COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Zoology at UNH requires students to complete a structured set of core science courses along with zoology electives that together provide a strong foundation in animal biology, evolution, physiology, ecology, and scientific analysis. Students must earn at least a C- in most courses, with a minimum grade of D- allowed only in foundational chemistry (CHEM 411), physics (PHYS 401), and certain mathematics or statistics courses if taken. The curriculum begins with core introductory biology courses such as BIOL 411 (Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular) and BIOL 412 (Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology), which establish essential biological principles. Students also complete key supporting science courses including biostatistics, ecology (BIOL 541W), biochemistry (BMCB 501), genetics (ANSC 612 or GEN 604), chemistry, and physics, ensuring a broad scientific background across multiple disciplines. Advanced zoology-focused coursework includes classes such as ZOOL 518 (Comparative Morphology and Biology of Vertebrates), ZOOL 625 (Animal Physiology), and ZOOL 690 (Evolution), along with a professional perspectives seminar and a capstone companion course that integrates learning across the major. In addition, students select from animal survey courses covering diverse groups such as mammals, birds, insects, fish, amphibians, and marine invertebrates, allowing specialization in specific areas of interest. The program also requires two additional elective courses from a wide list that may include topics like animal behavior, marine biology, conservation, physiology, ecology, and genetics, with opportunities for field-based or research-intensive experiences. Students may also engage in independent research, teaching experiences, or honors thesis work, which can sometimes substitute for an elective with advisor approval. A foreign language requirement is included in place of one advanced elective, encouraging broader academic development. Overall, the zoology major is designed to provide both depth and flexibility, preparing students for careers or graduate study in biology, wildlife conservation, veterinary sciences, environmental research, education, and other life science fields through a strong combination of laboratory training, field experience, and interdisciplinary scientific study.