Department of Environmental and Forest Biology

The critical importance of natural resources and environmental quality to modern society demands that aspiring biologists both understand natural ecosystems and learn to be effective problem solvers. The Department of Environmental and Forest Biology (EFB) is committed to ensuring these educational outcomes. The department offers a dynamic array of professional opportunities in biology via course work enriched by an active program of research.

Through a suite of electives in addition to a required core, undergraduate students may customize their studies toward a particular field of interest. Graduate students may pursue masters or doctoral degrees within several areas of study.

The Department of Environmental and Forest Biology (EFB) offers seven undergraduate majors. Environmental biology is the broadest major and the degree program to which most students apply. The other six majors are specialized and are recommended only for students with strongly focused educational goals. They are aquatic and fisheries science, biotechnology, conservation biology, forest health, natural history and interpretation, and wildlife science. For the first year or two the requirements of these programs are similar to those of environmental biology and internal transfer among them is simple.

Pre-health Professions

Degrees in environmental biology or biotechnology prepare students for a variety of professional schools in health-related areas, including human and veterinary medicine. For complete information about this opportunity, go to:

• www.esf.edu/EFB/undergrad/opportunities.htm

Internships and Research Opportunities

A variety of internships are available, either in the summer or academic year. These are arranged in cooperation with the student’s advisor and may carry course credits under EFB 420 Internship in Environmental and Forest Biology. Agencies actively involved with the internship program include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Upstate Freshwater Institute, The Nature Conservancy, the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. Internships also are commonly associated with a local zoo. Field-based internships can, with approval, count toward the three-credit field experience elective required by most EFB degree programs.

Faculty and graduate students also frequently employ undergraduate students on hourly wage to help with research projects. Students who are inclined toward graduate school should talk to professors in their area of interest about opportunities for undergraduate research (EFB 498).

Field Experience

Field experience is a vital component of the programs in environmental and forest biology.

Each student, except those in biotechnology, is required to attend a three-credit hour integrated course in field biology (EFB 202) at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station in the Adirondack Mountains, normally taken between the freshman and sophomore years. The program extends from early June through mid-August, divided into two sessions. Courses typically involve daily field trips into the surrounding forest, wetland, and aquatic ecosystems. For more information about the program, visit:

• www.esf.edu/clbs

An additional three credits in a field experience elective are required, and this elective can be obtained at Cranberry Lake or through another approved field experience, either that same summer or subsequently. Students are encouraged to participate in as many field and internship experiences as possible during their college career. Additional field station courses beyond the six-credit requirement are counted as elective credits. The College runs field programs in areas that recently have included Africa, Australia, Costa Rica, Ireland, Russia, and the Caribbean (Dominica). Additional opportunities exist in the School for Field Studies courses, which are offered around the world, as well as in many excellent programs throughout the United States. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain current information on the various field stations and to work with an advisor to select courses that meet EFB program requirements and educational needs.

Aquatic and fisheries science is the study of aquatic ecosystems to increase scientific understanding and to apply basic ecological principles to their management, thereby sustaining them for multiple uses. Aquatic ecosystems include wetlands, streams, lakes, estuaries and oceans. Aquatic science professionals study and manage valued natural systems for seafoods, drinking water, recreation, transportation and aesthetics. Aquatic systems and their organisms are sufficiently distinct from terrestrial systems that numerous professional organizations and scientific journals have been founded specifically to foster communication among aquatic science professionals.

Directed Electives

To ensure both strength and breadth of knowledge, 27 elective credit hours must be obtained through courses in the following subject areas (S=spring semester, F=fall semester).

• Field Experience Elective
  At least three elective credits must come from an approved field course in biology (this is in addition to the core field course, EFB 202). These credits may be obtained through an elective course at our Cranberry Lake Biological Station, an approved internship (EFB 420) or field trip course (EFB 500). Winter Mammalian Ecology (EFB 484) and Tropical Ecology (EFB 523) meet this requirement, as can approved field courses from other institutions.
• Structure and Function
  At least 3 credit hours must be in the subject area of organism-level physiology, anatomy, or development. The list of allowable courses below may vary slightly from year to year.
  • EFB 385—Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 427—Plant Developmental Biology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 462—Animal Physiology: Environmental and Ecological (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 530—Plant Physiology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 570—Insect Physiology (3 cr.) S
  • BIO 447—Immunology (3 cr.) S
  • BIO 503—Developmental Biology (3 cr.) S
• Organismal Diversity
  To encourage breadth in organism-level biology, students must complete (in addition to the core requirement of EFB  486 or EFB 388) at least 3 credit hours in each of the following two categories:
  • 1. Plants and Microbes:
    • EFB 303—Introductory Environmental Microbiology (4 cr.) F
    • EFB 326—Diversity of Plants (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 336—Dendrology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 340—Forest and Shade Tree Pathology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 428—Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr) F even years
    • EFB 435—Flowering Plants: Diversity, Evolution, and Systematics (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 440—Mycology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 446—Ecology of Mosses (3 cr.) S
  • 2. Invertebrate and Vertebrate Animals:
    • EFB 351—Forest Entomology (3 cr.) F, even years
    • EFB 352—Elements of Entomology (3 cr.) F, odd years
    • EFB 355—Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 388—Ecology of Adirondack Fishes (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 453—Parasitology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 482—Ornithology (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 483—Mammal Diversity (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 485—Herpetology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 554—Aquatic Entomology (3 cr.) F
• Physical/Chemical Environment
  To encourage understanding and familiarity with the aquatic habitat, students must complete at least 3 credit hours from one of the following courses:
  • EFB 415—Ecological Biogeochemistry (3 cr.) F
  • EST 231—Environmental Geology (3 cr.) S
  • FCH 510—Environmental Chemistry I (3 cr.) S
  • FCH 515—Methods of Environmental Chemical Analysis (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 338—Meteorology (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 340—Watershed Hydrology (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 345—Introduction to Soils (3 cr.) F
  • EAR 101—Dynamic Earth (3 cr.) F
  • EAR 105—Earth Science (3 cr.) S
• Environmental Systems Science
  To further promote understanding of the systems approach to aquatic ecosystems and an integration of environmental and biological factors, students must complete at least 3 credit hours from one of the following courses.
  • EFB 423—Marine Ecology (4 cr.) S, even years
  • EFB 516—Ecosystems (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 518—Systems Ecology (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 542—Freshwater Wetland Ecosystems (3 cr.) S
  • ERE 325—Ecological Engineering  I (3 cr.) S
• Management
  At least 3 credit hours in resource or ecosystem management must be obtained through a course in the following list.
  • EFB 487—Fisheries Science and Management (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 390—Wildlife Ecology and Management (4 cr.) F
  • FOR 360—Principles of Management (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 372—Fundamentals of Outdoor Rec. (3 cr.) F,S
  • FOR 442—Watershed Ecology & Management (3 cr.) F 
• Analytical Tools
  To increase the breadth of practical skills and knowledge students must complete at least 3 credit hours, obtained through one of the following courses:
  • APM 360—Introduction to Computer Programming (3 cr.) F
  • BTC 401—Molecular Biology Techniques (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 488—Fisheries Science Practicum (1 cr.) F
  • EFB 519—Geographic Modeling (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 525—Limnology Practicum (2 cr.) F
  • ERE 445—Hydrological Modeling (3 cr.) F
  • ESF 300—Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies (3 cr.) F,S
• Communications
  Students must complete at least 3 credit hours from one of the following communication or interpretation courses.
  • EWP 405—Writing for Science Professionals (3 cr.) F,S
  • EWP 220—Public Presentation Skills for Environmental Professionals (3 cr.) F,S
  • EFB 312—Introduction to Personal Environmental Interpretation Methods (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 417—Non-Personal Environmental Interpretive Methods (3 cr.) S

Biotechnology is the application of biological organisms, cells, or molecules to create products or services for the betterment of humans. The bachelor of science degree in biotechnology prepares students to tackle environmental, natural resource, agricultural and medical problems through training in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetic engineering and related biological disciplines. As biotechnology is increasingly used to address such issues, it offers diverse career opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes the basic sciences with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, calculus, and physics that prepares students for upper-level biology and chemistry courses, but encourages elective breadth in the social sciences, humanities, and environmental studies. The degree program provides sufficient breadth for a student to enter a clinical medical career, or other health profession. Students who complete this major will be qualified to enter the growing biotechnology-related job market or continue their studies in graduate or professional school.

Internships, Independent Research, and Senior Project Synthesis

The biotechnology major features a strong practical experience component. Each student is required to fulfill an internship, which could be in a local, national, or international company, medical unit, or government research laboratory. The objective of this internship is to give students experience working outside a purely academic setting. In addition, each student is required to perform one independent research project in a local, national, or international academic laboratory. The objective of the research requirement is to teach the student to develop and meet a research goal using the scientific method. During the senior year, each student is required to complete a senior project synthesis in which the results from either the internship or independent research—or both—will be organized and presented as a seminar or poster.

Directed Electives - Biotechnology

A minimum of 9 credits of directed elective courses required. New biotechnology related courses not currently on the list may also fulfill this requirement with permission of your advisor.

Although any combination of courses below may satisfy the minimum 9 credits required, the following list has been categorized into 3 of the most common subject areas of interest to BTC students. These groupings of elective courses are guidelines. Probably no two students in the biotechnology program have exactly the same career goals or interests. Consult your advisor if your subject interests vary.

Areas of study:

• BTC 425 Plant Biotechnology (3 cr.) S
• BTC 426 Intro. Plant Tissue Culture (3 cr.) F
• EFB 311 Principles of Evolution (3 cr.) S
• EFB 427 Plant Anatomy and Development (3 cr.) F
• EFB 530 Plant Physiology (2 cr.) S
• FCH 380 Analytical Chemistry I (3 cr.) F
• FCH 381 Analytical Chemistry II (3 cr.) S
• FCH 531 Biochemistry (3 cr.) S
• BIO 422 Bioinformatics for Life Scientists (3 cr.) S - SU course

• EFB 311 Principles of Evolution (3 cr.) S
• EFB 340 Forest and Shade Tree Pathology (3 cr.) S
• EFB 403 Microbiol Diseases/Fish & Wildlife (1 cr.) S
• EFB 428 Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr.) F
• EFB 440 Mycology (3 cr.) F
• EFB 505 Microbial Ecology (2 cr.) S
• FCH 380 Analytical Chemistry I (3 cr.)
• FCH 381 Analytical Chemistry II (3 cr.)
• FCH 531 Biochemistry Lab (3 cr.) F
• BIO 422 Bioinformatics for Life Scientists (3 cr.) S - SU Course

• EFB 311 Principles of Evolution (3 cr.) S
• EFB 385 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 cr.) S
• EFB 400 Toxic Health Hazards (3 cr.) F
• EFB 403 Microbiol Diseases/Fish & Wildlife (1 cr.) S
• EFB 453 Parasitology (3 cr.) S
• EFB 462 Animal Physiology: Environmental & Ecological (3 cr.) F
• EFB 563 Animal Physiology Lab (1 cr.) S
• FCH 390 Drugs from the Wild (3 cr.) F
• BIO 211 Introduction to Neuroscience (3 cr.) S - SU Course
• BIO 355 General Physiology (3 cr.) S - SU Course
• BIO 447 Basic Immunology (3 cr.) F - SU Course
• BIO 448 Evolutionary Medicine (3 cr.) F - SU Course
• BIO 501 Biology of Cancer (3 cr.) S - SU course

• BPE 441 Biomass Energy (3 cr.) S
• FCH 510 Environmental Chemistry (3 cr.)
• BIO 464 Applied Biotechnology (4 cr.) S - SU Course

Conservation biology is the application of science to conserve the earth's imperiled species and ecosystems. The field is a relatively young one that is growing rapidly in response to the biodiversity crisis, perhaps the most critical environmental issue of our time. Conservation biologists view all of nature's diversity as important and having inherent value. This diversity spans the biological hierarchy and includes variation at the level of genes, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.

Directed Electives

To ensure that Conservation Biology undergraduates obtain both strength and breadth of knowledge, 30 elective credit hours must be distributed in a way that satisfies seven requirements (A-F, below).

• Field Experience Elective
  At least three elective credits from an approved field course in biology (in addition to the core field course, EFB 202). These credits are typically obtained through an elective course at our Cranberry Lake Biological Station, an approved internship (EFB 420) or field trip course (EFB 500). Approved field courses from other institutions can also fulfill this requirement.
• Biodiversity Specialization (at least three courses from the following list)
  The availability of courses that satisfy this requirement varies. The suggestions below are pre-approved courses that are typically taken - consult with your advisor or the curriculum coordinator about other possibilities. Many other courses can potentially substitute (by petition) for those listed.
  • EFB 303 Introductory Environmental Microbiology (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 326 Diversity of Plants (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 327 Adirondack Flora (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 336 Dendrology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 340 Forest and Shade Tree Pathology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 342 Fungal Diversity and Ecology (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 351 Forest Entomology (3 cr.) F, even years
  • EFB 352 Elements of Entomology (3 cr.) F, odd years
  • EFB 355 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 384 Field Herpetology (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 388 Ecology of Adirondack Fisheries (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 428 Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr) F even years
  • EFB 440 Mycology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 441 Field Plant Pathology (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 443 Plant Virology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 446 Ecology of Mosses (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 453 Parasitology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 479 Field Ornithology (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 482 Ornithology (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 483 Mammal Diversity (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 485 Herpetology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 486 Ichthyology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 535 Flowering Plants: Diversity, Evolution, and Systematics (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 554 Aquatic Entomology (3 cr.) F
• Applied Conservation Biology (at least 6 credits)
  • EFB 390 Wildlife Ecology and Management (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 423 Marine Ecology (4 cr.) S, even years
  • EFB 424 Limnology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 444 Biodiversity and Geography of Nature (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 480 Animal Behavior (3 cr) S
  • EFB 487 Fisheries Science & Management (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 493 Management of Wildlife Habitats & Populations (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 502 Ecology and Management of Invasive Species (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 522 Ecology, Resources and Development (2 cr.) S
  • EFB 542 Freshwater Wetland Ecosystems (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 321 Forest Ecology and Silviculture (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 332 Forest Ecology (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 442 Watershed Ecology and Management (3 cr.) F
• Human Dimensions (at least 3 credits)
  • EWP 390 Intro to Literature of Nature (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 404 Nat Hist Museums of Modern Sci (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 405 Literature of Natural History (3 cr.) S
  • EST 353 Environ Psychology (3 cr.) S
  • EST 366 Attitudes, Values, & Env. (3 cr.) S
  • EST 390 Social Processes and Environment (3 cr.) S
  • EST 460 Land Use Law (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 312 Sociology/Natural Resources (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 360 Principles of Management (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 465 Natural Resources and Environ. Policy (3 cr.) F
• Communications and Interpretation (at least 3 credits)
  • EWP 220 Public Presentation Skills (3 cr.) F,S
  • EWP 405 Writing for Science Professionals (3 cr.) F,S
  • EFB 312 Introduction to Personal Environmental Interpretation Methods (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 417 Non-Personal Environmental Interpretation Methods (3 cr.) S
• Technical Skills (at least 3 credits)
  • APM 360 Intro Computer Programming (3 cr.) F
  • BTC 401 Molecular Biol. Techniques (3 cr.) S
  • BTC 425 Plant Biotechnology (3 cr.) S
  • BTC 426 Plant Tissue Culture Methods (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 518 System Ecology (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 519 Geographic Modeling (3 cr.) S
  • ERE 445 Hydrological Modeling (3 cr.) F
  • ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies (3 cr.) F,S
  • ERE 563 Photogrammetry (3 cr.) S

The curriculum for the bachelor of science degree in environmental biology is built around a core of required courses that provides a general education, a background in the principles of biological and physical science, and an orientation to natural resources and other environmental concerns. From this common foundation, the large number of elective credits allows each student to develop a unique plan of study, with the help of an assigned advisor who is expert in the student’s general area of interest. In keeping with the hands-on, field orientation of our curriculum, students also must complete six credit hours of field experience.

Directed Electives

To ensure that ENB undergraduates obtain both strength and breadth of knowledge, 25 elective credit hours in biology must be obtained through courses designed for juniors or seniors (i.e., courses numbered 300 or higher). Among them must be courses that satisfy requirements A-C (below).

• Field Experience Elective
  At least 3 elective credits must come from an approved field course in biology (this is in addition to the core field course, EFB 202). These credits may be obtained through an elective course at our Cranberry Lake Biological Station, an approved field-based internship (EFB 420) or independent study (EFB 498), or field trip course (EFB 500). Approved field courses from other institutions can also fulfill this requirement.
• Structure and Function
  At least 3 credit hours must be in the subject area of organism-level physiology, anatomy, or development. The list of allowable courses below may vary slightly from year to year.
  • EFB 385 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 427 Plant Developmental Biology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 462 Animal Physiology: Environmental and Ecological (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 530 Plant Physiology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 570 Insect Physiology (3 cr.) S
  • BIO 447 Immunology (3 cr.) F
  • BIO 503 Developmental Biology (3 cr.) S
• Organismal Diversity
  To encourage breadth in organism-level biology, students must complete at least one course from two of the four groups. (A course from each of the groups is strongly recommended).
  • Diversity of Microorganisms
    • EFB 303 Introductory Environmental Microbiology (4 cr.) F
    • EFB 340 Forest and Shade Tree Pathology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 342 Fungal Diversity and Ecology (3cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 428 Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr) F even years
    • EFB 440 Mycology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 443 Plant Virology (3 cr.) S
  • Diversity of Plants
    • EFB 326 Diversity of Plants (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 336 Dendrology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 327 Adirondack Flora (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 435 Flowering Plants: Diversity, Evolution, and Systematics (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 446 Ecology of Mosses (3 cr.) S
  • Diversity of Invertebrate Animals
    • EFB 351 Forest Entomology (3 cr.) F, even years
    • EFB 352 Elements of Entomology (3 cr.) F, odd years
    • EFB 355 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 453 Parasitology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 554 Aquatic Entomology (3 cr.) F
  • Diversity of Vertebrate Animals
    • EFB 384 Field Herpetology (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 388 Ecology of Adirondack Fishes (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 479 Field Ornithology (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 482 Ornithology (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 483 Mammal Diversity (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 485 Herpetology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 486 Ichthyology (3 cr.) S

Note that some courses at CLBS meet both requirement A and a diversity requirement.

Forest health is a multidisciplinary and collaborative field of study that involves the understanding, monitoring, and protection of the world's forest resources. A solid foundation in forest health requires expertise in many disciplines including, but not limited to, plant pathology, entomology, ecology, dendrology, mycology, silviculture, and forest management. At ESF, we have provided academic training in these areas for decades, but only recently have they been merged into an academic major.

Directed Electives

To ensure that Forest Health majors obtain both strength and breadth of knowledge,15 elective credit hours must be selected from the following list, including at least one course from five of the seven categories.

• Forest Protection and Conservation Biology
  • EFB 413 Intro Conservation Biology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 390 Wildlife Ecology & Management (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 502 Ecology and Management of Invasive Species (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 551 Forest Insect Ecology & Management (3 cr.) F
• Forestry/Wood Products
  • FOR 322 Forest Mensuration (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 334 Silviculture (4 cr.) F
  • FOR 480 Urban Forestry (3 cr.)
  • FOR 360 Principles of Management (3 cr.) F,S
  • FOR 465 Natural Resources and Policy (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 455 Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement (3 cr.) S
  • WPE 376 Decay of Wood Products (3 cr.) S
  • WPE 386 Structure and Properties of Wood (2 cr.) S
• Technology
  • BTC 296 Topics in Biotechnology (3 cr.) F,S
  • BTC 401 Molecular Biology Techniques (3 cr.) F
  • BTC 425 Plant Biotechnology (3 cr.) S
  • BTC 426 Plant Tissue Culture Methods (3 cr.) F
  • ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies (3 cr.) F,S
  • FOR 324 Natural Resources Information Systems (3 cr.) S
• Ecology and Environmental Science
  • EFB 312 Introduction to Personal Environmental Interpretation Methods (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 415 Ecological Biogeochemistry (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 428 Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 445 Plant Ecology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 505 Microbial Ecology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 515 Population Ecology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 516 Ecosystems (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 518 Systems Ecology (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 338 Meteorology (3 cr.) F
• Biodiversity
  • EFB 326 Diversity of Plants (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 342 Fungal Ecology and Diversity (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 352 Principles of Entomology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 355 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 435 Flowering Plants: Diversity, Evolution, and Systematics (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 428 Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr) F even years
  • EFB 440 Mycology (A) (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 453 Parasitology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 566 Systematic Entomology (3 cr.) F
• Mathematics and Physical Science
  • APM 105 Survey of Calculus and Application I (4 cr.) F,S
  • APM 106 Calculus and its Applications II (A) (4 cr.) F,S
  • APM 510 Statistical Analysis (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 323 Forest Biometrics (3 cr.) S
  • PHY 102 General Physics II (A) (4 cr.) S
• Anatomy and Physiology
  • EFB 325 Cell Biology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 427 Plant Development Biology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 462 Animal Physiology: Environmental & Ecological (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 530 Plant Physiology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 531 Plant Physiology Lab (2 cr.) S
  • EFB 570 Insect Physiology (3 cr.) S

Natural history is the description of nature and differs from ecology in placing less emphasis on quantification and more on careful observation. The overarching goal is to elucidate patterns and relationships in the natural world and assimilate this information into human affairs. It uses traditional and modern tools, often with an aesthetic component, to differentiate the natural world, and focuses on identification, life history, distribution, abundance and interrelationships among and between individuals, populations and species.

Directed Electives-Natural History & Interpretation

• Conservation Biology
  At least 3 credit hours must be in the subject area of advanced conservation biology. Allowable courses are listed below. The list may vary slightly from year to year.
  • EFB 390 Wildlife Ecology & Management (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 413 Introduction to Conservation Biology (4 cr.) S
• Advanced Communication
  At least 3 credit hours must be in the subject area of advanced communication. Allowable courses are listed below. The list may vary slightly from year to year
  • EWP 405 Writing for Science Professional (3 cr.) F,S
  • LSA 301 Digital Graphics & Documents (2 cr.) +LSA 302 3D Modeling (1 cr.) S
  • EWP 494 Creative Non-fiction in the Sciences (3 cr.) S
  • CMN 420 Advanced Public Presentation Skills (3 cr.) F
  • EST 496 Science Communication (3 cr.) S
• Advanced Interpretation
  At least 3 credit hours must be in the subject area of advanced interpretation. Allowable courses are listed below. The list may vary slightly from year to year.
  • EFB 418 Interpreting Field Biology (3 cr.) Maymester
  • EFB 560 Electronic Technology in Interpretation & Environmental Education (3 cr.) S
• Organismal Diversity
  To encourage breadth in organism-level biology, students must complete 12 credit hours including at least one course from each of the four groups listed in the catalog (a course from each of the groups is strongly recommended). The lists may slightly from year to year.
  • Diversity of Microorganisms
    • EFB 303 Introductory Environmental Microbiology (4 cr.) F
    • EFB 340 Forest and Shade Tree Pathology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 342 Fungal Diversity and Ecology (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 428 Mycorrhizal Ecology (3 cr) F even years
    • EFB 440 Mycology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 442 Field Mycology (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 443 Plant Virology (3 cr.) S
  • Diversity of Plants
    • EFB 326 Diversity of Plants (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 327 Adirondack Flora (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 336 Dendrology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 446 Ecology of Mosses (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 535 Flowering Plants: Diversity, Evolution, and Systematics (3 cr.) F
  • Diversity of Invertebrate Animals
    • EFB 351 Principles of Forest Entomology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 352 Elements of Entomology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 355 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 453 Parasitology (3 cr.) S
    • EFB 554 Aquatic Entomology (3 cr.) F
  • Diversity of Vertebrate Animals
    • EFB 388 Ecology of Adirondack Fishes (3 cr.) CLBS
    • EFB 482 Ornithology (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 483 Mammal Diversity (4 cr.) S
    • EFB 485 Herpetology (3 cr.) F
    • EFB 486 Ichthyology (3 cr.) S
• Field Experience Elective (3 cr.)
  This elective is often taken at Cranberry Lake Biological Station, either during the post-freshman summer or subsequent summer. A secondary option is EFB 418, which can be taken during Maymester after the junior year. Other options for this requirement need approval of the curriculum coordinator.
• Recreation and Tourism Management
  At least 3 credit hours must be in the subject area of recreation and tourism management. Allowable courses are listed below. The list may vary slightly from year to year.
  • FOR 475 Human Behavior and Recreation Visitor Management (3 cr.) S
  • FOR 476 Ecotourism and Nature Tourism (3 cr.) F
  • FOR 478 Wilderness and Wildlands Management (3 cr.) F

Wildlife science is the application of ecological knowledge in a manner that strikes a balance between the needs of wildlife populations and the needs of people. Research and teaching in wildlife science began at ESF in 1914, one of the first such programs in the U.S., and was quickly followed by establishment of the Roosevelt Wild Life Station in 1919. Today, our program is recognized nationally and internationally, and our graduates are employed worldwide. The focus is applied ecology, and students engage the environmental challenges associated with managing wildlife, ranging from endangered species to overabundant populations. The program recognizes and accommodates the fact that wildlife scientists increasingly must deal with all forms of wildlife, including plants and invertebrates, and the scope is becoming more international.

Directed Electives

To ensure that Wildlife Science undergraduates obtain both strength and breadth of knowledge, and position themselves for professional certification by The Wildlife Society, 24 elective credits must be obtained in the following subject areas (A-G), through specific courses that are designed for juniors or seniors (i.e. courses numbered 300 or higher)

• Field experience (3 credits):
  This requirement can be satisfied during any year, and is normally done via coursework at Cranberry Lake Biological Station. ESF field courses offered during semester break, field courses offered by other institutions or organizations (e.g, School for Field Studies), independent research projects, or job-related internships during the summer session.
• Vertebrate Diversity (6 credits):
  Choose at least two courses from the following:
  • EFB 482 Ornithology (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 483 Mammal Diversity (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 485 Herpetology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 486 Ichthyology (3 cr.) S
• Plant Diversity and Ecology (3 credits)
  Choose at least one course from the following:
  • EFB 326 Diversity of Plants (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 327 Adirondack Flora (3 cr.) CLBS
  • EFB 336 Dendrology (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 435 Flowering Plants: Diversity, Evolution and Systematics (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 445 Plant Ecology and Global Change (3 cr.) S
• Invertebrate Diversity (3 credits)
  Choose at least one course from the following:
  • EFB 351 Forest Entomology (3 cr.) F, even years
  • EFB 352 Elements of Entomology (3 cr.) F, odd years
  • EFB 355 Invertebrate Zoology (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 453 Parasitology (3 cr.) S, even years
  • EFB 554 Aquatic Entomology (3 cr.) F
• Policy (3 credits)
  Choose at least one course from the following:
  • FOR360 Principles of Management (3 cr.) F
  • FOR465 Natural Resources Policy (3 cr.) F
  • FOR487 Environmental Law and Policy (3 cr.) F
  • FOR488 Natural Resources Agencies and Administration (3 cr.) S
  • FOR489 Natural Resources Policy and Law (3 cr.) S
• Structure and function (3 credits)
  Choose at least one course from the following:
  • EFB 325 Cell Biology (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 385 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 462 Animal Physiology: Environmental and Ecological (3 cr.) F
  • EFB 480 Principles of Animal Behavior (4 cr.) S
  • EFB 516 Ecosystems (3 cr.) S
  • EFB 542 Freshwater Wetland Ecosystems (3 cr.) S
• Technical Skills (3 credits)
  Choose at least one course from the following:
  • APM 360 Introduction to Computer Programming (3 cr.) F
  • BTC 401 Molecular Biology Techniques (3 cr.) F
  • ESF 300 Introduction to Geospatial Information Technologies (3 cr.) F, S
  • ERE 371 Surveying For Engineers (4 cr.) F
  • EFB 519 Geographic Modeling (3 cr.)

The graduate program in environmental and forest biology is organized in areas of study designed to provide a strong background within specific interest areas. Faculty with nationally and internationally recognized expertise define the scope of subject matter within each study area, recommend acceptance of students, and guide them through a course of study appropriate to student goals and aspirations. Most students develop a degree of depth and specialization in at least one large taxonomic group, such as plants, fungi, vertebrates, or insects.

The master of science degree entails a research-based thesis (6-12 credits of thesis research) in addition to 18-24 credits of graduate coursework (including special research topics and at least three seminars) for a total of at least 30 graduate credits. Students earning a M.S. degree find a much wider range of job options that have greater responsibilities and pay compared to jobs that require only a B.S. degree. Many jobs at the M.S. level require an ability to perform research. Students interested in research-type positions in government, non-profit organizations, and academic and industry settings should pursue a M.S., rather than M.P.S. degree. Additionally, although not required by many graduate schools, a M.S. degree is often a key step toward earning a Ph.D. The M.S. student presents a thesis proposal to the major professor and committee who will guide completion of the research and writing of the thesis. A capstone seminar and defense of thesis are required.

The master of professional studies degree requires graduate coursework credits and graduate seminars. Depending on the area of study, students may complete the M.P.S. degree with coursework and seminars, or a combination of coursework, seminars, and professional experience (internship). The M.P.S. degree is designed to accommodate a great breadth of student goals and needs, including students desiring additional education following some experience in their field, and science teachers seeking the master's degree for permanent certification. As in all degree programs in EFB, the student will be guided through the M.P.S. by a steering committee.

Coursework Option for the following areas of study: chemical ecology, conservation biology, ecology, entomology, environmental interpretation, environmental physiology, fish and wildlife biology and management, forest pathology and mycology, or plant science and biotechnology: At least 30 of the 42 credits required must be taken in residence at ESF. Coursework in this option includes seminars (EFB 797), and a maximum of six credits earned in EFB 798, or 898. Neither a comprehensive examination nor a capstone seminar is required.

Coursework Option for the area of study in applied ecology: Coursework requirements include three credit hours each from five of the seven focus areas, two credit hours in graduate seminars (EFB 797) and additional 19 credit hours of graduate coursework for a total of 36 credit hours. Neither a comprehensive examination nor a capstone seminar is required.

Coursework Option for the area of study in biotechnology: Coursework requirements consist of 19 credit hours of core coursework including two credit hours of graduate seminars (EFB 797), nine credit hours of directed electives and eight credit hours of open electives for a total of 36 credit hours. Neither a comprehensive examination nor a capstone seminar is required.

Professional Experience Option for the following areas of study: chemical ecology, conservation biology, ecology, entomology, environmental interpretation, environmental physiology, fish and wildlife biology and management, forest pathology and mycology, or plant science and biotechnology: In addition to an internship earning 6-12 credits (EFB 898), this option requires at least 30 credits of graduate coursework, of which 24 must be taken in residence at ESF. At least 36 credits must be earned between internship and coursework. Coursework for this option includes seminars (EFB 797) and a maximum of three credits earned in EFB 798. A written report of the internship is required as well as an oral comprehensive exam and capstone seminar. For students completing the concurrent degree program (M.P.S./M.S.) leading to certification in biology (7-12), 12 credits of student teaching and coursework will be accepted as equivalent to a professional experience.

The doctor of philosophy degree may be pursued directly from the bachelor’s level, or following a master's degree program. Doctoral study culminates in a dissertation (or its equivalent as refereed publications) based on original research. In many cases this work serves as a foundation for future studies and publications throughout the student's career. Research activity is often funded through extramural grants to the student’s major professor. Abundant opportunities exist to gain teaching experience during the doctoral program. A written and oral examination is required to proceed to doctoral candidacy, at least one year prior to the capstone seminar and defense of the dissertation. Of the 60 credits required, 30-48 are awarded for coursework (including special research topics and at least five seminars) and 12-30 credits for the dissertation.

This area of study in the M.P.S. degree is designed for students who desire to solidify their background in applied ecology and professionals who would return for “retooling”; suitable for careers in environmental oversight, policy, planning, law, and education. This program begins with a three-day orientation in August at one or more of the ESF field facilities. Coursework requirements include three credit hours each from five of the seven focus areas: GIS tools, Statistical Tools, Specialty Tools, Ecosystem Ecology, Organismal Ecology, Human Dimensions in Ecology, and Communications in Ecology; two credit hours in graduate seminars (EFB 797) and additional 19 credit hours of graduate coursework for a total of 36 credit hours. A complete list of courses in each focus area is available from the graduate program director.

This area entails study and maintenance of biological diversity at the level of genes, populations, communities, ecosystems and biomes; intellectual underpinnings include evolutionary theory, systematic biology, population biology and ecosystem science. Conservation biology seeks ways to integrate biological principles with social, economic and political perspectives to achieve conservation goals.

This integrative study area allows students to investigate the relationships of organisms to their environment and those factors that affect their distribution and abundance. Both the practical and theoretical applications of ecology are emphasized through courses and research. There are four major areas in ecology: organismal ecology, population-evolutionary ecology, community ecology and systems ecology. In consultation with the student’s steering committee, courses are chosen from these areas, as well as other disciplines. Specific research may encompass any of the four major areas of ecology and entail the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, community structure including trophic relationships, diversity, succession and ecosystem properties, such as patterns of energy transfer and biogeochemical cycling.

Graduate study opportunities prepare students in the basic aspects of insect life and the role of insects in relation to humans and their environment. The wide range of effects stemming from insect activity, from the beneficial to the deleterious, allows for a variety of research subjects in which insects play a major role. Thesis topics may concern insects that affect forests, shade trees and wood products, those relating to the health and well-being of humans, those playing key roles as parasites and predators of pest species, and those serving as food for many birds and vertebrate animals. Current research areas include population dynamics of forest defoliators, pheromone communications in beetles and moths, evolution of chemical communication, effects of forest practices on stream benthic insects, natural control of insects in forest systems and biochemistry of insect detoxification mechanisms.

Environmental interpretation sharpens the cutting edge of communication among scientists and various public sectors. Graduate study enables students to explore interpretation/conservation education processes through application to specific projects in the natural sciences and science education. Students pursue career pathways in natural resource agencies, in nature centers, museums, aquaria, botanical gardens and especially in the science classroom. The environmental interpretation program incorporates a 15,000-acre reserve in the heart of the Adirondack Park and an associated Adirondack Interpretative Center with trail system. Internships and partnerships with a variety of conservation-based programs are vital to the program. Students develop their course of study from a large palette of graduate courses in Environmental and Forest Biology.

Environmental physiology provides students with advanced training in the nature and control of biological processes. Current interests include: mechanisms of drought tolerance in plants; plant and microbial enzymology; virology; toxicity and disposition of insecticides and environmental toxicants in vertebrates; plant defenses against phytophagous invertebrates; thermal exchange in bird eggs; plant reproductive biology; and genetic improvement of willow and poplar.

Study in this area provides students with advanced preparation in biological concepts of fish and wildlife populations as they relate to resource management. Increasing concern for these wild animal resources has been matched by strong student interest in educational programs that prepare them for careers in the fish and wildlife professions; ESF graduates are employed worldwide.

Forest pathology and mycology trains students to understand tree diseases and fungi from the perspective of basic biology and ecology as well as that of societal needs. This requires global understanding of the positive and negative ecological roles of diseases in the forest environment. It requires a broad knowledge of fungi, viruses, bacteria and abiotic environmental factors affecting forest systems. It also requires sophisticated application of molecular biology, physiology and genetics to host pathogen systems. Areas of interest include environmental, fungal and viral tree diseases; mycorrhizae; wood decay; monitoring and impact assessment of disease in forest and urban tree systems; epidemiology of tree diseases and the genetics of resistance to tree diseases and pathogen variability; molecular biology and physiology of fungus infection and invasion; and taxonomy and ecology of fungi.

This area of study in the M.P.S. degree is designed for students who need to broaden their knowledge base and technical skills in biotechnology, for professionals returning for “retooling,” and for the recent graduate in a variety of disciplines in biology and chemistry. Requirements consist of 19 credit hours of core coursework including two credit hours of graduate seminars (EFB 797), nine credit hours of directed electives and eight credit hours of open electives for a total of 36 credit hours.

Required Core Courses (19 credit hours):

EFB 530 Plant Physiology (3)
EFB 531 Plant Physiology Lab (2)
EFB 601 Molecular Biology Techniques (3)
EFB 625 Plant Biotechnology (3)
EFB 626/FOR 626 Plant Tissue Culture Methods (3)
EFB 627 Plant Developmental Biology (3)
EFB 797 Seminar in Environmental and Forest Biology (2)

A complete list of directed elective courses is available from the graduate program director.

Plants, as the base for ecological food chains, serve as the structural and functional foundation of natural and managed systems. The study of plant science and biotechnology provides opportunity in a broad range of specialties fundamental to the understanding of plants and their interaction with other organisms and for specializing in plant biotechnology. Emphasis is on forests and related plant systems. Current research interests include: dynamics of plant communities as affected by humans and the environment; mechanisms of plant succession; epidemiology of forest and urban tree diseases; taxonomy, physiology, growth and ultrastructure of fungi; heritability of wood properties and disease resistance of trees; biochemistry and physiology of plant stress response; photosynthesis; mycorrhizae; plant reproductive biology; genetic engineering; transformation; molecular evolution; phylogenetics; taxonomy; plant-pathogen interactions, tissue culture and study of ancient DNA.

The area of study in chemical ecology is offered through collaboration between the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology and the Department of Chemistry. Interested students should apply to the department of major interest, which will have prime responsibility for setting requirements. Faculty from both areas contribute to the development of a plan of study enabling a student to acquire sophisticated skills in either chemistry or biology and an ample understanding of the other field to grapple with problems requiring an understanding of both.

As a relatively new interdisciplinary endeavor, workers in this field attempt to understand organismal interactions, both intra- and interspecific, mediated by chemical substances such as hormones, pheromones, kairomones and phytoalexins. These interactions occur at all taxonomic levels: between uni- and multicellular organisms, microbes and plants, plants and plants, plants and animals, microbes and animals and various species of animals. Study of such interactions has accelerated in recent years through joint efforts of biologists and chemists in basic and applied research in the laboratory and field.

General requirements for Chemistry M.S. and Ph.D. students in this program are found on the Department of Chemistry Requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees page.