2021-22 Academic Catalog

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Major Advisors: Andy Kouba, Department Head; Leslie Burger, Undergraduate Coordinator
Office: A205 Thompson Hall; 259 Thompson Hall

Sustainable management of wildlife and fisheries resources by private and public sectors requires knowledgeable and technically competent people. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture offers a major in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) designed to provide students with a foundational curriculum grounded on biology, ecology, habitat and population management, social sciences, mathematics, and other contemporary educational needs for natural resources professionals. Six concentrations are available to students: wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science; conservation law enforcement; wildlife veterinary medicine; conservation biology; wildlife agriculture conservation; and human-wildlife interactions. The curriculum will prepare students for employment in natural resource professions within private, federal, or state wildlife, fisheries, or aquaculture sectors. Additionally, the curriculum ensures students are academically prepared for post-graduate studies. Students are also strongly encouraged to garner professional experience in conversation-related disciplines to enhance employability & professional development.

Students seeking to apply to veterinary school should choose the wildlife veterinary medicine concentration curriculum. The wildlife veterinary medicine concentration allows students to fulfill the academic requirements for entrance into veterinary school while completing a baccalaureate program in wildlife-related science. 

A student may use their curriculum coursework to fulfill the coursework requirements necessary to become a Certified Associate Wildlife Biologists by The Wildlife Society and/or an Associate Fisheries Scientist by the American Fisheries Society.

The Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Major is designed for completion within four years, but some students may not complete the program in that time because of course scheduling or other constraints. Transfer students are encouraged to contact the College of Forest Resources Student Support Services after completing their freshman year to get assistance in course planning that will enable graduation from MSU in four years. Transfer students should be aware that coursework taken elsewhere may not necessarily be accepted toward a degree in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. Only coursework determined by the Registrars' Office and the Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department to be equivalent to required coursework will be accepted. Additionally, no coursework will be considered for acceptance unless a grade of C or better has been earned. Correspondence courses will not be accepted. Transfer students with a grade point average less than or equal to 2.0 may not be admitted automatically into the WFA major. In addition to University and College requirements, students must attain a minimum grade of C in WFA Major Core courses. Students interested in pursuing the Veterinary Medicine program must meet all admission requirements by the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Conservation Law Enforcement Concentration (CLE)

Advisor: Dr. Kevin M. Hunt
Room 1203 Sustainable Bioproducts Lab (Building 1)

This concentration is designed for undergraduate students who wish to seek employment immediately following receipt of a B.S. degree and wish to obtain positions related to natural resource law enforcement (e.g., conservation officers, park rangers) or wildlife managers (not biologists). Students seeking careers in conservation law enforcement should be aware that application and acceptance into enforcement training programs will still be necessary upon completion of a B.S. degree. Students may, upon graduation within this concentration, continue on to graduate school in the human dimensions, law enforcement, or wildlife arenas.

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Concentration (WLFS)

Advisor: Dr. Leslie Burger
Room 259 Thompson Hall

This concentration is designed for undergraduate students who wish to pursue one or more advanced degrees (M.S., Ph.D.), as it prepares students for graduate school. Employment following this B.S. program is possible, but competition for jobs may be keen. This concentration is intended for serious, academically strong students who can maintain an A-B grade record (GPA 3.0), which is the minimum required for admittance into most graduate schools.

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine Concentration (WLVM)

Advisor: Dr. Peter Allen
Room 261 Thompson Hall

This academically rigorous curriculum provides students with solid training in wildlife and fisheries science that allows them to meet veterinary school entry requirements as well as prepares them for employment or graduate school. Acceptance to veterinary medicine schools is a highly competitive process and successful completion of the WLVM curriculum with an A-B academic record will be necessary to improve the likelihood of acceptance to a veterinary medicine school. 

Wildlife Agriculture Conservation Concentration (WLAC)

Advisors: Dr. Mark McConnell
Room 251 Thompson Hall

This curriculum provides the educational background for students pursuing careers as wildlife biologists or conservationists in agricultural areas, which require a strong background in both wildlife biology and agricultural science. Successful graduates of this program will meet minimum educational requirements for NRCS conservationist positions. Students completing this concentration may seek employment immediately following graduation. Students will be equally prepared to pursue one or more graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D.) in wildlife biology and related natural resource fields.

Human-Wildlife Interactions Concentration (HWI)

Advisor: Dr. Ray Iglay
Room 271 Thompson Hall

This curriculum provides the educational background for those students wishing to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist with a strong background in addressing human-wildlife interactions, including conflict resolution. Students completing this concentration may seek employment immediately following graduation; however, competition for positions may be intense. Students will be equally prepared to pursue one or more graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D.).

Conservation Biology Concentration (CONB)

Advisor: Dr. Kristine O. Evans
Room 265 Thompson Hall

This curriculum provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive background necessary for regional, national, and international careers in conservation biology. Students will be equipped with skill sets to address population ecology, imperiled and at-risk species, global threats to biodiversity, in situ and ex situ conservation, conservation genetics, conservation planning, and sociocultural elements of conservation. This concentration is intended for serious, academically strong students, who can maintain an A-B grade record ( GPA 3.0), which is the minimum required for admittance into graduate schools. Students will be equally prepared for entry-level employment. 

General Education Requirements

English Composition
EN 1103English Composition I3
or EN 1104 Expanded English Composition I
EN 1113English Composition II3
or EN 1173 Accelerated Composition II
Mathematics and Statistics
see concentrations6
Natural Science
BIO 1134Biology I4
BIO 1144Biology II4
Humanities
PHI 1123Introduction to Ethics (required for CLE)3
Any Gen Ed course; 1 for CLE, 2 for all other concentrations3-6
Fine Arts
Any General Education course3
Social/Behavioral Sciences
PSY 1013General Psychology (required for CLE)3
SO 1003Introduction to Sociology (required for CLE)3
WFA Social/Behavioral Sciences (all concentrations except CLE) 13
Any Gen Ed course (all concentrations except CLE)3
Major Core 2
WFA 1102Wildlife and Fisheries Profession2
WFA 3133Applied Ecology3
WFA 4153Principles of Wildlife Conservation and Management3
WFA 4223Wildlife Plant Identification3
WFA 4243Wildlife Techniques3
WFA 4353Fish and Wildlife Policy and Law Enforcement3
WFA 4473Wildlife and Fisheries Practices3
Plant Elective 13
Aquatics Elective 13
Fish Physiology (required for WLVM concentration)
Natural Resources Policy Elective 13
Oral Communication Requirement
Choose One:
CO 1003Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
or CO 1013 Introduction to Communication
or AELC 3333 Professional Presentations in Agriculture and Life Sciences
Writing Requirement 13
Total 35

Choose one of the following concentrations:

The Concentrations: The academic concentrations within the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Major are offered to enable students to develop an academic background that is suited to their professional career goals. Each concentration has been developed to supplement the core curriculum which provides the basis for the wildlife and fisheries science major, regardless of the area of expertise desired by the student.

Conservation Law Enforcement Concentration (CLE)

Advisor: Dr. Kevin M. Hunt, 1203 Sustainable Bioproducts Bldg. 1
Courses2 to be taken in addition to those of the core curriculum include:

CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 33
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
CRM 1003Crime and Justice in America3
MA 1313College Algebra 33
or MA 1613 Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 33
or ST 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
PHI 1123Introduction to Ethics 33
PSY 1013General Psychology 33
SO 1003Introduction to Sociology 33
SO 3313Deviant Behavior3
or CRM 3313 Deviant Behavior.
Computer Applications Elective 13
CLE Elective 118
Natural Resources Mgt Elective 117
Zoology requirement4
Biology of Vertebrates
Total Hours124

Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Concentration (WLFS)

Advisor: Dr. Leslie Burger, 259 Thompson Hall
Courses2 to be taken in addition to those of the core curriculum include:

BIO 3103Genetics I3
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 33
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
MA 1613Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 33
or MA 1713 Calculus I
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 33
or ST 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
WFA 4123Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics3
WFLS Professional Electives 121
Wildlife Biology Electives 16
Life Science elective 14
Computer Application Elective 13
Zoology elective3
Free elective1
Total Hours124

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine Concentration (WLVM)

Advisor: Dr. Peter Allen, 261 Thompson Hall

Courses2 to be taken in addition to those of the core curriculum include:

BCH 4013Principles of Biochemistry3
BIO 3103Genetics I3
BIO 3304General Microbiology4
CH 1213Chemistry I 33
CH 1211Investigations in Chemistry I1
CH 1223Chemistry II3
CH 1221Investigations in Chemistry II1
CH 4513Organic Chemistry I3
CH 4511Organic Chemistry Laboratory I1
CH 4523Organic Chemistry II3
CH 4521Organic Chemistry Laboratory II1
MA 1613Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 33
or MA 1713 Calculus I
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 33
or ST 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
PH 1113General Physics I3
PH 1123General Physics II3
Aquatics Requirement3
Fish Physiology
Zoology requirement3
Cell Biology
WFA 4123Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics 43
Free elective1
Wildlife Biology Elective 16
WLVM Professional Electives 19
Wildlife / Veterinary Internship
Total Hours124

Wildlife Agriculture Conservation Concentration (WLAC)

Advisors: Dr. Mark McConnell, 251 Thompson Hall
Courses2 to be taken in addition to those of the core curriculum include:

BIO 3103Genetics I3
CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 33
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
MA 1613Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 33
or MA 1713 Calculus I
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 33
or MA 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
WFA 4123Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics 43
WFA 4373Principles and Practice of Conservation in Agriculture Landscapes3
GIS Elective 13
Crop Science elective 16
Animal Science elective 13
Zoology elective3
Free elective1
Wildlife Biology Elective 16
WLAC Professional Electives 19
Life Science elective 14
Total Hours124

Human-Wildlife Interactions Concentration (HWI)

Advisor: Dr. Raymond Iglay, 271 Thompson Hall

Courses2 to be taken in addition to those of the core curriculum include:

CH 1043Survey of Chemistry I 33
or CH 1213 Chemistry I
CH 1053Survey of Chemistry II3
or CH 1223 Chemistry II
MA 1613Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 33
or MA 1713 Calculus I
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 33
or ST 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
PSS 3301Soils Laboratory1
PSS 3303Soils3
WFA 4123Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics3
WFA 4273Ecology and Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts3
WFA 4283Human-Wildlife Conflict Techniques3
WFA 4513Current Topics in Human-Wildlife Interactions3
Zoology elective 13
HWI Professional Electives 112
Life Science Electives 17
Wildlife Biology Electives 16
Computer Application Elective 13
Free elective1
Total Hours124

Conservation Biology Concentration (CONB)

Advisor: Dr. Kristine O. Evans, 265 Thompson Hall

Courses2 to be taken in addition to those of the core curriculum include:

BIO 3103Genetics I3
BIO 4113Evolution3
CH 1211Investigations in Chemistry I1
CH 1213Chemistry I 33
CH 1221Investigations in Chemistry II1
CH 1223Chemistry II3
CH 2503Elementary Organic Chemistry3
MA 1613Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 33
ST 2113Introduction to Statistics 33
or ST 3123 Introduction to Statistical Inference
WFA 4123Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics3
WFA 4253Application of Spatial Technologies to Wildlife and Fisheries Management3
WFA 4623Conservation Biology3
WFA 4633Problem Solving in Conservation Biology3
WFA 4881Current Topics in Conservation Biology1
Computer Application Elective 13
Organismal elective 16
CONB Professional Electives 115
Total Hours124

Courses

WFA 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members

WFA 1102 Wildlife and Fisheries Profession: 2 hours.

(Prerequisite: Freshman or Sophomore standing or consent of instructor). Two hour lecture. Orientation to the interdisciplinary and applied nature of wildlife and fisheries management and related fields, emphasizing the department, college, and university; student roles and responsibilities; and career opportunities

WFA 2990 Special Topics in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

WFA 3000 Internship: 1-4 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing and 2.75 GPA or better). Professional work experience with governmental or private agencies. (Hours and credits to be arranged)

WFA 3031 Introductory Wildlife/Fisheries Practices: 1 hour.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing). Field exercises and practical exposure to research and management of wildlife and fish species and habitats in Mississippi

WFA 3133 Applied Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor ). The application of ecological principles which serve as a basis for the management of wildlife and fisheries in terrestrial and aquatic habitats

WFA 4000 Directed Individual Study in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

WFA 4113 Animal Behavior: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133, BIO 3104 or equivalent). Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Emphasizes applied approaches to the study of animal behavior. Covers fundamental principles, early studies in ethology, genetic, physiological and selective mechanisms, behavioral ecology, emerging field of conservation behavior, and integration of behavior into habitat management

WFA 4123 Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: ST 2113 or ST 3123 and Grade of C or better in MA 1613 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory each week. Application of statistical and mathematical tools and software to address wildlife and fisheries management/research questions

WFA 4133 Fisheries Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: ST 3113 or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Study of the biological parameters of fish populations

WFA 4153 Principles of Wildlife Conservation and Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing and WFA 3133, FO 4123, or equivalent).Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory on alternate weeks. Principles of game management; habitat improvement; wildlife techniques; public relations

WFA 4173 Fish Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor).Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Basic anatomy and physiology of major systems in fish: integration of the physiological systems as they function during development, growth and maturation

WFA 4183 Principles and Practices of Aquaculture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144, or consent of instructor) Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. Principles and practices of aquaculture applied to the farming of marine and freshwater species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks throughout the world

WFA 4223 Wildlife Plant Identification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. Identification, taxonomy, ecology, and management of wildlife food and cover plants

WFA 4233 Limnology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:WFA 3133 or consent of instructor ). Two hour lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. The physical, chemical, and biological processes underlying the function and productivity of freshwater ecosystems. Laboratory skills required to evaluate freshwater ecosystems

WFA 4243 Wildlife Techniques: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Sophomore or higher standing). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Contemporary research and management techniques and tools for wildlife populations and habitats

WFA 4253 Application of Spatial Technologies to Wildlife and Fisheries Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Sr. Standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory weekly. Practical application of Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems to Wildlife and Fisheries Management

WFA 4263 Wildlife Diseases: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Effects and management of parasites and diseases in wild bird and mammal populations. (Same as CVM 4263/6263)

WFA 4273 Ecology and Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Ecological principles and management approaches to resolve human-wildlife conflicts

WFA 4283 Human-Wildlife Conflict Techniques: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Discussion, demonstration, and application of techniques used to resolve human-wildlife conflicts

WFA 4313 Fisheries Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Laboratories alternate weeks. Principles of fisheries management and methods for assessment and analysis of fish populations and aquatic habitats

WFA 4323 Wildlife Nutrition and Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO1134 and BIO 1144, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Nutrition and physiology of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, with emphasis on understanding life history strategies and functional adaptations to habitat and environmental variation

WFA 4353 Fish and Wildlife Policy and Law Enforcement: 3 hours.

Prerequisite: Sr. standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A survey of the major content areas of fish and wildlife policy and law enforcement. Emphahis is on the fundamentals of conservation policies and laws

WFA 4363 Wildlife and Fisheries Administration and Communication: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor ). Two hours lecture. Three and one half hours lab, alternate weeks. Administrative and communicational techniques and skills in the workplace and political environments of wildlife and fisheries organizations

WFA 4373 Principles and Practice of Conservation in Agriculture Landscapes: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Introduces theoretical background for ecological conservation in agricultural landscapes with focus on the role of USDA Farm Bill programs in achieving conservation goals

WFA 4383 Wetlands Ecology and Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 and Junior Standing, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Hydrology, soils and biogeochemistry of wetlands; structure and function of important wetland types; wetland management for wildlife and fisheries; wetland creation and restoration

WFA 4393 Urban Wildlife Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior or higher standing, Grade C or better in WFA 3133, and/or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. Investigations of traditional wildlife conservation, ecology and management principles as they pertain to urban environments with an emphasis on species natural histories and urban ecosystem characteristics

WFA 4394 Waterfowl Ecology and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 and Junior standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Annual ecology of North American waterfowl, habitat and population ecology and management, waterfowl identification, field trips, management plan, and current issues

WFA 4423 Herpetology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 and WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Evolution, systematics, biology and ecology of reptiles and amphibians

WFA 4433 Mammalogy: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 and WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Evolution, systematics, and ecology of mammals, with emphasis on North American groups

WFA 4443 Ornithology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 and WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Recent and fossil avifauna of the world; its origin, distribution, classification, and biology

WFA 4453 Ichthyology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 and WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Structure, evolution, classification, and life histories of fishes of the world with emphasis on North American freshwater forms

WFA 4463 Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of the major content areas of human dimensions. Emphasis on the considerations and implications associated with measuring, evaluating and influencing people’s attitudes and behaviors

WFA 4473 Wildlife and Fisheries Practices: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 and WFA 4153 and Senior Standing, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. The integration of principles of ecology, wildlife and fisheries techniques and policies for effective planning and implementation of natural resource management

WFA 4483 Seminar in Tropical Biology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:WFA 3133 or consent of instructor ) One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. An introduction to the composition and function of tropical ecosystems of the New World

WFA 4484 Upland Avian Ecology and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: WFA 3133 and WFA 4153 and Junior standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. The application of ecological principles to management of wildlife populations, focusing on avian species and communities inhabiting upland ecosystems

WFA 4494 Large Mammal Ecology and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: WFA 3133 and WFA 4153 and Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Ecological principles and applied methods used in the management of large mammals

WFA 4513 Current Topics in Human-Wildlife Interactions: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior or higher standing, Grade of C or better in WFA 3133, and/or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. Investigations and related discussions regarding current topics and past trends in human-wildlife interactions emphasizing the role of wildlife damage management by wildlife biologists

WFA 4613 Landscape Ecology: 3 hours.

Prerequisite (WFA 3133 and ST 3123 (or equivalents or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Foundational concepts and research methods of landscape ecology and application to ecology and management of natural resources

WFA 4623 Conservation Biology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Theory and applications of conservation biology, measures of biodiversity, ecological geography, measures and treatments of decline

WFA 4633 Problem Solving in Conservation Biology: 3 hours.

(Pre-requisites: WFA-4623 or equivalent with instructor consent). Three hours lecture. Upper-level conservation biology course that builds on foundational concepts in lower-level courses in Conservation Biology. Focus on problem-solving of real-world conservation issues in a discussion, case-study, and in-class exercise format

WFA 4800 Undergraduate Research in Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture: 13 hours.

Hours, credits and deliverables to be arranged. The purpose of this course is to provide a student with the opportunity to participate in research and/or creative project beyond the traditional undergraduate experience

WFA 4881 Current Topics in Conservation Biology: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: WFA 3133, Applied Ecology and WFA 4623, Conservation Biology or consent of instructor). One hour lecture. A forum to discuss current literature and theory that advances the study of biodiversity and its application to conservation biology

WFA 4990 Special Topics in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

WFA 6113 Animal Behavior: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133, BIO 3104 or equivalent). Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Emphasizes applied approaches to the study of animal behavior. Covers fundamental principles, early studies in ethology, genetic, physiological and selective mechanisms, behavioral ecology, emerging field of conservation behavior, and integration of behavior into habitat management

WFA 6133 Fisheries Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: ST 3113 or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Study of the biological parameters of fish populations

WFA 6173 Fish Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor).Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Basic anatomy and physiology of major systems in fish: integration of the physiological systems as they function during development, growth and maturation

WFA 6183 Principles and Practices of Aquaculture: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144, or consent of instructor) Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. Principles and practices of aquaculture applied to the farming of marine and freshwater species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks throughout the world

WFA 6223 Wildlife Plant Identification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or equivalent). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. Identification, taxonomy, ecology, and management of wildlife food and cover plants

WFA 6233 Limnology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:WFA 3133 or consent of instructor ). Two hour lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. The physical, chemical, and biological processes underlying the function and productivity of freshwater ecosystems. Laboratory skills required to evaluate freshwater ecosystems

WFA 6253 Application of Spatial Technologies to Wildlife and Fisheries Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Sr. Standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory weekly. Practical application of Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information Systems to Wildlife and Fisheries Management

WFA 6263 Wildlife Diseases: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Effects and management of parasites and diseases in wild bird and mammal populations. (Same as CVM 4263/6263)

WFA 6273 Ecology and Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133, or consent of instructor). Ecological principles and management approaches to resolve human-wildlife conflicts

WFA 6313 Fisheries Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Laboratories alternate weeks. Principles of fisheries management and methods for assessment and analysis of fish populations and aquatic habitats

WFA 6323 Wildlife Nutrition and Physiology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO1134 and BIO 1144, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Nutrition and physiology of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, with emphasis on understanding life history strategies and functional adaptations to habitat and environmental variation

WFA 6343 Pond and Stream Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. Ecological foundations and management techniques for fisheries in small impoundments and streams

WFA 6353 Fish and Wildlife Policy and Law Enforcement: 3 hours.

Prerequisite: Sr. standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A survey of the major content areas of fish and wildlife policy and law enforcement. Emphahis is on the fundamentals of conservation policies and laws

WFA 6373 Principles and Practice of Conservation in Agriculture Landscapes: 3 hours.

Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Introduces theoretical background for ecological conservation in agricultural landscapes with focus on the role of USDA Farm Bill programs in achieving conservation goals

WFA 6383 Wetlands Ecology and Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 and Junior Standing, or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Hydrology, soils and biogeochemistry of wetlands; structure and function of important wetland types; wetland management for wildlife and fisheries; wetland creation and restoration

WFA 6393 Urban Wildlife Ecology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior or higher standing, Grade C or better in WFA 3133, and/or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. Investigations of traditional wildlife conservation, ecology and management principles as they pertain to urban environments with an emphasis on species natural histories and urban ecosystem characteristics

WFA 6394 Waterfowl Ecology and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: WFA 3133 and Junior standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Annual ecology of North American waterfowl, habitat and population ecology and management, waterfowl identification, field trips, management plan, and current issues

WFA 6483 Seminar in Tropical Biology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:WFA 3133 or consent of instructor ) One hour lecture. Four hours laboratory. An introduction to the composition and function of tropical ecosystems of the New World

WFA 6484 Upland Avian Ecology and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: WFA 3133 and WFA 4153 and Junior standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. The application of ecological principles to management of wildlife populations, focusing on avian species and communities inhabiting upland ecosystems

WFA 6494 Large Mammal Ecology and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: WFA 3133 and WFA 4153 and Junior standing). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory, alternate weeks. Ecological principles and applied methods used in the management of large mammals

WFA 6513 Current Topics in Human-Wildlife Interactions: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Junior or higher standing, Grade of C or better in WFA 3133, and/or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. Investigations and related discussions regarding current topics and past trends in human-wildlife interactions emphasizing the role of wildlife damage management by wildlife biologists

WFA 6613 Landscape Ecology: 3 hours.

Prerequisite (WFA 3133 and ST 3123 (or equivalents or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Foundational concepts and research methods of landscape ecology and application to ecology and management of natural resources

WFA 6623 Conservation Biology: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Theory and applications of conservation biology, measures of biodiversity, ecological geography, measures and treatments of decline

WFA 6633 Problem Solving in Conservation Biology: 3 hours.

(Pre-requisites: WFA-4623 or equivalent with instructor consent). Three hours lecture. Upper-level conservation biology course that builds on foundational concepts in lower-level courses in Conservation Biology. Focus on problem-solving of real-world conservation issues in a discussion, case-study, and in-class exercise format

WFA 6881 Current Topics in Conservation Biology: 1 hour.

(Prerequisites: WFA 3133, Applied Ecology and WFA 4623, Conservation Biology or consent of instructor). One hour lecture. A forum to discuss current literature and theory that advances the study of biodiversity and its application to conservation biology

WFA 6990 Special Topics in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

WFA 7000 Directed Individual Study in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

WFA 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

WFA 8134 Research Methods in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences: 4 hours.

(Prerequisites: Graduate standing, ST 8114). Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory. Graduate level introduction to application of scientific methods to wildlife and fisheries ecology and management

WFA 8184 Advanced Population Ecology: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: ST 8114 Statistical Methods or instructor consent). Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory, weekly. Theory of vertebrate population ecology including population modeling, population regulation, competition, predation, and life history strategies. Statistical methods of population sampling and population parameter estimation

WFA 8212 Communication Skills in Wildlife and Fisheries: 2 hours.

(Prerequisite:Graduate student status in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries) Two hours lecture. Effective strategies for professional communication to scientific and lay audiences in the fields of wildlife, fisheries, and othe natural resources sciences and management

WFA 8223 Management of Impounded River Ecosystems: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: WF 6313/4313 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. A survey of guidance and criteria for managing reservoirs and associated riverine environments to enhance fisheries. Focus is on managing fish and their environment

WFA 8273 Advanced Fisheries Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: WFA 4133/6133 and WFA 4313/6313 or consent of instructor) Three hours lecture. Field exercises during spring break. Advanced treatment of the multidimensional aspects of fisheries management in a global setting with emphasis on setting realistic objectives and establishing appropriate strategy

WFA 8343 Concepts in Ecology and Natural Resource Management: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. A forum to discuss current literature and theory that advances the study of community ecology and its application to natural resource management

WFA 8344 Wildlife Habitat Analysis and Management: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: BIO 4203. Three hours lecture. Four hours laboratory alternate weeks. Identification, ecology, analysis and management of plant communities of value to upland and wetland game species of North America

WFA 8413 Advanced Fishery Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: WFA 4133/6133 and ST 3113, or equivalents). Two hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Estimation and interpretation of vital statistics of fish populations: analysis of fishery data using computers; models for assessment of fish stocks

WFA 8423 Applied Bayesian Statistics in Ag/Natural Resources: 3 hours.

(Prerequisiste: ST 8114 and ST 8253 or consent of instructor ).Two hours lecture. Fours hours labaratory, alternate weeks. Bayesian statistics and Bayesian hierarchical models in wildlife, fishery, agricultural and other natural resource management applications

WFA 8433 Natural Resource and Conservation Decision Making: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Natural resource and conservation decision making including rapid prototyping of decision problems, structuring objectives, structured decision making, adaptive management, and relevant case studies of successful natural resource decision making. No prerequisite classes

WFA 8463 Human Dimensions of Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Theory, measurement and application of human dimensions in wildlife and fisheries conservation, with emphasis on how people value wildlife, how they want wildlife to be managed, and how they affect or are affected by wildlife and wildlife management decision making

WFA 8663 Movement Ecology: 3 hours.

[Prerequisite: ST 8114 or equivalent, or permission of instructor] Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory weekly. Principles of movement including displacement, path analysis, random walks and diffusion, home ranging, and habitat selection. Includes application to GPS and biologger data using Geographic Information Systems and Program R

WFA 8713 Program Development and Evaluation for Conservation Educators: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Development and evaluation of conservation education outreach programs and activities for varied audiences across; learning levels, abilities, and cultural environments

WFA 8723 Conservation Education Outreach Techniques: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Theory and practice for establishing effective conservation education and outreach programs

WFA 8733 Conservation Leadership, Management, and Communication: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Theory, best practices, and enhancement of skills in leadership, management, and communication for conservation educators with an emphasis on volunteer management but applicable to management of all organizational employees

WFA 8743 Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology, conservation and management matters of freshwater, tidal, and open ocean systems and application of knowledge to design and evaluate outreach educational materials related to aquatic systems

WFA 8753 Terrestrial Biodiversity Conservation: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Taxonomy, biodiversity, ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation and management matters of terrestrial biomes and application of knowledge to design and evaluate outreach educational materials related to terrestrial systems

WFA 8763 Capstone Project for Conservation Education: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Preparation for final comprehensive exam and establishment of a conservation education entity partnership for development, delivery, and evaluation of a conservation education project

WFA 8990 Special Topics in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-9 hours.

WFA 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

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