Project Management for the Biological Sciences

Effective project management is crucial in research, conservation, community outreach, and other endeavors in the biological sciences. In this interactive course, you will build skills and knowledge that will help you run projects more efficiently and strengthen your ability to clearly explain project plans to various audiences. We will examine the stages of the project life cycle focusing on best practices for each stage as we cover topics including planning processes, management tools and strategies, and evaluation metrics. We will also consider the human elements of projects, including navigating team dynamics and coordinating with external collaborators and stakeholders. The course will comprise engaging pre-recorded lectures, interactive discussions, and activities where you will apply your learning to real projects on which you are working.

Summer: July 6 – October 11, 2026 (Early bird discount* ends June 7)

*Early bird saves $75 for Standard, $85 for Premium

Module 1: Building a foundation in project management

Learning Outcomes:

• Define key terms in project management

• Describe the stages of the project life cycle

• Identify roles and responsibilities for team members

• Define a project’s success

Module 2: Defining a project

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop statements of project scope

• Identify and evaluate project constraints

• Perform SWOT analyses and interpret their results

• Develop and apply logic models and project rules

• Evaluate the roles of various stakeholders

Module 3: Project planning

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop a project plan, including identifying goals, objectives, and tasks

• Identify and evaluate risks to the project

• Develop and implement time management strategies 

• Estimate budgets

• Identify and implement project management tools/technology

Module 4: Navigating team dynamics

Learning Outcomes:

• Assess team dynamics and implement strategies for maintaining motivation

• Develop and implement effective communication strategies 

• Identify and evaluate leadership styles

• Evaluate the role of external partners and their associated challenges and opportunities

Module 5: Project execution and evaluation

Outcomes:

• Develop and implement metrics for assessing project progress and team performance

• Develop and evaluate project reports

• Identify and mitigate project challenges, including scope creep

Module 6: Project closure

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop and implement a checklist for project closure

• Identify and select channels for communicating results

• Develop effective communication products

• Develop a plan for archiving project materials

• Evaluate the overall project life cycle to identify lessons learned

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society

• Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit toward a Professional Certificate in Conservation Planning with CWS

ACADEMIC CREDIT:

• Earn 1 academic credit (go to our Academic Credit Page for details)

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project