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Natural Resource Ecology and Management
J. Michael Kelly, Chair of Department
University Professors: Atchison
Professors: Best, Clark, Downing, Hall, Harrington, Jungst, Kelly,
Menzel, Schultz, Summerfelt, Wray
Professors (Collaborators): Brandle, Isebrands, Otis, Riemenschneider
University Professors (Emeritus): Hinz, McNabb
Professors (Emeritus): M. Bachmann,
R. Bachmann, Bensend, Clark, Countryman, Dinsmore, Downing, Hart,
Manwiller, Moorman, Prestemon
Professors (Collaborator Emeritus): Klaas
Associate Professors: Colletti, Danielson, Debinski, Kuo, Mize,
Morris, Rule
Associate Professors (Collaborators): Tomer
Assistant Professors: Asbjornsen, Miller, Pease, Stokke, Thompson
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Isenhart, Negreros-Castillo, Pritchard,
Stafford
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Hohman, Koford, Pierce
The department addresses a broad spectrum of natural resource and
environmental issues in a holistic approach to learning, discovery
and engagement. Our vision of natural resources is that informed
protection and management of natural resources involves an integration
of biological, economic, and social considerations. Such an integrated
and comprehensive approach to the education of future generations
of natural resource managers and scientists is needed in order to
sustain viable landscapes, facilitate strong communities, and produce
desired goods, services, and functions from our natural resources.
Undergraduate Study
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management offers
work for the bachelor of science degree with majors in animal ecology
or forestry (see College of Agriculture, Curricula). The department
participates in interdisciplinary programs in biology, environmental
studies, international studies, pest management, and plant health
and protection. By proper selection of free and restricted elective
courses, students can obtain a minor or a second major in these
programs or other disciplines.
The Department provides several scholarships; application information
is available in the departmental Student Services Center.
Animal Ecology (A Ecl)
The animal ecology curriculum provides its majors with an understanding
of ecological principles and processes and their applications to
natural resource management. It is oriented toward students desiring
a general and flexible program in environmental biology and for
those planning graduate study. Students may select from six options:
Aquaculture, Ecology, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Interpretation
of Natural Resources, Preveterinary and Wildlife Care, or Wildlife.
Graduates find employment as aquaculturists, wildlife biologists,
fisheries biologists, and ecologists for industry, environmental
consulting firms, natural resource and environmental agencies and
organizations, zoos, and as educators.
Graduates of the Animal Ecology program understand the basic principles
of animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects
of scientific communication, basic mathematics and sciences, computing
applications, and personal and professional development. Six specific
options prepare students for careers in aquaculture, fisheries and
aquatic sciences, ecology, wildlife, interpretation of natural resources,
wildlife care and veterinary sciences. Each option has specific
outcomes expectations that include (1) the scope of the specialization
and its relationships to broader aspects of animal ecology, biotic
resource management, and other allied scientific disciplines and
professions, (2) career opportunities and requirements, and (3)
knowledge and skills appropriate for employment at technical and
practitioner levels in each discipline. Graduates are able to communicate
and work effectively in the multidisciplinary arena of ecology and
natural resource management.
This curriculum requires three months of relevant work experience
or study at a biological station prior to graduation. The latter
may be accomplished at the university's affiliate field stations:
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory at West Lake Okoboji, and Gulf Coast Research
Laboratory at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Information on these laboratories
is available from the department's Student Services Center.
Preveterinary medicine preparation may be achieved while satisfying
degree requirements in animal ecology.
Additional education and training can lead to other opportunities
in such areas as research and management, natural resources planning
and administration, teaching, and environmental consulting, among
others. Graduate training is necessary for many specialized positions
within the fields of animal ecology. Majors preparing for graduate
study should consult with their academic adviser concerning appropriate
coursework.
Students seeking certification to teach biology in secondary schools
must meet requirements of the College of Education as well as those
of the Animal Ecology curriculum. In addition, they must apply formally
for admission to the teacher education program (see Index, Teacher
Education Program). Students with an interest in careers in outdoor
writing are encouraged to obtain a minor or a second major in journalism
(see Index, Journalism and Mass Communication, Courses and Programs).
Students who wish to pursue a job as a conservation officer may
wish to minor in criminal justice (see Index, Criminal Justice Studies).
The department offers a minor in animal ecology that may be earned
by taking 15 credits in the department including 310, 312, NREM
120, plus five additional credits of Animal Ecology courses at the
300 level or above.
Forestry (For)
The forestry curriculum offers courses that are concerned with the
management of forest ecosystems for multiple benefits including
wood and fiber products, biodiversity, recreation, water, wilderness,
and wildlife. Conservation and preservation of natural resources
are emphasized. The department offers work for the bachelor of science
degree with a major in forestry and options in forest ecosystem
management, urban and community forestry, natural resource conservation,
or wood products. All options lead to a professional degree in forestry
(Bachelor of Science) and have been accredited by the Society of
American Foresters (SAF) since 1935. The SAF is a specialized accrediting
body recognized by the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation and
the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for forestry
education in the United States. The primary goal of the undergraduate
curriculum in forestry is to educate foresters to be capable of
scientifically managing the nation's forest lands. The purpose of
the undergraduate curriculum in forestry is to prepare students
for professional employment in management and utilization of natural
resources and to equip them to function effectively in a complex
society.
Graduates understand and can apply scientific principles associated
with forests, forest ecosystem management, and wood and non-wood
products. Graduates are able to communicate effectively and work
well in teams. They are capable of preparing and delivering effective
oral and written communication of scientific and technical decisions
to professional and lay audiences. They are proficient in technical
skills such as measurements, computers, inventory, economic analysis,
data and situation analysis, and ecosystem assessment. They recognize
the importance of ethics in forestry and are sensitive to cultural
diversity and broad environmental concerns.
Graduates of the forest ecosystem management option are skilled
at understanding how forests function and how forests can be managed
to produce desired goods (wood, fiber, recreation, wildlife habitat)
and services (clean water, carbon sequestration, wilderness) in
the long-run. They are skilled at interpretation of interactions
and effects of abiotic and biotic factors in forests and quantification
of bio-physical, social, and economic outputs from forest ecosystems.
They are skilled at complex decision-making involving private and
public forest resources where ethical, legal, social, economic,
and ecological dimensions are explicitly considered.
Graduates of the urban and community forestry option are able to
combine biological, social, legal, and economic expertise to effectively
manage trees or forests in an urban setting. They are skilled at
decision-making related to site assessment, and long-term management
of urban trees and forests to achieve multiple goals.
Graduates of the natural resource conservation option are skilled
at assessing the natural functions of the environment and human
impacts. They are skilled at interpretation of forest and other
natural environments and making decisions relating to their conservation
and preservation.
Graduates of the wood products option understand the anatomical,
physical, and chemical properties of wood and know wood processing
operations involved in drying, machining, gluing, and chemical treatment
of wood. They are skilled at applying their knowledge in the development
of products and processes. They are able to provide scientific and
technical problem-solving and marketing decisions for customers
of wood products.
Elective courses related to the forest ecosystem management option
can be selected to emphasize forest ecology; wildlife, wilderness,
and recreation management; water quality and erosion protection;
quantitative-analytical techniques; business and marketing; and
other areas related to natural resource management. Elective courses
in the urban and community forestry option can be selected to emphasize
plant health, policy and planning, ecology, hydrology, sociology,
business administration, or horticulture/design. Elective courses
related to the natural resource conservation option can be selected
to emphasize, ecology, wildlife, recreation, nature interpretation,
landscape design, sociology and ethics of conservation and preservation.
Similarly, elective courses in the wood products option can be selected
to emphasize wood production, wood fiber, business and marketing,
and quality assurance.
Many private firms as well as national, regional, state, and local
agencies seek forestry graduates to fill positions in management
of natural resources for commodity and non-commodity multiple benefits.
Graduates in forestry are prepared to be involved with evolving
forestry systems, such as agroforestry and urban forestry. Wood
processing industries, such as composite products, plywood, particle
board, lumber, and pulp and paper offer professional opportunities
in production, product development, quality control, and marketing.
With advanced graduate study, the range of professional job opportunities
for a person with a B.S. in forestry is expanded. Opportunities
include research and education as well as more specialized managerial
and administrative positions with private firms and public agencies.
During fall semester of the second year of study (sophomore year,
typically), forestry students are required to enroll in the department's
integrated forestry modules consisting of 201, 202, 203, 204, 205,
and 206. That semester, consisting entirely of forestry coursework,
is designed to give students an early understanding of the many
aspects of forestry and how they are interrelated. In addition to
work in the classroom, students will spend time in laboratory and
field work each week. A 3-week off-campus fall camp during the semester
will reinforce concepts learned both in the classroom and during
laboratory/field sessions. Transfer students should check with the
department for counsel on timing their completion of the integrated
forestry modules.
The department offers a minor in forestry which can be earned by
completion of a minimum of 15 credits in forestry courses. Students
wishing to emphasize management and environmental aspects of forestry
must select at least 15 credits from the following courses: 302,
451, NREM 120, 301, 310, 345, 390, and 407. Students wishing to
emphasize wood products and wood utilization must complete 280 and
an additional 12 credits from the following courses: 481, 483, 485,
486, 487.
Graduate Study
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management offers
work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy
with majors in animal ecology, fisheries biology, and wildlife biology.
A non-thesis masters degree is available for students desiring a
general degree program without thesis research. Students may also
major in interdepartmental graduate majors in ecology and evolutionary
biology, genetics, plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, toxicology,
or water resources (see Index).
Animal Ecology
Graduates have a broad understanding of the basic principles of
animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects of
basic mathematics and natural sciences, computing applications,
and personal and professional development. They are able to execute
rigorous independent research, have developed problem-solving and
critical-thinking skills, and can communicate effectively with scientific
colleagues and the general public in both formal and informal settings.
Personnel of the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological
Survey, through the Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research
Unit, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources contribute to
the graduate programs of the department.
No more than two dual-listed animal ecology courses may be applied
for major graduate credit. Additional work is expected of students
taking a dual-listed course for credit at the 500 level.
Forestry
The department offers programs leading to the degrees of master
of science and doctor of philosophy with a major in forestry and
minor work to students taking major work in other departments. Areas
of specialization for the M.S. degree are forest administration
and management, forest biology, forest biometry, forest economics
and marketing, and wood science. Areas of specialization for the
Ph.D. are forest biology, wood science, forest biometry, and forest
economics.
Graduates are skilled at defining a research problem in forestry,
applying scientific principles and appropriate methods, and analyzing
the results. They are capable of understanding the many facets of
forest and wood science and are very knowledgeable in specific areas
in forestry. They are able to deal with complex forestry problems,
and where appropriate, they are capable of blending ecological,
social, ethical, legal, and economic factors in the research process.
They are very skilled at communicating, both in written and oral
form, research results to professional and lay audiences. They are
sensitive to cultural diversity and work effectively with peers,
natural resource professionals, and the public.
The graduate program is open to and suitable for students who have
majored in forestry or related natural resource fields. A non-thesis
master's option is available. All students are required to teach
and conduct research as part of their training for the Ph.D. degree.
The department participates in the Masters in Business Administration
(M.B.A.), with specialization in the agriculture program administered
by the College of Business, providing an opportunity to obtain an
M.B.A. degree while taking advanced courses in forestry and maintaining
contact with the profession of forestry. The department also participates
in interdepartmental majors in ecology and evolutionary biology,
plant physiology, genetics, and water resources (see Index).
Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: A Ecl 350, 410, 410L,
411, 413, 419I, 430, 451, 455; For 302, 342, 402, 416, 451, 452,
453, 454, 475, 476, 481, 483, 485, 486, 487; NREM 301, 345, 390,
407 and 460.
Natural Resource Ecology
and
Management
Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students
NREM 104. Practical Work Experience.
Cr. R. Three months of relevant work experience in natural resources,
animal ecology, or forestry. Study at a summer biological station
may be applicable. See adviser for specific requirements and approval
process.
NREM 110. Orientation in Natural Resource
Ecology and Management. (1-0) Cr. R. F. Orientation to the
University and to the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and
Management. Discussion of the importance of work experience and
development of desired resume. Career opportunities.
NREM 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources.
(Same as Agron 120, AST 120, Env S 120.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural
resources in an ecosystem context. History and organization of resource
management. Concepts of integrated resource management.
NREM 301. Forest Ecology
and Soils. (Same as EnSci 301, Pl HP 301.) (3-3) Cr. 4. F.
Prereq: Biol 201, 201L; For 201 or a second course in biology.
Effects of environmental factors on ecosystem structure and function.
Special emphasis is given to soil forming factors and the role of
soil in nutrient and water cycling and ecosystem dynamics. Additional
emphasis is given on human influences on natural ecosystems. Nonmajor
graduate credit.
NREM 303. Internship. Cr. 1 to 3.
F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor and sophomore standing.
Placement with county conservation boards, camps, zoos, parks, etc.,
for experience as interpreters, rangers, and technicians. A total
of 6 credits may be used toward degree requirements.
NREM 305. Seminar.
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken; may be taken more than once for graduation
credit. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Current topics
in natural resources or related issues.
NREM 310. Natural Resource Management
on Small Properties. (3-0) Cr. 2. S. Techniques
of resource management with emphasis on small private holdings.
Non-forestry majors only. Course terminates at the end of 11 weeks.
NREM 345. Natural Resource Photogrammetry
and Geographic Information Systems. (Same
as EnSci 345.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Junior classification.
Use of aerial photos and remotely sensed imagery in resource management.
Training in techniques of photo measurement, interpretation, and
use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Principles of remote
sensing. Nonmajor graduate credit.
NREM 390. Fire Ecology and Management.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Characteristics and role of fire in forest ecosystems.
Major topics covered include fuels, fire weather, fire behavior,
fire danger rating systems, fire control, and prescribed burning.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
NREM 407. Watershed
Management. (Same as Env S 407.) (3-3)
Cr. 4. S. Prereq: A course in general biology. Managing human
impacts on the hydrologic cycle. Field and watershed landscape best
management practices for modifying the impacts on water quality,
quantity and timing are discussed. Field project includes developing
a management plan using landscape buffers. Nonmajor graduate credit.
NREM 446. Integrating GPS and GIS
for Natural Resource Management. (Dual-listed
with 546, same as EnSci 446.) (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 12 credits
in student's major at 300 level or above. Emphasis on the use
of GPS as a data collection tool for GIS. Basic theory of GPS. Use
of Global Positioning System technology for spatial data collection
and navigation. Post-processing and real-time correction of GPS
data. GPS data transfer to GIS for mapping applications. Use of
GIS to construct waypoints for use in GPS navigation.
NREM 460. Controversies in Renewable
Resource Management. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq:
120, and A Ecl 312 or For 301. Junior classification. Analysis
of controversial renewable resource issues using a case approach
that considers uncertainty and adequacy of information and scientific
understanding. Ecological, social, political, economic, and ethical
implications of each issue will be analyzed. Nonmajor graduate credit.
NREM 465. Landscape Change and Conservation.
(Dual-listed with 565, same as L A 465.) See Landscape Architecture.
NREM 490. Independent Study. Cr.
1 to 4 each time elected. Prereq: Junior or senior classification,
permission of instructor. A maximum of 6 credits of 490 may
be used toward degree requirements.
A. Animal Ecology
B. Forestry
H. Honors Program
NREM 493. Workshop. Cr.
1-3. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Ecological concepts
and management practices for landowners, teachers and others. Not
for students majoring in animal ecology or forestry. May be taken
more than once for graduation credit.
NREM 496. Travel Course.
(Dual-listed with 596.) Cr. 1-3. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission
of instructor. Limited enrollment. Extended field trips to study
ecological and management topics in varied environments. Location
and duration of trips will vary. Pre-trip sessions arranged. Trip
expenses paid by students.
A. International
B. Domestic
NREM 498. Cooperative Education.
Cr.1-3. Prereq: Permission of departmental chair. Required
of all cooperative education students. Students must register prior
to commencing each work period.
Courses Primarily for Graduate Students,
open to qualified undergraduate students
NREM 505. Seminar.
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken; may be taken more than once for graduation
credit. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor or graduate classification.
Current topics in natural resources research and management.
NREM 510. Methods for Presenting Scientific
Results. (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: Permission
of instructor. Techniques of proper platform presentation. Discussion
of effective audio/visual techniques for presentation of research
findings. Practice in development of overheads and slides. Use of
computer generated and projected visuals. Practice in oral presentation
with critical review.
NREM 532. Human Dimensions of Natural
Resource Management. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt.
F., offered 2004. Prereq: A Ecl 312 or equivalent plus 6 credits
of biological sciences; permission of instructor. Exploration
of institutions that help shape fish and wildlife management and
policies. Current research on interaction of humans with wildlife
resources. Roles of social forces, politics and economics in wildlife
management.
NREM 542. Introduction to Molecular
Biology Techniques. (Same as Zool 542.)
See Zoology and Genetics.
NREM 546. Integrating GPS and GIS
for Natural Resource Management. (Dual-listed
with 446.) (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 12 credits in student's major
at 300 level or above. Emphasis on the use of GPS as a data
collection tool for GIS. Basic theory of GPS. Use of Global Positioning
System technology for spatial data collection and navigation. Post-processing
and real-time correction of GPS data. GPS data transfer to GIS for
mapping applications. Use of GIS to construct waypoints for use
in GPS navigation.
NREM 565. Landscape Change and Conservation.
(Dual-listed with 465, same as L A 565.) See Landscape Architecture.
NREM 590. Special Topics.
Cr. 1 to 4 each time elected. Prereq: Permission of instructor.
A. Animal Ecology
B. Forestry
NREM 593. Workshop.
Cr. 1 to 3. Prereq: Graduate classification. May be taken
more than once for graduation credit.
NREM 596. Travel Course.
(Dual-listed with 496.) Cr. 1-3. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission
of instructor. Limited enrollment. Extended field trips to study
ecological topics in varied environments. Location and duration
of trips will vary. Pre-trip sessions arranged. Trip expenses paid
by students.
A. International
B. Domestic
NREM 599. Creative Component.
Cr. arr.
NREM 600. Seminar.
(2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. May be taken more than once for graduation
credit. F.S. Current topics in natural resources research and management.
NREM 699. Research.
Cr. 1-9.
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