Environmental Studies and Wildlife Management

Administered by the Biology Department
Professor Lawrence W. Zettler
Associate Professor Bryan Arnold - Biology, Coordinator
Part-time Instructor Ray Geroff

The Environmental Studies and Wildlife Management program at Illinois College is an interdisciplinary program combining strong preparation in biology and wildlife management with environmental policy allowing students to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues that support personal and professional development, ethical leadership, and service. It is intended to prepare students for careers in ecological conservation and/or wildlife management that do not require formal postgraduate education. Students considering pursuing a graduate degree in wildlife management or conservation biology should strongly consider double majoring in biology. All students completing a major in Environmental Studies and Wildlife Management will complete this program with 48 credits (10 core courses plus two interdisciplinary courses).

Majors & Programs

Courses

EV 105: Earth’s Physical Systems

The goal of this course is to understand the dynamic natural systems that operate in Earth's environments. Emphasis is placed on processes that form and transform the surface of the planet. Factors that impact human activities are stressed. Topics include earth-sun relationships, weather, classification of climate, composition and structure of the solid earth, soil formation, groundwater, streams, glaciers and coastal processes. One two-hour lab each week.

EV 310: Environmental Policy

This course provides an introduction to environmental policy with an applied approach focusing on how policies like the endangered species act, the clean water act etc. correspond with the work of practicing field biologists, wildlife managers, land managers, and natural resource professionals. The course will consider the roles of government (local, state, and federal), private stakeholders, and the community in environmental policymaking and governance with an emphasis on the intersection of nature and society.

EV 344: Principles of Wildlife Management

Wildlife management and other natural resource fields are both arts and sciences that deal with complex interactions in the environment. Wildlife “science” is based on scientific principles, which will be covered in this course. Techniques of managing wildlife, managing nature preserves and problems of managing large refugees will be included. Topics include evaluating and determining habitat requirements and management techniques for a number of bird and mammal species. Several field trips to local US fish and wildlife areas are required as part of the course.

EV 463: Internship in Environmental Studies

Students serve as interns in private or public organizations which oversee, study, or manage environmental resources. Internships may involve public issues, scientific research, or have business applications. For horticulture, students will work at a local landscape company, learning all aspects of horticulture. Topics covered will include plant cultivation, plant diseases, and small business management techniques. Students must have junior standing and permission of the Academic Dean or EV coordinator to enroll.

EV 485: Environmental Studies Capstone

This course serves as the capstone experience for seniors in the Environmental Studies and Wildlife Management major. It may include an internship and/or independent research experience or may follow successful completion of an internship (EV 463 and/or EV 464) and/or independent research (EV 465 and/or EV 466). A capstone internship or independent study must be completed during, or the summer prior to, the senior year.