Aquatic Wildlife Biology

Chad Bishop, Wildlife Biology Director

The Wildlife Biology Program combines the best features of a liberal arts curriculum with scientific preparation in wildlife conservation. The Program provides students with an extensive knowledge in ecology, population biology, conservation biology, and critical thinking and quantitative skills. Our students receive a strong academic and scientific background with an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. The educational requirements for certification by The Wildlife Society can be met within the framework of the undergraduate program. 

While some employment opportunities exist in wildlife conservation for students with the baccalaureate degree, we encourage students to continue their education through the master's degree to qualify for most state, federal, and private positions.

Three optional curricula are offered in the Wildlife Biology Program: terrestrial, aquatic, and honors. All three options follow the same schedule of courses for the freshman and most of the sophomore year and then pursue different curricula for the last two years. Each leads to a B.S. in Wildlife Biology. The University is well-suited for instruction in wildlife biology because of the excellent opportunities for field instruction and research at Lubrecht Experimental Forest, Flathead Lake Biological Station, and the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and Bandy ranches. The Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station, the Division of Biological Sciences, and the Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit facilitate research.

High School Preparation: In addition to general University admission requirements, the student should elect four years of mathematics and three years of science, including biology, chemistry and physics.

Wildlife Biology Honors Track

The honors curriculum is designed particularly for students with strong academic records who intend to do graduate work. Entrance into this emphasis is open only to students who, at the beginning of the junior year of the wildlife biology program, have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above and who petition the faculty for entrance.

Honors students must complete either WILD 370, 470 and 494 (terrestrial option) or BIOO 340, BIOE 428 and WILD 494 (aquatic option). Honors students are encouraged to enroll also in WILD 499 Senior Thesis. The balance of the coursework for the junior and senior years will be developed in consultation with the honors student's faculty advisor.

All students in the honors emphasis are required to meet with their faculty advisor prior to autumn semester registration of their junior and senior years to work out their course schedules.

Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Biology; Aquatic Option

College of Forestry & Conserv

Catalog Year: 2016-2017

Degree Specific Credits: 84

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.5

Note: Experiential Learning is required - Students have several options to fulfill this requirement - list is available from the Wildlife Advisor in Forestry 103C

Major Required Courses

Rule: Must take all courses

Note: Can take WRIT 325 Science Writing / Honors in place of NRSM 200
One out of the four is required: BIOE 406/409, BIOM 427/428, BIOO 462, WILD 485

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description BIOB 160N - Principles of Living Systems
Offered autumn and summer. Unifying principles of biological structure-function relationships at different levels of organization and complexity. Consideration of reproduction, genetics, development, evolution, ecosystems, as well as the inter-relationships of the human species to the rest of life. Students requiring a laboratory should also register for BIOB 161N. Credit not allowed for both BIOB 101N and 160N.
 3 Credits
Show Description BIOB 161N - Prncpls of Living Systems Lab
Offered autumn and summer. Prereq., or Coreq., BIOB 160N. Lab experiences illustrate biological principles underlying growth, reproduction, development, genetics and physiology, and are designed to give students practice in scientific methods of description, development of hypotheses, and testing.
 1 Credits
Show Description BIOB 260 - Cellular and Molecular Biology
Offered autumn and summer. Prereq. BIOB 160N (preferred) or BCH 110/111 (preferred) or B- or higher in BIOH 112; and either CHMY 123 or CHMY 143. Analytical exploration of the structure and function of the cell, the fundamental unit of life, with an emphasis on energy transformations and information flow. Topics include molecular building blocks, membranes, organelles, and mechanisms of replication, gene expression, metabolism, signal transduction, cell birth, cell death, and cell differentiation.
 4 Credits
Show Description BIOB 272 - Genetics and Evolution
Offered spring. Prereq., either BIOB 260 OR both BIOB 160N and BIOB 170N/171N; and one of M 121, 122, 151, 162, or 171. Principles and mechanisms of inheritance and evolution. Population genetics, fossil record, macroevolution, speciation, extinction, systematics, molecular evolution.
 4 Credits
Show Description NRSM 200 - Nat.Resource Professional Wrtg
Offered fall and spring to College of Forestry and Conservation majors. Prereq., WRIT 101. Students synthesize scientific literature and, using appropriate evidence and APA style, write natural-resources-based documents appropriate for distribution to scientists, managers, and the public.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 180 - Careers in Wildlife Biology
Offered autumn and spring. Subject matter and fields of study within wildlife biology conservation and management. Topics to include wildlife ecology, aquatic ecology, human dimensions, conservation and management, and other opportunities for careers in wildlife biology.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 5 Total Credits Required

Outside Major Required Courses

Rule: Must take all courses

Note: Can take WILD 240 Into to Biostatistics/Honors in place of STAT 216; Can take WRIT 245 Science Writing/Honors in place of NRSM 200.

Add: BIOE 406 and 409. Students are required to take 1 of 4 courses – BIOE 406 and 409, BIOM 427, BIOM 428, BIOO 462, or WILD 485.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description CHMY 121N - Intro to General Chemistry
Offered autumn and spring. First semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.
 3 Credits
Show Description CHMY 123N - Intro to Organic & Biochem
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., "C-" or equiv. in CHMY 121N or consent of instr. Second semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.
 3 Credits
Show Description CHMY 124N - Intro to Organic & Biochem Lab
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq. or coreq., CHMY 123N. Laboratory to accompany CHMY 123N.
 2 Credits
Show Description COMX 111A - Intro to Public Speaking
Offered every term. Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COMM 111A and COM 160A.
 3 Credits
Show Description M 162 - Applied Calculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 5 or one of M 121, 122 or 151. Introductory course surveying the principal ideas of differential and integral calculus with emphasis on applications and computer software. Mathematical modeling in discrete and continuous settings. Intended primarily for students who do not plan to take higher calculus.
 4 Credits
Show Description STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 115 (preferred), or one of M 121, 132, 151, 162 or 171, or ALEKS placement >= 4. Introduction to major ideas of statistical inference. Emphasis is on statistical reasoning and uses of statistics.
 4 Credits
Show Description WRIT 101 - College Writing I
UM: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of passing score on writing diagnostic examination, referral by WRIT 095 instructor-SAT writing score at or above 440, MUSWA at or above 3.5, SAT/ACT essay score at or above 7, or ACT Combined English/Writing score at or above 18. Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Credit not allowed for both WRIT 101 and COM 101. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit). MC: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of appropriate SAT/ACT essay, English/Writing, writing section scores, appropriate MUSWA scores, or proof of passing scores on Writing Placement Exam). Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit).
 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 37 Total Credits Required

Major Required Courses

Rule: Must take all courses

Note: Can take NRSM 422 Policy in place of WILD 410

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description BIOE 370 - General Ecology
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 272. Analysis of the distribution and abundance of plants and animals. Includes individual, population and community-level processes (e.g., population growth and regulation, competition, predation, succession, nutrient cycling, energy flow and community organization).
 3 Credits
Show Description BIOE 371 - Gen Ecology Lab (equiv to 271)
Offered autumn. Prereq. or Coreq., BIOE 370 and either STAT 216 or WILD 240. Methods of describing and testing alternative explanations for patterns in nature. The use of scientific methodology in ecology.
 2 Credits
Show Description BIOE 428 - Freshwater Ecology
Offered spring. Prereq., BIOB 160N and either CHMY 123N or 143N.  Physical and chemical dynamics of lakes and streams. Diversity, distribution and dynamics of freshwater organisms.
 5 Credits
Show Description BIOM 427 - General Parasitology
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 272. Parasitism as a biological phenomenon, origin of parasitism, adaptations and life cycles, parasite morphology, fine structure, physiology, parasites and their environment.
 2 Credits
Show Description BIOM 428 - General Parasitology Lab
Offered autumn. Coreq., BIOM 427. Taxonomy, morphology and identification of parasitic protozoa, helminths and arthropods.
 2 Credits
Show Description BIOO 320 - General Botany
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 170N-171N, 260.  Prereq. or coreq., BIOB 272.  Anatomy, morphology, ecology and physiology of photosynthetic organisms.
 5 Credits
Show Description BIOO 340 - Biology and Mgmnt of Fishes
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 272 and either STAT 216 or WILD 240. Diversity, adaptations and ecology of fishes. Analysis and management of fish populations and communities.
 4 Credits
Show Description BIOO 462 - Entomology
Offered alternate springs. Prereq. or Coreq., BIOB 272. The classification, morphology, anatomy, development, life-history, behavior and ecology of insects.  Labs include identification of major insect groups, internal and external anatomy and student collections.
 4 Credits
Show Description NRSM 385 - Watershed Hydrology
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 115 or M 121 or M 122 or M 151 or M 162 or M 171 or M 172. An introduction to physical and biological controls over water movement and storage in the environment, and how those controls are affected by land management practices.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 346 - Wildlife Physiological Ecology
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 272. Only open to Wildlife Biology Majors. How physiological and biochemical processes in animals influence behavior and ecology. Application of physiological approaches to wildlife conservation such as assessment of animal health, nutritional condition, and physiological performance.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 408 - Advanced Fisheries
Offered spring. Prereq., BIOO 340. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of fish populations and community data for use in management. Selection, application and evaluation of management techniques.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 410 - Wildlife Policy & Biopolitics
Offered spring, odd years. Prereq., junior standing. Overview of the laws affecting wildlife and how those laws are initiated, implemented, and enforced; impact of politics, interest groups, and agency jurisdictions.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 480 - The Upshot--Appld Wildlife Mgt
Offered spring. Prereq/Coreq.,WILD 370 or WILD 470. Designed for students to apply their knowledge in the development of wildlife management planning.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 485 - Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology
Offered autumn. This course is designed to provide students an understanding of the life histories, ecology and importance of macroinvertebrates in freshwater aquatic systems. The primary focus will be on insects, although an introduction to other invertebrates will also be included. The lab portion will involve identification of major groups of aquatic macroinvertebrates and participation in an environmental assessment using invertebrates as indicators of stream condition and restoration efficacy.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 494 - Senior Wildlife Seminar
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., senior standing in wildlife biology or consent of instr. Analysis and discussion led by students of current topics in wildlife biology.
 1 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 19 Total Credits Required

Writing Requirement

Rule: Must complete the following subcategories

12-18 Total Credits Required

Lower Division Writing

Rule: Complete all of the following courses

Note: Can take WRIT 325 Science Writing/Honors OR WRIT 201 College Writing II in place of NRSM 200

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description NRSM 200 - Nat.Resource Professional Wrtg
Offered fall and spring to College of Forestry and Conservation majors. Prereq., WRIT 101. Students synthesize scientific literature and, using appropriate evidence and APA style, write natural-resources-based documents appropriate for distribution to scientists, managers, and the public.
 3 Credits
Show Description WRIT 101 - College Writing I
UM: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of passing score on writing diagnostic examination, referral by WRIT 095 instructor-SAT writing score at or above 440, MUSWA at or above 3.5, SAT/ACT essay score at or above 7, or ACT Combined English/Writing score at or above 18. Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Credit not allowed for both WRIT 101 and COM 101. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit). MC: Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 095 or proof of appropriate SAT/ACT essay, English/Writing, writing section scores, appropriate MUSWA scores, or proof of passing scores on Writing Placement Exam). Expository prose and research paper; emphasis on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction. Students expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage. Grading A-F, or NC (no credit).
 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 6 Total Credits Required

Upper Division Writing

Rule: Complete BIOE 371 and TWO of the other courses

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description BIOE 371 - Gen Ecology Lab (equiv to 271)
Offered autumn. Prereq. or Coreq., BIOE 370 and either STAT 216 or WILD 240. Methods of describing and testing alternative explanations for patterns in nature. The use of scientific methodology in ecology.
 2 Credits
Show Description BIOE 428 - Freshwater Ecology
Offered spring. Prereq., BIOB 160N and either CHMY 123N or 143N.  Physical and chemical dynamics of lakes and streams. Diversity, distribution and dynamics of freshwater organisms.
 5 Credits
Show Description BIOO 320 - General Botany
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 170N-171N, 260.  Prereq. or coreq., BIOB 272.  Anatomy, morphology, ecology and physiology of photosynthetic organisms.
 5 Credits
Show Description BIOO 470 - Ornithology
Offered spring. Prereq. or Coreq., BIOB 272; major of biology, Pre-Wildlife Biology, or Wildlife Biology, and must be of junior or senior standing. The classification, structure, evolution, behavior and ecology of birds.
 4 Credits
Show Description BIOO 475 - Mammalogy
Offered autumn. Prereq., BIOB 272. The evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology and ecology of mammals.
 4 Credits
Show Description WILD 408 - Advanced Fisheries
Offered spring. Prereq., BIOO 340. Quantitative analysis and interpretation of fish populations and community data for use in management. Selection, application and evaluation of management techniques.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 470 - Conserv of Wildlife Populatns
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., BIOE 370, M 162 or M 171, and senior standing in Biology, Forestry, Resource Conservation, Recreation Management or Wildlife Biology. Application of population ecology principles and theory to the conservation and management of wildlife populations.
 3 Credits
Show Description WILD 499 - Thesis
(R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr.; senior standing. Preparation of major paper based on study or research of a topic selected with an advisor according to needs and objectives of student.
 1 To 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 6-12 Total Credits Required

Mathematics Requirement

Rule: must take the following course

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description M 162 - Applied Calculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 5 or one of M 121, 122 or 151. Introductory course surveying the principal ideas of differential and integral calculus with emphasis on applications and computer software. Mathematical modeling in discrete and continuous settings. Intended primarily for students who do not plan to take higher calculus.
 4 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 4 Total Credits Required

Symbolic Systems

Rule: must take the following courses

Note: Can take WILD 240 Biostatistics/Honors in place of STAT 216

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description M 162 - Applied Calculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 5 or one of M 121, 122 or 151. Introductory course surveying the principal ideas of differential and integral calculus with emphasis on applications and computer software. Mathematical modeling in discrete and continuous settings. Intended primarily for students who do not plan to take higher calculus.
 4 Credits
Show Description STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 115 (preferred), or one of M 121, 132, 151, 162 or 171, or ALEKS placement >= 4. Introduction to major ideas of statistical inference. Emphasis is on statistical reasoning and uses of statistics.
 4 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 8 Total Credits Required

Expressive Arts

Rule: Must take the following course

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description COMX 111A - Intro to Public Speaking
Offered every term. Preparation, presentation, and criticism of speeches. Emphasis on the development of public speaking techniques through constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COMM 111A and COM 160A.
 3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 3 Total Credits Required

Natural Sciences Requirement

Rule: Must take all courses

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description BIOB 160N - Principles of Living Systems
Offered autumn and summer. Unifying principles of biological structure-function relationships at different levels of organization and complexity. Consideration of reproduction, genetics, development, evolution, ecosystems, as well as the inter-relationships of the human species to the rest of life. Students requiring a laboratory should also register for BIOB 161N. Credit not allowed for both BIOB 101N and 160N.
 3 Credits
Show Description BIOB 161N - Prncpls of Living Systems Lab
Offered autumn and summer. Prereq., or Coreq., BIOB 160N. Lab experiences illustrate biological principles underlying growth, reproduction, development, genetics and physiology, and are designed to give students practice in scientific methods of description, development of hypotheses, and testing.
 1 Credits
Show Description CHMY 121N - Intro to General Chemistry
Offered autumn and spring. First semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.
 3 Credits
Show Description CHMY 123N - Intro to Organic & Biochem
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., "C-" or equiv. in CHMY 121N or consent of instr. Second semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.
 3 Credits
Show Description CHMY 124N - Intro to Organic & Biochem Lab
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq. or coreq., CHMY 123N. Laboratory to accompany CHMY 123N.
 2 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C- 12 Total Credits Required