Mar 29, 2024  
Mansfield University 2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Biology, Fisheries Concentration


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Offered by the Department of Biology


Mansfield Fisheries prepares you to meet the highest professional standards in the field of fisheries sciences.  In fact, upon graduation, you will meet all requirements for certification as an Associate Fisheries Scientists by the American Fisheries Society.  Our program places a high value on individual-based learning, critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving - making graduates highly competitive for employment or graduate school opportunities throughout the United States.  The program is housed within the Biology Department and provides extensive course work in four major areas of Fisheries Science:  Aquaculture, Conservation Genetics, Fisheries Biology, and Fisheries Management.  Unique features of the program include a summer internship, field courses, and a required research project.  Cooperative education and research agreements with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are also integral components of the Fisheries Program at Mansfield University. 

Objectives:

  • Pursue scientific enquiry.  You will be taught basic and applied aquatic sciences with an emphasis on biology, ecology, conservation, and management.
  • Critically evaluate science and the scientific method.  We use lab classes, proposal writing, field experience and research projects to encourage evidence-based learning.
  • Be proficient in scientific methodology and analytical approaches.  You will have many opportunities to apply your knowledge in small, instructor-guided learning environments.
  • Learn effective communication skills.  Our favorable student-to-faculty ratio gives you the chance to practice your oral and writing skills in all our classes.
  • Cultivate broad academic and social skills that allow you to practice across different disciplines, cultures and communities.  Students are exposed to a wide range of learning environments that promote these skills, including internships, interactions with external agencies, and field-based courses.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of fishery science, with a particular emphasis on the biology, husbandry and management of aquatic organisms.
  • Identify and use appropriate tools for data collection in fisheries science.
  • Apply theoretical and technical knowledge of quantitative (mathematical and statistical) sciences to fisheries research and management problems.
  • Design and conduct quantitative fisheries stock assessments.
  • Write and communicate fisheries management recommendations using quantitative assessment results and management strategy evaluations

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