The Wildlife Biology and Management minor provides students with foundational knowledge in wildlife conservation, ecology, and species-specific biology, preparing them for careers in conservation, resource management, and ecological research.
Earning a minor in Wildlife Biology and Management deepens students' understanding of ecological systems and wildlife conservation strategies. The minor complements majors in animal sciences, biology, environmental sciences, forestry, natural resources, and related disciplines. By integrating scientific principles with hands-on learning, the minor prepares students for careers in conservation, environmental consulting, policy, and wildlife management industries.
To complete the Wildlife Biology and Management minor, students must successfully complete at least 21 credit hours. All students must complete the preprofessional course, BIO 148; FOR 101, FOR 370, and FOR 435; two specific taxonomic group courses; and one elective course.
Students must complete BIO 148 Introductory Biology I.
An introduction to the history, concepts, and principles of wildlife biology and management. The role of wildlife in ecological systems and human-altered environments will be discussed. (3 credits) Prerequisite: None
Applications of basic biological concepts such as physiology, energetics, nutrition, digestive systems, and anatomy to the study of wildlife and wildlife management. In addition to basic wildlife biology, students will also learn taxonomy and identification of wildlife and the principles of wildlife management as well as applied field techniques such as trapping and radio telemetry. (4 credits) Prerequisites: None
Review the ethical foundations of conservation biology, discuss the scientific evidence that illustrates recent rapid loss of biological diversity at multiple spatial and temporal scales, identify and elaborate on the causative factors of biodiversity loss, discuss various strategies for conserving biodiversity, and discuss ways that various human cultures and associated resource use influence non-human life and the human societies that depend on them. Conservation biology is multidisciplinary in scope and discussion topics include wildlife management, restoration ecology, economics, ethics, geology, evolution, philosophy, phylogeny, taxonomy, genetics, behavioral ecology, population ecology, disease, sociology, sustainable living, and human dimensions. Conservation topics will be global in scope, with well-studied case examples used to support class activities. (3 credits) Prerequisite: Introductory biology course.
Students must complete two of the following courses.
Students must complete one of the following courses.
*May count as a minor elective if the student has taken two other courses needed to fulfill the taxonomic group-specific components of the minor requirements.
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
