Course Description
Advanced Topics in Wildlife Health is a dynamic, experiential learning course designed to immerse undergraduate students in the forefront of wildlife health research and management. Students will engage in hands-on experiences and will gain an understanding of the intricacies involved in wildlife health research.
Athena Title
Advanced Wildlife Health
Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 2103H or PBIO 1210) and BIOL 1103L] or [(BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H) and BIOL 1107L]
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to discuss and demonstrate hands-on skills essential for wildlife health research such as vector sampling through tick dragging and light trapping, mist-netting for avian studies, and chemical immobilization.
- Students will be able to describe various laboratory diagnostic techniques relevant to wildlife health, including sample collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. Students will also compare and contrast best use-case scenarios for different assays in wildlife health.
- Students will be able to understand the role of various agencies in wildlife health management and research, and examine how collaborative efforts contribute to effective conservation practices.
- Students will be able to design and implement a surveillance program to detect and manage potential threats to wildlife populations. Specifically, students will participate in the Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance program with the United States Geological Survey, producing new and original work for a nationwide program.
Topical Outline
- Wildlife Health Techniques
- Laboratory Diagnostics
- Collaborative Multi-agency Partnerships
- Application of Surveillance Techniques
- Ethical and Sustainable Wildlife Management
- Communication and Reporting
- Policy Implications and Conservation
- Professional Development
