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Natural
History and Interpretation|
F.A.Q.
"The overarching goal is to elucidate patterns and relationships in the natural world and assimilate this information into human affairs."
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What is Natural History and Interpretation?
Natural history is the foundation of
biology. It is the description of nature differing from ecology in placing
less emphasis on quantification and more on observation. The overarching
goal is to elucidate patterns and relationships in the natural world and
assimilate this information into human affairs.
Interpretation is defined as a
communications process revealing meanings and relationships about
cultural, historical, natural, and recreational resources. It is effective
communication and comes in a variety of forms including: brochures,
exhibits, trails, first-person interpretation, science educators, park
rangers, and nature center staff. It is a profession.
The
Natural History and Interpretation major honors these traditions and
rising interests recognizing that sustainable future rests on education
and preserving biodiversity. The major follows in the best traditions of
interpretation and the field of science and emphasizes education through a
practical “learning-by-doing” format. A required 3-credit internship
will reinforce these ideas during the senior year.
Who fits best?
While not an easy question to address, generally, students with broad interests in the natural sciences who find it difficult to fit within narrow disciplines are likely to find satisfaction in this major. This is an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to biology, unusual in degree programs. Another attraction for some students is the opportunity to putting information into play rather generating it, and to working with various public sectors such as children as nature and environmental educators. This includes students with strong social consciences and who wish to impact lives and the environment in a positive way.Why should I major in Natural History and Interpretation?
1. Major
offers students the best of all possible worlds: broad-brush training
in the natural sciences combined with effective strategies for
interpreting this new knowledge.
2. Stronger
label on a great product: communications and science - you cannot communicate what you do not
know.
3. Strong
job market: every agency
needs an interpreter.
4. Serve
the environment and humanity: a
greater need for sharing information than generating it.
5. Satisfying
and rewarding: salaries,
elite colleagues, an admiring and appreciative public.
6. Work
outdoors with nature and with people.
7. The
major keeps doors open to students to accommodate changing career
directions as their interests mature, and equips them with practical
skills for the workplace.
8. Join a distinguished group of naturalists such as
Charles Darwin, Alfred Russell Wallace, Aldo Leopold, John Burroughs,
Florence Merriam Bailey, Rachel Carson, Ernest Thompson Seton, E.O.
Wilson.
Some of the most familiar places are:
1. Nature
centers
2. Federal
and state resource agencies
3. Zoos
and aquaria
4. Science
centers
5. Museums
6. Arboreta
and public gardens
7. Ecotourism
and travel agencies
8. Extension
agencies
How does this major differ from the previous Environmental Interpretation Option?
Adds:
EFB
215 Interpreting Science Through Art (Gen. Ed. Requirement)
EFB
404 Natural History Museums and Modern Science
EFB
405 Literature of Natural History
EFB
406 Great Naturalist Seminar
EFB
420 Internship in Environmental and Forest Biology
One
more course from Organismal Diversity
Does not require:
Cell Physiology
Organic
Chemistry
Second Semester of Calculus, Physics, or Organic Chemistry
- For more details on required courses, click here.
Who should I contact for more information?Elizabeth Folta, Coordinator for Natural History
and Interpretation Major
356 Illick EFB
SUNY ESF
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 470-4938
E-mail: efolta@esf.edu