Zoology, B.S.

Visit the Biology Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

Zoology is the study of animals, the most diverse group of organisms on Earth. The field of Zoology includes the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and distribution of all animals, both living and extinct, and how they interact with their ecosystems. This curriculum will allow students to examine the diversity, anatomy, physiology, evolution, behavior, and ecology of animals while also giving students a strong background in the fundamentals of biological science. A degree in Zoology can open the door to a wide variety of careers in different industries. Studying Zoology will prepare students for veterinary, dental, or graduate school, and provides them with highly employable career options in animal care (e.g. aquaria, zoos, aviaries), wildlife biology, conservation, and government agencies. A degree in Zoology allows students to easily enter the workforce or continue to a professional or graduate program.

Matriculation Requirements

BIOL 1610 College Biology I or BIOL 1610H College Biology I with C- or higher and approval of Biology Department advisor.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester credits.
2. If an AA or AS degree has been earned, a maximum of 64 of these credits may apply toward the BS.
3. At least 30 credit hours in residence at UVU or satellite sites are required, with 10 hours earned during the last 45 hours.
4. A minimum of 40 credits must be upper-division (numbered 3000 or above).
5. A minimum of 40 credits must be in the Biology Department (BIOL, BOT, BTEC, MICR, or ZOOL prefixes), 30 of which must be upper-division. A minimum of nine Department credits must be taken at UVU.
6. Except for 4900R Special Topics courses, a maximum cumulative total of 13 credits in any combination of upper division Departmental courses with an "R" designation may count toward graduation.
7. Complete Biology Department core courses with a grade of "C-" or higher in each course.
8. Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 with a minimum GPA of 2.25 in biology department courses.
9. Complete the appropriate application for graduation form.
10. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course (e.g. PHIL 2050G).
11. Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched (WE) courses.

12. Complete Departmental Assessment conducted by the Dept. of Biology Assessment Coordinator.

13. Complete an exit survey administered by the Biology Department.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the process of science through the use of hypothesis testing in the design and completion of scientific experiments
2. Critically evaluate scientific information
3. Quantitatively analyze scientific data through graph interpretation, statistical analysis, and problem solving
4. Effectively communicate scientific information in both written and oral formats
5. Explain fundamental zoological concepts including cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecological principles, organismal biology, and biodiversity