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Georgia Fishes Field Study


Course Description

Students will learn fish collection and identification for Georgia's native fishes. Sampling will occur beach, estuary, and freshwater habitats within the Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain. Emphasis is on field techniques, but lectures will also cover biology and ecology. The course will also include classroom and instruction and writing assignments.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to write reports comparing fish assemblages across study sites (e.g., impounded vs. unimpounded streams, urban vs. rural streams, etc.).


Athena Title

Georgia Fishes Field Study Lab


Non-Traditional Format

This is a Maymester field course, with lectures and laboratories scheduled during the entire session. It will meet 7-8 hours/day (+travel time) from Monday-Friday; however, inclement weather and complex scheduling may require moving some activities to the weekends. There will be one hour of lecture/day and 6-7 hours of field work. Students are expected to travel throughout the state and stay in campsites/institutional facilities.


Undergraduate Prerequisite

Permission of school


Graduate Prerequisite

Permission of school


Semester Course Offered

Offered summer semester every odd-numbered year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will identify and classify Georgia fishes.
  • Students will apply standard fish sampling techniques in the field.
  • Students will be able to explain how fish biology relates to ecology.
  • Students will be able to explain the biotic and abiotic factors that influence fish assemblages.

Topical Outline

  • Course orientation and classroom instruction (Athens)
  • Piedmont fishes (Athens area)
  • Mountain fishes (Northwest Georgia)
  • Coastal plain fishes (Southeast Georgia)
  • Coastal fishes (Sapelo Island)