# 2025-2026 General Catalog

**Source**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/entomology-nematology/animal-biology-bs/
**Parent**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext

[Office & Contact Information](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/entomology-nematology/)

[Animal Biology Major](https://abi.ucdavis.edu/); [Faculty](https://entomology.ucdavis.edu/people?first=&last=&title=&unit=&field_sf_person_type_target_id%5B0%5D=26)

The Animal Biology major offers students training in the biological and natural sciences as they apply to animals. The major covers basic biological sciences foundational to understanding animal evolution, systematics, ecology, physiology and molecular biology. Students in the Animal Biology major are encouraged to think beyond particular groups of animals in which they are interested and to consider science as a process and a way of learning new things about them, and of advancing society. The program emphasizes biological principles used in research and in solving societal conflicts with animals in agriculture, urban areas, or natural environments.

## The Program

The major consists of core courses in the sciences that build an understanding of animal biology from the molecular to the ecological and evolutionary levels of organization. After completing these core courses, students choose an interdisciplinary practicum project from general animal biology, predicated on their ultimate career goals. They plan this emphasis of study in a required discussion-seminar course and in consultation with a mentor. The program includes a senior thesis, which each student employs the process and principles of science to propose and carry out the practicum project they choose, integrating the disciplines of the major. The Animal Biology major emphasizes research in biological principles as opposed to animal care and husbandry.

### Practicum Research & Career Alternatives

The Animal Biology program and professional research interests of each student guides him or her in Practicum and career choices. On- and off-campus Practicum research opportunities occur in research laboratories, at field situations, in zoos and public aquariums, with governmental agencies, national and state parks with private industry, and in international programs. A degree in Animal Biology prepares students for careers in research, teaching, academia, governmental regulation, health, or agriculture where these emphasize integrative biology of animals. Careers in veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and animal management remain open to Animal Biology majors as well, however, other preparation may be required. Students in the major focus on gaining research experience, and become well prepared to continue their training at the graduate or professional level in a variety of biological disciplines.

### Lead Faculty Advisor

M. McMunn

### Academic Advisor

E. Galvan Hack

**Advising Center** for the major, including peer advising, located in 150 Hutchison Hall, 530-754-4131; Academic Advisor located in 160 Hutchison Hall; 530-754-7277; [abi-advising@ucdavis.edu](mailto:abi-advising@ucdavis.edu).

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