Students of fisheries and aquatic sciences learn the skills necessary to understand and manage freshwater fish populations. This study also includes an understanding of the relationships among physical, chemical and biological components of aquatic ecosystems.
Graduates of this program may go on to work as scientists and managers for state and federal natural resource agencies, researchers, or as professionals for environmental consulting firms, nonprofit environmental firms, and water-based industries.
Curriculum can meet the USA Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management requirements for the Fish Biologist Series.
Shelly brings years of experience in academic advising, and her love for the outdoors to help students succeed in their educations and future careers.
- Semester-by-semester planning
- Connecting with clubs
- Changing your major
- Academic success resources
- Career planning
- Graduate school planning
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Selecting degree program electives
FAQ
What is Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences?
The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences is the study of the biology of rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The program highlights the ecology of freshwater and marine systems, management of important fisheries, restoration of riparian and wetland areas and restoration, and protection of the plant and animal communities in lakes and rivers.
What type of students study Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences?
Students who …
- Want to apply their knowledge of biological sciences to real-world situations.
- Like to work outside, on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
- Are interested in restoring water related habitats such as wetlands and riparian areas.
- Would like to prevent and reduce water pollution.
What type of students study Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences?
Students in this major receive a solid foundation in …
- math and science
- biology
- chemistry
- calculus
- physics
- statistics
- general ecology
They then focus on watershed science courses, including hydrology and limnology and on the management and ecology of fisheries and other aquatic organisms. Capstone courses provide the valuable opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve to “real world” problems. Students may use their electives to explore interests in policy or water law, environmental history or ethics, oceanography, or genetics.
What kind of jobs do the graduates get?
Fisheries biologists and aquatic scientists work for state and federal agencies, private consulting firms and no-governmental organizations such as Trout Unlimited or The Nature Conservancy to:
- Restore endangered fish populations.
- Manage lakes and reservoirs.
- Restore river systems such as the Colorado or Green rivers.
- Improve water quality in streams and lakes.
- Use computer tools such as GIS to analyze land uses and their effects on water.
SAMPLE 4 YEAR PLAN
Below is a sample four year plan. Students should meet regularly with their advisor and carefully plan their academic program, keeping in mind that many upper division courses have prerequisites and must me taken in sequence. Students following the recommended schedule listed below should be able to complete degree requirements in four years or eight semesters.
| FRESHMAN FALL | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Biology 1610 Biology I |
3 |
| BIOL 1615 Biology I Lab |
1 |
| ENG 1010 (CL1) Intro to Writing: Academic Prose |
3-4 |
| MATH 1050 (QL) College Algebra |
4 |
| WATS 2000 Intro to Wildland Resources |
1 |
| Electives |
3 |
| FRESHMAN SPRING | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 16 |
| BIOL 1620 (BLS) Biology II |
3 |
| BIOL 1625 Biology II Lab |
1 |
| Breadth Creative Arts (BCA) |
3 |
| WATS 2200 General Ecology |
3 |
| Breadth Humanities (BHU) |
3 |
| MATH 1100 (QL) Calculus Techniques |
3 |
| SOPHOMORE FALL | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 |
| CHEM 1210 Principles of Chemistry |
4 |
| CHEM 1215 Principles of Chemistry Lab |
1 |
| GEOG 1800 Intro to Geographic Information Science |
3 |
| STAT 3000 (QI) Statistics for Scientists |
3 |
| WATS 3100 (CI) Fish Diversity and Conservation |
3 |
| WATS 3110 Fish Diversity Laboratory |
1 |
| SOPHOMORE SPRING | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Degree Electives |
5 |
| ENGL 2010 (CL2) Intermediate Writing |
3 |
| Breadth American Institutions (BAI) |
3 |
| WATS 3700 (CI) Fundamentals of Watershed Science |
3 |
| WATS 4980 WATS Department Seminar |
1 |
| |
| JUNIOR FALL | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 |
| Electives |
4 |
| Depth Humanities and Creative Arts |
3 |
| WATS 5200 Fish Habitats |
2 |
| Degree Electives |
6 |
| |
|
| |
| JUNIOR SPRING | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 |
| WATS 5310 Ecology & Restoration of Wetland & Riparian Plants |
3 |
| WATS 4500 Limnology |
3 |
| WATS/BIOL 5550 Freshwater Invertebrates |
3 |
| WATS 4930 Advanced GIS & Spatial Analysis |
3 |
| Degree Electives |
3 |
| |
| SENIOR FALL | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 15 |
| ENVS 4000 (DSS) Human Dimensions of NR Management |
3 |
| WATS 4490 Small Watershed Hydrology |
4 |
| Degree Electives |
3 |
| WATS 5340 Capstone 1 |
2 |
| Electives |
3 |
| |
| SENIOR SPRING | |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 14 |
| WATS 4650 Principles in Fishery Management |
3 |
| WATS 5350 Capstone II |
2 |
| Degree Electives |
9 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
