2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology: Field Naturalist (B.A.) - J


Program Description

The B.A. in Biology: Field Naturalist is designed for students who wish to pursue meaningful careers as field scientists, naturalists, or researchers.  Students learn the skills to work in the field for private, not-for-profit, local, state, and federal governments and organizations.  Field naturalists have a broad knowledge of ecology, organismal biology, field geology and soils, environmental assessment, conservation biology, and wildlife management.  Field naturalists can effectively communicate technical scientific information to a broad range of professional and lay audiences including the general public, planners and regulators, and government officials.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate basic knowledge:  Students will define and explain the major concepts in the biological sciences; for example, the relationship between structure and function at all levels of organization.
  2. Apply the scientific method:  Students will incorporate the major steps in the scientific method to design and carry out research studies and to test hypotheses.
  3. Communicate in Science:  a) Students will communicate at a scientific level in writing and b) Students will communicate at a scientific level in oral presentations.
  4. Develop technical skills:  Students will practice proper usage of scientific instrumentation and will improve techniques both in the laboratory and in the natural environment.
  5. Apply quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning:  Students will apply quantitative analysis to interpret biological data.
  6. Read and analyze scientific information:  Students will read, understand, and incorporate scientific literature in their writing.
  7. Discuss the relationships between science and society:  Students will integrate current biological evidence into discussion of global challenges.

Electives (Take at least 16 credits from the following; they can be from more than one theme):


Theme 1: Science


Theme 2: Communication


Total: 56-65 credits


* These courses also fulfill requirements in the Environmental Science, Health Sciences, Outdoor Education and Wellness & Alternative Medicine programs.

+ These courses also fulfill the General Education Curriculum requirements.

Secondary Teaching License in Science


Students pursuing licensure endorsement to teach science in grades 7-12 must successfully complete one of the approved majors for this endorsement (the Biology: Field Naturalist (B.A.) - J , Biology (B.S.): Pre-Medical Concentration - J Health Sciences (B.S.): Health & Wellness Coaching Concentration - J Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Analysis & Assessment concentration - J , or Environmental Science (B.S.): Environmental Policy & Advocacy concentration - J ), as well as specific teacher-education coursework and requirements. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Licensure Program - J  section for details.

Important:


In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum  and NVU Graduation Standards .