Course Description
A discussion of the roles that local, national, and international wildlife and zoological parks play in animal conservation, education, and research. This course will discuss wildlife and zoological park history, principles of biology, ongoing conservation efforts, and recent advances in research.
Athena Title
Zoo Biology and Research
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will introduce students to the key roles that wildlife and zoological parks play locally, nationally, and internationally. Students will learn about the origin, history, and structure of zoos. Basic principles of zoo biology will be discussed, including conservation genetics, reproduction, health, behavior, and welfare. Ongoing conservation efforts of zoos will be discussed. In addition, students will learn about recent advances in zoological research, including endangered species management, reproductive physiology, animal welfare, and animal behavior and cognition. Students who take this course will learn how to read, interpret, and discuss primary literature and improve their presentation and teaching skills. Students who take this course will have learning opportunities at local zoos. Career opportunities within the field of zoo biology will be highlighted.
Topical Outline
I. Wildlife Parks/Zoos A. Origin/history of zoos B. Purpose/mission of zoos C. Structure/organization of zoos II. Principles of Zoo Biology A. Conservation genetics-cellular reprogramming, population genetics, extinction risk of small population B. Reproduction-assisted reproduction technologies, in vitro oocyte and embryo technology, in ovo sexing, hormone immunoassays C. Health-DNA sequence analysis, pathogen characterization, disease risk analysis D. Behavior - Behavior data collection and analysis E. Animal Welfare - quantitative animal welfare evaluation, physiological assessments, housing development, enrichment III. Zoo Conservation Efforts A. Giant panda conservation B. African elephant conservation C. Gorilla conservation D. Northern white rhino conservation E. Eastern indigo snake conservation F. Bee conservation IV. Discussion of Primary Zoo Research Literature A. Endangered species management B. Reproductive physiology C. Animal welfare D. Animal behavior and cognition