Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
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 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Mathematics and Statistics | ||
| see concentrations | 6 | |
| Natural Science | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| Humanities | ||
| PHI 1123 | Introduction to Ethics (required for CLE) | 3 |
| Any Gen Ed course; 1 for CLE, 2 for all other concentrations | 3-6 | |
| Fine Arts | ||
| Any General Education course | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology (required for CLE) | 3 |
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology (required for CLE) | 3 |
| WFA Social/Behavioral Sciences (all concentrations except CLE) 1 | 3 | |
| Any Gen Ed course (all concentrations except CLE) | 3 | |
| Major Core 2 | ||
| WFA 1102 | Wildlife and Fisheries Profession | 2 |
| WFA 3133 | Applied Ecology | 3 |
| WFA 4153 | Principles of Wildlife Conservation and Management | 3 |
| WFA 4223 | Wildlife Plant Identification | 3 |
| WFA 4243 | Wildlife Techniques | 3 |
| WFA 4353 | Fish and Wildlife Policy and Law Enforcement | 3 |
| WFA 4473 | Wildlife and Fisheries Practices | 3 |
| Plant Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Aquatics Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Fish Physiology (required for WLVM concentration) | ||
| Natural Resources Policy Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Oral Communication Requirement | ||
| Choose One: | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| or AELC 3333 | Professional Presentations in Agriculture and Life Sciences | |
| Writing Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Total | 35 | |
| 1 | All electives chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. |
| 2 | Note: Pre-requisites and co-requisites are strictly enforced in the College of Forest Resources. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin. |
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 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| CRM 1003 | Crime and Justice in America | 3 |
| MA 1313 | College Algebra 3 | 3 |
| or MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I | |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| PHI 1123 | Introduction to Ethics 3 | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology 3 | 3 |
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology 3 | 3 |
| SO 3313 | Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| or CRM 3313 | Deviant Behavior. | |
| Computer Applications Elective 1 | 3 | |
| CLE Elective 1 | 18 | |
| Natural Resources Mgt Elective 1 | 17 | |
| Zoology requirement | 4 | |
| Biology of Vertebrates | ||
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 1 | All electives are chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. |
| 2 | It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin. |
| 3 | Course meets MSU General Education requirements |
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 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 3 | 3 |
| or MA 1713 | Calculus I | |
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| WFA 4123 | Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics | 3 |
| WFLS Professional Electives 1 | 21 | |
| Wildlife Biology Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Life Science elective 1 | 4 | |
| Computer Application Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Zoology elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 1 | All electives are chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. |
| 2 | It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin. |
| 3 | Course meets MSU General Education requirements |
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 4013 | Principles of Biochemistry | 3 |
| BIO 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| BIO 3304 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | 1 |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II | 1 |
| CH 4513 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 4511 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CH 4523 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 4521 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 3 | 3 |
| or MA 1713 | Calculus I | |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| PH 1113 | General Physics I | 3 |
| PH 1123 | General Physics II | 3 |
| Aquatics Requirement | 3 | |
| Fish Physiology | ||
| Zoology requirement | 3 | |
| Cell Biology | ||
| WFA 4123 | Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics 4 | 3 |
| Free elective | 1 | |
| Wildlife Biology Elective 1 | 6 | |
| WLVM Professional Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Wildlife / Veterinary Internship | ||
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 1 | All electives are chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. |
| 2 | It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin. |
| 3 | Course meets MSU General Education requirements |
| 4 | Fulfills computer application requirement |
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 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 3 | 3 |
| or MA 1713 | Calculus I | |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| or MA 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| WFA 4123 | Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics 4 | 3 |
| WFA 4373 | Principles and Practice of Conservation in Agriculture Landscapes | 3 |
| GIS Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Crop Science elective 1 | 6 | |
| Animal Science elective 1 | 3 | |
| Zoology elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 1 | |
| Wildlife Biology Elective 1 | 6 | |
| WLAC Professional Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Life Science elective 1 | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 1 | All electives are chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture. |
| 2 | It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin. |
| 3 | Course meets MSU General Education requirements |
| 4 | Fulfills computer application requirement |
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 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| or CH 1213 | Chemistry I | |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II | 3 |
| or CH 1223 | Chemistry II | |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 3 | 3 |
| or MA 1713 | Calculus I | |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| PSS 3301 | Soils Laboratory | 1 |
| PSS 3303 | Soils | 3 |
| WFA 4123 | Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics | 3 |
| WFA 4273 | Ecology and Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts | 3 |
| WFA 4283 | Human-Wildlife Conflict Techniques | 3 |
| WFA 4513 | Current Topics in Human-Wildlife Interactions | 3 |
| Zoology elective 1 | 3 | |
| HWI Professional Electives 1 | 12 | |
| Life Science Electives 1 | 7 | |
| Wildlife Biology Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Computer Application Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Free elective | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 1 | All electives are chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries |
| 2 | It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin. |
| 3 | Course meets MSU General Education requirements |
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 3103 | Genetics I | 3 |
| BIO 4113 | Evolution | 3 |
| CH 1211 | Investigations in Chemistry I | 1 |
| CH 1213 | Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| CH 1221 | Investigations in Chemistry II | 1 |
| CH 1223 | Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 2503 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| MA 1613 | Calculus for Business and Life Sciences I 3 | 3 |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| WFA 4123 | Wildlife & Fisheries Biometrics | 3 |
| WFA 4253 | Application of Spatial Technologies to Wildlife and Fisheries Management | 3 |
| WFA 4623 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| WFA 4633 | Problem Solving in Conservation Biology | 3 |
| WFA 4881 | Current Topics in Conservation Biology | 1 |
| Computer Application Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Organismal elective 1 | 6 | |
| CONB Professional Electives 1 | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
| 1 | All electives are chosen from a list approved by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries |
| 2 | It is the student's responsibility to be aware of pre-requisites and co-requisites identified in the Course Description section of the Bulletin.  |
| 3 | Course meets MSU General Education requirements |
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