Biology Degree Options

Fish Biology Option -

BS PROGRAM IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, FISH BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

Description
The Fish Biology Concentration in the existing Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences program focuses on native fisheries and aquatic ecosystems ecology. Emphasis is placed on species interactions, fish conservation, anthropogenic effects, current and historical fisheries and data analysis. The impact of local and global issues upon the great lakes fisheries is investigated.

Rationale
Student interest in this topic has grown over the years. Michigan Tech students have been involved in various fisheries and fish biology projects. The fish Biology Concentration will provide a strong background for students wishing to pursue advanced degrees in this field or enter the job market.

The lead faculty for this concentration:

• Dr. Nancy Auer, Adjunct Associate Professor of Biological Sciences has instructed various fisheries courses over the years and supports various fish research projects (e.g., sturgeon).
• Dr. Casey Huckins, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, has an active Aquatic Ecology program in fish biology and ecology which engages both undergrad and graduate students. His support of the engagement of undergraduates in this program was recognized by the University in the Award of "Graduate Faculty Council Excellence Award".

In addition to the Major Requirements, the specific requirements for this option are stated below:

Required Concentration courses:

BL1580 Introduction to Biological Sciences 1
BL2010 Anatomy & Physiology l 3
BL2011 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 1
BL2020 Anatomy & Physiology II 3
BL3190 Evolution 3
BL4440 Fish Biology 4
BL4470 Analysis of Biological Data 4

Electives within the Concentration (Choose 2 of the following courses):

BL2170 Zoology 4
BL4450 Limnology 4
FW4610 Wildlife Ecology 3

New course description
One new course will be offered:

BL4440 Fish Biology, 4 credits (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) Fishes and their habitats, native and exotic fishes of the Great Lakes region, and ocean fishery resources will be examined. Basic topics in Ichthyology and fish ecology, evolution, genetics, reproduction strategies and identification of early life stages, fish community structure, food webs and dynamics. Laboratory exercises on sampling, identification and classification of fishes and basic fish anatomy and discussion of scientific papers relevant to the subject material.