Conservation Ecology

Conservation Ecology is the study of the relationships of living things to the environment, how those relationships change through time, and how human activities augment or impair those relationships. Maintaining or restoring habitats to support natural patterns in biodiversity is an important practical application in this field. As humans continue to alter biodiversity in the environment, the need grows for well-rounded individuals who can present solutions to an increasing number of environmental problems.

Sterling’s Conservation Ecology major prepares students to be not only scientists but also artists and poets—that is, people who are able to study and understand the world from diverse points of view and use a variety of methods to create and communicate viable solutions to pressing problems. Students gain a strong understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles, as well as skills in effecting change. Through coursework, internships, and Senior Applied Research Projects, students develop confidence in their abilities to solve environmental problems.

Coursework allows students to build a working knowledge of resource policy, environmental monitoring, watershed management, and leadership techniques. Electives allow students to focus study on different areas such as forestry, wildlife management, natural interpretation, or environmental education. In all courses, study of the human relationship to nature is important. Electives in the humanities allow students to look at this in depth. Internships promote further development and application of critical skills. The Senior Applied Research Project entails working with an organization to identify a problem, propose solutions, and take at least one significant step toward solving the problem.

Our Conservation Ecology major is designed to prepare students for continuing study or careers in resource conservation. Graduates have found employment with government agencies, research stations, and nonprofit conservation organizations such as the United States Forest Service, Padre Island National Seashore, The Wilderness Society, and Chester County Conservation District.

Conservation Ecology Course Requirements
(including core requirements)

Introductory Level Courses (1st year)

• A Sense of Place (HM/NS/SS 100) – Fall & Winter Intensive – 3 cr
• Either/Or…
  • Humans in the Environment (HM/SS 106) – Fall/Spring – 3 cr
  • Writing & Speaking to Issues (HM110) – Fall, Spring – 3 cr
  • Introduction to the North (HM, NS, SS 255) – Spring – 3 cr
• Tools & Their Application (AS 100) – Fall – 1 cr
• Either/Or…
  • Critical Science & Math (NS 145) – Fall, Spring – 3 cr
  • Environmental Science (NS 205) – Spring – 3 cr
• Ecology (NS 107) – Fall, Spring – 3 cr
• Experiential Education I (SS 105) – Fall – 3 cr
• Experiential Education II (SS110) – Winter Intensive – 1.5 cr
• Work Search (SS190) – Spring – 1 cr
• Integrated Chemistry and Physics (NS 135) – Spring – 3 cr

Middle Level Courses (2nd-3rd year)

• Practicum in Environmental Stewardship (SS 300) – Fall, Spring, or Summer – 6 cr
• Writing & Communications (HM225) – Fall – 1.5 cr
• Environmental Policy & Law (SS202) – Spring – 3 cr
  • Prerequisites: NS107 and Either/Or HM/SS106, HM110, HM,NS,SS255
• Introduction to GIS (SS308) – Fall – 3 cr [prereq: NS145]
• Either/Or…
  • Wildlife Management (NS225) – Fall – 3 cr [prereq: NS145, recommended: NS107]
  • Vertebrate Natural History of the North (NS328) – Fall – 4 cr [prereq: NS107]
• Either/Or…
  • Forestry (NS240) – Fall – 3 cr [prereq: NS145]
  • Plant Science (NS346) – Spring – 4 cr [prereq: NS135, recommended: NS245]
• Either/Or…
  • Soil Science (NS245) – Fall – 4 cr [prereq: NS135]
  • Geology (NS260) – Fall – 3 cr [prereq: NS135]

Upper Level Courses (3rd-4th year)

• Conservation Biology (NS330) – Fall – 3 cr [prereq: NS207]
• Either/Or…
  • Winter Ecology (NS360) – Winter Intensive – 4 cr [prereq: NS135]
  • Field Ecology (NS301) – Fall – 4 cr [prereq: NS207]
• Either/Or…
  • International Forestry (NS425) – Spring – 3 cr [prereq: all other Con. Ecology requirements]
  • Senior Seminar in Natural History (NS415) – Spring – 3 cr [prereq: NS207, NS328]
• Either/Or…
  • Wildland Stewardship (NS/SS370) – Fall – 3 cr [prereq: SS202]
  • Land Use Planning (SS310) – Spring – 3 cr [prereq: SS202]

*Total Credits of Core Courses and Required Courses: 82-85

The Faculty recommends that students choose related electives in the humanities and social sciences—courses that will prepare students to use integrative approaches in their Senior Applied Research Projects and beyond. Students interested in the question of how ecosystems change over time are urged to consider including NS310: Quaternary Studies in their programs of study.