Zoology

Why Study Zoology at U of G?

How will climate change impact animal populations? How does pollution affect fish behaviour? Zoology can help us understand past, present and future connections between animals and the environment, including the impact of human activities.

Through the Zoology major, students take an interdisciplinary approach to studying animals, including through animal biology, ecology and evolution, and deepen their studies with hands-on experiences, including organism-specific lab courses.

After building a foundation in the biological sciences, Zoology students have the flexibility to choose courses in topics of interest to them, including mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology and fish biology.

Develop Your Knowledge of Animal Life

This major provides you with a broad foundation in animal biology and biodiversity, from the molecular to population level, with courses in physiology, ecology, evolution, and the structure and function of invertebrates and vertebrates.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Take your studies beyond the classroom and participate in a field course, international exchange, or research project. Past students have participated in field courses on both coasts of Canada, in Algonquin Park and the Northern Studies Centre in Manitoba, as well as Australia, Argentina, Iceland and Costa Rica.

To see all courses offered in the Zoology program, visit our Academic Calendar.

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Top Comprehensive University: in Canada (Maclean’s 2025)
Top 150 in the World: for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)
Top 20% in the World: for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Top 3 in Canada: for Zoology (EduRank 2025)

Careers in Zoology

With their mix of practical experience, gained through lab, field and research courses, and knowledge, including in strategies for conservation at the individual, population and community levels, Zoology graduates are well prepared for a wide range of careers in public and private sectors.

Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

Agricultural Zoologist
Animal Care and Research Assistant
Animal Ecologist
Aquatic Research Scientist
Avian Biologist
Biology Teacher
Communications Lead
Consultation Biologist
Field Biologist
Fisheries Biologist
Habitat Developer
Health Educator
Laboratory Manager

Museum Curator
Nature Reserves Manager
Researcher
Resource Management Officer
Science Journalist
Senior Policy Advisor
Senior Specialist, Natural Heritage Management
Stewardship Officer
Sustainability Manager
Terrestrial and Wetland Biology
Wildlife Biologist
Zoo Attendant

Hear From Zoology Students and a Graduate

As an international student from Italy, I chose the University of Guelph for its top-ranked veterinary school and animal science programs designed to gain hands-on experience in your undergrad. In my first year, I have had opportunities to do lab work and learn practical foundational skills in seminars. Joining the Future Vets Club, I took a field trip to the Toronto Zoo to see backstage clinics and meet vets pursuing my passion. I am amazed by how much I am learning about animals and their habitats, and can't wait to apply that knowledge to make a difference with endangered species.

Chiara Alfinito, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '27)

Just as a safari takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness to witness nature’s wonders up close, the Zoology program immerses you in the fascinating world of animals. We are not treated as just students; we are curious explorers, encouraged to ask questions and engage in passionate discussions. Balancing hands-on experiences like dissections and live animal handling, alongside enlightening lectures on evolution, the Zoology program serves as a guiding light, helping you make well-informed career decisions.

Victoria Virag, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '25)

The Zoology program has so much to offer students who are passionate about animals of all taxa and habitats! Through the various lectures, labs, and seminars offered, I have been able to expand my knowledge and practical skills related to animal morphology, evolution, and ecology. Through labs, I have gained hands-on experience with live animals, lab equipment, and dissected a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species like sharks and squids! In seminars, I have learned how to design experiments and utilize tools and techniques critical for biological fieldwork. The highly knowledgeable experts in the Department of Integrative Biology are clearly passionate about what they teach, which makes learning all the more engaging and fun.

Keira De Canha, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '27)

Attending the Zoology program at the University of Guelph was one of the most rewarding experiences. Being from B.C., it was a huge leap to come to Guelph for my postsecondary education, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision. A large part of my undergraduate degree involved hands-on experience with Wild Ontario, which was extremely reaffirming for me to pursue an education involved with animals. In my fourth years I also completed an undergraduate thesis, under the supervision of Dr. Adamowicz of the Integrative Biology department. That project ignited my passion for research and asking questions about the world around us, and provided me with meaningful experience that continues to assist me post graduation and with my career journey!

Shea Carson, Alumni
Zoology (BSc '24)
Watch a day in the life of a Zoology student

As an international student from Italy, I chose the University of Guelph for its top-ranked veterinary school and animal science programs designed to gain hands-on experience in your undergrad. In my first year, I have had opportunities to do lab work and learn practical foundational skills in seminars. Joining the Future Vets Club, I took a field trip to the Toronto Zoo to see backstage clinics and meet vets pursuing my passion. I am amazed by how much I am learning about animals and their habitats, and can't wait to apply that knowledge to make a difference with endangered species.

Chiara Alfinito, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '27)

Just as a safari takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness to witness nature’s wonders up close, the Zoology program immerses you in the fascinating world of animals. We are not treated as just students; we are curious explorers, encouraged to ask questions and engage in passionate discussions. Balancing hands-on experiences like dissections and live animal handling, alongside enlightening lectures on evolution, the Zoology program serves as a guiding light, helping you make well-informed career decisions.

Victoria Virag, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '25)

The Zoology program has so much to offer students who are passionate about animals of all taxa and habitats! Through the various lectures, labs, and seminars offered, I have been able to expand my knowledge and practical skills related to animal morphology, evolution, and ecology. Through labs, I have gained hands-on experience with live animals, lab equipment, and dissected a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate species like sharks and squids! In seminars, I have learned how to design experiments and utilize tools and techniques critical for biological fieldwork. The highly knowledgeable experts in the Department of Integrative Biology are clearly passionate about what they teach, which makes learning all the more engaging and fun.

Keira De Canha, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '27)

Attending the Zoology program at the University of Guelph was one of the most rewarding experiences. Being from B.C., it was a huge leap to come to Guelph for my postsecondary education, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision. A large part of my undergraduate degree involved hands-on experience with Wild Ontario, which was extremely reaffirming for me to pursue an education involved with animals. In my fourth years I also completed an undergraduate thesis, under the supervision of Dr. Adamowicz of the Integrative Biology department. That project ignited my passion for research and asking questions about the world around us, and provided me with meaningful experience that continues to assist me post graduation and with my career journey!

Shea Carson, Alumni
Zoology (BSc '24)
Watch a day in the life of a Zoology student

As an international student from Italy, I chose the University of Guelph for its top-ranked veterinary school and animal science programs designed to gain hands-on experience in your undergrad. In my first year, I have had opportunities to do lab work and learn practical foundational skills in seminars. Joining the Future Vets Club, I took a field trip to the Toronto Zoo to see backstage clinics and meet vets pursuing my passion. I am amazed by how much I am learning about animals and their habitats, and can't wait to apply that knowledge to make a difference with endangered species.

Chiara Alfinito, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '27)

Just as a safari takes you deep into the heart of the wilderness to witness nature’s wonders up close, the Zoology program immerses you in the fascinating world of animals. We are not treated as just students; we are curious explorers, encouraged to ask questions and engage in passionate discussions. Balancing hands-on experiences like dissections and live animal handling, alongside enlightening lectures on evolution, the Zoology program serves as a guiding light, helping you make well-informed career decisions.

Victoria Virag, Undergraduate Student
Zoology (BSc '25)

Student with Zoology shirt holding a snail

Discover More Options

Students considering the Zoology program may also be interested in Animal Biology, Animal Science, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, or other majors. (Note that Animal Biology and Animal Science focus mainly on domesticated animals, including pets and livestock, whereas Zoology studies all animals.)