By Alexandra Norelli
Electives can be so hard to choose! There is a constant argument between easy A’s vs. graduate-level coursework, fun vs. beneficial, an optional lab vs. a 1-credit cram session. It can be difficult to pin down the perfect schedule that is doable and worth it in the long run.
This month, we asked our Women of Fisheries community to share the undergraduate courses they would recommend to a new student. Here are four of the courses we would elect to take:
1. Statistics with Programming
Marika Dobos, a fisheries biologist with a state agency, commented, “Math helps you understand statistics which drives a lot of research for management decisions.” Most schools require math up to a certain level; to be a fisheries scientist, you should exceed those requirements. Sometimes that means taking calculus II, III, or multivariable, but often that means taking statistics. Statistics is applied math that allows you to determine significant effects using either frequentist or bayesian methods, which is vital in all sciences. We would definitely recommend taking some form of higher-level math or statistics.
Almost all higher level math courses involve programming such as Matlab, SAS, SPSS, R, SQL, or Python depending on the field and preference of the professor. Luckily, the concepts of programming matter more than the language, but R and Python which are open-source widely-used languages are increasingly preferred in fisheries.
On a lighter note, Cara Ewell Hodkin reminded us, “…stats is a good way to make friends! Somebody always needs to do a stats analysis they don’t know how to do, but you do!”
If math is truly the bane of your existence and you cannot take another hit to your GPA, a possible alternative is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Spatial statistics can be just as important as regular statistics with more focus on visualization and less coding.
2. English Composition or Speech
I thought one member summed up “why you should take an English class” fantastically:
“English classes. Not just the dry scientific writing classes, but actual English classes that cover composition and editing, as well as critical analysis of text. I thought it was more fun and view-expanding to learn to write in the context of fiction, then translate ideas about narrative and composition to scientific writing. It will also make you a better communicator when it comes to non journal-style writing for general audiences.”
Kat Gillies-Rector
I was required to take a speech and English class during my undergrad, and I think they both helped tremendously in my communication skills. I learned how to write a lab report in my science classes, but I learned how to make it readable in English class. Speech also taught me how to formulate an argument, which has helped me design presentations, papers, and stand up for myself in committee meetings.
Be sure to explore your English or communications departments to see what writing or speech courses you might be missing!
3. Economics
One of our Women of Fisheries board members, Lynn Mattes, advised us to take “A basic economics course. helpful no matter what you do moving forward, fisheries management, grant writing, budgets, etc.”
An understanding of basic economics is fantastic for fisheries students! Managing fisheries frequently involves trade-offs, complex decision making, and calculating risk. When I took my first fisheries economics class in graduate school, I was able to apply formulas I learned in calculus for the first time, and that helped me gain confidence in my math skills.
Bonus: Economics helps with real life skills like budgeting, which can be more important than any fisheries class when it comes to managing a lab, applying for grants, or balancing seasonal jobs.
4. Something FUN!
Maggie Harings suggested “1 FUN class – you may never get to take one again!”
As possible fun options, I would offer up a physical education course or studio art.
A career in fisheries can either require you to be fit for field work, or you will spend a lot of time in a lab and need to understand how to take time for yourself and exercise outside of the lab. If you have a spare 1-2 credits, it doesn’t hurt to take some time to learn about exercising for self-care. I took Zumba as a course and had a ton of fun!
Art electives can be rewarding by expanding a hobby or developing your artistic eye. You can have a fine fisheries career with ugly presentations and figures, but it can be fun to make eye-catching content that help you stand out. Make sure you check the professor before enrolling in art classes. I have found some art classes are meant for art majors only and the critiques can get intense.
Occasionally, schools will offer other 1-credit quick courses where you go on a field trip over break or spend a long weekend immersing in one topic. These shorter courses can feel like a waste of money, but they save your time and energy that you can put toward other classes and grab the last few credits you need to graduate. I took a Presentation Bootcamp course that was super fun and extremely useful.