Bachelor Degrees: Courses in the Department of Zoology and Physiology are designed to meet the needs and interests of students in several fields of study. The department offers bachelor's degrees in zoology, biology, and wildlife and fisheries biology and management. Students will be assisted by advisers in planning a program to meet their individual goals.

Zoology and Physiology Major

Biology Major: An interdepartmental major in biology is available to students interested in a broad program in life sciences. This program includes courses in zoology, botany, molecular biology and other life sciences.  Specific courses selected may vary according to the student's interests and will be worked out by consultations between student and adviser.

Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management: The wildlife and fisheries biology and management (WFBM) curriculum is designed to develop an appreciation for the cultural, recreational, economic and ecological values of our fisheries and wildlife resources and to train students for positions in management, research, and law enforcement. It is a professional degree within the College of Arts and Sciences.

The program provides a thorough introduction to the basic sciences in addition to more intensive training in fisheries or wildlife ecology and management. In addition to the core of required courses, many electives are available allowing the student to pursue special interests in consultation with a faculty adviser and providing for a broadly-based education. The professional degree in wildlife and fisheries biology and management qualifies students for a wide variety of positions in state, federal and private agencies. Students interested in careers related to fisheries and wildlife management and biology such as journalism, law enforcement, administration/planning, diseases and range management can take elective coursework in those areas.

Wyoming offers unusual opportunities for students interested in wildlife and fisheries. In addition to a high diversity of natural habitats, from alpine tundra to desert scrub, within a 30-mile radius of the university, this program is supported by:

1. A wildlife and fisheries research laboratory (operated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department) in the Biological Sciences Building;

2. The Red Buttes Environmental Biology Laboratory, nine miles south of Laramie, for research on fish and wildlife species;

3. The AMK Research Station in Grand Teton National Park;

4. The Wyoming Cooperative Fishery and Wildlife Research Unit, a collaboration of the University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department;

5. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Sybille Wildlife Research and Conservation Education Unit, 45 miles north of Laramie;

6. On-the-job training by participation in internships with the U.S. Forest Service, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Agricultural Research Service; and

7. Cooperative work study programs in which students can alternate between full-time agency jobs and course work.

Undergraduate Minors: Minors in zoology, biology, physiology, and wildlife and fisheries biology management are offered by the department.  Students interested in  a wildlife minor should also check with a wildlife and fisheries adviser for details of this option.

Pre-professional Students Including Pre-medicine, Pre-dentistry, Pre-veterinary and Pre-optometry: Professional schools (e.g. medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, optometry) encourage undergraduate education that combines technical training in the life sciences with the broad insights provided by the liberal arts tradition. Flexibility in course work selection within the major allows for both general training in life sciences and specific training in areas of interest. The department has faculty trained in pre-professional advising. Interested students should contact the Department.

Contact Information                                                             

Department of Zoology and Physiology                        
University of Wyoming 
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
Phone: 307-766-4207
Fax: 307-766-5625

e-mail: zprequest@uwyo.edu