Friday, June 12, 2009

Aquatic Biology

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Overview
Curriculum
B.S. Curriculum
Suggested Schedule
Specific Emphasis
Aquatic Biology
Fisheries Biology
Wetlands Biology
Faculty
Dr. Donald G Cloutman, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Debbie Guelda, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Richard Koch, Assistant Professor of Biology
Graduate Program
Grad Student Projects
School of Graduate Studies
Facilities
H.T. Peters Lab
Hobson Memorial Forest
Student Stories
Upcoming Events
Biology Homepage
Bemidji State Homepage

Department of Aquatic Biology

Bemidji State University
Welcome!
Welcome to the homepage of Bemidji State Universitys Aquatic Biology
Program. It is our hope that you find this site helpful in learning more about
a program of study of which we are very, very proud. Our Aquatic Biology
Program, with a diverse and talented faculty and a progressive curriculum, is
a premier training program for aquatic ecologists.
We hope that you investigate this site as well as the link to Bemidji State
University to get a real feel for what life as a BSU student and Aquatic
Biology major is about. Please feel to contact any of us should you have any
questions. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to work with you in the
future.
Sincerely,
Debbie Guelda, Ph.D.
Riverine ecologist and invertebrate biologist
dguelda@bemidjistate.edu

Richard Koch, Ph.D.

Wetland and ecosystem ecologist
rkoch@bemidjistate.edu
Donald Cloutman, Ph.D.
Fisheries biologist and limnologist
dcloutman@bemidjistate.edu

Aquatic biology involves the study of physical, geological, chemical, and

biological factors that influence the productivity and integrity of freshwater
systems.
Aquatic biology includes the study of lentic (still) and lotic (moving) water.
Students and faculty in our program are currently using knowledge gained
from the study of aquatic biology to investigate topics such as:

 Telemetry to monitor fish

movement
Net selectivity and by catch in a
sport cisco
and whitefish fishery
Benthic invertebrate
populations
Cultural eutrophication (humancaused nutrient
enrichment of lakes)
Wetland insects
Fish assemblages in bog
streams and ditches
Effects of acid precipitation on
aquatic
systems
Energy and carbon flow in
wetlands
Parasitology of fish and crayfish
Fish health related to watershed
development
Degradation of water quality by
urban
storm-sewer run-off
Aquatic plant growth dynamics
Restoration of shoreline
vegetation
Invasions of exotic species such
as the zebra
mussel and spiny water flea

Our Aquatic Biology major prepares students for careers as field or

laboratory scientists with local, state, and federal agencies and also provides
a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in
limnology, aquatic biology and fisheries biology or management. We have
graduates working with the DNR, Pollution Control Agency, the USGS and
currently pursuing graduate degrees at Colorado State University, Cornell,
and Ball State, to name a few. Additional Aquatic Sciences Career
Information is available through the American Society of Limnologists and
Oceanographers, the American Fisheries Society, the Society of Wetland
Scientists, and the North American Benthological Society.
Competency in aquatic biology requires a broad science background,
mathematical ability, knowledge of analytical techniques, experience with
data acquisition and computerized statistical analysis. In addition, aquatic
biologists must be able to present findings clearly and effectively in both oral
and written form. Our curriculum is designed to assure competency across
these areas.
Program Features
Bemidji State University is the only institution in Minnesota to offer

a four-year degree program leading a Bachelor of Science degree in

Aquatic Biology.
Aquatic Biology is a special program within the Biology Department. This
arrangement provides complementary breadth to the depth of training in
Aquatic Biology.
The aquatic biology faculty, Drs. Cloutman, Guelda, and Koch have expertise
in lake, riverine and wetland ecology studying aspects such as water
chemistry, carbon dynamics, invertebrates, plankton, aquatic plants, and
fish.
Our program is centered in the H.T. Peters Aquatics Laboratory, a 4000
square foot facility situated on Lake Bemidji. This facility features a
classroom, water laboratory, computer room, and areas for student projects.
A recent addition to the classroom area is a display aquarium honoring the
late Dr. Charles S. Holt, Emeritus Professor of Aquatic Biology.
Located in the lake district of Minnesota, our close proximity to many lakes,
wetlands, and rivers makes our campus an ideal place to study aquatic
biology in summer and winter. Bemidji is located at the convergence of three
major biomes and three major river systems allowing unique research and
learning opportunities for our students. The Mississippi River begins in Lake
Itasca, about sixty kilometers upstream of Lake Bemidji, and the Big Bog
State Park, the largest contiguous bog in North America, is just to our north.
Hobson Memorial Forest, privately owned by BSU, is just a few miles away
and a favorite place for both faculty and student research and recreation.
Fourth year students participate in individual research projects that are
collaboratively designed, executed and analyzed. These are then presented
to fellow students in a senior seminar or at professional meetings. Many
senior research projects are submitted for publication in peer-reviewed
journals.
All students complete an internship with an agency or company that deals
with water resources.
These experiences provide students with training and exposure to various
sub-fields of aquatic biology and fisheries, and often lead directly to
employment with these agencies. Our Aquatic Biology program is small and
selective - The small size of our program assures one-on-one interactions
with faculty and allows students to tailor their program to meet specific
needs.

We reserve the right to periodically update information without notice.

The information on this site should not be regarded as contractural in nature.
A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
An equal opportunity educator and employer.