Zoology Courses | 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog | SIU

This class will explore what motivates individuals to pursue outdoor activities, why individual user groups are often extremely passionate about their individual outdoor activity, how outdoor activities impact wildlife populations and habitat, outdoor ethics, how to safely interact with individuals who are often in possession of firearms or other potentially dangerous tools that are used for hunting, and how to resolve conflicts between user groups.

Credit Hours: 2

Overview of the mechanisms and patterns of host-parasite interactions. Discussion of contemporary aspects of emerging infectious diseases that affect wildlife and people. Training on the identification of parasites through integrative techniques aimed at fostering expertise in collecting, preserving, and cataloguing parasites. Two lectures and two 2-hour laboratories per week. Special approval needed from the instructor. Co-convenes with ZOOL 407. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 4

An introductory survey of evolutionary biology at the graduate level, emphasizing conceptual issues in evolutionary genetics, adaptation, systematics, and macroevolution. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 3

Taxonomic groups, identification, distribution, and habitats of the North American freshwater invertebrate fauna. Two lectures, two 2-hour laboratories per week. Co-convenes with ZOOL 414. Laboratory/Field Trip fee: $15.

Credit Hours: 4

The physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting organisms in streams. Two lectures per week and one four-hour laboratory alternate weeks. Prerequisite: ZOOL 415. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the causes and nature of diseases of wildlife with emphasis on wild mammals and birds. The relationship of disease to the population ecology of species will be emphasized further. Two lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Offered Spring term. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide an overview of concepts and methodology for conducting tests in the field of aquatic toxicology. Specific topics to be covered include: acute and chronic bioassays, bioaccumulation tests including biotransformation processes and toxicokinetics, and modeling techniques using Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships and fugacity modeling. This class is recommended for students interested in learning about the applied methodology used in the rapidly evolving field of aquatic toxicology. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 and CHEM 340 or equivalent, or instructor's permission.

Credit Hours: 4

Physical, biological and behavioral factors that influence habitat use and selection by wild vertebrate populations. Landscape level analysis of wildlife habitats. Modeling habitat suitability, environmental impact and wildlife population dynamics with habitat data. Application and use of remote sensing and geographic information systems in natural resource management and habitat evaluation. One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course focuses on spatial analyses from the perspective of the organism (or a group of organisms) and the role of the environment in shaping its distribution. The course will cover topics associated with species distribution modeling, biodiversity quantification, landscape genetics, animal movement analyses, home range quantification, and landscape conservation prioritization from the perspective of conserving a single species. Prerequisite: familiarity with GIS and consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides the ecological, GIS and statistical foundations needed to perform spatial analyses of ecological data at the landscape level. The course will cover the conceptual basis and practical application of GIS-based techniques for accounting for spatial autocorrelation, data reduction, batch processing of analyses (in Python, ArcGIS and R), spatial interpolation of spatial data, and building mixed predictive models aimed at assessing landscape level processes. Prerequisite: familiarity with GIS and consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 537) This course will be an evolutionary and ecological examination of the interactions between plants and pollinators. Topics will include pollination syndromes, plant breeding systems, pollinator foraging, learning, and behavior, specialized vs. generalized relationships, coevolution/cospeciation, chemical ecology, honey beekeeping & agricultural pollination, and conservation implications of pollinator relationships. Labs will stress science process skills and provide hands-on experience in methods of investigating plant breeding systems, plant reproductive ecology, pollinator behavior and efficacy, pollen analysis, floral scent chemistry, and floral phenology. Co-convenes with PLB 435 and ZOOL 435 for 4th Year undergraduates. Lab fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will introduce students to fundamentals of stable isotope biogeochemistry, analytical techniques, and interpretation and analysis of stable isotope data. Students will become acquainted with a diverse array of applications of stable isotopes in ecological research in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Two lectures or discussions per week. Prerequisite: 6 hours of chemistry, 10 hours of biological science. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This graduate level course focuses on our contemporary understanding of the impacts of expanding urban and agricultural environments, climate change, and other major components of the Anthropocene on the evolution of wild populations. It is more critical than ever for scientists to examine how anthropogenic factors impact natural populations. This is a conceptually broad course which covers topics ranging from landscape genetics, ecological genetics, evolutionary ecology, and phylogenetics.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides instruction in the estimation of demographic parameters including but not limited to occurrence, abundance, mortality, birth, growth, philopatry, emigration, and immigration. Students will be introduced to and provided detailed instruction in the use of Program MARK to analyze data from individually marked organisms. Prerequisite: a course in statistics.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ANTH 554, PLB 554) Advanced topics in evolutionary biology including genetics & development, evolutionary ecology, phylogeny, paleontology, biogeography, population genetics, molecular ecology, speciation, molecular evolution, and macroevolution. Topics will vary each semester. Seminar format group discussions and student presentations. Graded S/U. Special approval needed from the instructor. Credit Hours: 1.

Credit Hours: 1

(Same as ANTH 556, MBBS 556, and PLB 556) An advanced introduction to modern methods of phylogenetic inference, emphasizing both theoretical background concepts and numerical approaches to data analysis. Topics include properties of morphological and molecular characters, models of character evolution, tree estimation procedures, and tree-based testing of evolutionary hypotheses. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 557) Basic biostatistics procedures used by researchers in life sciences and related fields. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability and distributions, statistical models, likelihood methods, experimental design, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, and the use of statistical software.

Credit Hours: 4

(Same as PLB 558) Advanced biostatistical procedures used by researchers in life sciences and related fields. Topics include multiple and logistic regression, randomization tests, jackknife and bootstrap, Mantel tests, BACI designs, MANOVA, repeated measures analysis and the use of statistical software. Prerequisite: ZOOL 557, PLB 557 or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 4

This is an advanced class for graduate students interested in the analytical tools used in the field of Environmental Toxicology. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 with C- or better.

Credit Hours: 4

This class will explore the pertinence of basic life history theory and ecological principles to waterfowl management. Lecture topics include but are not limited to waterfowl life histories (i.e., productivity and mortality), foraging ecology, nutrition, habitat use, habitat management, migration, and the influence of harvest. Co-requisite: ZOOL 562B. Credit Hours: 2. Co-convened with ZOOL 462A.

Credit Hours: 2

This laboratory will meet 1 day/week for 2 hours. The primary objective will be waterfowl identification with a secondary emphasis on wetland plant identification and field techniques in waterfowl research and management. There will be 2-3 Saturday field trips. Co-convened with ZOOL 462B. Laboratory/field trip fee: $20.

Credit Hours: 1

(Same as ANS 564) Practical experience in aquaculture techniques. Course consists of modules which require student participation in hands-on experience, (e.g., spawning, induction of spawning, production of fry, operation and grading, diagnosis and treatment of parasites and diseases, and transporting of fish). One credit for completion of two modules. Register any semester, one year to complete elected number of modules. Written report and examination required for each module. Cost incurred by student varies with modules selected. Prerequisite: ZOOL 477 or ANS 477 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-2

Synthesis of effects of pollutants on physiological processes of fish. Course begins with an overview of fish physiology. Topics include: concepts, methods, and measurements in aquatic toxicology; histopathological, physiological, and behavioral responses to pollutants; and toxicity of heavy metals, organics, particulates and other pollutants. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 465 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Sampling, age and growth, dynamics, habitat improvement, manipulation of fish populations, and management of freshwater and marine fish stocks. Co-convenes with ZOOL 466.

Credit Hours: 3

Methods of characterizing harvested fish populations including mortality rates, age growth analysis, population sampling, yield models, habitat evaluation procedures and creel survey techniques. Three one-hour meetings per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 466 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced topics related to the management of fisheries including urban fisheries, native American fisheries, freshwater commercial fisheries, Great Lakes fisheries, impact of power generating plants on fishes, and in-depth consideration of indices of community structure and current topics in fish management. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: ZOOL 466 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ANS 570) Production of food, game, conservation, and bait fishes. Design of facilities, chemical and biological variables, spawning techniques, diseases and nutrition. Research approaches in aquatic culture. Graduate-level version of ZOOL 477. Prerequisite: BIOL 211 or ZOOL 118 or ANS 121 with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ANS 571) Principles of finfish reproductive strategies, reproductive physiology and captive breeding. The role of genetics and the use of biotechnology and various breeding techniques in breeding programs will also be emphasized. The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of fish reproduction and breeding techniques and to gain an appreciation of the complexity involved in managing a hatchery breeding program. Two lectures a week and one four-hour lab alternate weeks. Prerequisite: ZOOL 477 or ANS 477 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

The role of physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations and adjustments in the ecology of vertebrate organisms with special emphasis on examining the energy balance and environment as it influences vertebrate ecology. Two hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or equivalent. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A minimum 2-month full-time internship will be conducted at a Fish and Wildlife Refuge, National Forest, State Wildlife Area, or other private of publicly held land trust. During the time of the internship, daily activities of the students will be supervised by agency personnel. In collaboration with agency personnel, students will be required to write and submit a land improvement proposal to an appropriate funding agency. Internships must be approved by the Director of the Professional Science Master's program in Zoology. Grading will be based on a rubric outlining student performance during the day to day activities internship and the final land improvement proposal.

Credit Hours: 1-6

(Same as PLB 589A) Discussions of current and historical research and literature in various subject areas of ecology.

Credit Hours: 1

Principles of population dynamics as related to animals, with application to management and conservation of animal populations. Areas of emphasis include (A) an introduction to mathematical models and graphical theory of population dynamics, (B) application of theory to population management & conservation, and (C) empirical approaches to studying population persistence and regulation. Prerequisite: BIOL 307 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as PLB 578) Genetic structure of populations, factors causing changes and principles governing rate and direction of change. Three lectures per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 304 or equivalent, and BIOL 305 or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 3

Practical experience in molecular genetics techniques currently used in zoology for population genetic analysis and for molecular systematics. Emphasis will be on methods for allozyme, mtDNA and nuclear DNA analysis. Class projects will focus on experimental design, data collection and analysis. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Diversity and functions of zoological literatures, scientific writing and the publication process. Two lectures per week. Restricted to graduate status in a biological science.

Credit Hours: 2

Special topics in zoology. Consult department for each semester's topic. One meeting per week. Special approval needed from the instructor and department.

Credit Hours: 1

Application of principles from evolutionary and ecological genetics to conservation biology, fishery management, wildlife management, and aquaculture. Includes an overview of classical, molecular, population and quantitative genetics leading to an understanding of how managers can conserve genetic diversity and evolutionary potential of natural and captive populations. Prerequisite: BIOL 305 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Conceptual issues in ecology and ecological research.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced study of special topics in zoology.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will help graduate students develop practical mentoring skills through designing high quality research and outreach experiences for undergraduate students in biology. Students will read primary literature and engage in discussions regarding inclusive and effective advising/mentoring practices in the sciences. Over the course of the semester, they will design either a research or outreach project that requires undergraduate assistance. Students are not expected to execute their project within the class (or ever), but the project?s timeline will be flexible to accommodate students actually hoping to engage undergraduates in their project during the semester.

Credit Hours: 2

Contemporary topics, literature, and oral and written communication in fisheries science. Enrollment required for zoology graduate students specializing in fisheries science for all fall and spring semesters until degree requirements are completed, unless exempted by the student's academic advisor. Only one 586 credit hour, however, may be used to satisfy degree requirements. One meeting per week.

Credit Hours: 1

Contemporary topics, literature, and oral and written communication in wildlife ecology. Enrollment required for zoology graduate students specializing in wildlife ecology for all Fall and Spring semesters until degree requirements are completed. Only four 588 credit hours, however, may be used to satisfy degree requirements. One meeting per week.

Credit Hours: 1

Regularly scheduled presentations by invited seminar speakers on topics of current research interest in Zoology. Graded S/U. Only two credits of 589 may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Restricted to graduate status in Zoology.

Credit Hours: 1

Investigation in zoology other than those for theses. Only three hours may be credited toward a degree. Some costs may be borne by the student.

Credit Hours: 1-12

Graded S/U only. Credit may not be used toward a degree in Zoology. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-12

Individualized techniques or experimental procedures to prepare for dissertation research. May be taken at another university. Number of credits determined by committee. Graded on S/U basis following final report submitted to major adviser. Restricted to admission to Ph.D. degree program in Zoology. Special approval needed from the major adviser.

Credit Hours: 1-12

Research paper for Master of Science degree for Biological Sciences major. Some cost may be borne by the student. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Thesis for Master of Science degree. Only six hours may count toward the degree. Some cost may be borne by student. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-36

Research and dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy degree. Some cost may be borne by student. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-32

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1

Must be a Postdoctoral Fellow. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted.

Credit Hours: 1