Introduction
Advisors: Dr. Lynn Haugen, Dr. William ‘Bill’ Norris, and Dr. Manda Jost
The Zoology degree consists of lower division preparatory courses in Animal Form Function & Diversity, Plant Form Function & Diversity, and Introductory Cell & Molecular Biology together with specialized upper division core courses in Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Zoology. Extensive laboratory and field components provide practical, hands-on experiences that emphasize quantitative approaches. Students also have access to the research collections of plant and animal groups in the Gila Center for Natural History, Department of Natural Sciences.
Elective courses allow students to prepare for post-graduate training in animal ecology, field biology, wildlife biology, and environmental science, a secondary teaching credential, or admission to medical, dental, and veterinary schools. Near the WNMU campus a wide variety of ecological settings serve as “natural laboratories” for field oriented classes and provide opportunities for ecological investigation. These include Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert ecosystems, desert and montane grasslands, and montane forest communities. The Gila National Forest, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness area, and the Gila River riparian ecosystem are but a short drive from the Silver City campus and provide opportunity for ecological research. Due to the campus’ proximity to Mexico, faculty and students also have the opportunity to conduct field studies in nearby Sonora, Mexico.
Bachelor of Science in Zoology - Learning Outcomes
Students are able to comprehend, apply, analyze, and synthesize the following core concepts in zoology:
- Evolution.
- Biodiversity
- Structure and function.
- Information flow, exchange, and storage.
- Pathways and transformations of energy and matter.
- Systems.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific process.
- Understand the defining characteristics of the process of science.
- Apply the methods of scientific inquiry.
- Develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
- Demonstrate proper and safe field and laboratory practices including the proper use of equipment and the ability to use basic field and lab techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ modern library search tools to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
Students will be able to reason quantitatively.
- Understand common quantitative approaches in zoology.
- Evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method.
- Interpret and act on quantitative data from a variety of sources.
- Understand the role of uncertainty in science.
- Evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science.
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate within and outside the field of biology.
- Communicate concepts through peer interactions and collaboration.
- Communicate science through written, visual, and oral methods.
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of science.
Students will understand the relationship between science and society.
- Explain the historical context of zoological discoveries.
- Evaluate the impact of science on society.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of science.
- Explain why science is integral for addressing social and environmental problems.
- Explore how science is applied in a social context.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake careers in zoology or to gain admittance to graduate or professional schools.
Core Courses
Please see the official degree plan for additional details.
CHEM 151/153. General Chemistry I & lab. Introductory course in chemistry; three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: MATH 131 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). (NMCCN CHEM 1213/1211)(Area III). (4)
CHEM 152/154. General Chemistry II & lab. Second introductory course in chemistry; three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 151/153. (NMCCN CHEM 1223/1221)(Area III). (4)
BIOL 202/203 Majors I: Plant Form, Function and Diversity. Introduction to plant biology: summarizes the major disciplines of botany and includes study of the more important plant groups: three lectures and one laboratory period per week. This course, BIOL 204, and BIOL 206 constitute the prerequisite for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204 and 206 can be taken in any order. (NMCCN BIOL 1213/1211) (Area III). (4)
BIOL 204/205 Majors II. Animal Form, Function and Diversity. Introductory biology covering biological macromolecules, ecology, evolution, systematics, phylogeny, developmental biology, and a survey of major animal groups; three lectures and one two-hour laboratory a week. This course, BIOL 202, and BIOL 206 constitute the prerequisite for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204, and 206 can be taken in any order. (NMCCN BIOL 1223/1221)(Area III). (4)
BIOL 206/207 Majors III: Intro Cell Biology & lab. Introductory biology for majors covering biological molecules, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell form and function, cellular metabolism and mechanisms of heredity; three lectures and one two-hour laboratory a week. This course, BIOL 202 and 204 constitute the prerequisites for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204, and 206 can be taken in any order. (4)
BIOL 301/303 Ecology & lab. The study of the interactions between organisms, their abiotic environment, and other biotic components of natural systems; the structure and function of biotic communities and ecosystems; three lectures and one laboratory or field period per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, and ENGL 102. Offered every Spring. (4)
BIOL 310/312 Invertebrate Zoology & lab. Systematic study of invertebrate groups including taxonomy, ecology, anatomy reproduction and natural history of invertebrates; three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 204/205 and ENGL 102.Offered alternate years. (4)
BIOL 311/313 Vertebrate Zoology & lab. Study of vertebrate animals, their evolution, morphology, and ecology: three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 204/205 and ENGL 102. Offered every Fall. (4)
BIOL 320. Animal Behavioral Ecology. Focuses on proximate and ultimate explanations for the diversity of behaviors exhibited by animals. Evolutionary consequences of behaviors are evaluated as hypotheses within an ecological context. Prerequisites: BIOL 204/205 and ENGL 102. Offered alternate years. (3)
BIOL 366/368 Genetics & lab. Methods and results of the transmission of hereditary characteristics; three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, 206/207, and ENGL 102. (4)
BIOL 342. Comparative Physiology. Processes and functions related to the activities of plants and animals; encompasses all levels of organization from cell level to the entire organism; three lectures per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 202/203, and 204/205, and ENGL 102. Offered alternate years. (3)
BIOL 415/417. Ichtyology & lab. The study of cartilaginous (Chondrichthyes) and bony (Osteichethyes) fishes will review the evolutionary history, phylogenetic relationships, global diversity, life histories, general ecology, and biology of these successful vertebrates. The conservation of these groups in light of increasing human pressure for food and water will be explored. Laboratory exercises will focus on the anatomy, identification, ecology, and conservation status of regional fish faunas; three lectures and one laboratory per week with at least one required week-end field trip. Prerequisites: BIOL 205/207, 311/313, and ENGL 102. (4)
BIOL 422. Evolution. The study of changes in natural populations of organisms and the dynamics underlying those changes. Evolutionary processes including mutation, genetic recombination, natural selection, migration, and genetic drift are reviewed, as well as their microevolutionary and macroevolutionary consequences; three lectures or discussion periods per week. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 and 15 credit hours of biology including BIOL 366.Offered alternate years. (3)
BIOL 432. Biogeography. An overview of the planet Earth. Studies of plant and animal distribution are based upon ecological, evolutionary, and physical factors. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 and 12 credit hours of biology. Offered alternate years. (3)
BIOL 442/443. Ornithology & lab. Introductory scientific study of birds, with emphasis on North American species; three lectures and one laboratory period per week; two Saturday field trips required. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, BIOL 204, BIOL 311, and ENGL 102, or Instructor permission. Offered alternate years. (4)
BIOL 448/449. Herpetology & lab. The study of amphibians and reptiles will review the evolutionary history, phylogenetic relationships, global diversity, life history, and general biology of these important groups. Laboratory will focus on the identification of the regional herpetofauna; three lectures and one laboratory per week with at least one required weekend field trip. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, BIOL 204, BIOL 311, and ENGL 102, or Instructor permission. Offered alternate years. (4)
BIOL 451/453. Mammalogy & lab. The study of fur-bearing animals, including their structure, behavior, life histories, and taxonomic relationship; three lectures and one laboratory period per week; one weekend field trip required. Prerequisite: BIOL 202/203, 204/205, 311/313, ENGL 102, or Instructor permission. Offered alternate years. (4)
BIOL 457/459. Entomology & lab. An introduction to the biology, classification, ecology, and evolution of insects, with emphasis on the roles insects play in global ecosystems and human affairs. Entomology has applications in fields of ecology, medicine, agriculture, forestry, and conservation, and is a suitable course for students pursuing careers in those areas. Offered alternate years. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: BIOL 204/205, 206/207, and ENGL 102. (4)
BIOL 462/464. Comparative Chordate Anatomy & lab. Derivation and descriptive morphology of the major organ systems of chordate animals; three lectures and two laboratory periods per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 204, BIOL 311 recommended, and ENGL 102.Offered alternate years. (5)
BIOL 486. Senior Project. Individually tailored research course involving a synthesis of biology disciplines and requiring use of data gathering principles and library facilities. All students must take an appropriate biology exit exam by the eighth week of the semester to receive a grade. Required of all senior students majoring in biology, botany, or zoology. Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: ENGL 102. (2)
Degree Plans
Advisor Contact
Dr. Lynn Haugen
Email: lhaugen@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 143
Office phone: 538-6202
Dr. Bill Norris
Email: norrisw@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 142
Office phone: 538-6625
Dr. Manda Jost
Email: jostm@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 109/110
Office phone: 538-6550