A Quality Specialized Program Offered in the
A Quality Specialized Program Offered in the
Some Examples of Possible Careers:
Aquatic Ecology,
Fisheries Management,
Limnology, Fish Culture,
Research in Freshwater Biology,
Water Pollution Biology,
Aquatic Microbiology,
Aquatic Entomology,
Fisheries Biology
INTRODUCTION
Ball State University offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science
and Master of Science degrees in Biology with emphasis on Aquatic Biology
and Fisheries. This program has served the state of Indiana, the region,
and the nation in preparing students for careers in Fisheries and specialties
in Aquatic Biology. The program is designed to promote protection and restoration
of water quality, management of freshwater environments, recreational and
sport fishing use of lakes and streams, and cooperation of industry, agriculture,
and the public necessary in achieving individual and mutual goals.
COURSE OFFERINGS An individualized program
on the Aquatic Biology Option for a degree in Biology will be designed
for each student. Included in that program will be a selection of courses
offered in the Aquatic Biology Option. The Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Option emphasizes fresh water biology and fish coursework.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY
AQUATIC BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES OPTION
Required Courses*
I. BIOLOGY COURSES: SEMESTER HRS.
A. CORE:
-----
Bio 111,112 Principles of Biology 8
Bio 210 Principles 3 3
Bio 214 Genetics 4
Bio 215 Cell Biology 4
Bio 216 Ecology 3
Bio 217 Methods in Ecology 2
--
Total 24
B. Emphasis Area Courses:
----------------------
Bio 480 Limnology 3
Bot 481 Aquatic Botany and/or
NR 465 Fishery Management* 3 or 4
Zoo 432 Invertebrate Zoology 4
Zoo 444 Ichthyology 3
Zoo 484 Aquatic Entomology 3
-----
Total 16-17
II. Mathematics and Statistics:
Math 161 Applied Calculus 1 3
Bio 448 Biometry 3
--
Total 6
III. Physics:
Phycs 110 General Physics 1 4
--
Total 4
IV. Chemistry:
Chem 111 General Chemistry 1 4
Chem 112 General Chemistry 2 4
Chem 231 Organic Chemistry 4
--
Total 12
Total Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63
*See advisor for Aquatic Biology and Fisheries; NR 465 Fishery Management
(3 HR) for students with Fisheries emphasis. Courses listed are required.
Other electives in Aquatic Biology and Ecology also available as electives
(see course list).
Additional supportive coursework for emphasis areas may include selections in Oceanography, Microbiology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Journalism, and Natural Resources, to mention a few.
The
Aquatic Biology and Fisheries option is designed to provide a basic introduction
to the field of Aquatic Sciences. Specialty courses provide a background
in Limnology, Ichthyology, Aquatic Botany, Aquatic Entomology, and Invertebrate
Zoology. Students may also elect courses in other areas such as Aquatic
Microbiology, Marine Biology, Research in Aquatic Biology, and Fisheries
Management.
The curriculum is designed to meet basic requirements in the field of
Aquatic Biology. Requirements of potential employers, including state and
federal agencies and private consulting firms, were considered in order
to provide those completing the option with a fundamental background in
Aquatic Biology. Many employment opportunities require graduate study and
a master's degree, therefore basic supporting areas of Chemistry, Mathematics,
Statistics, and Physics are stressed. Students selecting the Aquatic Biology
and Fisheries Option should carefully select courses for optimum benefit
to meet future goals such as coursework in Computer Science.
The graduate of the Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Option has many potential sources of employment available. Graduates in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries from Ball State University have been employed in a broad array of governmental and private management and research positions.
Areas of possible employment may include the following:
National Biological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Research, management, and fish culture.
State Fisheries, Wildlife, and Natural Resources Departments
Fisheries management, fisheries research, fish culture, water management
and information and education.
State Health Departments
Water pollution control, monitoring, and evaluation.
Municipal Divisions
Water pollution control, monitoring, wastewater treatment, and drinking
water treatment.
Industry
Water pollution research, control and abatement, and bioassay and toxicology
studies.
Private Consulting Firms
Biological research and analysis, chemical research and analysis,
environmental studies and engineering.
Private Fisheries Firms
Fish hatcheries, aquaculture and hydroponics.
Many students who complete the undergraduate degree program go on to complete Master's or Doctoral degrees in related special areas. Admission to these programs is competitive and commonly requires excellence in coursework (B average or higher), field and/or laboratory experiences, and excellent mathematics and communication skills. Other requirements include entrance examinations such as Graduate Record Examination depending on institution and program. Graduates of the Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Option in Biology have been successful in many prestigious graduate-level programs at universities across the country.
Thomas E. Lauer
(Ph.D. Purdue University) Associate Professor Aquatic Ecology (Limnology,
Ichthyology, and Fisheries Biology),
Director of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Option.
Dr. Carl E. Warnes (Ph.D. Ohio State University) - Professor Aquatic Microbiology (Aquatic Microbiology and Diseases of Fishes).
Dr. Mark Pyron (Ph.D. University of Oklahoma) - Assistant Professor Fisheries (Fisheries Management)
The faculty in Aquatic Biology invite inquiries concerning
the program, admission, and employment opportunities.
Please direct all
correspondence to:
Dr. Thomas E. Lauer
tlauer@bsu.edu
Director, Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Department of Biology
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306-0440
Telephone 765-285-8825
