Goals for the Zoology Major
Requirements for the Major
Interest Areas within the Major
Directed Study
Senior Thesis
Honors in the Zoology Major and Senior Honors Thesis
Honors in the Liberal Arts
Senior Thesis and Distinction in the Major
Limnology and Marine Science
Courses
145 Noland Hall, 250 North Mills Street, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-1051; fax 262-9083; www.zoology.wisc.edu
Professors Steudel (chair, ksteudel@wisc.edu), Bement, Blair, Carpenter, Dodson, Engels, Hardin, Ives, Jeanne, Karasov, Kirsch, Kitchell, Lindroth, Marler Pawley, Porter, Snowdon, Stretton, Strier, Turner; Associate Professors: Bleiweiss, Gammie, Halloran, Lee, Stanley, Vander Zanden; Assistant Professors Amann, Auger, Berres, Boughman, Currie, Graton, Grinblat, Hawks, Peters, Riters; Adjunct Associate Professor McConnell
Undergraduate advisor in the major: All zoology faculty members serve as undergraduate advisors. Jaime Reich, Student Services Coordinator, jlreich@wisc.edu, 234 Noland Hall, is the primary advisor and can refer students to faculty members in specific areas of zoology. Appointments for general advising and major declarations can be made by contacting the main Zoology office, Room 145 Noland Hall, 262-1051. Students should declare the major no later than the beginning of the junior year.
Undergraduate honors and senior thesis coordinator: Professor Karen Steudel, ksteudel@wisc.edu, 358 Birge Hall, 263-5079
Faculty diversity liaison: Professor Carol Lee, carollee@wisc.edu, 426C Birge Hall, 262-9225
The zoology major is a gateway to the diverse and exciting areas of modern animal biology. This diversity is especially apparent on the Madison campus, where the pursuit of biology is probably more vigorous and varied than at any other institution in the world. The zoology major is flexible, and can be tailored to prepare students for advanced study and careers in many different areas: health professions and public health; law; life sciences research in university, government, and industrial settings; education including museum, nature center, secondary school, and college teaching; biotechnology; environmental studies; and much more.
Specialized preparation is offered in aquatic and terrestrial ecology, systematics, limnology, morphology, molecular biology, cellular biology, developmental biology, genetics, neurobiology, physiology, evolution, and behavior. Several possible areas, emphasizing different interests, are outlined below. They include general biology, population biology, organismal biology, and cellular and molecular biology. Students are encouraged to consult with a department advisor to construct individual programs appropriate to their own needs. The department encourages undergraduate participation in research and offers a limited number of summer research scholarships to outstanding students in the junior year.
The zoology major emphasizes critical thinking and conceptual skills that come from an understanding of how scientific information is obtained and evaluated, and of how this information can be applied to societal issues. The major provides a solid foundation in genetic, cellular, physiological, ecological and evolutionary principles and in the related disciplines of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. As a result, the major fosters an understanding of biological complexity including the interrelationships among humans and natural systems.
The unique characteristics of the zoology major include:
All students must fulfill the L&S requirement of at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major completed in residence. Zoology courses numbered 300-699, and all Biocore courses, count toward this requirement.
Students can satisfy the elementary course requirement by taking one of the following (options a and b are recommended for majors and students intending to do honors in the major):
a. Zoology 151 and 152 (two semesters lecture and lab), 10 credits
b. Biology Core Curriculum (four semesters lecture and lab), 13-18 credits. Requires special application and admission. An application form can be picked up from the Biocore Office between January 20 and February 15 and must be submitted to the Biocore Admissions Committee (345 Noland Hall) by February 15. (Note: Biology Core Curriculum courses, while satisfying the elementary course requirement, are tabulated as intermediate-level courses in the major.)
c. Zoology 101 and 102 (lecture and lab), 5 credits. Botany 130 General Botany, 5 credits, is recommended but not required for students who take Zoology 101 and 102. The five credits of Botany 130 will automatically be applied to the 30 required zoology credits.
The four interest areas outlined below are meant to be a guide to students preparing course programs. These are not lists of requirements. It is not unusual for students to mix courses among the four areas described.
In addition to the courses listed, majors should seriously consider taking organic chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, and statistics as "supporting" courses. Students contemplating graduate work, professional training, or teacher certification are strongly encouraged to seek assistance from advisors when preparing course programs.
This list of potential courses is designed for students who would like a broad general background.
One course each in genetics (466 General Genetics); ecology (460 General Ecology, or 315 Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources and 316 Laboratory for Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources); evolution (410 Evolutionary Biology, 360 Extinction of Species); classification/anatomy (302 Introduction to Entomology, 430 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates, 525 Animal Structural Design); ethology (425 Evolution of Behavior, 335 Human/Animal Relationships); development (470 Introduction to Animal Development); and/or courses in physiology and cell biology to make a total of 30 credits in zoology.
This list of potential courses is designed for students whose biological interests center on interactions among animals, and between animals and their terrestrial or aquatic environment at the population, community, or ecosystem levels. Students preparing themselves for work in ecology, conservation, environmental protection, or marine biology will find appropriate courses listed below. This list is also suitable for those interested in evolution, animal behavior, or limnology.
302 Introduction to Entomology; 315 Limnology— Conservation of Aquatic Resources; 316 Laboratory for Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources; 335 Human/Animal Relationships; 360 Extinction of Species; 410 Evolutionary Biology; 425 Evolution of Behavior; 430 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates; 460 General Ecology; 466 General Genetics; 504 Modeling Animal Landscapes; 510 Ecology of Fishes; 511 Ecology of Fishes Lab; 521 Birds of Southern Wisconsin; 525 Animal Structural Design; 535 Ecosystem Analysis; 540 Theoretical Ecology; 548 Ecology of Rivers and Streams, 550 Animal Communication and the Origins of Language; 565 Principles of Landscape Ecology; 611 Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology; 612 Comparative Physiology Laboratory; 639/640 Capstone Field Biology; 651 Conservation Biology; 677 Internship in Zoology.
This list of courses is designed for students whose interests center on the organism and its function. It is appropriate for students planning to enter medical, veterinary, or dental school, and for those who intend to work in any of the allied health professions. It also provides excellent preparation for branches of ecology, marine biology, and evolution that focus on the adaptation of organisms to their environment.
466 General Genetics; 410 Evolutionary Biology; 460 General Ecology (or other ecology courses with more specific orientations such as 315 Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources and 316 Laboratory for Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources, 504 Modeling Animal Landscapes, 510 Ecology of Fishes and 511 Ecology of Fishes Lab); 470 Introduction to Animal Development; 570 Cell Biology; an anatomy course with field work or lab (302 Introduction to Entomology, 430 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates or 525 Animal Structural Design); 611 Comparative & Evolutionary Physiology and 612 Comparative Physiology Laboratory; 425 Evolution of Behavior; 335 Human/ Animal Relationships; 360 Extinction of Species; 350 Parasitology; 520 Ornithology; 521 Birds of Southern Wisconsin; 523 Neurobiology I; 524 Neurobiology II; 603 Endocrinology; 619 Biology of Mind; 625 Development of the Nervous System; 630 Cellular Signal Transduction Mechanisms; 651 Conservation Biology.
This list of potential courses emphasizes studies of single cells, their behavior, and the behavior of their subcellular components. This is based on the premise that the structure, function, and behavior of complex organisms can be understood by examining their most basic constituents. These courses serve as an excellent introduction to advanced work and research at the molecular and cellular levels in areas such as embryological development, neurobiology, endocrinology, immunology, genetics, genetic engineering, and related biotechnology. This area is also appropriate for students preparing for medical careers.
425 Evolution of Behavior; 410 Evolutionary Biology; 466 General Genetics; 470 Introduction to Animal Development; 523 Neurobiology I; 524 Neurobiology II; 555 Laboratory in Developmental Biology; 570 Cell Biology; 572 Lab in Cell Biology; 603 Endocrinology; 611 and 612 Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology; 619 Biology of Mind; 625 Development of the Nervous System; 630 Cellular Signal Transduction Mechanisms.
For students interested in a short-term undergraduate research experience in a particular area of zoology, the Department of Zoology offers both Directed Study 698 and Directed Studies in Zoology 699. Zoology 699, recommended for juniors and seniors, is graded on an A to F scale. Directed Study 698 is graded on a credit/no credit basis.
Directed study allows students to get experience in any of a wide range of research areas in biology and to learn research techniques that are not easily taught in the classroom. Such experiences allow students to make more informed decisions about their future goals and careers.
Before students can sign up for either Directed Study 698 or 699, they must set up an appointment with a professor/mentor of their choice and work with him or her to: (1) set up the specific number of credits and (2) plan the work required to earn those credits. Such plans can involve reviewing relevant literature in the area, developing a proposal for independent research, and/or conducting an experiment in the mentor's study area.
Students interested in doing in-depth research as undergraduates in an area of interest can elect to do a Senior Honors Thesis or Senior Thesis (see below). Students should contact an advisor at the beginning of the junior year to explore possible research areas.
A maximum of 10 credits of directed study (698, 699), senior thesis (691, 692), or senior honors thesis (681, 682) will count toward the 30 credits required for the major.
Students interested in making a longer-term commitment to a research project may consider undertaking a senior thesis. Students should contact their major advisor during their Junior year to explore possible research areas in zoology.
Zoology Senior Thesis Requirements:
It is recommended that candidates for the Senior Thesis take Directed Study 699 during second semester junior year to prepare for the thesis.
Students expecting to do especially distinguished work, including a research experience, may pursue honors in the zoology major. Such students must have declared the zoology major, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, and complete an L&S Honors in the Major Declaration form no later than the beginning of the junior year (preferably prior to their scheduled enrollment time). Students complete this form in consultation with a department honors advisor (Halloran, Grinblat, or Steudel) or student services coordinator (Reich), then submit the approved honors declaration form to the department student services coordinator in 234 Noland Hall.
The major part of the honors program in zoology is a research project that culminates in a written Senior Honors Thesis approved by the thesis mentor. Students are responsible for arranging with a faculty member to supervise the project but are urged to consult their department honors advisor (Grinblat, Halloran, or Steudel) for guidance in finding faculty appropriate to their interests. Thesis mentors are not restricted to faculty in the Department of Zoology. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities that best suit their individual research interests. They may select research mentors from among research faculty in the entire biological research community on campus.
First-semester juniors participate in Zoology 380 Honors Proseminar (1 credit). In this proseminar, students will explore opportunities for developing a research project in the labs of potential thesis mentors. It is highly recommended that second-semester juniors do a 699 Directed Study course in the lab of their potential thesis mentor. This will allow the student to prepare for the thesis project. Together with the potential thesis mentor, they can also use this time to prepare an application for an undergraduate research award (e.g., Hilldale, Hughes, or Honors).
By the beginning of the senior year, each honors student will develop a written thesis proposal that must first be approved by the thesis mentor and then by the honors coordinator (Steudel). Two semesters of Senior Honors Thesis research (681 and 682, 6-8 total credits) must be taken; the first semester can be done during the summer, especially for students doing field research. Completion of Senior Honors Thesis (682) requires a written thesis approved and graded by the thesis mentor. Honors students also participate in two 1-credit seminars during the senior year, Zoology 679 Thesis Progress Seminar in the first semester and Zoology 680 Honors Seminar in the spring semester.
Students completing the Senior Honors Thesis in an additional biological science major should consult the zoology honors coordinator concerning whether the project may also apply toward zoology honors.
To graduate with Honors in the Zoology Major, students must:
All students must fulfill the L&S requirement of 15 credits of upper-level work in the major in residence. Zoology courses numbered 300-699, and all Biocore courses, count toward this requirement.
It is recommended that candidates for the Senior Honors Thesis take Directed Study 699 during second semester junior year to prepare for the thesis.
The zoology department offers the following courses for Honors in the Liberal Arts:
Zoology 101 Animal Biology, Zoology 151/152 Introductory Biology, Zoology 260 Introductory Ecology, Zoology 504 Modeling Animal Landscapes, Zoology 550 Animal Communication and Origins of Language, and Zoology 639/640 Capstone Field Biology. The Biology Core Curriculum courses can also be applied.
Upon recommendation of the department to the dean, Distinction in the Major is granted at graduation to students not earning Honors in the Major who have done superior work in the major. The specific requirements to earn Distinction in the Zoology Major are outlined below.
Students should contact their major advisor during their Junior year to explore possible research areas in zoology.
To graduate with Distinction in the Zoology Major, students must:
It is recommended that candidates for the Senior Thesis take Directed Study 699 during second semester junior year to prepare for the thesis.
Students interested in limnology and marine science are advised to major in one of the natural sciences (zoology, botany, geology, meteorology, biology). Although the University of Wisconsin-Madison does not offer an undergraduate major in limnology or marine science, several courses in limnology or marine-related subjects are open to undergraduates and are listed under individual departments. Interested undergraduates should also plan on taking courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics. Further information is available to students designing an undergraduate degree through the advisor in the Limnology and Marine Science Graduate Program, and from appropriate faculty in the undergraduate departments.
All classes listed in the course descriptions section will be offered regularly unless otherwise noted. Please check with the department office for information on specific courses.
101 Animal Biology. (Crosslisted with Biology) I, II, SS; 3 cr (B-E). General biological principles. Topics include: evolution, ecology, animal behavior, cell structure and function, genetics and molecular genetics and the physiology of a variety of organ systems emphasizing function in humans. P: Open to Fr. Not for credit for those who have taken Zool 151 or 152 or equiv.
102 Animal Biology Laboratory. (Crosslisted with Biology) I, II, SS; 2 cr (B-E). P: Zool 101 or con reg. Open to Fr.
151 Introductory Biology. (Crosslisted with Botany, Biology) I, II; 5 cr (B-E). First semester of a two semester course designed for majors in biological sciences. Topics include: cell structure and function, cellular metabolism (enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis), information flow (DNA, RNA, protein), principles of genetics and a survey of the five major kingdoms of organisms. P: Open to Fr. HS chem or con reg in coll chem strongly advised. Not for full credit for those who have taken Bot 100, 130; Zool 101, 102, 120; or equiv.
152 Introductory Biology. (Crosslisted with Botany, Biology) I, II; 5 cr (b-B-E). Second semester of a two semester course designed for majors in biological sciences. Continuation of 151. Topics include: a survey of the five major kingdoms of organisms, selected topics in plant and animal physiology, the structure and dynamics of selected ecosystems, speciation and evolutionary theory. P: Botany/Zoology 151. Not for full credit for those who have taken Bot 100, 130; Zool 101, 102, 120; or equiv.
160 Heredity. (Crosslisted with Genetics, Botany) I; 3 cr (B-E). Heredity; genetics for students not specializing in life sciences; principles of heredity; current advances in genetics applied to humans, animals and plants with their impact on life sciences and society. Lectures and discussion. P: Crse open to all So; Open to Fr with cons inst; HS or college crse in biol recommended; not open to pre-med or sci major without cons inst.
198 Directed Study. I, II; 1-3 cr (E). Recommended for Fr and So. P: Written cons inst. Open to Fr.
199 Directed Study. I, II; 1-3 cr (E). Recommended for Fr and So. P: Written cons inst. Open to Fr.
220 Biology and Society. I, II; 3 cr (b-B-E). A Com-B course that helps students evaluate societal problems having significant biological aspects. Three to four books describing such topics are correlated with reading in biology text. Three term paper, 20 pages total. P: Not open to zoology majors. Open to Fr but So st recommended.
260 Introductory Ecology. (Crosslisted with Botany) I, II; 3 cr (B-E). For nonbiology students: the relationships of organisms and the environment. Population dynamics and community organization, human-environment relationships, action programs. P: Open to Fr. Does not count toward Botany or Zoology major.
302 Introduction to Entomology. (Crosslisted with Entom) I, II; 4 cr (B-I). Principles including morphology and classification; a general collection of insects required of each student. P: An elem course in zoology.
315 Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources. (Crosslisted with Envir St) I, SS; 2 cr (B-I). General limnology. Physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes of lakes. Environmental problems and rehabilitation of lakes. P: Intro course in biol; intro course in chem recommended.
316 Laboratory for Limnology—Conservation of Aquatic Resources. I, SS; 2 cr (B-D). Biological, physical, and chemical characteristics and their interrelationships in Wisconsin lakes and streams. P: Zool 315 or con reg.
335 Human/Animal Relationships: Biological and Philosophical Issues. (Crosslisted with Wl Ecol) II; 3 cr (B-I). An interdisciplinary approach to our complex and often contradictory relationships with non-human animals, including information about the nature, needs and behavior of human and non-human animals in relation to our personal and professional interactions with them. P: So st.
350 Parasitology. (Crosslisted with MM&I, Ahabs) II; 3 cr (B-I). General biology, ecology and phylogeny of animal parasites, including those of humans; host-parasite interactions; general epidemiological principles of parasitic infections. P: Intro course in biology, So st.
351 Parasitology Laboratory. (Crosslisted with MM&I, Ahabs) II; 2 cr (B-I). Optional laboratory component of Zoology/Med Micro/Ahabs 350. Emphasis on experiments involving live animal parasites, including: trematodes, tapeworms, gapeworms, hookworm, ascarids, trichina, filaria, trypanosomes, coccidia, and malaria. P: Con reg in Zoology/MM&I/Ahabs 350.
360 Extinction of Species. (Crosslisted with Wl Ecol, Envir St) I, SS; 3 cr (B-I). A comprehensive treatment of the ecology, causes, and consequences of species extinction. Ecology and problems of individual species, habitat alteration and degradation, socio-economic pressures and conservation techniques and strategies. P: So st. An intro biology course strongly recommended.
371 Medical Entomology. (Crosslisted with Entom, Ahabs) Even yrs.; I; 3 cr (B-I). Arthropods of medical and veterinary importance, how they affect their hosts and transmit diseases. P: Intro course in zool or vet sci.
380 Honors Proseminar. I; 1 cr (B-I). Presentation of specific problems illustrative of modern biological investigations, and the methods used in attacking problems. P: Cons inst & 1 sem college zool or biol.
400 Topics in Biology. I, II; 1-3 cr (B-I). Subject matter, credits and prerequisites vary. See Timetable. P: Varies.
410 Evolutionary Biology. (Crosslisted with Anthro, Botany) II; 3 cr (B-I). Evolutionary biology, emphasizing how modern scientists study evolution. Topics include: nature and mechanisms of microevolution, macroevolution, adaptation, speciation; systematics and taxonomy; quantitative genetics and measurement of natural selection; phylogenetic analyses of behavior, physiology, morphology, biochemistry; current controversies in evolution. P: An elem course in zool or botany & So st; Genetics/Botany/Zool 160 or 466 recommended.
425 Evolution of Behavior. I; 3 cr (B-I). How natural, sexual, and kin selection shape animal behavior, including communication, mating, cooperation, parental care, and social behavior. Approaches studied include behavioral genetics, quantitative genetics, optimality and game theory models, the comparative method, and cultural evolution. P: Intro biol (Zool/Botany 151 & 152 or Zool 101 & Botany 130 or Biocore 301 & 302). Evolution, ecology, genetics recommended.
430 Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates. I; 5 cr (B-I). Basic vertebrate anatomical systems and a consideration of variations, using functional embryological and evolutionary approaches. Lab dissection and study of representative vertebrate material. Two evening practical exams. P: Intro crse in zool & So st.
450 Midwestern Ecological Issues: A Case Study Approach. (Crosslisted with Botany) II; 2 cr (B-I). This web course explores how ecological principles can be used to address contemporary environmental issues such as water quality, invasive species, and population growth. Emphasis on midwestern issues, practical approaches, the role of history, and geographic context. P: Intro biology crse, interest in solving problems.
459 Ecological Techniques for Field Monitoring. (Crosslisted with Botany) SS; 1-2 cr (I). Field techniques to inventory and census plant and animal species and ecological processes and how to assemble these into useful databases. Emphasis on 'keystone' and invading exotic species that strongly affect community dynamics. Aimed at science teachers interested in participating in a monitoring network. P: A crse in ecology (e.g. Botany 450, 460), interest in monitoring, & cons inst.
460 General Ecology. (Crosslisted with Botany, Forest) I, II; 4 cr (r-B-I). Ecology of individual organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and the biosphere. The interaction of organisms with each other and their physical environment. These relationships are studied, often in quantitative terms, in both field and laboratory settings; lecture and lab. P: Intro crse in botany & zoology, or Bot/Zoo 151-152, or Biocore 301 or 333; for biol sci majors only.
466 General Genetics. (Crosslisted with Genetics, Botany) I, II, SS; 3 cr (B-I). Genetics in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Includes Mendelian genetics, mapping, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and population genetics. Illustrative material includes viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, and humans. P: Algebra, 1 yr chem & 1 yr biology or cons inst.
470 Introduction to Animal Development. II; 3 cr (B-I). This course introduces students to the major features and mechanisms of early embryonic development in animals, including (1) the major stages of early development, (2) how form arises in the embryo (morphogenesis), (3) how differences arise between cells in the embryo, and (4) how specific genes control these processes. P: Zool 101 or Zool 151/152.
473 Plant-Insect Interactions. (Crosslisted with Entom, Botany) Alt yrs.; II; 3 cr (B-I). Multiple ways in which arthropods exploit plants, plant traits that deter or augment insects, environmental mediation of these interactions, effects on population dynamics, community ecology and co-evolution, and implications to natural resource management, environmental quality, and sustainable development. P: One of the following: Bot/For/Zoo 460, Ent/Pl Path/For 500, Pl Path/Bot 505, Forestry 550, or Entom 342.
504 Modeling Animal Landscapes. Alt yrs.; I; 3-5 cr (B-A). This course uses computer and GIS-based modeling to explore how climate, topography, vegetation type, and key animal properties all interact to specify from first principles the energetics and activity constraints of animals on any landscape. It links individual, population and community variables at landscape scales. P: Jr st.
510 Ecology of Fishes. (Crosslisted with Envir St) II; 3 cr (B-I). Interactions of fishes with their physical, chemical, and biotic environment; physiological ecology, community ecology and fisheries sciences. Lake Mendota perch fishery and Shedd Aquarium field trips. P: 1 yr biol & chem & Jr st.
511 Ecology of Fishes Lab. (Crosslisted with Envir St) II; 2 cr (B-A). Anatomy and taxonomy of Wisconsin fishes and projects in fish ecology. P: Zool 510 or con reg.
520 Ornithology. (Crosslisted with An Sci) II; 3 cr (B-I). Comprehensive introduction to bird biology with emphasis on evolution, ecology, and behavior. Topics include the evolutionary origin of birds and flight, anatomy and physiology, functional morphology, feather structure, flight mechanics, migration, visual and audile communication, and reproductive strategies. P: 2 semesters of biological science.
521 Birds of Southern Wisconsin. (Crosslisted with An Sci) II; 3 cr (B-I). Outdoor labs and indoor lectures emphasizing visual and audile identification of southern Wisconsin birds. Saturday field trips throughout Wisconsin. P: 2 sem of biological sci.
523 Neurobiology. (Crosslisted with Neurosci, Psych) I; 3 cr (B-I). Basic mechanisms in cellular neurophysiology: electrophysiology and chemistry of nerve signals, mechanisms in integration, simple nervous pathways and their behavioral correlates. P: Biocore 323 or Zool 151/152 or Zool 101 plus an additional zool crse & a yr each of chem & physics.
524 Neurobiology II: An Introduction to the Brain and Behavior. (Crosslisted with Neurosci, Psych, Physiol) II; 3 cr (B-I). An introduction to studies of the human nervous system covering neuroanatomy of the brain, neuronal coding, sensory and motor systems, biological rhythms, arousal, attention, physiological regulation, reward, aversion, learning and memory. P: Zool 523, equiv crse in physiol, or cons inst.
525 Animal Structural Design. II; 3 cr (B-D). Analysis of animal structure in terms of design constraints determined by natural selection. Applications of physical principles in understanding animal adaptations are emphasized along with the function of locomotor structures. P: An intermed level crse in biology.
530 Insect Behavior. (Crosslisted with Entom) Odd yrs.; II; 3 cr (A). Comparative behavior of insects. Function and evolution. P: Entom 302 or equiv; Zool 330 or cons inst.
535 Ecosystem Analysis. Even yrs.; II; 3 cr (D). Introduction to current quantitative approaches for analyzing ecosystems. Includes hand-on experience with ecosystem modeling and parameter estimation. P: 1 yr calculus & a majors course in ecology; or Grad st.
540 Theoretical Ecology. (Crosslisted with Entom) Alt yrs.; I; 3 cr (B-D). Introduction to theoretical ecology, including hands-on experience in computer modeling. For students with ecology background; does not require a strong math background. 3-credit option requires project and consent of instructor. P: 1 year calculus, Zoo/Bot 260, Zoo/Bot/For 460 or equiv, & Jr st.
548 Ecology of Rivers and Streams. Alt yrs.; II; 4 cr (B-A). Physical, chemical, and biological processes of streams and rivers. Consideration of scientific aspects of current river management issues. Field and laboratory methods commonly used by stream ecologists and investigation of southern Wisconsin streams and rivers. P: Chem 103, 104 or equiv; Zool 315 or equiv; Zool 460 or equiv strongly recommended.
550 Animal Communication and the Origins of Language. (Crosslisted with Psych) I or II or SS; 3 cr (B-A). Signals, contexts, and mechanism of social communication in animals. Speech and non-verbal communication in human beings and possible arguments for the evolution of speech and language. P: Psych 449 or 450 or Zoology 531 or 532.
555 Laboratory in Developmental Biology. II; 3 cr (B-D). Developmental anatomy and laboratory manipulations of representative animal embryos used extensively for analysis of developmental phenomena (sea urchins, amphibia, annelids, molluscs, ascidians, insects, chicks, fish, mice). P: Prev or con reg in either Zoo 440, 470, 625, or Biocore 333, or cons inst.
565 Principles of Landscape Ecology. (Crosslisted with Forest, Land Arc) Odd yrs.; II; 2 cr (B-D). Landscape ecology emphasizes the importance of spatial patterns at broad scales. Concepts and applications are emphasized, especially for seniors and graduate students in applied natural resource fields. The course is also a prerequisite for Zoology/Forest Ecology 665, Advanced Landscape Ecology. Lecture format with discussion. P: Botany/Zoology/Forest 460, or Forest 550, a crse in stats, & cons inst.
570 Cell Biology. I; 3 cr (B-I). Comprehensive course on modern aspects of cell biology. P: One yr college biol, one yr chem.
572 Laboratory in Cell Biology. II; 3 cr (A). An inquiry-based laboratory employing modern cell and molecular biology techniques. P: Zoology 570 or cons inst.
603 Endocrinology. Even yrs.; I; 3-4 cr (B-A). An introduction to the role that hormones play in a variety of physiological processes and behaviors from a molecular to a systems level. Topics include hormonal involvement in growth, development, homeostasis, reproduction, and behavior, with an emphasis on vertebrate systems. P: Background in biochem & cell-molecular biol recommended, but not required.
611 Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology. II; 3 cr (B-A). Course examines general physiological principles by comparing taxa from diverse evolutionary histories and ecological adaptations. Examples include adaptation to environments differing in salinity, temperature, altitude, pressure, or pollution, and examines how nervous and endocrine systems evolved to support the adaptations. P: Elem crse in Botany or Zoology.
612 Comparative Physiology Laboratory. II; 2 cr (B-A). Recommended for majors. P: Zool 611 or con reg.
619 Biology of Mind. (Crosslisted with Anthro, Neurosci, Psych) I; 3 cr (B-D). Origins and structures of mind, brain, and consciousness. Transitions from early mammalian through primate to hominid intelligence. Genetics and plasticity in brain development. Modern studies of human brain mechanisms and consciousness. P: Jr st; college level elem crse in biology or psych.
625 Development of the Nervous System. Alt yrs.; II; 2 cr (B-D). Survey of the principles guiding neuronal development. Course will cover descriptive and experimental analyses of developmental mechanisms underlying the formation of both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. P: One intermed level crse in biol; background in development & neurobiol recommended.
630 Cellular Signal Transduction Mechanisms. (Crosslisted with Biochem, Phmcol-M) I; 3 cr (B-D). Lecture-discussion. Comprehensive coverage of human hormones, growth factors and other mediators; emphasis on hormone action and biosynthesis, cell biology of hormone-producing cells. P: Intro biochem (Biochem 501 or 507 & 508) & cell biology (Biocore 303 or Zool 570 or Path 750) or cons inst.
635 Neurobiology of Disease. (Crosslisted with Neurosci) Alt yrs.; I; 2 cr (B-A). Seminar course relating major categories of human neurological and ophthalmological disease to fundamental topics in neurobiology. P: Zool/Neurosci 523 & 524 or cons inst.
651 Conservation Biology. (Crosslisted with Botany, Envir St, Wl Ecol) II; 3 cr (r-D). The application of ecological and genetic principles to problems concerning genetic, species, and community diversity. Topics include the hazards of rarity, choice and monitoring of indicator species, population viability analysis, habitat fragmentation, reserve design, and population recovery programs. P: An ecology crse (eg, Botany/Zool 460) and genetics (eg, Genetics/ Zool 466).
677 Internship in Ecology. II; 2 cr (D). A seminar course to provide support and structure for undergraduates interested in gaining hands-on experience working as a volunteer with local environmental, ecological or conservation groups. P: Recommended for Jr & Sr; graded on a letter basis.
679 Thesis Progress Seminar. I; 1 cr (A). Student presentations and interchanges about background, progress and projections with respect to individual student thesis projects. P: Zoology 681/682 or 691/692.
680 Honors Seminar. II; 1 cr (A). Student presentations of thesis work. P: Prev or con reg in Zool 692 or 682 or cons inst.
681 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 1-6 cr (A). Independent research topic selected, if possible, before the close of the junior year. P: Sr st.
682 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 1-4 cr (A). Continuation of 681. P: Sr st and reg in Zool 680, sem II required in concurrent or following semester.
691 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 1-6 cr (A). Independent research topic selected, if possible, before the close of the junior year. P: Sr st.
692 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 1-4 cr (B-A). Continuation of 691. P: Sr st and reg in Zool 680, sem II required in concurrent or following semester.
698 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-6 cr (A). Selected research projects. Recommended for Jr and Sr. P: Requires written cons inst.
699 Directed Studies in Zoology. I, II, SS; 1-6 cr (A). Selected research projects. Recommended for Jr and Sr. P: Recommended for Jr & Sr; graded on a lettered basis; requires written cons inst.