Thesis in Zoology (Zool 4970) provides students with the opportunity to formalize their research experience into a larger project. Typically, students conduct their research during a one- to two-year period and register for "thesis" during the time they write up the study. Students are required to present the work as a departmental seminar, and many theses have been published and/or presented at national, state and local meetings.
Some current thesis projects:
Taking the plunge: pouch morphology and function in diving brown pelicans
Evolution of coloniality in the American Avocet
The effect of female condition on parental care in European starlings
An examination of the Elaeophora schneideri and other diseases of Moose (Alces alces) in Utah
The effects of green nesting material on ectoparasite loads of nestling European Starlings
Recently completed theses:
2008. Christopher Schulze: Evaluation of a ground-based paintball mark re-sight survey of mountain goats (Oreamnose americanus).
2004. Rene Myers:Taking the plunge: pouch morphology and function in diving brown pelicans
2003. Kristina McKinley:Seasonal variation in offspring sex ratios in European Starlings
2002. Nancy Summers: Clutch size variation in European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris): a test of Lack's hypothesis.
2002. Julia Rayl: A study of the pollination system of Steershead (Dicentra uniflora).
2002. Olga Freidekind: Practical training protocol: In situ hybridisation to polytene chromosomes in Drosophila. Diplomate thesis, University of Heidelberg, Germany. (Research conducted at Weber State University).
2002. Melissa Bentley: The distribution and phylogeny of Het-A transposable elements within selected species of Drosophila.
2001. Eric Stakebake: A biomechanical and immunohistochemical study of gliding flight in albatrosses.
2001. Lori Spears: The effects of avian pox on plumage coloration in male house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus).
2001. Chris Ostler: Identification of Het-A transposable element in Drosophila teissieri.