Zoology - PhD

The Department of Biology offers graduate programs in Zoology leading to the Master of Science in Teaching, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. 

Our program emphasizes Integrative Biology, with integration accomplished through a focus on the theoretical foundations provided by evolutionary biology and ecology. Our faculty has expertise in ecology, evolution, behavior, comparative and environmental physiology, genetics, development, and phylogenetics. We work in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic environments and geographic regions (tropics through subpolar), and on a range of organisms (including plants). Our faculty value integrative research (e.g., by crossing levels of organization from gene expressions to species interactions), linking theory with data (through use of statistical and mathematical tools), and using natural history to guide the development and testing of rigorous conceptual frameworks. Many of our faculty also are interested in applying and testing basic science in applied contexts (e.g., conservation biology and ecotoxicology).