Understanding the diversity of vertebrates and invertebrates
We share planet Earth with 30 million other animal species, and virtually nothing is known about most. Zoology is the study of the structure, function and ecology of vertebrates and invertebrates.
What's Unique?
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The Honours B.Sc. major in Zoology is the most flexible animal major offered within the Department of Integrative Biology. Gain deeper insight into the diversification of life through a broad foundation in ecology, evolution, structure and function of vertebrates and invertebrate. Participate in a field course, international exchange, or research project, and contribute to our knowledge of the animal kingdom.
Hear about undergraduate research being conducted at the University of Guelph.
Program Details
This major provides you with a broad grounding in animal biology, with courses in physiology, ecology, evolution, and structure and function of invertebrates and vertebrates. In your third and fourth years, there are opportunities to choose elective courses that suit your areas of interest including mammalogy, ornithology and herpetology. You will also have the opportunity to complete a research or field course. Students have participated in field courses on both coasts of Canada, in Algonquin Park or the Churchill area, as well as Australia, Argentina, Iceland and Costa Rica.
- Animal Behaviour
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Populations, Communities and Ecosystems
- Lab Studies in Animal Physiology
View full courselist [1]
Admission Requirements
~80-83%* average
- 12U English
- Advanced Functions
- 2 courses from: 12U Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- 2 additional 12U or M courses
All three sciences are recommended
*Please note that admission cut-offs stated above is an approximate based on previous years applicant pool. This cut-off range will vary from year-to-year and can be higher or lower based on the applicant pool. Meeting the minimum average does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admissions averages are calculated using the six required courses.
You can expect to learn how to:
- Recognize the relationships between structure and function at different levels of biological organization (e.g., molecules, cells, organs, organisms, populations, species) for the major groups of animals.
- Characterize the biological, chemical, and physical features of environments (e.g., terrestrial, freshwater, marine, host) that animals inhabit.
- Explain how animals function and interact with respect to biological, chemical, and physical processes in natural and impacted environments. Collect and assemble biological data and apply mathematical and statistical methods to the interpretation of data to address questions in zoology.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding and appreciation of living animals and specimens in field and/or laboratory settings through “hands on” experience
Career Options
Practical experience gained in lab including species identification and classification and field and research courses, combined with knowledge of strategies for conservation at the individual, population and community levels will broaden future opportunities in this field.
What our Alumni are working as:
Aquatic Scientist | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Stewardship Officer | Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change
Consultation Biologist | Environment Canada
College of Biological Science
Zoology is supported by the College of Biological Science.
Explore CBS [2]
Research & Faculty
Find out more about the research and faculty involved in the Zoology major.
View Faculty [3]
Course List
A complete listing of all courses required for this major can be found in the Schedule of Studies [4] located in the undergraduate calendar.
View courses [1]