F111 Introduction to Natural Resources

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.

Students are introduced to natural resources definitions, management and regulations, with an emphasis on forest ecosystems. Topics include an elementary approach to ecosystems structure, composition and function; fundamentals of forest, range, watershed, wetlands, recreation and wildlife management; and an overview of pertinent history and laws influencing natural resource policy and management.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate contextual use of natural resource terminology
2. Describe how watersheds, forests, wildlife and other natural resources provide ecosystem services
3. Discuss the influence of historical conservation or preservation movements on current management policies and practices
4. Identify career opportunities within the field of natural resources
5. Research, discuss and critically evaluate specific natural resources agencies and case study issues

F141 Tree and Shrub Identification

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.

This course is devoted to the classification and field identification of important western trees and shrubs. Appropriate ranges, habitats and consumer use of these species are presented as well as a survey of other major forest types of North America. Outdoor field trips are an integral part of the course.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate ability to utilize the taxonomic vocabulary used in describing and keying out these species
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the commercial uses, ecological value, habitat and ranges of these species
3. ldentify and correctly write the scientific and common names of twenty seven species of conifers and fìfty species or genera of broadleaf plants as listed in the syllabus
4. Properly use a dichotomous key to identify selected plants

F200 Introduction to Forest Surveying

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: F111, F141, FT122, FT221, and MTH084 or higher or instructor consent.

This course covers the fundamental concepts of plane surveying and resource surveys within the natural resources field. The use of mathematics in applying the correction to errors, calculation of angles and bearings and the adjustment of traverses is emphasized, along with field survey practice. Federal and State survey protocols may be covered.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate effective written communication regarding forest surveying activities
2. Demonstrate required forest surveying equipment and protocol techniques
3. Use industry-standard surveying and related software to analyze and solve technical field problems
4. Utilize modern surveying measurement technologies to acquire field data

F240 Natural Resources Ecology

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: F111 and FW251 and NR230; or instructor consent.

Natural Resources Ecology is an introductory course in ecology, with an emphasis on forest ecosystems. Students examine the relationships between biological and physical components of ecosystems and dynamic processes such as nutrient cycling, disturbance and succession. Students are expected to take an active role in class activities, including class discussions and group work. Indoor and outdoor laboratories focus on field techniques used to measure and characterize ecosystem components. This course is recommended for all natural resources technology majors and all students interested in ecology and natural resource conservation.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

This course fulfills: Lab Science

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define, differentiate and use correctly the vocabulary from lecture, readings, and other course materials in the discipline of ecology
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the complexities of ecological processes and discuss how ecological systems change on both spatial and temporal scales
3. Demonstrate and apply techniques used by ecologists and natural resource scientists to study populations, communities and ecosystems, including the ability to collect field and laboratory data
4. Demonstrate the ability to organize and present qualitative information and quantitative data (including graphically) and to discuss this data in a manner understandable to both scientists and the public
5. Discuss long term and recent changes in climate and identify modern causes of climate change. Describe the foundational causes of global warming and discuss implication of increases in temperature on natural resources and human society.
6. Explain that energy is the driving force of ecosystems, and that energy flows through ecosystems. Discuss the underlying inefficiency of energy transfer and describe the implication of it for ecosystems. Discuss the process of nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
7. Identify different levels of ecological investigation and describe major ecological processes at the ecosystem, community and population levels
8. Identify sources of disturbance to ecosystems and describe the process and outcomes of ecological recovery. Distinguish between landscape scale of disturbance and localized disturbances
9. Use evidence to develop informed opinions on ecological issues while considering cultural and ethical implications

FT122 Forest Measurements I

Credits 5Winter

Registration Requirement: F111, F141, and MTH060; or instructor consent.

This course introduces the student to field measurement of forest resources. Topics include fundamentals of field sampling, use of topographic maps, estimation of land area and measurement of physical tree characteristics. Electronic data collection and analysis are integral.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze spreadsheet data
2. Demonstrate proper technique with standard tools to determine common tree attributes such as dbh, height, live crown ratio and age
3. Design a layout for field sample plots for a given site and purpose
4. Fill out field data sheets correctly and completely
5. Use a compass to determine map direction and navigate in the field
6. Use electronic data collectors to record and download data
7. Use elementary statistics to describe sample field data
8. Utilize maps of different scales and composition to identify map features

FT221 Aerial Photo Interpretation and GPS

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: F111, F141, and FT122.

This course teaches the fundamentals of aerial photograph, the global positioning systems (GPS) and small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS, drones) needed for navigation, interpretation and data gathering in natural resources. Students learn to relate photo features to map and landscape features, and to find distance, direction and land area on photos. Photos are used with GPS for various field data applications. Additional GPS topics include satellite signals and paths, factors influencing position accuracy and computer post-processing. Students use GPS to construct computer-generated maps. sUAS Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 licensing requirements are covered extensively.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Create and edit GPS data
2. Demonstrate fundamental map reading skills
3. Describe components of the GPS system
4. Interpret aerial photographs
5. Present GPS information
6. Demonstrate an understandin of the federal regulations, operations requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones (sUAS)

FT222 Forest Measurements II

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: F141, FT122, FT221 and MTH084 or higher; or instructor consent.

This course provides instruction and training in estimating volume and quality of standing timber. Sampling methods and their associated field techniques are covered, with an emphasis on producing reliable and accurate data. Data computation, statistical evaluation and the preparation of comprehensive timber cruise reports are required. Labs focus on field timber cruising using Atterbury's Super A.C.E. program.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze and evaluate cruise data for professional reports
2. Scale and grade logs provided using Westside scaling practices
3. Choose and lay out appropriate timber cruises
4. Measure and accurately record plot (tree) information in a forested setting
5. Prepare comprehensive, professional cruise reports

FT228 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: F111, F141, FT122, FT221, F240, and MTH084 or higher or instructor consent.

This course covers the fundamentals of how to manage, manipulate and display spatially-referenced data for land-use planning and decision making. Students work with GIS software applications.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze GIS feature relationships
2. Construct GIS maps and data
3. Create and edit GIS data
4. Define GIS terminology
5. Gather information about GIS features
6. Present GIS data

FT235 Outdoor Recreation

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: FT111 and F141 or instructor consent.

This course explores the use and management of forested recreational settings. Topics include the influence of social and economic values on recreational use and planning, techniques for environmental interpretation and facilities and site maintenance.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

View Course Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate methods of conflict resolution for various recreational scenarios
2. Discuss social and economic factors affecting recreation
3. Develop an environmental interpretation sample
4. Discuss types of environmental interpretation and their use as a management tool
5. Evaluate trails and perform maintenance