Botany Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact
Lan Xu, Associate Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Room 138
605-688-6121
E-mail: terri.symens@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/nrm
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Program Information
The Botany minor crosses many disciplines, because plants are the base of the energy web within the natural environment. The program’s flexible curriculum is adaptable for all students in the natural sciences, and is especially useful to students with interests in ecology and environmental science, range science, and wildlife and fisheries sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the minor in Botany, students will:

• demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystem services, recreation and livestock production;
• describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitude, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management;
• demonstrate the ability to lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources;
• demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field and lab techniques as well as contemporary technologies;
• demonstrate the ability to appropriately analyze and critically evaluate data and other information;
• demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences;
• demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that is imperative of a natural resource manager.

Academic Requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all courses in the minor.

Course Delivery Format
The program’s courses are offered on campus in lecture, laboratory, and field-based settings.