Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology - Individualized

Majors in wildlife, fish and conservation biology study the relationships between human needsincluding recreation, resource use and huntingand wildlife needs for shelter and habitat preservation. The major offers many opportunities for hands-on experiences with wildlife through laboratory classes, fieldwork, research and internships. You will begin your study with fundamental courses in natural sciences and mathematics before progressing to more advanced work in general biology, environmental sciences and wildlife/conservation biology. At the upper division level, you will select a specialization within the program and complete courses related to that area. Some choices for specialization include behavioral ecology, ecotoxicology and disease ecology, wildlife damage management and physiological ecology. You may also choose an individualized program with courses selected to meet specific academic or career goals.

The major prepares students to excel in the dynamic fields of environmental and conservation biology, emphasizing vertebrate animalsboth native and invasivein their natural environments, as well as resolution of conflicts between humans and wild animals. Positions now held by graduates of this major include wildlife biology, fisheries biology, wildlife damage management, and resource biologists and managers with local, state, and federal agencies, biologists or consultants with private industries such as environmental consulting firms, commercial fishing businesses, electrical utilities, sporting clubs or businesses, and aquaculture operations, as well as veterinarians, medical physicians, and professors/researchers who teach and/or conduct research in academic institutions.

Students may, with prior approval of their advisor and the curriculum committee, design their own individualized specialization within the major. The specialization will consist of at least four upper division courses with a coherent theme.

Official or self-reported academic records.To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL.Achieve a minimum score of 6.5 (academic module) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).Achieve a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Exam in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition.Achieve a score of 5, 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB), Higher Level examination in English (Language A).Achieve a score of 6 or higher on the International Baccalaureate (IB), Standard Level examination in English (Language A).Score 560 or higher on the Writing section of the SAT Reasoning test (old SAT) or a score of 31 or higher on Writing and Language in the SAT with Essay (the new SAT, taken March 2016 or later).Complete one transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition with letter grades of C or better at an accredited U.S. college or university.