Wildlife Conservation Biology

Wildlife and fish populations face a number of challenges including modification and loss of habitat, harvest, and a variety of consequences resulting from climate change. In this program we will focus on vertebrates – fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals – and their conservation and management. Students will gain a detailed understanding of the core principles of the biology and ecology of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine vertebrates. The program work will focus on learning the diversity, evolution, ecology, and behavior of vertebrates and tie these topics to conservation biology and fish and wildlife ecology. In addition to looking at the animals themselves, we will examine the ways that humans interact with wildlife including hunting and fishing, tourist-based wildlife watching, and the attitudes and interactions that are involved when animals occur in human-dominated landscapes like cities and suburbs.

In addition to the biology, our learning goals will include the development of analytical and critical thinking and environmental problem-solving, particularly around diverse conservation challenges ranging from the level of individual species to large-scale ecological function. Weekly activities will include lectures, field work, labs, and workshops. Students will be expected to contribute actively to the learning community and will be evaluated on regular homework assignments, lab and field reports, and quizzes and exams.

Upper division science credit will be awarded upon successful completion of all program requirements and sufficient demonstration of upper division level work. Standard level credit will be awarded for completion of work below the expectations of upper division work. 

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Vertebrate Zoology

3 - Vertebrate Behavior

3 - Vertebrate Ecology

3 - Conservation Biology

3 - Fish and Wildlife Management