Throughout the semester improvement of critical thinking, writing and oral communication skills are emphasized. To provide students with an introduction to principles of soil science, meteorology, hydrology, forestry and forest ecology. The student should gain knowledge and field experience in the conservation and management of these interrelated natural resources, especially as they apply to outdoor recreation, wildlife, fisheries, and land use planning. The study of fish and wildlife as a valuable aesthetic, recreational, and economic resource. Ecological consideration, life histories, identification, populations, habits, habitat characteristics and relationship to man of regional wildlife and fish are topics which will be covered.
Special attention is paid to fish and mammals of New York State.
This course is intended to provide students with information about fundamental chemical concepts. These are then applied toward understanding the sources, effects and methods of detection for substances which contaminate water, air and soil and how they effect fish and wildlife. Students will become more familiar with environmental quality standards and the attempts to reduce chemically caused environmental hazards. The Laboratory section of the course will provide students with experience in basic laboratory techniques, sampling procedures and chemical methods used to test environmental quality. Field Camp is designed to provide one week of conservation-recreation field experiences.