The Program
The Animal Biology (ABI) major consists of core biological sciences courses that build on animal biology from molecular foundations to the ecological and evolutionary levels of organization. ABI students 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 advancing society. Emphasis is on biological principles that can be used in research or in solving societal problems associated with animals in agriculture, urban areas, or natural environments as opposed to animal care and husbandry.
The major requirements provide students the opportunity to develop research and scientific writing skills; demonstrate critical thinking; work closely with faculty, staff, researchers, grad students, and/or professors; and be creative in a scientific environment. After completing the core courses, usually at the beginning of the junior year, ABI students design their own academic program. The program combines a research project (Senior Practicum) of the student's choice under the guidance of a faculty mentor together with supportive coursework. The ABI research experience remains unique among undergraduate science majors at UC Davis. By graduation, in addition to completing coursework on the principles of biology, every ABI student has designed and conducted a research project, and written a final report of their findings.
Appropriate Practicum Projects
The practicum may be experimental biological research or a problem-solving issues paper. Practicum projects may be off campus, and the primary mentor need not be a UCD faculty member, however, in this case students must additionally have an on-campus faculty member as a co-mentor. An Internship does not constitute a practicum in and of itself, but may be an entrance to a practicum project or mentor. Past Practicum Subject Areas:- Animal Behavior
- Animal Nutrition/Diet
- Conservation
- Ecology/Ecosystem Function
- Environmental Sciences
- Genetics
- Immunology (Diseases/Viruses)
- Parasite-Host Interactions (including vector diseases)
- Reproduction
- Wild Animals in Captive Settings
- Wildlife Management
- and many more!