Bachelor of Arts in Zoology

at University of New Hampshire - Durham Campus USA

The Major in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology is intended to give students interested in the fields of marine and freshwater biology the background and direct hands-on experience needed to pursue productive careers, including potential advanced study.  This strategically cross-disciplinary major builds on a broad set of science courses in high-impact areas of study for today’s world, represented by a core curriculum in math, chemistry, physics, and biology.  The core background is strengthened by a series of required and elective courses in a diverse range of aquatic sciences spanning watersheds to oceans, providing opportunities for study from organismal to ecosystem scales. Designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in freshwater, estuarine, and marine biology, the MEFB Major allows flexibility and encourages students to focus on particular areas of interest from molecular biology to ecosystem and policy studies.  Students will have the opportunity to specialize in areas of their own interest, such as aquaculture and fisheries, animal behavior, ecological restoration, or management. While MEFB students must complete rigorous course requirements, our students are encouraged to tailor their elective courses within and across departments and colleges as needed to build their own, unique cross-disciplinary path.

The University of New Hampshire is uniquely located for the study of aquatic organisms and their habitats. We are centered between the Great Bay Estuary and the Gulf of Maine, with easy access to diverse marine environments as well as the freshwater habitats of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region and the White Mountain National Forest. We boast three Marine Laboratories that provide exceptional opportunities for our student’s research and educational needs, including Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL), the Coastal Marine Lab (CML; part of the larger Judd Gregg Marine Research Center), and the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), as well as strong affiliations with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.  While JEL is located on Great Bay in Durham, CML is in nearby New Castle at the Seacoast, and SML is located six miles off the coast. SML provides summer undergraduate programing with field-based marine courses that fulfill major electives, as well as internships and research opportunities for advanced study. In addition, UNH’s campus maintains two fish aquaculture facilities, a world-class genomics laboratory, and the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which provide hands-on opportunities for undergraduates.  There is also an active diving program with courses at both beginner and advanced levels. A major strength of the MEFB program is the hands-on approach to learning combined with an emphasis on involving undergraduate students in mentored research opportunities.

Students in the Ecosystem Science option typically have a strong background in environmental science, earth science, ecology, or related fields. Areas of interest include the ecology, microbiology and biogeochemistry of soils, groundwaters, and surface waters, with an emphasis on how the different components of an ecosystem interact to produce system-level responses to management, global change, and other perturbations. Understanding controls on carbon storage, nutrient transformations, water quality, soil health and greenhouse gas emissions is central to much of the research conducted by students in this option.

The Biomedical Science: Medical Laboratory Science (BMS:MLS) program provides you with the medical knowledge and understanding of diagnostic technology needed for a fulfilling career in the biomedical sciences, including as an American College of Clinical Pathology-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist.

As a Biomedical Science: Medical Laboratory Science major, you will:

• Learn to determine the presence, extent, or absence of human disease through understanding the diagnostic testing that medical professionals use to make these determinations (70% of physician decisions are based on diagnostic testing results)
• Obtain hands-on experience by performing immunological, biochemical, molecular, and microbiological procedures that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease

This degree program prepares students for employment and/or graduate study in a variety of fields and research specializations in which mathematics plays a critical role in the solution of important scientific and technological problems.

The department of Earth Sciences offers a Master of Science degree with a specialization in Geochemical Systems.  This program is intended for students with interests in all aspects of geochemistry: bedrock, sediment, water, ice, and air with particular emphasis on interpreting and modeling the interaction of these media (e.g., biogeochemistry, air quality, and climate change).

We offer degrees to qualified students interested in interdisciplinary research with an emphasis on the synthesis, characterization and utilization of nanoscale materials.  All MSP students learn about the interplay of structure, processing, characterization, and properties of materials with useful applications. Our seventeen faculty members are active collaborators with research and development groups located around the world, and are experienced in managing research projects with practical results. Graduates of our program work in research, engineering and process development positions in a variety of fields.

The graduate program in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepares students for professional practice with individuals who face communication challenges across the life span in any practice setting. Students complete a combination of required and elective courses and clinical practicum to apply theory to practice. Students complete a variety of practicum experiences in the university clinic as well as educational, rehabilitative, and private practice settings to enhance applied learning.  The Graduate Program of Study includes two full years of study, including two summers and J-term. 

Engineering technology requires the application of engineering and scientific knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities. Graduates may work in a variety of areas including engineering design, manufacturing, field service, testing, and sales and may work in management positions related to engineering, manufacturing, and computer technology.

Under this option, the required courses deal with the application of basic biological sciences and chemical engineering principles to the design and operation of large-scale bioprocesses for the production of high-value medicinal, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biomedical, genetic engineering, and health care products. The elective courses permit the student to study topics of special interest in more depth or gain a broader perspective in bioengineering or some closely related subjects such as biochemistry or biotechnology experience in manufacturing or research. Three courses are required, and a minimum of two additional courses of at least three credits each should be selected from the electives list. Students interested in the bioengineering option should declare their intention to the department faculty during the sophomore year. 

Students choosing the Communication Arts Human Relations option explore practical, theoretical, and historical perspectives on the study of human relationships in professional and personal contexts. With so many of today’s employers emphasizing the value of human communication skills in potential employees, the Human Relations Option offers students the knowledge and hands-on learning they need to develop their oral and written communication skills, as well as their ability to work in teams. Coursework covers topics such as verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, identity, conflict, human resource management, power, health, social psychology, human development, and counseling.  An internship in the area of human relations is required.