College of Natural ResourcesFisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Fisheries ScienceThe Fisheries Science program is for students interested in research and management of aquatic animals and ecosystems, including wild fish and shellfish, endangered species, and hatchery-raised fish. Many students also qualify for a minor in biology. Most graduates work for state or federal fisheries agencies, environmental consulting firms, or public utilities. Because the more challenging and rewarding jobs require a master's degree, the program emphasizes preparation for graduate study. Wildlife Science The Wildlife Science program is for students interested in research and management of terrestrial animals and ecosystems, including game birds and mammals, non-game animals, and endangered species. Many students also qualify for a minor in biology. Most graduates work for state or federal wildlife agencies, environmental consulting firms, or private land management companies. Because the more challenging and rewarding jobs require a master's degree, the program emphasizes preparation for graduate study. Undergraduate Courses (FIW)2114: PRINCIPLES OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENTBasic principles guiding the management of fish and terrestrial animals in wild habitats. Management of organisms, habitats, and human users examined in terms of biological, chemical/physical, ecological, and sociological theories and practices. Worldwide illustration from both recreational and commercial resources. I Pre: BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1106. (3H,3C) 2314: WILDLIFE BIOLOGY Summary of biological characteristics of wild birds and mammals, especially relating to management by humans. Physiological, functional, structural, and behavioral adaptations of individuals to their environments and foods. II Pre: BIOL 2504 or BIOL 2704. (3H,3C) 2324: WILDLIFE FIELD BIOLOGY Systematics, identification, and natural history of common native vertebrates and plants. Exposure to habitats/ecosystems of western Virginia. Observation, collection, and reporting of field data. Self-scheduled field and media lab activities required. II Pre: BIOL 1106. (1H,6L,3C) 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 3514: FISHERIES TECHNIQUES Application of field and laboratory methods in fisheries management and research. Experience with fisheries equipment and techniques. I Pre: 2114. (1H,6L,3C) 3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course. 3964: INTERNSHIP THROUGH DIRECTED FIELD STUDY Variable credit course. 4214: TECHNIQUES IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Field and laboratory methods in wildlife management. Estimating wildlife population characteristics, population growth models, capturing and marking, telemetry, food habits, sex and age determination, habitat mapping, evaluation, and improvement. Pre: 2114. (2H,3L,3C) I. 4314: CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY Principles and practices of conserving biological diversity. Causes, consequences and rates of extinction. Application of philosophical, biological, sociological and legal principles to the conservation of genes, plant and animal species and ecosystems. Pre: 4414, 4434. (3H,3L,4C) I. 4414: POPULATION DYNAMICS AND ESTIMATION Population growth, structure, and regulation of fish and wildlife populations including harvested populations, non-harvested populations, and small or declining populations. Methods of estimating demographic parameters such as population size, survival, and recruitment. Population viability analysis and genetic considerations in population dynamics. Pre: 4214. (3H,3C) II. 4424: ICHTHYOLOGY Morphology and physiology, systematics, zoogeography, and identification of fishes. II Pre: BIOL 2504 or BIOL 2704. (2H,6L,4C) 4434: WILDLIFE HABITAT ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT Relationship of wildlife species to their habitats. Factors influencing distribution and abundance of wildlife populations. Vegetation succession and structure, habitat classification, modeling wildlife habitat relationships and management of habitats in forests, agricultural lands, rangelands, riparian/wetland and urban areas. Pre: 2114, FOR 3364. (3H,3C) II. 4444: ROLE OF SCIENCE IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Alternative views of the role of the individual scientist within resource management. Synthesis and application of previous fish and wildlife coursework applied to complexities associated with real world issues. Case studies from fisheries management, wildlife management, and conservation biology. Defining students' individual career goals. Pre: 4414. (3H,3C) 4454: VERTEBRATE PEST MANAGEMENT Management of vertebrate pest species. Causes and prevention of damage by vertebrate pest species to: food and fiber plants, animal production, structures, human transportation systems, and health of humans and domestic animals. Senior standing required. II (3H,3C) 4464: HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Values, attitudes, and opinions of people toward fish and wildlife. Social, economic, legal, and political aspects of fisheries and wildlife management. Roles of professionals and the public in fish and wildlife policy processes. Contemporary fish and wildlife policy issues. Senior standing required. I Pre: 2114. (3H,3C) 4474: WILDLIFE HABITAT EVALUATION Application of methods for habitat evaluation through a group project to develop a habitat management plan. Students apply methods used to quantify habitat quality and assess impacts of various management actions. Emphasis is on Habitat Suitability Index models and the Habitat Evaluation Procedures approach of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Pre: 4214, FOR 3365, STAT 3005. Co: 4434. (3L,1C) 4484 (BIOL 4484) (ENT 4484): FRESHWATER BIOMONITORING Concepts and practices of using macroinvertebrates and fish to monitor the environmental health of freshwater ecosystems. Effects of different types of pollution and environmental stress on assemblages of organisms and underlying ecological principles. Role of biological studies in environmental regulation. Study design, field and laboratory methods, data analysis and interpretation, verbal and written presentation of results. Pre: (BIOL 2804), (BIOL 4354 or BIOL 4004 or ENT 4354 or FIW 4424 or FIW 4614). (3H,3L,4C) 4514: PRINCIPLES OF AQUACULTURE Requirements of aquatic organisms in captivity. Husbandry of fish and invertebrates, including nutrition, water quality, and disease control. Design of fish rearing facilities. Two day-long field trips required. II. Pre: 2114. (2H,3L,3C) 4524: GENETICS FOR AQUACULTURISTS Genetics of sex determination, qualitative and quantitative traits in aquatic organisms. Selective breeding and biotechnology-based methods of genetic improvement. Case studies. I. Pre: BIOL 2004, FIW 4514. (3H,3C) 4534: ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF WETLAND SYSTEMS Introduction to the variety of wetland systems found in North America, though emphasis will focus on eastern and mid-Atlantic wetland systems. Origin and processes of formation of wetlands, functions and values of wetlands, wetland delineation, wetland classification, regulatory processes affecting wetlands. Objectives of and management techniques used to protect and/or manipulate wetland systems for wildlife and other human needs. Pre: BIOL 3204. (2H,3L,3C) 4614: FISH ECOLOGY Interactions of fish with the physical and biological environment. Adaptations of organisms, populations, and communities. Impacts of human activities on major aquatic ecosystems and important fishes. Ecological principles for management of important sport, commercial, and prey fishes. II Pre: BIOL 1006. (3H,3C) 4624: MARINE ECOLOGY Marine organism, biological, ecological, chemical and physical processes of marine ecosystems in open sea, coastal and benthic environments, research methods and models in marine ecosystem simulation; fisheries in a dynamic ecosystem: human interference and conservation. Pre: BIOL 2804 or BIOL 2804 or GEOS 3034 or GEOS 3034. (3H,3C) 4714: FISHERIES MANAGEMENT History, theory, and practice of fisheries management. Emphasis on basic strategies used in effective management and setting management objectives. Synthesis of fish population dynamics and manipulation, habitat improvement, and human management to achieve objectives. Case studies of major fisheries. II Pre: 3514. (3H,3L,4C) 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course. 4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course. College of Natural Resources Programs of Study Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences | Forestry | Geography | Wood Science and Forest Products |
