Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology / Zoology
The courses in this major are a mixture of basic science courses, designed to introduce students to the concepts of environmental biology, and applied courses, where those concepts are used to unravel problems associated with the natural environment. These classes help students prepare for careers in which they apply ecological principles to practical problems. Potential spheres of employment include various governmental agencies (local, state or federal), industry and private environmental firms as well as self-employment as a private consultant.
The following list of requirements is for informational purposes. Students are expected to check with their advisor at least once a year to verify requirements and to discuss program planning and course selection.
Information for persons with disabilities.
Pre- professional student information
Degree Requirements
Within the minimum of 120 credits (123 crs. if the student took MTH 1825 at MSU) necessary for a MSU Bachelor's degree, Environmental Biology / Zoology majors must complete these sets of requirements:
General degree requirements
University requirements
College of Natural Science requirements
Zoology Department requirements
These usually do not add up to 120 credits. Additional credits from general elective courses usually are needed to reach 120 (123) credits.
GENERAL DEGREE Requirements:
- 120 Credits minimum to graduate (123 minimum for students who took MTH 1825 at MSU)
- 33 Credits minimum in concentration
- 2.0 minimum Overall GPA* [all the credits taken at MSU]
- 2.0 minimum GPA* in the major [Zoology Dept. requirements]
* GPA is Grade Point AVERAGE
UNIVERSITY Requirements:
| Complete all of the following courses: |
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| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRA 110-150 | Writing, Rhetoric & American Cultures | F, S, U | 4 |
| IAH 201-210 | Integrative Studies in the Arts & Humanities | F, S, U | 4 |
| IAH 211 (or higher) | Integrative Studies in the Arts & Humanities | F, S, U | 4 |
| ISS 2XX | Integrative Studies in Social Science | F, S, U | 4 |
| ISS 3XX | Integrative Studies in Social Science | F, S, U | 4 |
| (F = Fall, S = Spring, U = sUmmer, KB = Kellogg Biological Station) | |||
NOTE about the IAH and ISS Diversity requirement: As you can see, there are four required ISS or IAH courses:
- 2 ISS (2xx and 3xx)
- 2 IAH (201 - 210 and 211 +).
The Integrated Studies Diversity requirement is fulfilled when at least two of these courses demonstrate diversity. All MSU IAH and ISS courses carry a diversity designation. The diversity designation of I, N or D is in parentheses at the end of the course title in the MSU Course Descriptions catalog.
"I" - emphasizes international and multicultural diversity.
"N" - emphasizes national diversity.
"D" - emphasizes both international/multicultural and national diversity.
(Example: IAH 201 is a "D" emphasis course.)
The Diversity requirement is satisfied when , in your four required courses, you have two different designations. This means with the completion of at least one “N” course and one “I” course. A “D” course may substitute for either one “N” or one “I” requirement, but not both.
[Or, to put it differently:
a. by taking one course designated "I" and one course designated "N" OR
b. by taking one course designated "D" and one course designated either "I" or "N".]
* If none of these letters is present, the course will not factor into the Integrated Studies Diversity requirement.
NOTE about ISB / ISP:
MSU requires all undergraduate students to complete ISB, ISP and the applicable labs.
College of Natural Science students (including Zoology majors) must take a substantial amount of preliminary science courses. Some of these courses will be used for "an alternative track" * in [in other words, as substitutes for] the ISB / ISP and labs. For example, for Zoology students, the courses BS 161 & 171 and CEM 141 & 161 will be replacing the ISB / ISP / labs.
Degree Navigator, since it is a program which applies to all the majors across the University, lists ISB, ISP and the applicable labs as requirements, even for College of Natural Science students. For Zoology majors, however, once the courses BS 161 & 171 and CEM 141 & 161 have been completed, Degree Navigator will plug these into the College of Natural Science "alternative track." The ISB / ISP category then will be shown as completed for that student.
* See Academic Programs.
Look under - College of Natural Science - Undergraduate Programs - Graduation Requirements, number 1
COLLEGE of NATURAL SCIENCE Requirements:
| Complete all of the following courses: |
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| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS 161 | Cell & Molecular Biology | F, S, U | 3 |
| BS 162 | Organismal & Population Biology | F, S, U | 3 |
| BS 171 | Cell & Molecular Biology Lab | F, S, U | 2 |
| BS 172 | Organismal & Population Biology Lab | F, S, U | 2 |
| CEM 141 | General Chemistry | F, S, U | 4 |
| CEM 161 | Chemistry Laboratory I | F, S, U | 1 |
| CEM 251 * | Organic Chemistry I * | F, S, U | 3 |
| CEM 252 * | Organic Chemistry II * | F, S, U | 3 |
| CEM 255 | Organic Chemistry Lab | F, S, U | 2 |
| PHY 231 | Introductory Physics I | F, S, U | 3 |
| PHY 232 | Introductory Physics II | F, S, U | 3 |
| PHY 251 | Introductory Physics Lab I | F, S, U | 1 |
| PHY 252 | Introductory Physics Lab II | F, S, U | 1 |
| * CEM 252 builds on knowledge from 251. The Department recommends taking the organic chemistry classes consecutive semesters [e.g. FS - SS] so there is less of a break between courses. | |||
| Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered | Credits |
| MTH 124 | Survey of Calculus I | F, S, U | 3 |
| MTH 132 | Calculus I | F, S, U | 3 |
| Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered | Credits |
| MTH 126 | Survey of Calculus II | F, S, U | 3 |
| MTH 133 | Calculus II | F, S, U | 4 |
| STT 201 | Statistical Methods | F, S, U | 4 |
| STT 224 | Intro. to Probability & Statistics for Ecologists | S | 3 |
| STT 231 | Statistics for Scientists | F, S, U | 3 |
| STT 421 | Statistics I | F, S, U | 3 |
| (F = Fall, S = Spring, U = sUmmer, KB = Kellogg Biological Station) | |||
Prerequisite MTH courses:When you enter MSU, you must take a MTH placement test. Your score on this test may not be high enough to place you into the calculus classes listed above. In this case, you must enroll in pre-calculus classes.
If you place into MTH 1825, Intermediate Algebra, you must start you MTH sequence with this course. Once you pass this course, you may move on to the next pre-calculus classes, MTH 116 OR (MTH 103 and 114).
A placement score of 9 - 14 means your MTH sequence starts at the pre-calculus level: College Algebra and Trigonometry. This material is covered in either:
- MTH 116 College Algebra and Trigonometry.
- MTH 103 College Algebra AND MTH 114 Trigonometry.
How do you decide which pre-calculus route to follow?
1. Which first-level calculus course (first course grouping above) do you intend to take later? Look at the descriptions (click on the links)
See above: either course will meet the requirement.
2. Do you like math? Are you good at it? If yes, consider MTH 132, Calculus I. Note that the prerequisites are BOTH College Algebra and Trigonometry. To complete your pre-calculus requirement, choose one of these options:
- MTH 116 is a 5 credit course for one semester. This means it meets 5 days a week, with the expectation that you complete homework and readings for each day. For some students, this may be too intense of a schedule.
- MTH 103 and MTH 114 are taken in two consecutive semesters: MTH 103 the first semester and MTH 114 the second. Each class is a 3 credit course, meeting 3 days a week, with the expectation that you complete homework and readings for class meeting.
3. For those who might not like math so much (or who feel they are not good at it), consider MTH 124, Survey of Calculus I.
NOTE: the only prerequisite listed in the MSU Description of Courses for MTH 124 is MTH 103.
4. Still not sure which direction to go? Leave your options open. Plan to take BOTH College Algebra and Trigonometry (see 2 above). You can change your plans later.
5. Are you a preprofessional student (intending to go to professional school: veterinary, medical, osteopathic, dental, etc.) Check with each school you wish to attend to see if Trigonometry us required. Find out which calculus class is required (see 1 above). Does the MCAT or GRE recommend Trigonometry or a specific calculus class? More information.
DEPARTMENT of ZOOLOGY Requirements:
Complete the following (5) course groups:
| I. Complete all of the following courses: |
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| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSS 210 | Fundamentals of Soil Science | F, S | 3 |
| PLB 441 * | Plant Ecology OR FOR 404 | F | 3 |
| ZOL 306 | Invertebrate Biology OR ENT 404 | F | 4 |
| ZOL 341 | Fundamental Genetics | F, S, U | 4 |
| ZOL 355, 255 L | Ecology, Ecology Lab (W) | F, S, U, KB | 3,1 |
| ZOL 445 | Evolution (W) | F | 3 |
| ZOL 483 | Environmental Physiology (W) | S | 4 |
| II. Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| ZOL 360 | Biology of Birds | S | 4 |
| ZOL 365 ** | Biology of Mammals | F | 4 |
| ZOL 384 | Biology of Amphibians & Reptiles (W) | F | 4 |
| III. Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| PLB 218 * | Plants of Michigan | F | 3 |
| PLB 418 ** | Plant Systematics | S, U KB | 3 |
| IV. Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| FW 416 | Marine Ecosystem Management | F | 3 |
| FW 472 | Limnology | S | 3 |
| GLG 421 | Environmental Geochemistry | S | 4 |
| V. Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| FW 420 | Stream Ecology | F | 3 |
| PLB 424 | Algal Biology | F | 4 |
| ZOL 353 | Marine Biology (W) | F | 4 |
| ZOL 485 | Tropical Biology | S | 3 |
|
* and ** above indicate courses which have had schedule conflicts in the past. Please check the MSU Schedule of Courses when planning to include these courses. |
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| (F = Fall, S = Spring, U = sUmmer, KB = Kellogg Biological Station) | |||
| *** Semesters listed here are those listed in the Description of Courses. In addition, some courses may be listed for only odd or even years. But if faculty are available to teach it, a course may be offered any semester. ALWAYS check the Schedule of Courses to see when a course is actually available. | |||
Tier II Writing In The Major: Complete any two approved Zoology courses (marked with a (W)) that include writing. In this degree, the requirement can be met with the completion of ZOL 355L, ZOL 445 and ZOL 483.
Zoology Electives if needed: A BS degree requires a minimum of 33 credits in upper level (300 or above) Zoology courses. If the credits for the requirements above do not add up to 33 crs., additional credits in upper level Zoology courses will be needed. These additional credits are called Zoology elective courses.
Zoology electives must be pre-approved in writing by the student's academic advisor. Courses from other departments may be used as Zoology electives ONLY with the written consent of your advisor. Please schedule an appointment with a Zoology advisor to discuss any Zoology electives.
Pre-professional student information
General ELECTIVES:
Most of the 120 (or 123) credits required for a MSU Bachelor’s degree come from the required University, College and department courses. Additional credits, however, may be needed to reach the total 120 (123) credits. These credits are called elective credits and may be taken in any discipline or any level. Elective courses can be chosen to:
- develop or expand skills, such as writing and analytical thinking.
- provide vocational skills, such as accounting, GIS experience or computer skills.
- explore topics you have always been interested in learning more about.
- complement your major and interests. For example, for a student interested in environmental issues, courses from Fisheries and Wildlife, Geography or Resource Development might be good choices. Other science-based options might include: Animal Science; Biochemistry: Entomology; Forestry; Microbiology & Molecular Genetics or Physiology. Psychology or Anthropology courses often complement Zoology courses well.
- gain knowledge [e.g. CSS, GLG or PLB] that will be useful for a future career or internship.
- complete an additional major, specialization or second degree.