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.