Independent Study

In addition to formal courses, students may study zoology for college credit under faculty supervision outside of the classroom. The following three courses allow students to perform undergraduate research by studying material that is not covered in traditional courses or delving more deeply into a certain area of interest.

Problems in Zoology (Zool 4800) is for students desiring to conduct small-scale field or laboratory research projects. Students anticipating such projects should contact the faculty member whose own interests most closely encompass what the student is considering (click here for faculty interests). Students should confer with the faculty member that they desire to work with during the quarter before they enroll for problems credit. Credit ranges from 1-4 hours for this course depending upon the scale of the problem considered. Students often obtain credit in Zool 4800 while assisting a faculty member with his/her research.

Readings in Zoology (Zool 4830) is similar to Zool 4800 except that the approach is to investigate a subject via library readings instead of through original research. Enrollment in Zool 4830 is similar to Zool 4800--students arrange to work closely with one faculty member. Credit can vary from 1-4 hours. Note: Not more than 4 hours of 4800 and 4830 combined may count toward the zoology major.

Thesis (4970) This course provides an opportunity for research of longer duration (normally three quarters) and in greater depth than that undertaken in Zool 4800. Students should select a thesis topic and faculty advisor during the junior year or before. The faculty advisor will direct the student in selecting a committee, defining the problem, conducting the research, and reporting the results. Registration for thesis credit will occur in the final quarter of the senior year. Credit is two hours.