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free online certificate courses in zoology

There are courses out there that will teach you the basics of marine zoology, free online animal courses, and even look at ways in which you can earn certificates in animal training. The goal of this post is to present you with options so that when deciding between to take an online course or not, you can confidently choose yes.

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Will you learn all about free online certificate courses in zoology? Have you been searching the internet tirelessly for answers to this without successful results? Well, you do not need to search any further, as the article below explains in detail everything you need to know about free online certificate courses in zoology.

Collegelearners offers updated information about zoology associates degree online together with details about free online animal courses with certificates, free online courses with certificates, b sc zoology online classes, free online zoology degree. Related posts on the topic can also be found on Collegelearners.

Free Online Certificate Courses In Zoology

  • Animal Behaviour and Welfare by The University of Edinburgh

Animal Behaviour and Welfare
The University of Edinburgh
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 3906 reviews
4.8
(3,906)
110k students
Mixed

  • Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation by American Museum of Natural History, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation
American Museum of Natural History
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 2571 reviews
4.8
(2,571)
47k students
Intermediate

  • Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution by University of Alberta

Paleontology: Early Vertebrate Evolution
University of Alberta
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 961 reviews
4.8
(961)
22k students
Mixed

  • Women in environmental biology by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Women in environmental biology
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Course
Rated 4.6 out of five stars. 101 reviews
4.6
(101)
5.3k students
Beginner

  • EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian? by The University of Edinburgh

EDIVET: Do you have what it takes to be a veterinarian?
The University of Edinburgh
Course
Rated 4.8 out of five stars. 1946 reviews
4.8
(1,946)
53k students
Mixed

  • Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology by University of Alberta

Dino 101: Dinosaur Paleobiology
University of Alberta
Course
Rated 4.9 out of five stars. 2730 reviews
4.9
(2,730)
56k students
Beginner

  • Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds by University of Alberta

Paleontology: Theropod Dinosaurs and the Origin of Birds
University of Alberta
Course
Rated 4.9 out of five stars. 1230 reviews
4.9
(1,230)
24k students
Mixed

Bachelor’s in Zoology

Zoology isn’t only about zoos! In fact, students who study zoology often make a huge impact in the world through scientific exploration of anatomy, behavior, evolution, and physiology of animals and humans. This zoology degree online is one of the most comprehensive degrees on our list and is specifically designed for individuals seeking careers working with animals. Career options for those graduating with an online bachelor’s in zoology include animal nutritionists, biologists, conservation activists, and veterinary technicians. Also, majoring in zoology can open the door to graduate and pre-professional programs, such as veterinary medicine. The zoology degree online is one of the most versatile bachelor’s degree programs.

Bachelor’s in Biology

Biology is the study of the scientific processes behind living organisms. As such, it has always been one of the most popular major for animal lovers. An undergraduate degree in biology is extremely comprehensive and provides a fundamental understanding of all forms of life within the context of characteristics, processes, habits, and functions. Students take a wide array of courses such as molecular biology, marine biology, anatomy and physiology, zoology, and biochemistry. Because biology is the basis for most scientific principles, students are well prepared for graduate studies or careers in wildlife management and environmental science. Common occupations for biology majors include zoo workers, park rangers, and animal research.

Bachelor’s in Marine Biology

Marine biology is an excellent major for animal lovers, especially those with an interest in studying marine life and its associated environments. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface and have a huge range of life, from microscopic organisms to the largest living creatures on the planet. As a marine biology major, students learn how life is able to survive and thrive in various bodies of water through a mixture of coursework, lab work, and time spent in the field. Marine biology is a major where students gain vast amounts of experience outside of the classroom engaging in exciting learning opportunities such as earning scuba certification, spending a semester at sea, and internships at aquariums, marine research institutes, and more.

Bachelor’s in Ecology

Ecology is the study of agricultural concepts and practices that promote a positive impact on the environment in several specific contexts such as farming, renewable energy, and water management. Students take several courses such as agroecology, crop science, soil science, horticulture, agriculture economics, and watershed management. Ecology majors can go into several sectors of the economy dues to the pervasive nature and critical importance of the information they learn as part of the degree. Careers may include agricultural science teachers and professors, conservation scientists, forestry workers, soil and plant scientists, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an ecologist is approximately $82,000 annually.

Bachelor’s in Wildlife

Wildlife majors focus on the biological processes and principles of vertebrate wildlife and their related ecosystems and habitats. Similar majors include zoology, genetics, and animal biology. The goal of most programs is to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and conserve wildlife and the earth’s precious ecosystems. The major offers excellent hands-on opportunities outside of the classroom. Given the didactic nature, these programs are for students who enjoy spending time in nature and working with a wide variety of animals. Courses focus on topics such as waterfowl, large mammals, and conservation biology. Sample careers include game wardens, field biologists, and wildlife educators.

Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science

Veterinary science is another excellent degree for animal lovers. The curriculum focuses on teaching students to meet the health care needs of animals including pets, zoo animals, livestock, and more. While the major does prepare students for veterinary school, there are a large number of careers students can transition into upon completion of a veterinary science bachelor’s degree. These careers include veterinary hospital managers, veterinary research, or veterinary technician to name a few. Students take a wide assortment of science classes such as zoology, mammalian physiology, and microbiology. As with similar majors, students also spend a lot of time in the field gaining hands-on experience working directly with animals.

Bachelor’s in Cellular Biology

Cell biology majors study the processes that govern the basic unit of life – the cell. Cell biology draws from several disciplines such as chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, physics, and physiology, which provide more context and a deeper understanding of how the cell impacts life. Students should have a keen interest and affinity for the natural sciences, as well as courses in mathematics. In addition to coursework, students spend considerable amounts of time in laboratories gaining hands-on experience as they apply the concepts they learn in class. Graduates are well prepared for graduate school or to move into careers in teaching, research, healthcare, and the like.

Bachelor’s in Genetics

Genetics is a fascinating major where students learn about the inheritable traits and mutations that are passed down through genetic information and DNA. Genetics majors learn about cellular growth and reproduction, which provides essential research in the fight and prevention of diseases such as cancer. Courses include developmental genetics, biochemistry, molecular genetics, human genetics, chemistry, and more. In addition to a general major, students can choose from several concentrations such as molecular genetics, animal genetics, plant genetics, and genome sciences. This degree often prepares students for graduate or medical school as well as a host of careers in research and health care.

Bachelor’s in Neurobiology

Neurobiology is the study of the human brain and its development. The major is known for its research-intensive curriculum, which prepares students well for a potential career in neurobiological research or graduate school. Students take courses in molecular biology, cognitive biology, molecular biology, and psychology. Students learn skills and concepts valued by most employers. Careers include medical laboratory assistants, medical sales, biomedical engineers, medical researchers, and more. Students spend vast amounts of time doing research their junior and senior years. In addition, neurobiology has several internship opportunities that allow students to earn practical experience that can lead to lucrative employment opportunities.

Bachelor’s in Anatomy

Anatomy majors focus their studies on tissue structures and organ systems in the human body. In addition, they spend a lot of time understanding how these interconnected systems and structures work together to impact human capacity, function, and health. Students take courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, endocrinology, and neuroanatomy. Students should have a passion for the natural sciences as well as an in inquisitive nature. Anatomy majors often leverage the degree as preparation for physical therapy school or other types of graduate study. For those seeking to move directly into a career, options include biological science teachers, physical therapy assistants, and athletic trainers.

Bachelor’s in Animal Behavior

A less well-known major, animal behavior studies the brains and nervous systems of animals in an effort to understand their behavior. How do they learn new behaviors? How do they adapt to their environment? And how do animals solve problems? These are all questions that animal behavior majors attempt to tackle. With a foundation in the natural sciences, animal behavior is major that can propel graduates to fruitful careers or as preparation for graduate studies. Graduates go on to work in careers training animals to assist people with disabilities, supervising animals at various locations such as zoos and sanctuaries, and researching various animals in their natural habitats.

Bachelor’s in Equine Studies

Equine studies is the perfect major for horse lovers. Students become horse experts through studying their behavior, their interaction with humans, their anatomy, breeding patterns, and effective training techniques. Additionally, students focus on learning the equine industry, including how to run horse-related businesses such as riding schools, stables, and farms. Courses concepts include equine anatomy and physiology, equine breeds, equine nutrition, and stable management. In addition to classroom learning, students spend a considerable amount of time in the field working with horses in various contexts. Students spend the first year intensely studying equine nutrition and anatomy, followed by field experiences during their junior and senior years.

Bachelor’s in Fish and Wildlife

Fish and Wildlife studies is an excellent major for students interested in life sciences and outdoor work environments. Students generally move into careers managing conservation areas, enforcing conservation laws, and managing fish and wildlife farms and fisheries. The curriculum focuses on several areas that impact fish and wildlife. Students study public policies that impact animals, along with conservation strategies and new technologies. Students should possess a strong acumen for natural sciences and mathematics and a love for working in labs and nature. Students who engage in internships will have the best employment and graduate school opportunities. Sample careers include wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, and wildlife program manager.

Bachelor’s in Poultry Science

Poultry Science is the study of chicken, eggs, turkey, and other poultry products. Students learn about the animals and the associated industries that help deliver one of the most widely used commodities in the world from the farm to the dinner plate. The curriculum is as wide-ranging as the industry. Students investigate these species through courses in anatomy and physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and biology. They also learn about poultry regulation and production, and processing. Careers in research, business, and education abound for the graduate with a poultry science degree in hand. Graduates are also well-prepared for advanced poultry science studies in graduate school.

Free online wildlife courses

  • EDX

This site is host to literally thousands of free online courses created by world-leading institutes, including Harvard University and MIT, so you can enjoy all the learning without all the debt! They have an intriguing mix of free courses, including my favourite, one that teaches you how to utilise Twitter to share positive conservation news called #EarthOptimism. Other conservation courses include Tropical Coastal Ecosystems, Conservation & Protected Areas Management in Africa, and Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes.


  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

The needs-no-introduction media powerhouse hosts a six-week online conservation course! The classes were developed by United for Wildlife and the Zoological Society of London, so expect some top quality learning.


  • OPENLEARN BY THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

The Open University is the groundbreaking distance learning institution where you can study from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection (or if you happen to be enrolled during a global pandemic… from home), but did you know that they have a huge number of free online courses too? They have an enormous nature and environment online course section, covering everything from sustainability to wildlife and oceans, giving you hours of fun!


  • WILDLIFE CAMPUS

Wildlife Campus has a fantastic array of both free and affordable wildlife courses alongside some more expensive options (fancy becoming a fully qualified ranger??). When you first sign up, you are allocated 10 free conservation courses on everything from mountain guiding to birding and even cultural astronomy! You can also try out free course components before you commit to buying an entire course, which is a feature I love.


  • COURSERA

A well-known course hosting site, their environmental online courses range from Environmental Law to Chimpanzee Conservation and even Women in Environmental Biology, all of which are free. Also, although you normally have to pay more for a certificate, Coursera are currently giving free certification on 85 of its courses right now, including some popular environmental courses! So be sure to check those out.


  • PAPACO

PAPACO sounds like a delicious fruit, but stands for the Program on African Protected Areas & Conservation. Here, you can find several brilliant wildlife conservation online courses devoted to the conservation of African wildlife, including Species Conservation and New Technologies for Protected Areas.


  • CONSERVATION TRAINING

Does what it says on the tin! This site, set up by the Nature Conservancy and others, provides fantastic free conservation courses covering topics like biodiversity, conservation tools and coral reefs, so if you’re looking to swot up on your conservation knowledge, this is the place for you.


  • UN CC:E-LEARN

Not the catchiest name, but this site created as part of the UN’s mission to tackle climate change provides incredible high-quality environmental courses covering everything from the REDD+ scheme (reducing carbon emissions through forest conservation) to the Green Economy and even Gender and the Environment.


  • FUTURELEARN

This well-known free online course platform has a nature and environment section hosting a number of interesting free environmental courses (though you can pay to upgrade for bonus features, like continuous access and certificates). Examples are Climate Change Solutions with the University of Exeter and Ecology and Wildlife Conservation with the University of Leeds.


  • ALISON

No, not a lady on YouTube (haha!), Alison is a website full of free online courses including a nice set of environmental courses, with plenty of sustainability and ecology classes to choose from. You can sign up and go through them for free, or pay extra to remove ads and get certificates of completion.


  • OPEN EDUCATION BY BLACKBOARD

Many of us are traumatised by blackboard from university, but did you know that they also offer free online courses from a whole heap of institutions? You can learn about Coasts and Communities, brush up on your Field Ecology skills, and discover Charles Darwin, Evolution, and Tropical Australia, so if you’re procrastinating doing actual uni work, take a look at these instead!

Marine zoology online courses

There are 10 lessons and 10 Assignments; as follows: 

  1. Introduction and Simple Organisms
    • Terminology
    • Classification or Taxonomy
    • Simple and microscopic organisms
    • Types of protazoans
    • Ciliates
    • Flagellates
    • Algae
    • Bacteria
    • Plankton
    • Sponges
  2. Marine Plants
    • Terminology
    • Overview of seaweeds
    • Chlorophyta (Green Algae)
    • Phaeophyta (Brown Algae)
    • Rhodophyta (Red algae)
    • Marine fungi
    • Marine flowering plants: sea grasses, mangroves, salt marsh plants
  3. Cnidarians & Worms:
    • Terminology
    • Anemones
    • Jellyfish
    • Crustaceans
    • Worms: flatworms, ribbon worms, round worms
    • Segmented worms. peanut worms, giant tube worms 
  4. Arthropods
    • Introduction
    • Characteristics
    • Prawns and shrimps
    • Deep water prawns in the atlantic
    • The common prawn (Palaemon serratus)
    • Giant red shrimp
    • Pink prawn
    • Shallow water prawns
    • Indian white prawn
    • Tiger prawn
    • Kuruma shrimp
    • Green tiger prawn
    • Peneaeus notialis and others
    • Barnacles
    • Crabs
    • True crabs
    • Hermit crabs
  5. Molluscs
    • Introduction and classification
    • Characteristics
    • Gastropods
    • Whelk
    • Bivalves
    • Mussels and oysters
    • Cocles
    • Green lipped mussels, common mussel, mediterranean mussel, and others
    • Pacific oyster, European flat oyster, Olympia oyster
    • Nudibranchs (open gilled sea slugs)
    • Cephalapods
    • Octopuses
    • Biology of the octopus
    • Cuttlefish
    • Squid: classification and biology
    • Oegopsida squid and other squid
    • Chitons
  6. Echinoderms:
    • Terminology
    • Characteristics of Echinoderms
    • Starfish
    • Sea Urchins
    • Sea Cucumbers
  7. Non Bony Fishes:
    • Lampreys
    • Hagfishes
    • Sharks
    • Rays
  8. Bony Fishes I
    • Introduction
    • Terminology
    • Structure and biological characteristics
    • Classification
  9. Bony Fishes II
    • Families within Oesteichyes
    • Mesopelagic fish: distribution, life historyand ecology
    • Clupeoids (eg. sardine, herring)
    • Tunas: types, life history, feeding, predators
    • Mackerels
    • Bill Fish (Marlins, spear fish, sail fish)
  10. Marine Mammals and Higher Animals
    • Marine reptiles: sea snakes, sea turtles, crocadylians
    • Pinnipeds (seals walruses, Seal lions
    • Dugongs and Manatees
    • Whales and Dolphins
    • Sea birds 

Free online animal courses with certificates

Animal welfare has been described as a complex, multi-faceted public policy issue which includes important scientific, ethical, and other dimensions. Improving our understanding of animal welfare, involves the fascinating study of animal behavior as well as the challenge of accessing the emotions of animals.

  • Chicken Behaviour and Welfare

University of Edinburgh via Coursera

This course explains the general principles of chicken behaviour and welfare, and the behavioural and physiological indicators that can be used to assess welfare in chickens kept in hobby flocks through to commercial farms. The focus is primarily on laying hens and meat chickens (broilers) although many of the principles are relevant to other types of poultry. The course is likely to be of interest to people who own chickens as pets or keep a small hobby flock, commercial egg and chicken meat producers, veterinarians and vet nurses.

  • Introduction to Animal Ethics

Kyoto University via edX

Why do many of us who eat pigs condemn those who eat dogs? Is there any difference between lab mice and companion hamsters that justify the use of the former for drug tests? Our attitude toward animals is full of seeming inconsistencies and unexplained conventions. Animal ethics is the field that tries to make sense of human-animal relationships using insights from philosophical ethics, and this course is an introduction to the field.

  • The Truth About Cats and Dogs

University of Edinburgh via Coursera 

This MOOC is divided into five topics, the appliance of science; behaviour and body language, senses and perception; challenges for the human-animal relationship, including pet problem behaviour; and how to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in our care.

  • Introduction to Animal Behaviour

Wageningen University via edX 

Do you want to understand how and why animals behave the way they do, and how we test hypotheses about behaviour scientifically? This biology and life sciences course provides an introduction to the complexities of wild animal behaviour, and how it is studied.

Over six weeks, learners will explore the various behaviours animals adopt in order to meet the challenges of their daily lives. We begin with how animals learn and communicate with each other, then move on to discuss how they find food, avoid predators, choose their mates, and rear their offspring.

  • Global Health at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem Interface

University of Geneva via Coursera 

The University of Geneva, Institute Pasteur, University of Montreal and Centre Virchow-Villermé/University Paris Descartes welcome you to this MOOC on “Global Health at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem Interface”!

Over the next 8 weeks, you will explore and learn about some of the major and current Global Health Challenges at the Human-Animal-Ecosystem Interface: zoonotic emerging infections (e.g. Ebola, Nipah, MERS, Avian Influenza), antimicrobial resistance, neglected tropical diseases (e.g. rabies, leishmaniasis, zoonotic TB), snakebite and other human-animal conflicts etc. 

  • Evaluating Animal Breeding Programmes

Wageningen University via edX

Animal breeding, and especially farm animal breeding, has developed into a professional industry with modern technologies, large-scale data collection, and analyses. This has resulted in very efficient and effective breeding programs. However, in many developing countries, and for many lesser known livestock and fish species there is a need for tailor-made breeding programs. In this MOOC, you will learn about the implementation and evaluation of both large industrial scale and the tailor-made breeding programs, in terms of genetic progress and genetic diversity.

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