Zoology Major at Ohio State University
Zoology is the study of all animals, ranging from single-celled
animals (protozoans) to birds and mammals (vertebrates). The
zoology major is housed in the Department of Evolution, Ecology
and Organismal Biology, which offers courses in the major animal
groups such as invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals, as well
as courses in physiology, ecology, behavior, aquatic biology, and
evolution.
Pursuing Zoology at Ohio State
Students interested in majoring in zoology should have a good
background in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and skills
in written and verbal communication. Students with such a
background and skills will find it much easier to complete the
college-level courses in the physical and biological sciences
required for the zoology major.
All Ohio State freshman applicants are considered within a
competitive admission process for the Columbus campus.
The primary criteria for admission are the completion of the
applicant’s high school college preparatory program, performance
in that program as indicated by class rank and/or grade-point
average, and performance on either the ACT or SAT. Students
interested in majoring in zoology should contact the coordinating
advisor of the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal
Biology. The department’s coordinating advisor will explain
the requirements for a zoology major and discuss career plans
and goals with the student. A member of the faculty will then
be assigned as the student’s major advisor. The student then
meets with the advisor to develop a major program based on the
student’s career plans and goals.
Zoology Requirements
A major in zoology requires preparation in chemistry, physics,
math, and biology. The chemistry requirement includes general
and organic chemistry. Two quarters of physics, math through
calculus, and two quarters of introductory biology are required.
The zoology major requires that students complete five core
courses in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal
Biology; the core includes courses in evolution, animal diversity
and systematics, ecology, animal form and function, and cellular
and developmental biology. Some of the core courses are
accompanied by a laboratory. A course in molecular genetics is
also required. The remainder of the 45 credit hours needed for
the zoology major includes additional zoology courses, and can
include courses in related areas (e.g., microbiology, molecular
genetics, plant biology, entomology, etc.) that must be approved
by the student’s major advisor.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
No other learning experience can match the value of a “handson”
research project. Students in the College of Biological
Sciences are encouraged to engage in meaningful undergraduate
research opportunities. Such opportunities allow students to
develop their scientific curiosity, and to discover whether a
career in research is a good fit. Information about choosing
an undergraduate research laboratory and faculty research
interests is available on the Department of Evolution, Ecology and
Organismal Biology web page and on the College of Biological
Sciences web page at www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/
undergrad-research.php.
The Zoology Club and a College of Biological Sciences honorary
student organization enhance learning opportunities and the
quality of the undergraduate experience for zoology students.
These clubs provide opportunities for students to interact with
faculty, discuss careers and research areas with scientists from
the Ohio State campus and beyond, and participate in service
activities.
Zoology students may take courses at Ohio State University’s
“Island Campus,” Stone Laboratory. Located on Gibraltar Island
in Put-in-Bay harbor on Lake Erie, this freshwater biological field
station and research laboratory offers introductory and upperlevel
courses suitable for undergraduate students in biological
sciences.
Honors & Scholars Programs
The Honors Program in the Colleges of the Arts and Sciences
provides high-ability students opportunities to pursue challenging
academic programs. Honors students in zoology are encouraged
to meet with their faculty advisor on a regular basis and to
construct an enhanced curriculum that includes honors courses,
upper-division courses to meet general requirements, rigorous
sequences, honors seminars, and a strong major, including a
significant research experience.
The Ohio State Scholars Programs feature residential
communities for students who share academic interests and
career goals. Two of the Scholars programs of interest to zoology
students are the Biological Sciences and Health Sciences
Scholars Programs. The Biological Sciences Scholars Program
emphasizes research, with individualized advising and significant
lab and field experience. The Health Sciences Scholars Program is
focused on preparing students for careers in health sciences and
health care.