Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources: Global Change Ecology and Management Emphasis

University of Arizona

Collaborate with faculty and students who share your passion for understanding the natural world and creating positive change for a sustainable future. The Global Change Ecology and Management emphasis in the Bachelor of Science program for Natural Resources highlights how global changes affect all ecosystems and provides students with the training and expertise for managing those changes now and in the coming years. Students not only gain a broad understanding of biological and physical sciences, but they also learn about conservation law, socioeconomics and new technologies for geospatial mapping and remote sensing. The program cultivates skills in leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, management and critical thinking. Graduates are prepared to work as natural resource scientists, managers and leaders ready to address evolving management changes in the face of global change. They are also prepared for graduate programs in ecology, biology, law and more.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Demonstrate basic knowledge ecological principles; Acquire basic knowledge of ecological principles (e.g., energy flow, material cycling, competition, predation, mutualism), identify current ecological challenges facing natural resource managers, and use ecological principles to develop potential integrated solutions to problems in natural resource management.

Natural resource management; Describe how social, political, and economic forces affect management of natural resources; and explain why there generally are trade-offs between various objectives in natural resources management.

Land management agency roles; Identify the major land management agencies responsible for stewardship of natural resources, the key historical conditions that lead to the creation of these agencies, and the primary mandates of each of these agencies.

Master basic statistical analyses; Conduct, interpret, and present basic statistical analyses of field and laboratory data, develop a research sampling design, and demonstrate the ability to design and conduct monitoring projects in the field.

Effectively communicate; Write professional reports in the style appropriate for the field of specialization, and demonstrate clear communication of scientific concepts and analytical arguments based on synthesis of published information and use of critical thinking.

Demonstrate ethical behavior; Identify behaviors of ethical professionals, and describe links between these behaviors and professional accomplishments.

Taxonomic identification; Demonstrate the ability to use taxonomic keys to identify a variety of plant and animal taxa.

Career development; Identify career paths and responsibilities within professions related to natural resources, and demonstrate awareness and appreciation for the importance of collaboration for stewardship of natural resources, including among agencies and between scientists and managers.

CAREER FIELDS

Communications

Ecotourism

Environmental law

Global change policy

Sustainability