Natural Resource Ecology and Management

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

Joe Paul Colletti, Interim Chair of Department

University Professors (Emeritus): Atchison, Hinz, McNabb
Professors: Hall, Harrington, Jungst, Schultz, Summerfelt, Wray
Professors (Emeritus): Bachmann M, Bachmann R, Bensend, Best, Countryman, Dinsmore, Hart, Klaas, Manwiller, Menzel, Moorman, Prestemon
Professors (Collaborators): Brandle, Isebrands, Otis, Riemenschneider
Associate Professors: Colletti, Fairbanks, Isenhart, Kuo, Mize, Morris, Rule, Thompson
Associate Professors (Collaborators): Guntenspergen, Tomer
Assistant Professors: Asbjornsen, Miller, Pease, Schulte, Stokke
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Pritchard, Stewart
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.

Our educational mission for the undergraduate and graduate programs is to provide those learning expierences and opportunities that will ensure students can learn to function effectively in their chosen fields.

Central to that effective functioning are the abilities to:

Develop, explain and evaluate their own beliefs, values and behavior in relation to professional and societal standards of ethics.

Anticipate, analyze and evaluate natural resource issues and explain the ecological, economic, and social consequences of natural resource actions at various scales and over time.

Actively seek the input and perspectives of diverse stakeholders regarding natural resource problems and issues.

Assess, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information fairly and objectively.

Work effectively, both individually and with others, on complex, value-laden natural resource problems that require holistic problem solving approaches.

Formulate and evaluate alternative solutions to complex problems and recommend and defend best alternatives.

Communicate clearly and effectively with different types of audiences using appropriate oral, visual, electronic, and written techniques.

Recognize and interpret resource problems across spatial scales from local to global.

Appreciate cultural diversity and understand the impact of the global distribution of people and wealth on natural resource use and valuation.

Exercise life-long learning skills developed before graduation.

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, and pest management. 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.

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, forestry, 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 biorenewable resources technology, ecology and evolutionary biology, environmental science, genetics, plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, or toxicology (see Index).

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: A Ecl 371, 419I, 430, 451, 455, 486, 486L; For 302, 342, 402, 416, 451, 452, 453, 454, 475, 480, 481, 483, 485, 486, 487; NREM 301, 345, 390, 407 and 460.

Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM)

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 130. Natural Resources and Agriculture. (Same as AST 130, Env S 130.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Survey of the ecology and management of fish, forest, and wildlife resources in areas of intensive agriculture, with emphasis on Iowa. Conservation and management practices for private agricultural lands. Designed for nonmajors.

NREM 211. Careers in Natural Resources. (2-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Second half semester. Prereq: Sophomore classification. Career planning and opportunities in natural resources. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

NREM 301. Forest Ecology and Soils. (Same as EnSci 301.) (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 211, 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 303I. Undergraduate Internship. (Same as Ia LL 303I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

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 330. Interpretation of Natural Resources. (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in biological sciences. History, objectives, forms, and techniques of natural resources interpretation in the settings of county, state, national parks, and zoos.

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). Nonmajor graduate credit.

NREM 385. Natural Resource Policy. (Dual-listed with 585.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: Junior standing. History, theory, and practice of natural resource policy. Integrative approach with emphasis on wildlife and forest policies in the United States, and their relationship to public agencies and other major environmental policies. The role of science in policy.

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 402. Watershed Hydrology and Surficial Processes. (Same as Agron 402, EnSci 402, Geol 402.) (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in EnSci 381, or Geol 100 or 201, Math 165 or 181. Burras, Simpkins. Examination of watersheds as systems wherein biological and physical factors control hydrology, soil formation, and nutrient transport. Laboratory emphasizes field investigation of watershed-scale processes. Nonmajor graduate credit.

NREM 407. Watershed Management. (Dual-listed with 507, Same as EnSci 407, 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.

NREM 430. Media Techniques in Natural Resources Interpretation. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 330. Media techniques used by interpreters for teaching the public about natural resources. 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. (Same as Env S 460.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 120, and A Ecl 312 or NREM 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 490I. Undergraduate Independent Study. (Same as Ia LL 490I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

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 504. Forest Landscapes, Wildlife, and Silviculture. (3-3) Cr. 4. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 301. Detailed analysis of factors and processes underlying forest and stand growth and development. Applications of this knowledge to forest culture to support a diversity of use and protection objectives. Discussions of regional silviculture, tropical forests, and experimentation in forest biology.

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 507. Watershed Management. (Dual-listed with 407, Same as EnSci 507.) (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.

NREM 508I. Aquatic Ecology. (Same as Ia LL 508I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

NREM 529. Publishing in Biological Sciences Journals. (Same as Agron, Hort 529.) (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: Permission of instructor; evidence of a publishable unit of the student's research data. Process of preparing a manuscript for submission to a refereed journal in the biological sciences. Emphasis on publishing self-generated data from thesis or dissertation research.

NREM 532. Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: A Ecl 312 or equivalent plus 6 credits of biological sciences; permission of instructor. Exploration of institutions that help shape natural resource management and policies. Current research on interaction of humans with natural resources. Roles of social forces, politics and economics in natural resource management.

NREM 535. Restoration Ecology. (Same as EnSci 535, EEOB 535.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Biol 366 or 474 or graduate standing. Theory and practice of restoring animal and plant diversity, structure and function of disturbed ecosystems. Restored freshwater wetlands, forests, prairies and reintroduced species populations will be used as case studies.

NREM 542. Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques. (Same as GDCB 542.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

NREM 546. Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management. (Dual-listed with 446, Same as EnSci 546.) (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 570. Advanced Decision-making in Natural Resource Allocation. (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: For 451 or two courses in economics. Analytical approach to economic aspects of forest resource management problems. Theory and application of economic decision-making criteria to traditional and modern forest resource management issues. Current problems in the allocation of forest resources.

NREM 580. Research Orientation. (2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 20 credits in biological sciences and a course in statistics. Research design, proposal preparation, technical writing, and professional presentations.

NREM 581. 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 585. Natural Resource Policy. (Dual-listed with 385.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 12 credits of biological sciences. History, theory, and practice of natural resource policy. Integrative approach with emphasis on wildlife and forest policies in the United States, and their relationship to public agencies and other major environmental policies. The role of science in policy.

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. 1-12.