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Should I consider changing my wildlife/conservation biology major if I am bad at math?

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?
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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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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’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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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Jazmin,

Response:

Insights for Advancing in Wildlife/Conservation Biology Major Despite Math Difficulties

It's perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about embarking on a wildlife/conservation biology major if math isn't your strong suit. However, it's crucial to remember that math forms a core part of numerous STEM disciplines, biology included. Here are some vital points to ponder before deciding on a major shift:

Role of Math in Conservation Biology:

Math is indispensable in wildlife and conservation biology, particularly in tasks like monitoring animal populations, analyzing data, and managing habitats.
Fundamental math skills are key for counting animals, data interpretation, and grasping statistical concepts tied to research outcomes.
Though some roles might necessitate advanced math skills, many entry-level positions can be handled with basic math knowledge.

Academic Assistance and Resources:

Scoring A or high B grades in math classes despite finding the subject tough indicates your potential to excel with effort and commitment.
Think about utilizing additional support such as tutoring services, study groups, or online resources to boost your math skills and self-assurance.
Numerous universities have academic support centers that offer help with math and other subjects to help students conquer difficulties.

Career Prospects in Wildlife/Conservation Biology:

The wildlife/conservation biology field presents a variety of career paths beyond research that may need different degrees of math expertise.
Roles like wildlife biologist, conservation biologist, program manager, research technician, and wildlife enforcement officer encompass a blend of fieldwork, data analysis, policy formulation, and public engagement.
While math skills are beneficial for certain parts of these roles, they can be honed over time through hands-on experience and ongoing learning.

Personal Development and Resilience:

Conquering math hurdles can be a gratifying experience that boosts your problem-solving capabilities and analytical thinking skills.
Earning a degree in wildlife/conservation biology lets you merge your love for science with tangible conservation efforts, contributing to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Bear in mind that academic achievement is not solely based on math skills but also on resilience, inquisitiveness, and a readiness to learn from failures.

In summary, while math is a vital aspect of studying wildlife/conservation biology, your current math performance indicates that you have the potential to excel in this field. By making use of available academic support resources and maintaining your commitment to learning, you can follow your passion for conservation biology while steadily enhancing your math skills.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Crafting this Response:

NC State University College of Natural Resources: Offers comprehensive details on Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology programs including curriculum design, career prospects, and practical experiences for students.
Veteran Conservation Biologist (John): Provides insights based on over three decades of experience in the conservation sector regarding the significance of math skills in conservation biology roles.
Personal Accounts (David & Souxsie): Relay personal experiences of individuals who encountered math difficulties during their studies but successfully pursued careers in related fields through resilience and seeking academic help.

Blessings!
James Constantine Frangos.
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