Zoology is that branch of biological science concerned with the structure and bodily functions of animals, how and where they live, their environments, their habitats, their classification -- in short, all facts, conclusions, theories, and laws related to animal life. Man's interest in animal life has been evident throughout history and has become a primary concern in recent decades when changes in animal populations were recognized as sensitive indicators of environmental change.
Texas State University is located in an area where biotic provinces converge, giving the locale a lengthy and diverse faunal list. It is a short distance to the highlands with its upland game or to the eastern pine region with faunal assemblages typical of a coniferous forest. Animals from aquatic ecosystems of both the lotic and lentic varieties are in the San Marcos River and Canyon Reservoir systems, respectively. The Texas coast is not far away with its unique animals physiologically adapted to the salty marine world. Located within the convergence of major flyways, San Marcos has more than its share of bird species.
A student may choose to study major fields of zoology such as anatomy, physiology, ecology, systematics, and the natural history of virtually every major group of animals. The zoologically oriented courses are: general zoology, genetics, invertebrate zoology, histology, vertebrate embryology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, aquatic biology, physiology, entomology, evolution, parasitology, ichthyology, field biology of animals, general ecology, ornithology, mammalogy and allied courses designed to strengthen the knowledge and background of the zoology student.
Texas offers two undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, and the Bachelor of Science. These degrees differ slightly in overall requirements, but the undergraduate zoology curriculum for each degree is the same. The following courses are required for the zoology major: Functional Biology, Organismal Biology, Zoology, Genetics, one course from Vertebrate Physiology, Plant Physiology, or Cell Physiology, General Ecology or Plant Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Entomology, Natural History of Vertebrates, and one course from Histology, Vertebrate Embryology, or Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy. Chemistry is recommended as a minor in the Bachelor of Science degree. The minor in the Bachelor of Arts degree is in a discipline other than science. See the Biology Undergraduate Catalog for more information.
Graduate students in zoology may elect several Masters options or a cooperative Ph.D program with Texas Tech University. See the Biology Graduate Catalog for additional information. The student's graduate advisor and committee will recommend a suitable thesis research project and/or specific course requirements depending on the degree option selected.