Wildlife Biology Program (BS)

Faculty Advisors: Dennis Viele, Ernie Szuch and Nan Kelly

Wildlife biology is a continuously expanding field, in which individuals will have the opportunity to study the dynamics of animal and plant communities of terrestrial and aquatic environments. The program in wildlife biology consists of three options. They provide students with a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for a career in this exciting and expanding area of biology. Students in this program will be exposed to wildlife management methods, field techniques and theoretical studies of wildlife species, populations and communities. Wildlife biologists will ultimately be responsible for the study and management of animal and plant populations within state, country and possibly international borders. Wildlife biologists may also be responsible for the study and management of non-game, endangered species or game animals and plants. This degree is intended to educate students in preparation for entry-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. The Program in Wildlife Biology is designed to produce well-rounded students; thus, we require our students to enroll in disciplines such as mathematics and statistics, chemistry, physics, communication, social sciences, and humanities. By using specifically identified coursework areas and mentoring, we will aid students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people within that discipline.

Requirements.

1. All requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) , including general education requirements.
2. At least 40 credits in Biology, including BIO 111 , BIO 113 , BIO 326 , BIO 327 , BIO 328  (no more than 16 biology credits below 300-level courses); at least one wildlife management course (e.g., BIO 423 , BIO 424 , BIO 426 ); and electives, including at least two biology writing courses, chosen from the options below:
   Terrestrial Biology Option: BIO 316 , BIO 373 , BIO 403 , BIO 420 , BIO 421 , BIO 423 , BIO 426 , BIO 431 , BIO 460 , BIO 461 , BIO 480 , BIO 483 , BIO 484 , BIO 488 , BIO 491 .
   Marine and Aquatic Biology Option: BIO 373 , BIO 420 , BIO 423 , BIO 424 , BIO 426  , BIO 431 , BIO 443 , BIO 460 , BIO 481 , BIO 483 , BIO 484 , BIO 491 .
   General Wildlife Biology Option: Any of the preceding option courses.
3. Non-biological natural sciences: CHM 260 , CHM 261 , CHM 262  either CHM 263  or CHM 265 , either CHM 220  or CHM 330 , (CHM 330  and CHM 332  recommended for advanced science degrees), CHM 380 ; GEO 151 , GEO 203 ; MTH 120 ; PHY 143 , PHY 145 ; RPL 312  , RPL 370  .
4. Electives to complete a minimum of 124 credits.
5. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in biology and in all work completed at the University of Michigan-Flint.
6. Grades of C- or better in all biology core courses used as prerequisites.