Zoology Courses | 2025-2026 Academic Catalog | SIU

(Same as PLB 115) (University Core Curriculum) [IAI Course: L1 900L] Introduction to fundamental biological concepts for non-life science majors interested in learning about interrelationships of human, plant and animal communities. Integrated lecture and laboratory cover topics that include structure and function of living systems, reproduction and inheritance, evolution, biological diversity and environmental biology. Laboratory applies scientific methods to the study of living systems. Laboratory/field trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

(University Core Curriculum course) [IAI Course: L1 902L] Introduction to the basic concepts of animal biology including chemical organization of protoplasm; organization of matter into cells, tissues, organs and organ systems; classification and distribution of animals; ecology; heredity and organic evolution; economic biology and conservation, and animal behavior. Credit may not be used toward a major in zoology. Three lecturers and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: high school biology. Laboratory fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 4

Development of the skills and background knowledge required to be a modern zoologist. Students will receive an orientation to the Zoology Department and the requirements of their major, be assigned a faculty advisor, introduced to philosophy of science, critical thinking, and scientific literature, and learn the basics of scientific writing and oral presentation. One meeting per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 and BIOL 212, or BIOL 211 and BIOL 213, or BIOL 212 and BIOL 213, with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 1

(University Core Curriculum course) Diversity and taxonomy of animals, emphasizing structure, function, life cycles, behavior, and phylogeny. Three lectures and two two-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 212 and BIOL 213 with grades of C- or better. Laboratory/field trip fee: $40.

Credit Hours: 5

(University Core Curriculum) [IAI Course: L1 905] This course adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the study of conservation of natural resources. It integrates environmental science and environmental economics. By examining the costs and benefits of resource consumption, we will attempt to determine the socially optimal level of resource utilization. We will look at ways in which governments attempt to achieve socially optimal resource use, and the effects of these government policies on the environment. Topics considered in the course include: solid waste, energy consumption, air pollution, agriculture and global environment change.

Credit Hours: 3

Evolution and diversity of fishes, amphibians, nonavian reptiles, birds, and mammals, including consideration of fossils, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, and conservation. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 351) Basic ecological field techniques for analysis of community structure and functional relationships. Two 3-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 307. Laboratory/field trip fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 360) Introduction to basic statistical concepts and methods as applied to biological data. Includes descriptive techniques such as measures of central tendency, variability, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and simple linear regression and correlation. Analysis of computer generated output and report writing will be required. Prerequisite: MATH 108.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles of marine biology including physical and chemical characteristics of marine ecosystems, biology of important marine organisms, and descriptions of specific marine habitats ranging from coastal to pelagic and surface to deep benthic. The course will include a mandatory 5-day field trip to a coastal marine station over spring break, which will incur a cost to students of approximately $500. Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour lab per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Pollinator diversity and conservation is a growing environmental concern for state and federal land managers, private industry, NGO, and municipalities. However, studies and management of pollinators are hampered by a shortage of taxonomic expertise in hyper-diverse insect taxa such as bees, which number over 800 species in the eastern U.S., over 4,000 species nationwide, and over 20,000 species worldwide. Therefore, taxonomic identification of major groups of pollinating insects is both a marketable job skill and valuable research tool. The course is designed to introduce students to the biology and identification of bees, with a focus on the bee diversity of the eastern U.S. The course will provide the necessary background in bee morphology and ecology to allow students to use traditional dichotomous keys, interactive keys, and field guides to identify common families, genera, and species of bees. Lab fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 2

Estimation, analysis, and interpretation of phylogenetic trees; concepts, delimitation, and description of species; biological taxonomy and systems of classification; application of phylogenetics to the study of evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL 304; MATH 106 or 108 with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Principles, collection, identification, morphology, life histories, and control measures. Overview of the mechanisms and patterns of host-parasite interactions. Two lectures and two 2-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: ANTH 240A, MICR 301, PHSL 301 or ZOOL 220, with a grade of C- or better. Special approval needed from the instructor. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15. Credit Hours: 4.

Credit Hours: 4

Taxonomic groups, identification, morphology, and natural history of amphibians and reptiles. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C- or better. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to patterns of global biodiversity and threats to that diversity. Course emphasizes how principles from numerous biological disciplines are involved in conserving and managing biodiversity, and how social, economic, and political factors affect conservation strategies. Prerequisites: BIOL 307 and MATH 106 or 108 with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Risk assessment can be defined as the process of assigning magnitudes and probabilities to the adverse effects of human activities or natural catastrophes. Prerequisites: BIOL 307 and CHEM 340 with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Structure, phylogeny, distinguishing features and habitats of the invertebrates. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

Taxonomic groups, identification, distribution, and habitats of the North American freshwater invertebrate fauna. Two lectures, two 2-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 4

(Same as PLB 416) Lakes and inland waters; the organisms living in them, and the factors affecting these organisms. Two lectures and one 4-hour laboratory alternate weeks. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 with a grade of C- or better. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

Concepts of paleontology and paleoecology. Emphasis on functional morphology, lifestyles and habitats of fossil invertebrates and algae. The nature and evolution of marine and coastal paleocommunities. The effects of extinction events on paleocommunities and biodiversity. Laboratory. Field trips required. Prerequisite: GEOL 325 or ZOOL 220 with a grade of C- or better. Expense will vary in proportion to distance traveled and locations visited and will be determined before each semester. Field trip fee not to exceed $199. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ANS 426, PHSL 426) Comparison of mechanisms influencing hormone release, hormone biosynthesis, and the effects of hormones on target tissues, including mechanisms of transport, receptor kinetics, and signal transduction. Prerequisites: ANS 331 or ZOOL 220 or PHSL 310 with a grade of C-. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will introduce students to the main topics in the field of toxicology. The emphasis will be on understanding physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of toxicity. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, and BIOL 213 with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PHSL 433) Variations of physiological processes in animal phyla, comparison with human physiology, and physiological adaptation to environmental variation. Review of basic physiological principles and comparative aspects of mechanism and function. Prerequisites: BIOL 211, BIOL 212 & BIOL 213, or PHSL 310 with grades of C- or better. Credit Hours: 3.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 435) This course will be an evolutionary and ecological examination of the interactions between plants and pollinators. Topics include pollination syndromes, plant breeding systems, pollinator foraging, learning, and behavior, specialized vs. generalized relationships, coevolution/cospeciation, chemical ecology, honey beekeeping & agricultural pollination, and conservation implications of pollinator relationships. Labs will provide hands-on experience in methods of investigating plant breeding systems, plant reproductive ecology, pollinator behavior and efficacy, pollen analysis, floral scent chemistry, and floral phenology. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 (General Ecology) or equivalent with a grade of C- or better. For graduate students and senior undergraduates. Lab fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 438, PSAS 438, AGSE 438, CSEM 438) Arabidopsis and Drosophila model organisms, training in laboratory safety, reagent preparation, phenotype analysis, genetics, DNA and RNA analysis, PCR, cDNA construction, cloning and sequencing. Includes plant and bacterial transformation, and population level analysis of genetic variation using RAPD markers in grasses and Alu insertion in humans. Two 2-hr labs and one 1-hr lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Lab fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 444) Includes concepts and methods pertaining to the analysis of ecological data. Approaches will include a variety of methods for analyzing multivariate ecology, diversity, pattern, and spatial data. Laboratory will include the computer application of these concepts and methods to field situations. Two lectures and one 4 hour lab per week. Prerequisite: PLB/ZOOL 360, BIOL 307. Lab fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 4

In this class, students will use a step-by-step approach to evaluate an environmental issue or human concern compounded by climate change. The evaluation will begin with a conceptual model of the problem, followed by planned management strategies based on collaborative decision making. The class is designed to foster quantitative reasoning, include that reasoning in research, and articulate findings in terms that foster collaborative management and outreach. Examples of potential projects include climate change impacts in concert with disease propagation, habitat quality and quantity, pollutant uptake in ectotherms, coral bleaching, changing human coastal communities, or fire incidence.

Credit Hours: 3

Taxonomic characteristics, identification, and natural history of mammals. Two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $10.

Credit Hours: 3

This class will explore the pertinence of basic life history theory and ecological principles to waterfowl management. Lecture topics include but are not limited to waterfowl life histories (i.e., productivity and mortality), foraging ecology, nutrition, habitat use, habitat management, migration, and the influence of harvest. Prerequisites: ZOOL 220, BIOL 307 with minimum grades of C-. Co-requisite: ZOOL 462B.

Credit Hours: 2

This laboratory will meet 1 day/week for 2 hours. The primary objective will be waterfowl identification with a secondary emphasis on wetland plant identification and field techniques in waterfowl research and management. There will be 2-3 Saturday field trips. Prerequisites: none. Laboratory/field trip fee: $20.

Credit Hours: 1

Responsibilities of private, state, and federal natural resources management agencies. Legal and political processes in areas of wildlife and natural resources. Three lectures per week. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Anatomy, physiology, sensory biology, behavior, taxonomy, evolution, zoogeography, and ecology of fishes. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C- or better. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $10.

Credit Hours: 3

Sampling, age and growth, dynamics, habitat improvement, manipulation of fish populations, and management of freshwater and marine fish stocks. Two lectures per week and one 4-hour laboratory alternate weeks. Offered Fall term. Prerequisite: 10 hours of biological science or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Classification and recognition of birds and the study of their songs, nests, migratory habits, and other behavior. One lecture and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $10.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic concepts of wildlife ecology and management. Includes lectures on ecological physiology, population dynamics, and wildlife management strategies. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220, BIOL 307.

Credit Hours: 3

Field-oriented course with instruction in techniques for management of wild species and their habitat. One 1 1/2-hour lecture and one 3-hour laboratory per week, two of which may be field trips on Saturdays. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3

Structure, classification, and life histories of insects. Two lectures and two 2-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $10.

Credit Hours: 4

(Same as PLB 471) The experimental and bioinformatics analysis of large genomic and post-genomic data sets. The goal is integration of gene regulation, protein interaction, metabolite and hormonal signaling molecules into an understanding of basic cellular circuitry networks. Examine redundancy, robustness and decision making in biological systems. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or CS 330. Lab fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ANS 477) Production of food, game, and bait fishes. Design of facilities, chemical and biological variables, spawning techniques, diseases and nutrition. Two lectures per week and one four-hour laboratory on alternate weeks. Prerequisites: BIOL 211 or ZOOL 118 or ANS 121 with grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

Biological basis of the behavior of animals. Two lectures and one 2-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: One year of biological science or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Each student reports on a selected topic, the class discusses using original scientific literature, and the report. The course emphasizes development of Oral and Written communication skills. One meeting per week. Not for graduate credit. Restricted to senior standing or 24 hours of life science completed.

Credit Hours: 1

Examination of topics of special interest not available in other departmental courses. Offered in response to student need and faculty availability. Special approval needed.

Credit Hours: 2-4

(Same as PLB 490) This course places conservation of particular species into the context of community and ecosystem management. Approaches to quantifying energy needs of individual species will be extended to models of trophic networks among multiple species. Food web structure and function, species interactions, and resilience to species loss species invasions, and environmental changes will be examined in light of landscape processes. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Supervised training in a formalized program with a zoological institution or agency. May not be used for minor in Zoology. For internships outside the department, a prospectus from the sponsoring agency with duties and duration of internship must be approved by a Zoology faculty supervisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies before registration. No more than three hours per semester may be taken if student is on-campus. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C or better and departmental approval. Specific internships have specific selection criteria. Of all credits that a student completes for ZOOL 491, 492, and 493, a maximum of three hours may count toward the major.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Research on zoological problems. May not be used for minor in zoology. Some cost may be borne by student. A proposal describing the research project must be approved by a Zoology faculty supervisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies before registration. Not for graduate credit. Of all credits that a student completes for ZOOL 491, 492, and 493, a maximum of three hours may count toward the major. Prerequisites: ZOOL 220 with grade of C or better, minimum of 2.75 GPA (A=4.00). Restricted to junior or senior standing. Special approval needed from the department.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Individual research for honors students in zoology. May not be used for minor in Zoology. A research proposal must be approved by a Zoology faculty supervisor before registration and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C or better, minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (A=4.00), participation in the University Honors Program, and departmental approval. Of all credits that a student completes for ZOOL 491, 492, and 493, a maximum of three hours may count toward the major.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Formal, individualized training in field zoology, including experiences that acquaint students with animals in various environments, methods of field study, specimen collection and preservation, management and conservation, or other relevant skills. A prospectus of the training experience must be approved by a Zoology faculty supervisor before registration. Credit hours may not be counted toward a minor or major in Zoology. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Formal, individualized training in laboratory zoology, including experiences that acquaint students with dissection, microscopy, museum preparatory and curatorial techniques, biotechnology, environmental chemistry assays, or other relevant skills. A prospectus of the training experience must be approved by a Zoology faculty supervisor before registration. Credit hours may not be counted toward a minor or major in Zoology. Not for graduate credit. Mandatory Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: ZOOL 220 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 1-3