BS - Biological Sciences-Conservation Biology & Ecology

What is a conservation and ecology degree?

Whether you want to explore the migratory behaviors of endangered species, work in ecosystem conservation and restoration, or become a manager of natural resources, you can get there with a conservation biology and ecology degree from Florida Tech. Here, you'll develop a strong background in biology and get hands-on experience in environmental analysis and experimentation. Our ecology degree program is dynamic and focused. You'll get started right away, taking core courses like Biological Discovery and General Chemistry as a freshman. Guided by highly qualified faculty who care about your success, you'll hone your strengths and begin specializing as early as sophomore year. As a senior, you'll refine your practical skills in technical electives and specialized labs. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake exciting independent or collaborative (with a peer or professor) research in a topic of your choosing. As a result, you get practical experience, an enhanced job search portfolio, and a stronger sense of yourself as a scholar, the perfect preparation for graduate and professional school and employment.

Learning

Clubs and Organizations: Beyond the classroom, ecology degree majors build leadership and professional experience through exciting internships and participation in academic organizations like Tri Beta (biological sciences honor society), student government, and over 100 other student organizations. ecology degree majors also participate in exciting summer field programs that take them to Costa Rica, Peru, the Caribbean, Australia, the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, and the African Savannah.

Future Outcomes

Outcomes - Career and Salary: Employers that have recruited Florida Tech students for internships and careers include the American Museum of Natural Science, Baltimore Aquarium, EPCOT, Florida Medical Entomology Lab, and Sea World. Many graduates go onto master's and doctoral programs at Florida Tech and other prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Columbia, Johns Hopkins and Duke.

Curriculum

Curriculum program plans shown reflect current degree requirements. Previous academic year requirements can be accessed from the catalog page by choosing the appropriate academic year.

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Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Conservation Biology and Ecology

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Conservation Biology and Ecology seeks to educate students in unifying themes in biology, while encouraging them to expand their knowledge in more specialized subject areas. The department offers six undergraduate programs in which a student may specialize: aquaculture, conservation biology and ecology, general biology, marine biology, molecular biology and premedical biology. The curriculum is organized so that in the first two years students learn concepts fundamental to all biological sciences, and in the last two years students follow their own interests in selecting courses that are more specialized.

Conservation biology and ecology provides a well-rounded background in the science underlying conservation. Emphasis is placed on ecological principles and student-led experimental design and implementation. Ample opportunity for fieldwork exists locally and via a required summer field course, choosing between programs in the Galapagos Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Peru or the Smoky Mountains. Graduates are fully prepared for conservation-related employment or graduate studies in ecology.

Admission Requirements

Students intending to apply for admission to study in the department of biological sciences should complete at least one year each of high school biology, chemistry and physics. Prospective students should also have at least three years of high school mathematics, including second-year algebra and trigonometry.

Florida Tech has articulation agreements with many of the community colleges in Florida. Students contemplating transfer to Florida Tech should consult with the department to determine transferability of credits. If there is a question regarding specific courses needed, students should contact the associate department head for undergraduate studies.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Conservation Biology and Ecology must complete the minimum course requirements outlined in the following curriculum. Electives are selected in consultation with the faculty adviser to reflect the knowledge a student needs either for employment or graduate school.

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED 129

Not all humanities core courses are offered online or every term; check the current schedule of classes for humanities core options.