BS Biology: Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Florida

Program Overview

The Biology (BS) – Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science track at the University of Central Florida is designed for students preparing for veterinary medical school or graduate study in animal biology, combining core biological sciences with specialized study of animal physiology, behavior, anatomy, ecology, and evolution. Students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics while developing deeper expertise through zoology-focused electives and laboratory experiences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as BSC 2010C – Biology I, CHM 2045C – Chemistry Fundamentals I, and STA 2023 – Statistical Methods I. These courses develop the biological, chemical, mathematical, and statistical knowledge needed for the more advanced biology curriculum.

Year 2: Students progress into BSC 2011C – Biology II, CHM 2046 – Chemistry Fundamentals II, and CHM 2210 – Organic Chemistry I, strengthening their understanding of biological systems and the chemical principles relevant to life sciences and veterinary preparation. Physics and additional chemistry requirements are also incorporated into the science foundation.

Year 3: The curriculum moves into advanced biology with PCB 3023 – Molecular Cell Biology, PCB 3044 – Principles of Ecology, and PCB 3063 – Genetics. Students begin developing the specialized zoology perspective of the track through areas such as animal physiology, animal behavior, comparative vertebrate anatomy, and other upper-level animal biology options.

Year 4: Students complete advanced study through PCB 4683 – Evolutionary Biology and upper-level Zoology and Biology electives such as ZOO 4462C – Herpetology, ZOO 4480 – Mammalogy, ZOO 4272 – Ornithology, ZOO 4603C – Embryology/Development, or ZOO 4513 – Animal Behavior. The track also requires upper-level laboratory experiences and completion of the Biology comprehensive exit exam, giving students a focused academic foundation for veterinary or graduate study.

Focus areas: Zoology, pre-veterinary science, animal physiology, animal behavior, comparative vertebrate anatomy, mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, ichthyology, vertebrate evolution and ecology, embryology and development, genetics, molecular cell biology, and evolutionary biology.

Learning outcomes: Students develop foundational and advanced knowledge of biological systems, genetics, evolution, ecology, physiology, and animal biology, while gaining laboratory and scientific-analysis experience relevant to veterinary medicine and graduate study.

Professional alignment (accreditation): UCF states that this track is designed to prepare students for entrance into veterinary medical programs or graduate school in animal biology; no separate professional accreditation is stated for this specific bachelor's track on the official program page.

Reputation (employability rankings): UCF reports that Biology is one of its top 10 undergraduate majors by enrollment, while its official U.S. News rankings page lists Overall Biology at No. 148 in the cited U.S. News rankings. These are university/program-area indicators rather than a specific ranking of the Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian track.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology (BS) – Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science track at UCF is designed around hands-on animal biology, laboratory work, field experience, and undergraduate research. Students develop practical skills through courses such as Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Animal Behavior, Mammalogy, Herpetology, Embryology and Development, and specialized laboratory courses, while UCF also provides opportunities to gain independent-study and research experience with faculty and through animal-focused organizations.

These program-specific opportunities give students several ways to apply classroom knowledge in real biological and veterinary-related settings:

Animal-focused laboratories: Students can complete Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab, Mammalogy Lab, Evolutionary Biology Lab, Florida Ecology Lab, and Embryology/Development as part of the Biology curriculum.
Zoo-based research experience: ZOO 4910L – Research Experience in Animal Behavior in a Zoo Environment provides direct research experience focused on animal behavior in a zoo setting.
Sea turtle field experience: ZOO 4405C – Sea Turtle Ecology and Conservation Internship combines practical experience with animal ecology and conservation.
Animal organizations: UCF has established connections with the Central Florida Zoo, Back To Nature, and Birds of Prey Center of Maitland, where students can acquire hands-on experience and earn independent-study credit.
Field research: The Feller's House Field Station provides access to Mosquito Lagoon and has been used extensively by UCF biology students and faculty for field research involving sea turtles, birds, fishes, invertebrates, marine mammals, mangroves, seagrasses, and other organisms.
Undergraduate research: UCF Biology offers opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research under faculty supervision, strengthening analytical, scientific, and writing skills. The department currently has 22 active research labs where undergraduates can contribute as research assistants.
Research partnerships: Biology research extends across UCF and external partners including the Archbold Biological Station and Disney's Wilderness Preserve, providing access to research environments beyond the main campus.
Research and mentoring: The Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP) gives participating students a faculty-mentored research experience along with workshops focused on graduate-school preparation.
Specialized biological facilities: UCF Biology facilities include the Arboretum, Bug Closet, Greenhouse, Herbarium, and other research facilities supporting biological investigation and experiential learning.
Digital and quantitative skills: Biology coursework includes Quantitative Biological Methods and UCF also offers Programming for Biologists, providing opportunities to develop computational and quantitative approaches relevant to modern biological research.
Study abroad: The Biology Department offers study-abroad courses through the UCF Costa Rica Center, including Integrated Principles of Zoology and Animal Behavior, giving students an opportunity to study zoological topics in an international setting.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology (BS) – Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science track prepares students for careers involving animal biology, wildlife, conservation, laboratory research, and veterinary-related fields. Its specialized coursework in animal physiology, comparative vertebrate anatomy, animal behavior, mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, and veterinary preparation also creates a strong foundation for graduate or professional study.

Typical career roles: Biological Technician, Wildlife Biologist, Laboratory Research Assistant, Veterinary Assistant.

Career development and progression opportunities include:

Career Services: UCF’s Career Services, Office of Experiential Learning, Handshake, and Pre-Health and Pre-Law Advising provide support with career planning, internships, job applications, employer connections, interviews, and preparation for graduate or professional school. Handshake also allows students to search and apply for jobs and internships and connect with employers.
Employment and salary: UCF states that biology occupations are projected to grow 10% through 2029, while the median earnings for biology graduates are $96,000. These figures are presented by UCF for the Biology BS and are not specific to the Zoology and Pre-Veterinarian Science track.
University–industry and community connections: Students can gain independent-study experience through established connections with the Central Florida Zoo, Back to Nature, and the Birds of Prey Center of Maitland. The track also includes opportunities such as the Sea Turtle Ecology and Conservation Internship and Research Experience in Animal Behavior in a Zoo Environment.
Professional preparation: UCF’s Biology Department supports pre-professional pathways, including veterinary medicine, while the track is specifically designed for students seeking admission to veterinary medical programs or graduate programs in animal biology.
Accreditation value: UCF received initial institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in 2025, with approval covering bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral program levels. This institutional accreditation provides an established quality-assurance framework for the university and its degrees.
Graduation outcomes: UCF states that Biology graduates can move into opportunities spanning human health, environmental science, and conservation, while also continuing into advanced study in medical, biomedical, life-science, and related disciplines.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this four-year degree, students can pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or other veterinary professional programs, subject to the individual institution’s prerequisites and admission requirements. The degree can also lead to master’s or doctoral study in zoology, animal biology, ecology, wildlife biology, conservation, biological sciences, or related life-science disciplines; UCF specifically notes that its Biology program prepares students for professional and graduate schools.