are small and professors are readily available to assist students with research projects.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida at Tampa offers majors in integrated animal biology and marine biology. Both majors require general education classes along with foundation courses in chemistry, physics, advanced math, biodiversity, ecology and genetics. The 24-credit integrated animal biology curriculum includes courses such as invertebrate biology, animal behavior, advanced invertebrate zoology, vertebrate natural history and vertebrate anatomy. Marine biology majors also take some courses in zoology, but concentrate on animals in the ocean. Faculty invite highly qualified students to work on research projects done in partnership with such organizations as NASA, Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Walt Disney World.
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References
- Big Future by the College Board: Major: Zoology
- O*Net OnLine: Summary Report for: 19-1023.00 - Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- University of Florida: Zoology
- University of Florida: Biological Sciences Courses
- Florida State University: Department of Biology: Explanation of Academic Tracks in the Biological Science Major
- Florida State University: Zoology
- Palm Beach Atlantic University: Biology: Concentration in Zoology
- Palm Beach Atlantic University: Biology: Concentration in Zoology, B.S.
- University of Southern Florida: Bachelor of Science in Biology
- University of Southern Florida: Biology BS: Integrative Animal Biology Major – 2013/2014 Catalog
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