Zoology (ZOO)

Course emphasizes concepts and unifying principles from phylogenetics, physiology, developmental biology, functional morphology, ecology, and paleontology while systematically surveying the major taxa of invertebrate animals. Laboratory intensive with field exercises.

Introduction to the diversity and natural history of major parasite groups using a conceptual approach. Students will be introduced to major concepts of parasitology, including the nature of parasitism, the ecology and evolution of parasites, and their impacts on natural systems and human societies.

This course focuses on the origins and evolution, diversity, structural and functional adaptations, behavior and ecology of reptiles and amphibians with an emphasis on SW Florida's herpetofauna. The course will include field trips in every meeting.

Major anatomical and physiological adaptations of the vertebrates are examined in evolutionary and ecological contexts using integrated lecture and laboratory exercises. The course will include the use of dissection and physiological laboratory techniques to study vertebrate form and function.

Basic and functional human anatomical systems are studied with an emphasis on gross anatomy and form-function relationships of structures. Topics will include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

The course introduces students to medical and veterinary parasites. Parasite taxa covered will include protozoa, helminths, arthropods, and their vectors and their relevance to a One Health World.

This integrated lecture and lab course focuses on the origins and evolution, diversity, structural and functional adaptation, behavior, and ecology of birds, providing a global overview with an emphasis on Florida birds.

This course provides an overview of sea turtle biology by highlighting their ecological role in the environment, adaptations to marine systems, and the different challenges facing their future.

This course will give students knowledge of the taxonomy, identification, physiology, behavior, and natural history of reptiles and amphibians. Field trips and research projects will provide advanced study of species found in south Florida.

Tracks the rise and evolution of fishes and examines the adaptations in form and function that underlie their success. Emphasis will be placed on Southwest Florida fishes.

Integrated lecture and lab and focuses on the origins and evolution, diversity, structural and functional adaptations, behavior, and ecology of mammals. It presents a global overview with an emphasis on Florida mammals. Laboratory will emphasize, anatomy, behavior, identification, and ecology. Field trips will include zoo visits, studies of manatees and other Florida mammals, and an introduction to field research tools in mammalogy.

This is an introduction to the study of Ethology, including the mechanisms, development, adaptions, and evolution of behavioral patterns.

In Neuroscience we will investigate the workings of human nervous systems. We will cover anatomy and physiology, neuropharmacology, and neurological correlates of behaviors such as sleep, emotions, hunger, and sex.

A microscopic study of animal tissue covering epithelium, muscle, nervous and connective tissues with an emphasis on the morphological differences in tissue organization both for structural and functional purposes.

This course examines insects from anatomy and physiology through their functions in the environment. Topics include insect behavior, reproduction, evolution, biodiversity, and human interactions.

Fisheries management of domestic and international marine commercial and recreational species and stocks with a view towards an ecosystem approach. An introduction to the regional fishery management councils governance process. An introduction to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to which the United States is a member for achieving sustainable science/policy of straddling stocks, among others.

Students will study the histology of the organs and organ systems of the human body as they operate individually and how they integrate together. Special attention is devoted to the histology of the body systems, including skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular, endocrine, digestive, renal and reproductive. The curriculum is inquiry based, fully integrated with lab activities and histology techniques, which emphasize active learning strategies and collaboration.

This course provides an opportunity for advanced study of the biology of reptiles and amphibians in an evolutionary context. The entire spectrum of reptile and amphibian diversity is studied from the first known fossil amphibians and their ancestors through all living and extinct clades. Anatomical, physiological, and behavioral biology are also examined from an evolutionary perspective; utilizing the principles of cladistic analysis, each system is examined from its most primitive condition to the many unique derived conditions found among living and/or fossil amphibians and reptiles. Current controversies may be featured, and topics span from molecular to organismal and ecological. The course will include the use of field and lab techniques to study various topics.

This integrated lecture and lab course focuses on the origins and evolution, diversity, structural and functional adaptation, behavior, and ecology of birds, providing a global overview with an emphasis on Florida birds.