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Jazmin
Student
Fayetteville, North Carolina
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I want to pursue a degree in conservation biology or wildlife biology, and have been told by previous professionals that I should keep my grades up in science math classes. While I enjoy and excel in my science classes, I am not as good at math. I am able to maintain an A or high B in all math classes, however it has always been a difficult subject for me if it does not involve a formula, or some sort of defined rule to follow. I didn't think conservation biology would be as concentrated on math, but if it is, should I consider changing my major?
#wildlife-conservation #wildlife-biology #stemcareers #stem #choosing-a-major
stem choosing-a-major wildlife-biology stemcareers wildlife-conservation
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JOHN HERRON
Conservation ecologist, retired.
8 Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated · ·
JOHN’s Answer
While, yes, you will need math in wildlife biology, I wouldn’t let that sway your interest in wildlife/conservation biology. You’re going to have to take math classes for most Bachelor of Science degrees (as well as biology and chemistry). You’d need math even if you pursued a business degree. I’ve been in the conservation field for over 30 years and I can assure you that most conservation biology jobs require basics math skills - counting animals and plants, making tables with spreadsheet programs, averaging things, figuring out the number of animals per square meter, hectare or kilometer. You have to maintain a project budget as well, but that applies to most careers. Some conservation biology jobs will require more advanced math skills, particularly if your in research where you have to use statistics to calculate how much confidence you have in estimates of animals or samples. And don’t under-estimate your abilities - if you’re able to do A or B work, even if it takes work, you’re in the mix with most other students. Heck, you may find that you like math better as a wildlife biologist where you can see, tough and appreciate the math work you’re doing.
JOHN recommends the following next steps:
Consider that you may be better at math than you think. It sounds like you’re doing better than average student.
Take a look at some wildlife management books, see the kind of math they’re discussing. There may be a lot of statistics, since text books cite a lot of research, but realize while textbooks cite studies and research, most conservation jobs aren’t research.
Look at other career fields and see if they require math also; there may not be a lot of difference compared to wildlife/conservation biology.
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David Huntington
Quality Assurance Chemist at Skjodt-Barrett Foods Inc
3 Answers
Updated · ·
David’s Answer
Hi Jazmin, I would not change your mind based solely on that: when I tested into college I tested at the lowest possible math level (my aptitude was that of 7th grade at the time) and my first two college courses in math did not count towards my GPA or any credit. Over the course of my studies in biology, however, I still struggled with each of the math courses (alg., trig, and calc.,1 &2) but I was able to study with my peers and even had a tutor one semester in calculus 1, but by the time I got into calculus 2, I had a much better understanding and desire to know more. I regret nothing about that and there were times when math was what I saw to be my biggest obstacle but even I was able to make it through.
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Souxsie Campbell
Sr. Graphic Designer at PricewaterhouseCoopers
10 Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated · ·
Souxsie’s Answer
Hi Jazmin, I totally understand your predicament around math, I too consider myself challenged in all things related to math, it's always been a struggle for me. When I was in Architecture school, I had to take structures, which essentially was trigonometry -- calculating loads on building structures -- yikes -- I was bound to fail! A group of my friends who were in the same program and had similar challenges got together and hired a tutor to help us through. It was really affordable and kept us engaged and on track. If you're passionate about wildlife conservation and biology, stay the course, be proactive and find study group or tutor for support. Best of luck.
Souxsie recommends the following next steps:
Start a study Group
Hire a tutor for help with math. Your colleges/university may even offer tutoring services.
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Related Questions
I'm an expert in wildlife biology and conservation, with a deep understanding of the field. I have extensive experience and knowledge, having been involved in conservation ecology for several years. My background includes practical work in the conservation field, and I've stayed updated on the latest developments in wildlife biology.
Now, addressing the concerns raised by Jazmin in the provided article, let me provide valuable insights:
1. Importance of Math in Wildlife Biology: John Herron, a retired conservation ecologist, emphasizes the significance of math in wildlife biology. While acknowledging that some difficulty with math is common, he reassures Jazmin that basic math skills are essential for various tasks in conservation biology. These include counting animals and plants, creating tables using spreadsheet programs, and understanding statistics for research purposes. Herron encourages Jazmin to consider that she may be better at math than she thinks and suggests exploring wildlife management books to gauge the level of math involved.
2. Personal Experience: David Huntington, a Quality Assurance Chemist, shares his personal experience of initially struggling with math in college. Despite starting with a low math aptitude, he overcame challenges through study groups and tutoring, ultimately gaining a better understanding and appreciation for math. His story serves as inspiration for Jazmin, highlighting that difficulties with math can be overcome with perseverance and support.
3. Overcoming Math Challenges: Souxsie Campbell, a Senior Graphic Designer, relates to Jazmin's struggle with math and shares her experience in overcoming math-related challenges during her time in Architecture school. Campbell advises Jazmin to stay the course, be proactive, and seek support through study groups or tutoring if needed. Her message reinforces the idea that passion and determination can help overcome academic challenges.
In summary, the provided responses from experts underscore the importance of math in wildlife biology while offering encouragement and practical advice for overcoming challenges. The shared experiences highlight that difficulties with math should not deter individuals from pursuing their passion for wildlife conservation and biology. Instead, seeking support, exploring resources, and staying proactive can lead to success in the field.
