FW251 Principles of Wildlife Conservation

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: F111 (Interested students not meeting this requirement are encouraged to seek instructor permission). RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.

This course explores wildlife management and conservation in the United States and throughout the world. Students discuss the social and political aspects of wildlife conservation and management, wildlife ecology, population and ecosystem management, and challenges to the management of biological diversity. They examine these issues through case studies and inquiry exercises with lectures as needed to provide background. Students are expected to take an active role in class activities, including class discussions and group work. This course is required for Natural Resources Technology Students and available for all fisheries and wildlife science majors.

This course fulfills: Non-Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate ability to discuss controversial topics with respect and understanding of multiple viewpoints.
2. Identify and discuss the legal, social, cultural, and political institutions that affect wildlife conservation and management
3. Identify, describe and apply the basic principles underlying the conservation and management of wildlife
4. Identify, find and apply scholarly research to address issues in the conservation and management of our natural resources
5. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary wildlife issues while considering cultural and ethical implications

FW252 Mammals: Biology and Techniques

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: F111, FW251 and FW253; or instructor consent.

This course is designed for students pursuing careers in natural resources management and all those interested in the biology of mammals. Students learn the traits that are common to all mammals and the origins of the evolutionary lineage called Mammalia. They also examine, in detail, the identification, biology and natural history of selected orders as well as behavioral and ecological trends of the entire class. Students discuss the management and conservation of mammals and, through laboratories, gain practical experience with techniques used to study them. The course includes several outdoor laboratories and field trips and may require time outside of scheduled lab hours. Non-sequential.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate and apply techniques used by wildlife biologists to study the abundance, distribution, and behavior of mammals
2. Describe which features help classify organisms as mammals and discuss the current understanding of the taxonomic and evolutionary relationships within this lineage
3. Develop an appreciation of the modern challenges facing these animals and discuss the conservation and management activities currently being used to help address these challenges
4. Discuss and apply keys concepts and information about the biology of mammals as specified in the syllabus
5. Identify specified mammals by skin, skull or image to order and family and when required, to genus and species
6. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on contemporary mammalogy issues while considering cultural and ethical implications

FW253 Field Ornithology

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels; and one college science course; or instructor consent. This course has a mandatory weekend field trip, days/hours TBA.

This course is designed for students pursuing careers in natural resources management and all those interested in the biology of birds. Students investigate the evolutionary history, ecology, behavior and conservation of these amazing animals and learn to identify individuals to species by sight and sound. The course includes many outdoor laboratories and field trips, and may require time outside of scheduled lab hours. The field laboratories give practical experience with the techniques used in the study of ornithology and focus on identification of species breeding in the Pacific Northwest. Field laboratories are outside in diverse weather conditions and require moving on uneven ground.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

1. Identify regional birds by sight and sound to species and higher taxonomic groups
2. Demonstrate ability to use standard tools for identification of unknown birds.
3. Demonstrate ability to collect clear and accurate data using standard ornithology tools and techniques.
4. Identify, describe, discuss, summarize, and analyze key concepts of ornithology research, avian biology and natural history, and conservation of birds.
5. Demonstrate high level of professionalism in the classroom and field and in completion of the requirements of the course.

FW299 Advanced Field Ornithology

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: Successful completion of FW253 or equivalent expertise. Students not currently enrolled in the Natural Resources Technology program can seek instructor permission to take this course.

This course serves as an advanced survey of field ornithology designed to further develop students into active scientists and entry-level ornithologists. Through classroom and field-based experiences, students will hone practical skills and techniques used to identify and study birds, as well as collecting, synthesizing, analyzing and reporting on ornithological data. Students should be prepared to engage in outdoor laboratory activities and field observation requiring time beyond scheduled course hours. This course has a mandatory all-day field trip- dates and times TBA. Limited to Natural Resources Technology students.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate ability to create high quality materials and resources required in ornithological field studies.
2. Demonstrate competency and apply techniques used by wildlife biologists to study the abundance, distribution, and behavior of birds.
3. Demonstrate high level of professionalism in the classroom and field and in the completion of the requirements of the course.
4. Identify specified birds by sight and sound to species and higher taxonomic groups.
5. Use computer databases and published resources to research and report on the natural history of birds.
6. Use eBird (Cornell University) to contribute high quality data on the presence and abundance of birds.