Vertebrate Zoology Pathway

Biological Sciences

Vertebrate Zoology Pathway

The Vertebrate Zoology Pathway is a suggested curriculum for students interested in studying the biology of vertebrates, and which can lead to careers in the following areas (Please click on the links below which provide additional information regarding the appropriate training leading to occupational opportunities in these fields) :

Students may choose to complete either a standard 36 hour major with a minor in another field, or a 50 credit hour concentration without a minor.

The following courses offered by the Department of Biological Sciences are suggested by the faculty for those students whose interests are focused on studying the biology of vertebrates.

A course is required in each of the menu areas below for the major, but multiple suggestions are offered to reflect the diversity of appropriate courses made available to students by the department.

Biodiversity menu suggestions

  • BIOL 3410 - Vertebrate Zoology (4 credits) - fall semester
  • BIOL 4467 - Ichthyology (3 credits) – spring odd years
  • BIOL 4477 - Ornithology (4 credits) – spring semester

Organismal menu suggestions

  • BIOL 3220 - Comparative Anatomy (4 credits) – fall, odd years
  • BIOL 3230 - Vertebrate Embryology (4 credits) – spring semester

Population menu suggestions

  • BIOL 3350 - Ecology (4 credits) – fall and spring semester
  • BIOL 4360 - Evolution (3 credits) - spring semester

Molecular menu suggestions

  • BIOL 3150 - Cell Biology (3 credits) - every semester
  • BIOL 3151 - Cell Biology Lab (2 credits) - every semester
  • BIOL 4147 - Biochemistry of Macromolecules (3 credits) – spring semester
  • BIOL 4157 - Biochemistry of Macromolecules Lab (2 credits) – spring semester

Electives suggestions

  • BIOL 3260 - Animal Physiology (4 credits)—spring semester
  • BIOL 4257 - Appalachian Fauna  (3 credits) summer
  • BIOL 4357 - Ethology (4 credits)—spring, even years
  • BIOL 4367 - Modeling Biological Systems (3) - fall semester
  • BIOL 4597 - Recombinant DNA Laboratory (3 credits) – spring semester
  • BIOL 4647 - Molecular Biology (3 credits) – fall semester
  • BIOL 4737 - Conservation Biology (4 credits) – fall, even years
  • BIOL 4747 - Population Genetics (4 credits) – fall, odd years
  • BIOL 4900 - Independent Study (1-4 credits) - every semester
  • BIOL 4910 - Research in Biology (1-4 credits) - every semester