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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Biology, Specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology, B.S.
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Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms. Ecology serves as a foundation for Conservation Biology, which is the application of biological knowledge and techniques to the conservation and restoration of natural biodiversity. Students completing a Bachelor of Science specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECB) will gain a solid foundation in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology while developing the quantitative, analytical, and technical skills essential to qualify for professional positions or advanced study in this area. ECB graduates will be highly competitive for employment with businesses, government, or consulting agencies performing conservation assessment and ecological research, restoration or management of habitat or populations of rare, economically important, or invasive species, or for subsequent graduate training in ecology or conservation biology.
The Ecology and Conservation Biology specialization (ECB) requires completion of a suite of core courses in basic biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Elective courses in diverse areas of ecology (Group A) provide more specialized training, while advanced courses in organismal biology (Group B) create depth of knowledge in biodiversity. Applied technical training through experiential learning and focused coursework (Group C) in statistics, GIS, independent research, service learning, or internships is also integrated into the program.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this specialization, undergraduates will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of ecology and understand the concepts central to conservation, including how organisms and natural systems are impacted by man’s dominance of the biosphere;
- Demonstrate the ability to critically examine ecological data and scientific literature, design effective experiments, collect appropriate data in field and laboratory settings, and interpret the results of ecological studies;
- Demonstrate understanding of how to apply the approaches, technology, and quantitative analyses essential to solving conservation problems;
- Demonstrate the ability to present ecological knowledge in a conservation context in both oral and written formats to professional and non-science audiences.
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BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements
Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:
English Composition and Oral Communication
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Quantitative Literacy
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Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:
Humanities and the Arts
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Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
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Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:
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University Requirements
Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:
Cultural Diversity in the US ____________
International Perspective ____________
Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120
Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36
Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC and QL)
World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______)
Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas.
________1010_________________ ________
________1020_________________ ________
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Lab Science
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Quantitative Literacy
________ ________ EITHER MATH 1310 OR MATH 1340 & MATH 1350
Multidisciplinary Component
Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.
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Core Courses in Biology
(16 Hours)
Complete courses required for the Specialization and Biology electives. Ensure that you have at least 10 hours of courses at the 4000 level.
Ecology & Conservation Biology Specialization
*Note: BIOL 4090 and BIOL 4100 may not count in both the Required Courses or in Group A of Electives.
Biology electives: These courses do not meet group requirements, but do count toward the 10 hours of required courses at the 4000 level: BIOL 4500 , 4700, BIOL 4900
Courses Required
(6 Hours)
Electives - Complete 3 Credit Hours in Each of the 4 Groups, A-D
Group A: Ecology & Conservation
Group C: Cell, Molecular & Regulatory Biology
Group D: Quantitative & Applied Science
Total Hours: 36-37
A maximum of 5 credit hours from the following courses may be included in the required 10 credit hours of 4000-level Biology required for the major: BIOL 4010, BIOL 4520 , BIOL 4530 , BIOL 4540 , BIOL 4890 . These courses may be repeated.
Additional Biology Required Courses: Chemistry & Physics
Minor Requirements:
A “general science” minor is offered to students in place of a conventional minor. Consult your Faculty Advisor. (A conventional minor may also be chosen, usually 20 hours, no Biology courses can be used.)
For Graduation You Will Need:
- 122 credit hours minimum.
- Minimum GPA 2.00.
- At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
- 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
- Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
- A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.
Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.
To ensure a timely graduation, see a College Advisor during the semester prior to your intended graduation.
Remember to complete an Application for Graduation by the end of the second week of classes during the fall semester or spring regular session, or by the end of the first week of the summer semester. For the specific dates, check your DARS. You may log onto MyBGSU to complete the online application. After the deadlines, you will need to complete an application in person in the College Office.
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