Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles
Zoology
Zoology is the scientific study of animal biology from the perspective of the entire animal organism. As a highly interdisciplinary discipline, zoologists develop a broad knowledge base to inform their understanding of the animals with which we share our planet.
Key Skills & Knowledge
Analytical and critical thinking: Synthesize complex information; logical reasoning, critical thinking; in-depth knowledge of biological theory; understanding of scientific method of inquiry.
Perform laboratory procedures: Operate scientific/ laboratory equipment and instruments, understand laboratory process; administer biological tests; collect and preserve field organisms; observe and make measurements on organisms; dissect preserved or euthanized specimens.
Communication: Presenting and communicating technical and scientific data and ideas clearly and articulately to both the scientific and non-scientific communities using current technology; memorizing large amounts of information; conveying information to small groups and through presentations; writing scientific and technical reports.
Research: The collection, analysis and interpretation of data using the appropriate laboratory and/or field techniques; organizing vast amounts of data; inspecting specimens; demonstrating precision and accuracy in data collection and observation; hypothesizing, designing, and carrying out experiments.
Organization and attention to detail: Data, time and resource management; independent worker, ability to meet deadlines.
Teamwork skills: the ability to oversee, supervise and/or contribute to a project.
Problem-Solving: Applying logical and creative thinking to troubleshoot experiments, resolve research challenges, and adapt methods to achieve accurate results.
Sample Job Titles
Please note that some of these positions may require additional training, certification, or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo
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Animal Behaviourist
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Animal Breeder Technician
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Animal Feeds Advisor
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Animal Nutritionist
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Animal Pathologist
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Artificial Inseminator
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Breed Association Representative
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Breed Journal Reporter
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Dairy Herdsman
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Ecotoxicologist
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Equine Nutritionist
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Extension Youth Specialist
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Farm Manager
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Feed Company Manager
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Habitat Developer
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Herdsman
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Livestock Agent
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Livestock Promoter
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Meat Merchandiser
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Poultry Scientist
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Product Quality Controller
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Research Assistant/Researcher
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Stable Manager
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Teacher/Professor
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Veterinarian/Veterinary Technician
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Wildlife Biologist
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Wildlife Program Co-ordinator
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Zookeeper
Potential Industries
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Hospitals & Medical Centres
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Medicine & Health Organizations
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Museums
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Non-profits & NGOs
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Pharmaceutical Companies
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Post-Secondary
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Environment and Pollution Control
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Publishing Companies
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Research Institutions
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Testing Laboratories
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Zoos, Aquariums, National or Provincial Parks
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Agricultrual
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Biotechnology
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Conservation
Associations & Professional Development
- Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET)
- Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB)
- BioTalent Canada
- BIOTECanada
- Canadian Association of Science Centres
- Canadian Council on Animal Care
- Canadian Medical Association
- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
- Canadian Society of Zoologists
- Canadian Wildlife Federation
- Environmental and Natural Resources
- Entomological Society of Canada
- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology
Additional Resources
Did you know?
Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development. These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work. Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.
Key Contacts
Faculty Contact
Undergraduate Science Centre
Science B 149 (SB 149)
T: 403.220.8600
E: science.advising@ucalgary.ca
W: science.ucalgary.ca
Clubs on Campus
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
Centre for Career & Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development
