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Animal Ecology

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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Administered by the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

The Animal Ecology curriculum provides its majors with an understanding of ecological principles and processes and their applications to natural resource management. This major is oriented toward students desiring a general and flexible program in environmental biology and for those planning graduate study. Graduates find employment as aquaculturists, aquatic ecologists, wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, resource managers, and ecologists for industry, environmental consulting firms, natural resource and environmental agencies and organizations, zoos, and as educators.  Graduates are able to communicate and work effectively in the multidisciplinary arena of ecology and natural resource management.  Additionally, they recognize the importance of ethics in their field of study and are sensitive to cultural diversity and broad environmental concerns. 

Students majoring in Animal Ecology may select from one or more of four options: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Interpretation of Natural Resources, Preveterinary and Wildlife Care, or Wildlife. Each option has specific outcomes expectations that include (1) the scope of the specialization and its relationships to broader aspects of animal ecology, biotic resource management, and other allied scientific disciplines and professions, (2) career opportunities and requirements, and (3) knowledge and skills appropriate for employment at technical and practitioner levels in each discipline.

All options require three months (400 hours) of relevant work experience or study at a biological station prior to graduation. The latter may be accomplished at the university’s affiliate field stations: Rod and Connie French Conservation Camp in Montana, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory at West Lake Okoboji, and Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Information on these laboratories is available from the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Student Services Center.

Preveterinary medicine preparation may be achieved while satisfying degree requirements in animal ecology.

Additional education and training can lead to other opportunities in such areas as research and management, natural resources planning and administration, teaching, and environmental consulting, among others. Graduate training is necessary for many specialized positions within the fields of animal ecology. Students preparing for graduate study should consult with their academic advisor concerning appropriate coursework.

Students wishing to be certified by the American Fisheries Society or The Wildlife Society need to consult with their advisors in selecting required courses in their respective programs. The formal application then needs to be completed and submitted for review by their professional societies. Certification in either society has many professional benefits and may be required or recommended for employment by federal and state agencies and private industry.

Students seeking certification to teach biology in secondary schools must meet requirements of the College of Human Sciences as well as those of the Animal Ecology curriculum. In addition, they must apply formally for admission to the teacher education program (see Teacher Education Program). Students with an interest in careers in outdoor writing are encouraged to obtain a minor or a second major in journalism (see Journalism and Communication, Courses and Programs). Students who wish to pursue a job as a conservation officer may wish to minor in criminal justice (see Criminal Justice).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should be able to:

1. Identify, explain and critically evaluate their own beliefs, values and actions in relation to professional and societal standards of ethics.

For any given situation, graduates identify, critically evaluate, and state their own beliefs and values as they relate to professional and societal ethical standards, for any given situation.  They elaborate on how those values and beliefs impact their actions, and they explain which specific canons or principles of a professional code of ethics are applicable to a particular situation.  

2. Anticipate, analyze and evaluate natural resource issues and opportunities, explaining the ecological, economic, and social consequences of natural resource actions at various scales and over time.

In the case of existing natural resource issues, graduates explain the ecological, economic, and social consequences that reasonably could be expected to occur as the result of actions taken to address the issue.  The explanation includes considerations of the geographic area influenced by the issue as well as the time frame over which the consequences can be expected to occur.  In the case of evolving circumstances, graduates predict natural resource issues that may arise as a result of the circumstances and explain the ecological, economic and social consequences of those issues.

3. Actively seek the input and perspectives of diverse stakeholders regarding natural resource problems and issues.

Graduates identify the comprehensive list of individuals or groups who may be impacted by particular natural resource problems and issues.  They are well versed in techniques for seeking and incorporating input and perspectives from those people, and they incorporate those inputs and perspectives into the decision-making process.

4. Assess, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information fairly and objectively.

Not all information is equally sound or applicable in a particular situation.  Graduates evaluate the validity and importance of information obtained from any source.  Once evaluated, they use the information appropriately in the solution of natural resource problems.

5. Work effectively, both individually and with others, on complex, value-laden natural resource problems that require holistic problem-solving approaches.

Effective solution of natural resource problems often involves input from diverse constituencies with diverse value scales.  When working individually, graduates incorporate those values into the solution of problems.  Graduates work effectively with diverse individuals and groups to reach consensus on problem solutions.

6. Formulate and evaluate alternative solutions to complex problems and recommend and defend best alternatives.

The natural resource base with which we deal is capable of providing numerous goods and services to numerous publics.  Graduates formulate multiple alternatives, as well as action plans, to achieve stakeholder objectives.  They evaluate each of the feasible alternatives in terms of biological possibility, economic feasibility and social acceptability.  They recommend best alternatives based on the stakeholders’ objectives, and they justify their recommendations on the basis of sound science.

7. Communicate clearly and effectively with all audiences using appropriate oral, visual, electronic, and written techniques.

Graduates utilize the best form, or forms, of communication for effectively conveying information to, or seeking input from, a particular audience.  They are proficient in all forms of communication, and adjust their style or technique of communication to suit different audiences.

8. Recognize and interpret resource problems and opportunities across spatial scales from local to global.

Graduates recognize where resource problems and opportunities can or could exist, and they evaluate and interpret these for others.  They, evaluate and interpret for individual landowners at a very local scale as well as for problems that span multiple ownerships, regions and ecosystems.

9. Appreciate cultural diversity and understand the impact of the global distribution of people and wealth on natural resource use and valuation.

Different cultures, population densities, and income classes value and use natural resources in very different ways.  Because natural resources often are used simultaneously by different groups, it is important for graduates to be able to account for those differing uses and valuations when making management decisions about natural resources.

10.  Exercise leadership skills as professionals and engaged citizens

Graduates organize, facilitate, and participate effectively in groups, teams, or organizations. They define problems or opportunities, implement action planning processes, work toward goals and justify actions taken.

11. Demonstrate creativity and innovation in identifying and pursuing opportunities that produce environmental, social, or economic value.

Graduates display creativity in a variety of situations, and identify opportunities to promote understanding of natural resource issues.  They demonstrate persistence when working with individuals who have diverse interests in order to build consensus and facilitate accomplishing stated objectives.

12. Exercise life-long learning skills developed before graduation.

Graduates articulate why life-long learning is important.  Graduates find answers to their questions as they arise throughout life.  They are capable of determining what they need to know to effectively deal with an issue or situation, and they know how to obtain the necessary knowledge. They have learned how to learn in the absence of teachers. 

CURRICULUM IN ANIMAL ECOLOGY

Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.

International Perspective: 3 cr.

U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.

Communications Proficiency (with grade of C or better):

6 cr. of English composition
3 cr. of speech fundamentals

Communication/Library 16 cr.

ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
LIB 160Introduction to College Level Research1
Plus 6 credits from the following:6
Introduction to Creative Writing
Analysis of Popular Culture Texts
Business Communication
Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines
Creative Writing: Fiction
Creative Writing: Nonfiction
Creative Writing: Poetry
Proposal and Report Writing
Rhetorical Analysis
Communicating Science and Public Engagement
Technical Communication
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Publicity Methods
Principles of Interpretation
Business and Professional Speaking

Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.

Humanities course list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/humanities
Social Science course list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/social-sciences

Approved humanities course3
Approved social science course3
Total Credits6

Ethics: 3 cr.

3 cr. from approved ethics list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/ethics

Mathematical Sciences: 6 cr.

MATH 140College Algebra3
STAT 101Principles of Statistics3-4
or STAT 104 Introduction to Statistics
Total Credits6-7

Physical Sciences: 14 cr.

CHEM 163
163L
College Chemistry
and Laboratory in College Chemistry
5
or CHEM 177
177L
General Chemistry I
and Laboratory in General Chemistry I
CHEM 231
231L
Elementary Organic Chemistry
and Laboratory in Elementary Organic Chemistry
4
or CHEM 331
331L
Organic Chemistry I
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I
PHYS 115
115L
Physics for the Life Sciences
and Laboratory in Physics for the Life Sciences
5
or PHYS 131
131L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory
Total Credits14

Biological Sciences: 24 cr.

NREM 110Orientation in Natural Resource Ecology and Management1
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3
NREM 211Careers in Natural Resources1
A ECL 231Principles of Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation3
A ECL 312Ecology4
A ECL 365Vertebrate Biology4
BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 211LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 212Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 212LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
Total Credits24

Practical Experience:

FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES OPTION

A ECL 321Fish Biology3
A ECL 486Aquatic Ecology3
A ECL 486LAquatic Ecology Laboratory1
Choose one of two Mathematics sequences:7-8
Sequence 1 (Calculus)
Preparation for Calculus
One of the following:
Survey of Calculus
Calculus I
Sequence 2 (Statistics)
Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources
Preparation for Calculus
Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods
Plus 20 credits from approved list20
Total Credits34-35

INTERPRETATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES OPTION

A ECL 366Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates3
BIOL 366Plant Systematics4
ENT 370Insect Biology3
NREM 303Internship1-3
NREM 330Principles of Interpretation3
BIOL 474Plant Ecology3
or FOR 356 Dendrology
One of the following:3
Introduction to Soil Science
Introduction to Weather and Climate
The Sky and the Solar System
How the Earth Works
Environmental Geology: Earth in Crisis
Introduction to Oceanography
Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours. 10-13
Total credits33

PREVETERINARY & WILDLIFE CARE OPTION

AN S 214Domestic Animal Physiology3
or B M S 329 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
One of the following:3
Behavioral Ecology
Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being
Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution
Animal Behavior
Three credits from the following:3
Fish Biology
Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates
Herpetology
Herpetology Laboratory
Ornithology
Ornithology Laboratory
Mammalogy
Mammalogy Laboratory
One of the following:3-5
Domestic Animal Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Principles of Human and Other Animal Physiology
Comparative Chordate Anatomy
Vertebrate Histology
Endocrinology
One of the following:3
Domestic Animal Reproduction
Principles of Genetics
Developmental Biology
Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology
Genetics for Natural Resource Managers.
At least three credits from the following list:3-4
Intro to Aquatic Animal Medicine
Aquaculture
Principles of Wildlife Disease
Animal Nutrition
Workshop in Animal Science
Introductory Parasitology
Introduction to Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
3 cr from course level 300-500 from A ECL or NREM3
Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours.9-12
Total credits33

WILDLIFE OPTION

A ECL 371Ecological Methods3
A ECL 451Wildlife Ecology and Management3
BIOL 313Principles of Genetics3
or GEN 320 Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology
or NREM 315 Genetics for Natural Resource Managers.
BIOL 366Plant Systematics4
Choose one of two Mathematics sequences7-8
Sequence 1 (Calculus)
Preparation for Calculus
One of the following:
Survey of Calculus
Calculus I
Sequence 2 (Statistics)
Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources
Preparation for Calculus
Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods
Six credits from the following list:6
Herpetology
Herpetology Laboratory
Ornithology
Ornithology Laboratory
Mammalogy
Mammalogy Laboratory
Six credits from the following list:6
International Wildlife Issues
Introduction to Environmental Politics and Policies
Environmental Planning
Foundations in Natural Resource Policy and History
Natural Resource Policy
Ecosystem Management
Controversies in Natural Resource Management
Native Land, Water, and Resources
At least three credits from the following list:3-4
Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae
Principles of Wildlife Disease
Avian Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution
Biological Evolution
Ecological and Evolutionary Animal Physiology
Animal Behavior
Laboratory in Animal Behavior
Introductory Conservation Biology
Advanced Animal Behavior
Insect Biology
At least five credits from the following list:5
Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae
Principles of Weed Science
Plants and People
Plant Anatomy
Principles of Mycology
Plant Ecology
Wetland Ecology
Dendrology
Forest Herbaceous Layer: Ecology and Identification.
Midwestern Prairie Plants
Plus additional credits from approved list to total 45 credit hours.0-5
Total credits45

Animal Ecology, B.S.  - fisheries and aquatic sciences

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
MATH 1403ENGL 1503
CHEM 1634LIB 1601
CHEM 163L1STAT 101 or 1043-4
Required Elective3 
 16 14-15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654A ECL 2313
NREM 2111CHEM 2313
A ECL 3124CHEM 231L1
MATH Calculus Elective4SP CM 2123
ENGL 2503Free Elective / Restricted Elective3
 Required Elective3
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 1154A ECL 3213
PHYS 115L1Communications Elective3
A ECL 4863Restricted Elective3
A ECL 486L1Required Elective3
Restricted Elective6Free Elective3
Required Elective3 
 18 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Required Elective3Restricted Electives7
Restricted Elective6Communications Elective3
Free Electives8Free Electives6
 17 16
*

To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester.

**

 Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit course (Math 10) maybe be required at additional costs.

***

 In scheduling coursework, students should pay particular attention to courses with limited offerings (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course).



Animal Ecology, B.S. - interpretation of natural resources option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
Required Elective3ENGL 1503
MATH 140**3STAT 101 or 1043-4
CHEM 1634LIB 1601
CHEM 163L1 
 16 14-15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 2313
NREM 2111CHEM 231L1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
Earth Science Elective3Free Elective/ Restricted Elective3
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 A ECL 2313
 15 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 1154NREM 3303
PHYS 115L1Communications Elective3
Botany or Restricted Elective3-4A ECL 3663
ENT 3703Required Elective3
Required Elective3BIOL 3664
Free Elective3 
 17-18 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Restricted Elective6-7Botany or Restricted Elective3
Required Elective3Restricted Elective3
Free Electives7Communications Elective3
 NREM 3031-3
 Free Electives (if needed)8
 16-17 18-20
*

To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester.

**

 Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit course (Math 10) maybe be required at additional costs.

***

 In scheduling coursework, students should pay particular attention to courses with limited offerings (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course).

Animal Ecology, B.S. - Pre-vet & wildlife care option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
Required Elective3ENGL 1503
MATH 1403STAT 101 or 1043-4
CHEM 163#4LIB 1601
CHEM 163L#1 
 16 14-15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 231#3
NREM 2111CHEM 231L#1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
Restricted Elective3Free Elective/ Restricted Elective3
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 A ECL 2313
 15 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 1154NREM 3303
PHYS 115L1AN S 214 or B M S 3293
Restricted Elective3Natural History Elective3
Required Elective3Required Elective3
Free Elective6Free Elective6
 17 18
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Restricted Elective6Restricted Elective3
Genetics/Development Elective3Communications Elective3
Required Elective3Free Elective9
Communications Elective3 
Free Elective2 
 17 15
*

 To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester.

**

 In scheduling coursework, students should pay attention to courses with limited offerings, (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course).

#

 Admission to the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine requires a different set of Chemistry and Physics courses. Students should plan to enroll in Chemistry 177, 177L, 178, 331, 331L and 332. The Physics requirement is PHYS 131 and 131L.

Animal Ecology, B.S. - wildlife option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
MATH 1403ENGL 1503
CHEM 1634LIB 1601
CHEM 163L1STAT 101 or 1043-4
Required Elective3 
 16 14-15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 2313
NREM 2111CHEM 231L1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
MATH Calculus Elective4Free Elective / Restricted Elective3
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 A ECL 2313
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 1154BIOL 3664
PHYS 115L1Communications Elective3
A ECL 3713Restricted Electives6
Restricted Electives6Required Elective3
Required Elective3 
 17 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 4513Restricted Electives9
Restricted Electives6Communications Elective3
Required Elective3Free Elective3
Free Electives6 
 18 15
*

To complete degree program in four years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester.

**

Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit course (Math 10) maybe be required at additional costs.

***

In scheduling coursework, students should pay attention to courses with limited offerings, (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course). It is critical that students take A ECL 371 fall semester of the junior year and A ECL 451 fall semester of the senior year.

Minor - Animal Ecology

The department offers a minor in animal ecology that may be earned by taking 15 credits in the department including:

A ECL 312Ecology4
A ECL 365Vertebrate Biology4
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3

Plus four additional credits of Animal Ecology or NREM courses at the 300 level or above.

The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.