Wildlife Conservation and Management Emphasis

Program Overview

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Natural Resources: Wildlife Conservation and Management Emphasis

Overview

Study the biology of wild animals and their interrelationships with each other, with humans and with the physical and biological environment that makes up their habitat. Career outcomes: habitat restoration, research, federal and state wildlife agencies, law enforcement, zoo management, pest management and environmental education.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate basic knowledge ecological principles; Acquire basic knowledge of ecological principles (e.g., energy flow, material cycling, competition, predation, mutualism), identify current ecological challenges facing natural resource managers, and use ecological principles to develop potential integrated solutions to problems in natural resource management. (RNR 316/202)
• Natural resource management; Describe how social, political, and economic forces affect management of natural resources; and explain why there generally are trade-offs between various objectives in natural resources management.
• Land management agency roles; Identify the major land management agencies responsible for stewardship of natural resources, the key historical conditions that lead to the creation of these agencies, and the primary mandates of each of these agencies.
• Master basic statistical analyses; Conduct, interpret, and present basic statistical analyses of field and laboratory data, develop a research sampling design, and demonstrate the ability to design and conduct monitoring projects in the field.
• Effectively communicate; Write professional reports in the style appropriate for the field of specialization, and demonstrate clear communication of scientific concepts and analytical arguments based on synthesis of published information and use of critical thinking.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior; Identify behaviors of ethical professionals, and describe links between these behaviors and professional accomplishments.
• Taxonomic identification; Demonstrate the ability to use taxonomic keys to identify a variety of plant and animal taxa.
• Career development; Identify career paths and responsibilities within professions related to natural resources, and demonstrate awareness and appreciation for the importance of collaboration for stewardship of natural resources, including among agencies and between scientists and managers.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• WFSC 223: Dealing with Data in the Wild
• WFSC 444: Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management
• WFSC 445: Population Ecology

Career Fields

• Geographic information systems
• Public education and outreach
• Ranch management
• Wildlife conservation
• Zoo biology

Level of Math

Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sci

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Natural Resources: Wildlife Conservation and Management Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • CHEM 151 or CHEM 141 and 143: General Chemistry I
  • ENGL 101 First Year Composition
  • RNR 200 Conservation of Natural Environments
  • SNRE requirement
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
• 2nd Semester
  • CHEM 152 or CHEM 142 and 144: General Chemistry II
  • ENGL 102 First Year Composition
  • ECOL 182R General Biology II
  • ECOL 182L General Biology II
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Foundation Mathematics (MATH 113, 122B, or 125 recommended)

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • Economics requirement
  • RNR 316 Natural Resources Ecology
  • Statistics
  • RNR 230R and L Field Botany
  • MCB 181L General Biology I Lab
  • MCB 181R General Biology I Lecture
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 4th Semester
  • Additional Physical Science
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Technical Elective
  • Second Language

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • Technical Writing
  • Organismal Biology Elective
  • Technical Skills Elective
  • Second Language
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
• 6th Semester
  • RNR 321 Ecological Surveys and Sampling
  • RAM 382 Rangeland Plant Communities
  • Organismal Biology Elective
  • Oral or Media Communication
  • RNR 384 Natural Resources Management Practices

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • WFSC 444 Wildlife Management
  • Technical Electives
• 8th Semester
  • WFSC 445 Population Ecology
  • Genetics: PLS 312 or ECOL 320
  • Technical Electives
  • RNR 480 Natural Resources Policy and Law

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Wildlife Conservation and Management emphasis in the Natural Resources Bachelor of Science program focuses on the ecology of wild animals, including the study of their biology, their relationships with each other and humans, and the physical and biological environment that are their habitat. Students are equipped for careers as wildlife and fishery biologists who develop strategies to maintain biodiversity and habitat, help rare and endangered species to recover, manage populations of harvested animals, monitor populations of plants and animals, manage refuges and hatcheries, design and implement research projects, eliminate invasive species, develop computer models and educate the public.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

• First Year: General Chemistry I, First Year Composition, Conservation of Natural Environments, SNRE requirement, GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3 courses), Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
• Second Year: General Chemistry II, First Year Composition, General Biology II, General Biology II Lab, GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (2 courses), Foundation Mathematics, Second Language
• Fourth Year: Physical Science, GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (2 courses), Technical Elective, Second Language
• Fifth Year: Technical Writing, Organismal Biology Elective, Technical Skills Elective, Second Language, General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
• Sixth Year: Ecological Surveys and Sampling, Rangeland Plant Communities, Organismal Biology Elective, Oral or Media Communication, Natural Resources Management Practices
• Seventh Year: Wildlife Management, Technical Electives
• Eighth Year: Population Ecology, Genetics, Technical Electives, Natural Resources Policy and Law

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• WFSC 223: Dealing with Data in the Wild: This course introduces students to the principles and methods of data collection and analysis in the field of wildlife conservation.
Topics covered include sampling design, data collection techniques, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
• WFSC 444: Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management: This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the ecology, conservation, and management of wildlife populations.
Topics covered include population dynamics, habitat selection, species interactions, and conservation strategies.
• WFSC 445: Population Ecology: This course focuses on the study of population dynamics, including population growth, regulation, and interactions between populations.
Students will learn about the mathematical models used to describe population dynamics and how these models can be used to inform conservation and management decisions.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods and criteria used in the program include:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Projects
• Presentations
• Papers
• Fieldwork

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in the field of wildlife conservation. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, labs, and field trips. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in research projects and internships.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are employed as wildlife biologists by federal and state resource-management agencies and by other conservation organizations. Career paths include:

• Wildlife biologist
• Fishery biologist
• Conservation biologist
• Environmental consultant
• Park ranger
• Zoologist

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Wildlife Society.
• The program offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
• The program has a strong alumni network that provides support and mentorship to students and graduates.