Course Descriptions
Environmental Conservation (CON) Courses
CON 100 First Year Experience in Conservation (3-0) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the field of environmental
conservation. Students will explore career options and develop an educational plan. Academic skills including learning strategies, writing, and foundational critical thinking skills are practiced throughout the semester. Topics include a history of the conservation movement in the U.S., ecological succession, and current local issues in the discipline.
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CON 102 Introduction to Fish and Wildlife (3-0) 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to vertebrate biology and ecology with emphasis on the identification and natural history of species. Students practice identification skills and information management. This course emphasizes vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals found in New York.
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CON 103 Environmental Science (3-2) 4 credits
This course investigates the interactions and relationships between humans and the Earth. It provides the scientific foundation for analyzing today's pressing environment issues and solutions for a sustainable future. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the impact of humans on other living organisms, water, air, soil, fossil fuels, and mineral resources. In analyzing potential solutions to these environmental issues, students will evaluate the impact of their own choices on the Earth's resources as well as the relative role of governments in setting sustainable policies. In the laboratory component of the course, students will learn scientific methodology, sampling procedures and methods used to test environmental quality. A portion of the lab will include outdoor experiences. (Also listed as BIO 103)
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CON 113 Wildlife Field Techniques (3-0) 3 credits
This course focuses on field techniques employed by wildlife professionals. Topics include proper animal handling, various capture techniques, measuring and tagging, telemetry, camera traps, sampling protocols and basic research design. Mammal and bird techniques will be emphasized with some reptile and amphibian techniques
covered as appropriate.
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CON 116 Fisheries Techniques (3-0) 3 credits
This hands-on course provides students with field experiences utilizing various types of fisheries equipment. Emphasis is placed on sampling techniques for both fish and aquatic habitats. Topics include small boat operation, fish identification, fish capture and handling techniques, data collection, tagging and marking, aging, electrofishing, netting, radio telemetry, hydro acoustics, habitat assessment, and equipment maintenance.
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CON 118 Introduction to Natural Resource Law (3-0) 3 credits
This course introduces students to laws for the protection and conservation of fish, wildlife and natural resources. The focus of the course is New York State and Federal law regulating the conservation of fish, wildlife and forest resources. Particular areas of study include the New York State Fish and Wildlife Law and Federal Fish and Wildlife Laws (e.g. Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Act). Students will study the evolution of the current body of New York State and Federal law relating to management of fish, wildlife and forest resources from a historical prospective. Students will also study legislative and administrative processes employed in the formation of Fish and Wildlife Laws and the functions and duties of the New York State and federal agencies charged with enforcing these laws.
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CON 122 Introduction to Applied Field Techniques (2-2) 3 credits
Introduction to Applied Field Techniques is designed to train students in the use of standard sampling methods and equipment currently used to measure and or assess a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Students will collect and analyze field data using standard protocols and present their results in a variety of ways.
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CON 190 Conservation Field Camp (2-0) 1 credit
Field Camp is designed to provide students with a survey of conservation field experiences. This experiential course focuses on species identification, fish, wildlife, forestry, and soil and water sampling equipment and techniques. Students engage in both pre-field preparation and immersive, applied experiences in the field.
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CON 202 Principles of Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology (3-0) 3 credits
This course is designed for second year students in Horticulture and Conservation degree programs. An introduction to the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Students examine the influence of biotic and abiotic variables on species evolution, population dynamics, and community composition. Students are required to conduct an independent field study to integrate and reinforce ecological concepts learned throughout the degree program.
Prerequisites: ENG 101 AND BIO 121 or BIO 125. (Also listed as BIO 221)
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CON 202L Principles of Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Lab (0-2) 1 credit
In this hands-on laboratory-based course, students will have the opportunity to conduct studies and perform experiments that enrich their knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts learned in the lecture portion of CON 202/BIO 221 Principles of Terrestrial/Aquatic Ecology. Laboratory exercises will include a combination of field trips and observational and experimental studies as well as in-classes exercises aimed at preparing students for upper level coursework in the field of ecology (e.g. reading scientific papers, presenting data, interpreting graphs). Prerequisite: BIO 121 or BIO 125. Co-requisite: CON 202/BIO 221 (Also listed as BIO 221L)
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CON 203 Seminar in Environmental Conservation (4-0) 4 credits
This course presents topics in the field of environmental conservation. Current topics
include: Herpetology, Birds, Wildflowers, Entomology, Winter Botany, Trees, Galls and
Environmental Conservation Research. A comprehensive field identification test is
required. A field component including a minimum of 40 hours of experiential learning, divided
between the FLCC campus, Muller Field Station, and East Hill Campus is also required.
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CON 214 Fisheries Management (3-0) 3 credits
This course is designed for the second year Environmental Conservation student. Fisheries management stresses the relationship between humans, fish, and their
environments. Students are introduced to the principles of fishery management including history, theory, and management strategies. The importance of habitat management, and population dynamics and their interactions is explored.
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CON 215 Unique Ecological Communities (3-0) 3 credits
The purpose of this course shall be to provide students with field travel experiences relative to their course work in Natural Resources Conservation. This expedition course, to different areas of the world, will emphasize identification and natural history of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, plants and a variety of ecological communities. Students will be provided with opportunities to observe employment options in Conservation, and gain experience in camping and group travel. Examples of travel experience include trips to: Florida Everglades and Keys, Wilderness Alaska, Costa Rica, Belize and various National Parks in the United States and Canada.
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CON 216 Wildlife Management (3-0) 3 credits
This course will provide intensive classroom and some field experience in wildlife management theory including: population dynamics, mortality, natality and the
relationship between wildlife and their habitats. Practical techniques used for aging, sexing, marking, and surveying will be presented. Students develop a wildlife management plan for a local species. Game and non-game species are included. Prerequisite: CON 102.
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CON 218 Fish Culture Techniques (3-0) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students an in depth exposure to fish culture practices and techniques. Students will review historic and current status of fish culture in the U.S and world. Culture methods, data collection, egg take, incubation, and fry hatching of walleye (Sander vitreus) cultured at the FLCC-Muller Field Station- Education and Research Center is emphasized. Trips to other culture facilities add to the student experience. Essential factors involving water quality, fish health, nutrition, species requirements, system design, equipment, and advanced re-circulation aquaculture systems are studied. This is a hands-on course.
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CON 221 Conservation Topics I (1-0) 1 credit
This course is designed to provide students with specialization in an area related to their occupational or educational interest and to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with conservation practices. Topics typically involve a field component and may be held as a residential course at the Muller Field Station or the East Hill campus.
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CON 222 Conservation Topics II (2-0) 2 credits
This course is designed to provide students with specialization in an area related to their occupational or educational interest and to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with conservation practices. Topics typically involve a field component and may be held as a residential course at the Muller Field Station or the East Hill campus.
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CON 223 Conservation Topics III (3-0) 3 credits
This course is designed to provide students with specialization in an area related to their occupational or educational interest and to provide students the opportunity to become more familiar with conservation practices. Topics typically involve a field component and may be held as a residential course at the Muller Field Station or the East Hill campus.
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CON 224 Dendrology and Field Botany (4-0) 3 credits
Field study, identification and natural history of non-woody and woody plant species and the communities to which they belong. Uses of forest trees by humans and wildlife is emphasized. (Also listed as BIO 224)
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CON 229 Stream Ecology and Monitoring (3-0) 3 credits
This course provides students with an introduction to hydrology, stream ecology and sampling design. Students will intensively study aquatic macro-invertebrate identification. The students will learn through field and laboratory experiences with data collected, analysis, and production of a final professional report. Prerequisite: MAT 121, CSC 134, CSC 135.
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CON 233 Laws for the Use and Protection of Water and Land Resources (3-0) 3 credits
This course focuses on Local, New York State and Federal Laws for the protection of water resources and land use. Students will study New York State Environmental Conservation Law as it relates to the management of water resources, protection of freshwater and tidal wetlands, and regulation of mining and energy exploration. Students will study the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process and the Federal Clean Water Act, landowner rights and liabilities. Legal processes for the introduction of new laws and the enforcement of current laws will be discussed in depth. Students will be introduced to potential careers through the study of local, state and federal regulatory agencies charged with protection and wise use of water and land resources. Instruction methods include lecture, class discussion and guest speakers.
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CON 234 Laws for the Management of Air Resources, Solid Waste and Hazardous Substances (3-0) 3 credits
This course focuses on New York State and Federal laws for the protection of air resources, the management of solid waste and regulation of substances harmful to the environment. Students will study the New York State Environmental Conservation Law as it relates to protection of air resources, the management, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the use of substances potentially hazardous to the environment such as pesticides. Students will also study related federal statutes including the Clean Air Act, NEPA and CERCLA. Students will be introduced to potential careers through the study of relevant local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
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CON 235 Wetland Science and Practice (3-0) 3 credits
A survey and in-depth investigation of wetland terms and types, characteristic features and processes, and delineation, management and restoration practices. The course examines wetland hydrology and biogeochemical processes as well biotic adaptations to wetland environments. An emphasis is placed on achieving competency in recognizing the hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil indicators commonly encountered in the non-tidal, freshwater wetlands of northeastern United States. The culmination of the course is an experiential project that applies this field-based knowledge with GIS resources to delineate a wetland on a local site according to current government standards.
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CON 236 Wetland Mammals (3-0) 3 credits
This residential course will be held at the Muller Field Station over two weekends plus two additional class meetings. The focus of the course will be the natural history, research and management of four wetland mammals: beaver, muskrat, mink and river otter. Students will design and conduct a field study. Students will be required to stay at the Muller Field Station for the two weekends as some field work is done in the late evenings and early mornings, rain or shine. Students will be required to canoe. Prerequisite: CON 102.
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CON 240 Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation & Forensics (3-0) 3 credits
This course introduces the student to the study of criminal investigative techniques and the analysis of evidence with an emphasis on crimes against wildlife and the environment. The focus throughout the course will be the collection, protection and preservation of evidence as it relates to the investigative process. Analysis of actual closed criminal cases and simulations with mock crime scenes will allow students to put into practice classroom discussions and readings.
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CON 241 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (2-2) 3 credits
An introductory level geospatial technology course designed to introduce students to the concepts and theories of geographic information systems (GIS) and the practice of geospatial analysis. This course consists of a lecture component and a laboratory component. Students will learn to apply GIS concepts through hands-on exercises designed to explore and analyze spatial data. Students will use leading geospatial software and Global Positioning System (GPS) units used by numerous professions including natural resources conservation and sustainability, business management, criminal justice, and community planning. (Also listed as GIS 241)
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CON 242 Field Study of Birds (3-0) 3 credits
This course provides students the opportunity to identify and study birds in the field. Emphasis is placed on birds of New York State. Topics include identifying birds by sight and sound, capture and handling techniques, banding, field study methods such as breeding bird atlas, waterfowl counts, nestbox surveys and hawk counts.
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CON 243 Introduction to Sustainable Forest Management (3-0) 3 credits
Introduction to Sustainable Forest Management is a course that provides an introduction to past forestry practices as well as current trends in silviculture and sustainable forestry. The course explores the multitude of ecological and societal values that forests provide and are managed for. This course also emphasizes the importance of the myriad of natural factors affecting forest ecosystem health including soils, climate, topography, ecological succession, as well as both abiotic and biotic disturbances. The effect of past management on current local forest condition will also be examined. (Also listed as FOR 243)
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CON 244 Introduction to Forest Measurements (2-2) 3 credits
Introduction to Forest Measurements is a course designed to train students in the use of forest measuring equipment and the implementation of standard forest measuring procedures. Some of the topics covered include: basic tree identification, forest resource sampling designs, individual and stand level density and volume estimation techniques, as well as growth and yield models. The course is strongly based on field activities. (Also listed as FOR 244)
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CON 245 Environmental Conservation Capstone (1-0) 1 credit
This course is a culminating experience for the AAS Natural Resources Conservation, AAS Natural Resources Conservation - Law Enforcement, and the AAS Fish and Wildlife Technology Programs. Students will build upon previous work and practice career skills through job searches, resume and cover letter creation, application submission and mock interviews. Students will reflect on their growth as a learner and as an aspiring professional. This will facilitate an awareness of the skills still needing further development. Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least 30 credit hours with the degree program.
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CON 246 Limnology (3-2) 4 credits
An introduction to the scientific study of inland waters, limnology concerns itself with all the factors that affect living populations within those waters. Through lecture and field experiences, the student will become familiar with physical and chemical processes in water, especially those that have a direct effect on biological organisms. Standard methods and highly technical instrumentation will be used on board the college’s educational vessel. A survey of life forms and identification skills will be emphasized as well as aquatic community structure and interactions. (Also listed as BIO 246)
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