Renewable Natural Resources Natural Resource Ecology and Management - Louisiana State University - System Office

Renewable Natural Resources Natural Resource Ecology and Management from Louisiana State University - System Office is a Campus Bachelor Natural Resources degree that prepares you for a Science career. This degree program strives to teach students about the ecology and natural history of plant and animal populations and communities to enable enhanced management and conservation of biotic resources . Students get broad-based training in identification, natural history, population ecology, conservation biology, and policy issues that will affect living natural resources. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers as professionals in a broad range of natural resource management positions. Students in natural resource ecology and management tailor their course work to their career goals by choosing one of seven areas of concentration: conservation biology, fisheries and aquaculture, natural resource conservation, wetland science, wildlife ecology, wildlife law enforcement, and preveterinary-wildlife. Job opportunities for graduates of the natural resource ecology and management curriculum are available in state and federal agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations, private consulting firms, and with industry. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource ecology and management typically complete the educational requirements for graduates to be certified by The Wildlife Society or the American Fisheries Society. The conservation biology area of concentration is designed to educate students concerning ways to protect biodiversity. This includes a broad base of training in ecology , taxonomy, the genetics of small populations, human dimension of resource management, and the principles of population biology. The fisheries and aquaculture area of concentration is designed for students interested in the ecology and management of aquatic resources in freshwater and marine ecosystems, as well as the cultivation of economically important species under controlled conditions. Students in this area take courses in fish taxonomy, biology, and management, and can tailor their program of study to suit their interests with additional courses in breeding and genetic improvement, nutrition, aquacultural engineering, aquatic animal diseases, microbiology, water quality, biology, oceanography and coastal studies, and management of freshwater and marine habitats. With numerous opportunities to gain research experience, students in this concentration are well prepared for pursuing graduate studies, as well as numerous careers in aquatic resource management in private industry, state and federal agencies, consulting firms, and aquatic resource advocacy groups. The area of concentration in natural resource conservation is designed for students wishing to pursue a broader curriculum in renewable resource ecology and management , including courses from both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Many state and federal resource agencies are seeking people with a diverse educational background who are able to understand and work on complex environmental issues in multi-disciplinary teams that focus on land use, pollution, habitat loss, and biodiversity problems, all of which will continue to grow as human population numbers and urbanization increase. The area of concentration in wetland science is designed for students who wish to specialize in wetlands, which are valued as wildlife and fish habitats, for maintaining water quality, and for other economic benefits. Students who concentrate in wetland science can anticipate working for private or governmental agencies that manage land, for governmental agencies that restore and/or regulate wetlands, or for businesses that delineate wetlands, plan and manage mitigation banks, or plan and construct restoration projects. The wildlife ecology area of concentration is tailored to students interested in traditional management that focuses on wildlife populations, especially game animals and charismatic species of concern to the public. Students are exposed to the principles of population growth, theory and practice concerning population exploitation, habitat requirements and methods of management , and the influence of public policy on wildlife resources. Students from this area of concentration typically accept jobs with state and federal resource agencies, but often pursue advanced degrees prior to employment. The wildlife law enforcement area of concentration was recently created to meet the needs of students who want to enter into natural resources law enforcement with state or federal agencies. Students get a background in wildlife ecology and management, natural resources policy , as well as course work in political and social sciences. Students must still go through state or federal law enforcement training before they can work in wildlife law enforcement. The preveterinary-wildlife area of concentration is for students interested in applying to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and who are interested in careers that focus on exotic animals and wildlife rather that the more traditional small and large animal practices. Health issues such as whirling disease in trout and chronic wasting disease in elk continue to be problems for state and federal resource agencies, and zoos and wild animal parks constantly deal with veterinary issues; all of these problems require people with both veterinary skills and a familiarity with a diversity of wildlife and the habitats that support them. Transportation for field trips is provided by the University but is financed by students. Field fees vary in amount, based on the cost of transportation, and are paid at the time of other University fees through the advanced billing system. View more details on Louisiana State University - System Office . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Natural Resources courses.