A zoologist is an animal scientist who works in captivity and in the wild, caring for and observing animals. Many people who have a zoology degree work as biologists, zookeepers, conservationists, educators, or animal researchers. An aspiring scientist will typically need to complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree in zoology to become a zoologist. History, anatomy, behavior, and the study of individual ecosystems or classes of animals are just some of the zoologist courses that may be required for a degree.
Many zoology programs require students to first complete a series of classes in which they learn the fundamentals of research, scientific experimentation, and scientific notation. These classes are typically taken in the first year of a zoology degree program, and they help to ensure that all students use the same notation and classification system. Basic classes in the program’s methods and theories benefit both students and teachers, similar to how pre-law or pre-med courses prepare legal and medical students for the more demanding work ahead.
Many zoologist courses concentrate on the evolution and current manifestation of specific animal species. These could be broad courses with emphases on topics like vertebrate development. Students learn how to identify and classify animals, and they may conduct dissections or studies on live specimens. Not all zoology students will need to take all of these classes; for example, a student who wants to specialize in the study of insects may take more entomology-focused classes than a student who wants to become a marine biologist.
Natural history classes are a popular choice among zoologist students. These classes cover not only the anatomical and evolutionary study of animals, but also their role in ecosystems, wild behavior, and interactions with other species or families. Natural history classes can take place in a classroom setting or in the field, allowing students to examine specimens in the wild.
The characteristics and lifestyles of various animals are studied in behavior-based zoologist courses. Mating and parenting information, group interaction, nest or shelter construction, learned behaviors, and defensive and aggressive techniques are all examples. These classes frequently include some level of hands-on experience with captive animals, as well as observation and interpretation skills.
Once a scientist has decided on a field of study, he or she can concentrate on zoologist courses that are specific to that field. Students can learn more about their specialty by taking classes that focus on a specific species or ecosystem; for example, a marine biologist might start taking classes about marine ecology, marine ecosystems, and a specific order of animals, such as cetacea, or whales and dolphins.