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Whether as valuable economic resources, beloved companions, destructive nuisances or members of complex natural systems, animals play important roles in human economy, society and culture. Animal biology, the study of biological principles as they apply specifically to animals, bridges the gap between general biological sciences and applied animal husbandry techniques. As an animal biology major, you'll have the chance to put your theoretical knowledge into practice by working with wild and domesticated animals in hands-on situations.
Real World
Animal biology majors have entered careers in veterinary medicine and research, governmental regulation, education and animal husbandry and management. Many have also entered graduate or professional study in various biological disciplines.
Major Requirements
As a biological science, the animal biology major requires lower division preparation in science, calculus and statistics; additionally, you will take courses in the application of biological principles to animals in natural and agricultural systems. At the upper division, you will deepen your knowledge of biology and its application to animals; you will also choose electives in areas of special interest to you. A special feature of this major is your senior practicum, in which you will design and carry out an individual creative project that will integrate your coursework and practical experiences and serve as a capstone to your major.
Major Adviser
Name: Elvira Hack
Contact: eghack@ucdavis.edu, (530) 754-7277
A Student Perspective
The best thing about the major is the flexibility of choosing your own specialization and the opportunity to do research with faculty, scientists and veterinarians. I've had the chance to take a variety of courses across the Colleges related to my specialization in Ecology/Conservation, and I get to do research!
~ Dominique Weddle, peer adviser
A Faculty Perspective
Many students enter the major because they love animals and want to help; by the time they graduate, many have transformed that love into a fascination with the processes of research and have developed concrete ways that they can make a difference. A key strength of the major is the Practicum, a major capstone activity that provides students with an opportunity to do a substantial project which may include research, issues, or internships. I enjoy seeing students becoming excited about the focus of their coursework and their Practicum projects.
~ Jeffrey Granett, professor and master adviser
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