Majors: Zoology
Zoologists study animals - their origin, behavior, diseases, and life processes. Some experiment
with live animals in controlled or natural surroundings while others study the structure and
function of animal cells, tissues, and organ systems. Some zoologists go on to study veterinary
medicine.Zoologists participate in research that has practical outcomes in farming, medicine, pharmacy, wildlife conservation, and pest control. Zoology encompasses many specialties. At Colorado State, students may focus on general training in animal biology or concentration in the following areas: animal behavior, development, aquatic biology, ecology (how animals adapt to their environments), genetics and evolution, invertebrate organisms, cellular/ molecular biology and physiology, systematics, and morphology of vertebrate organisms.
The curriculum is designed to provide a basic understanding of zoology through a variety of laboratory experiences in combination with the study of basic theories and defining concepts. The program encourages flexibility, strength, and depth. The course work includes a two-semester introductory biology sequence, one course each in invertebrates and vertebrates, and courses in evolution and ecology. Required courses in the physical sciences include a minimum of one year of introductory chemistry and at least one course in organic chemistry, two courses in physics, and one in biochemistry, including labs in each. A calculus and statistics course is also required. In addition, students select a minimum of 16 credits of zoology courses in their chosen areas of concentration.
Students will:
- Interpret scientific data
- Demonstrate strong organizational and laboratory skills
- Define scientific hypotheses and design experiments to test them
- Work effectively in groups
- Demonstrate strong writing and oral communication skills
This major prepares students to work in various areas of zoology, such as research or private industry, or to begin graduate school or professional studies. Career opportunities include medical biotechnology, research technician, protective agencies such as shelters and refuges, trainers and handlers, animal-related business, aquatic/marine biologists, exotic animal specialists, and wildlife conservation. It is an appropriate major for students planning to attend medical or veterinary school. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees to carry out basic research or advance into leadership positions in industry. Participation in internships, laboratory, or research opportunities is highly recommended encouraged by the department to enhance practical training and development.
Careers for zoology majors include, but are not limited to: aquarium and museum curator/director; zoo keeper; animal trainer and instructor; science librarian; environmental technician; fish and wildlife technician; veterinary technician/assistant; marine bacteriologist, biologist, or ecologist; humane society positions; cytotechnologist; ecologist; fisheries biologist or conservationist; laboratory technician; marketing researcher; medical technologist; park ranger; pharmaceutical sales representative; production supervisor; quality analysis technician in food or pharmaceutical industry; radiation protection technician; research technician; industrial hygienist; wildlife photographer.
If you have any career-related questions or if you would just like to get an idea of whether or not you are in the correct major, please contact Judy Brobst at Judy.Brobst@colostate.edu .