Zoology
College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences
Zoology is the study of animals: invertebrates and vertebrates — including human beings! Students learn about animals at molecular, cellular, organ, and whole animal levels. Our students study the evolution of animals, their behavior, and their ecology and engage in solving critical problems through research.
Zoology at UMaine offers students a diverse set of courses, allowing them to tailor the program to their interests within all major areas of biology. As a result, students can focus on topics as diverse as medical physiology, animal behavior, insects as vectors of disease, and field ecology all within the same program, with each student graduating as a well-rounded zoologist.
We offer both B.S. and B.A. degree options. Students can choose the basic program in zoology or add a concentration in ecology or pre-medical studies. We also offer a minor in neuroscience. Interested students can include independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor in their program. The B.S. program has greater focus on organic chemistry, physics, and math, preparing students for careers in human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, scientific research and development, public health, conservation biology, and natural resource management. The B.A. program in zoology has greater flexibility to pair with a minor or second major, and solidly prepares students for careers such as educators, artists, writers, lawyers, economists, public policy makers, politicians, and entrepreneurs.
The University of Maine is the ideal place to study zoology. We have well-equipped teaching laboratories and easy access to nearby forests, fields, streams, ponds and wetlands — the ultimate outdoor classroom!
Many of our courses incorporate active learning techniques, which research shows improves student learning, performance, and persistence. Our introductory lab courses are inquiry-based, giving students the skills to ask their own scientific questions, and design and carry out experiments to find answers; to actually be scientists from their very first day.
Our zoology faculty have active, cutting-edge research programs providing students opportunities to participate in projects such as insect ecology, disease ecology, population and conservation genetics, hibernation and animal location. With UMaine’s three-fold mission in education, research, and service, undergraduate students find many opportunities to engage in projects of real importance to our world while preparing for careers, graduate studies, or professional school.
Ann Dieffenbacher-Krall
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Murray Hall, Room 100
207.581.2540 | annd@maine.edu
Zoology
College of Earth, Health, and Life Sciences
Murray Hall, Room 100
207.581.2540
Schoodic Experience
The Schoodic Experience for incoming first year students takes place at the Schoodic Institute in Acadia National Park, the week before classes start. Incoming students spend three days with other School of Biology and Ecology first-year students, advisors, and professors viewing living species in a variety of habitats, and enjoying recreation in a beautiful setting.