One of the main components in the study of zoology is biology. Students of the major start out with required courses in basic biology and animal biology. Biology electives focus on more specialized elements of the field like evolutionary biology, cell biology, developmental biology, tropical biology and marine biology. These courses aim to give students an in-depth understanding of the biological processes in different animal groups and ecosystems. On the graduate level, courses are even more specialized including avian biology, cell membrane biology and population biology.
The study of living organisms and their relationship to each other and their environment is an important element of zoological studies. Courses in ecology begin early in a zoology major's academic schedule. Introduction to ecology is a prerequisite to declare the major at most universities. More specialized courses in ecology follow, including ecosystem concepts, landscape ecology, ecosystem analysis and limnology, the study of inland water ecosystems. On the graduate level, ecology courses become more research based and focused on the evolutionary process as it relates to ecology.
Zoologists study changes in the environment and ecosystem and how animals adapt to those changes through evolution. The study of all animals, living and extinct, also requires an in-depth knowledge of evolutionary biology and genetics. A basic genetics course is a requirement in most curricula and more advanced courses like molecular genetics and genetics lab are offered as electives. In addition to a basic evolution course covering the history and biology of the process, many courses are approached from an evolutionary perspective, including biology, genetics and physiology courses.
The study of animals would not be complete without the study of their physiology and behaviors. Zoology majors require a profound understanding of animals and specific courses like neurobiology, endocrinology, anatomy of vertebrate and invertebrates and immunology are requirements of the major. Courses like comparative physiology, human physiology and evolutionary physiology are offered as elective courses. Animal behavior is a required course at most universities and animal reproduction and animal communication are usually choices for an elective course.