Renewable Natural Resources

RNR 101 Global Sustainability and Natural Resources

Only for students who have not taken RNR 150C1 (Sustainable Earth: Natural Resources and the Environment). See University General Education, Tier One. Life support systems on planet Earth are becoming progressively more challenged by a global population that recently exceeded 7 billion people. With a focus on natural ecosystems, we will explore how society deals with threats to the planetary goods and services on which life depends. Sustainability lies at the intersection of the environment, society and economics. We will explore environmental, societal and economic strategies humans might develop to become effective stewards of our natural resources and achieve a sustainable Earth.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 150C1 Sustainable Earth: Natural Resources and the Environment

Life support systems on planet Earth are becoming progressively more challenged by a global human population that has exceeded 7 billion people. With a focus on natural resources, we will explore how society deals with threats to the planetary goods and services on which all life depends. Sustainability lies at the intersection of the environment, society, and economics. We will explore environmental, societal, and economic strategies and perspectives humans have developed to become effective stewards of our natural resources and achieve a sustainable Earth.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 160D1 Wildlife, Conservation, and American Culture

Wildlife, Conservation, and American Culture explores the significance of wild animals in society as reflected in governmental agencies and laws, how people spend their time and money, and in the social controversies that stem from efforts to conserve animal populations in the face of human development.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 170C1 Our Place in Nature: Biology and the Environment

This course involves the study of nature emphasizing humans as a component of it. We learn how living things and physical processes function and interconnect to generate the complex environments of our planet. Our perspective is based on the methods natural scientists use to understand nature. We examine on how this understanding may lead to solutions to challenges in the environment, medicine, and agriculture. Our approach throughout this course focuses on the roles of quantitative information in decision making in natural science and other aspects of modern life. We apply the key elements of the practice of natural science to evaluate and interpret quantitative information and develop hypotheses about biological phenomena relevant in our lives. We locate or collect data, organize and analyze these data, and develop conclusions from these analyses. Finally, we examine communication of our findings to multiple audiences using a variety of representations.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 195A Careers in Conservation: Wildlife, Plants, & Water

The course will provide students with an overview of the state of natural resources (e.g., wildlife, plants, and water) in North America, and the framework under which these resources are conserved and managed in the United States. Selected professionals will present case studies of important and current challenges in conservation and management, and discuss how students might make a difference in their disciplines.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 199 Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 200 Conservation of Natural Environments

Historical and philosophical developments in natural resources management; socio-political, economic, and ecological factors affecting resource use; the role of people and organizations in conservation of resources such as rangelands, forests, water, fish and wildlife.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 230L Field Botany Laboratory

This course covers the skills and information required to function as a botanist in the field. The course includes individual laboratory and field exercises and emphasizes practical plant identification and field botanical skills. RNR 230L is open to students in all majors and is a core course in the Natural Resources undergraduate curriculum.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 230R Field Botany

In this course we address fundamental knowledge that supports the study and appreciation of plants in their natural environments. Emphasis is placed on species found in the southwestern United States. The course begins with the fundamental elements of plant growth, development, physiology, and reproduction. Using this foundation, we then cover plant identification and taxonomy, and how environmental factors affect plant growth, distribution, and assemblage into communities. We conclude with a consideration of roles played by plants in ecological processes and how human-driven processes affect these processes. RNR 230R is open to students in all majors and is a core course in the Natural Resources undergraduate curriculum in the School of Natural Resources & the Environment

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 240 Principles of Ecotourism

In RNR 240, we examine the principles of ecotourism and how they can be used as to conserve and manage natural and human resources in a sustainable and financially viable way. We will review ecological impacts on the environment from tourism activities and learn how these are often managed as we examine numerous case studies. We will conclude the course by studying commonly established models used to deal with too many tourists at popular destinations. RNR 240 is open to students in all majors.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 256 Sustainable Cities and Societies

Urbanization and cities within the sustainability framework. Global urbanization, social justice, environmental equity, growth management, "the new urbanism." International cases. Web based projects.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 299 Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 310 Agave, Cacti, and Other Succulents of Southern Arizona

A survey of the Agave, Cacti, and other succulents of southern Arizona both native and common landscaping plants. The course will include the natural history, identification, and physiology as well as the practices for propagation and common uses.

Offered:
Summer 2022

RNR 316 Natural Resources Ecology

Principles of plant, animal, and community ecology important to the understanding and management of renewable natural resources.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 321 Ecological Surveys and Sampling

General principles for quantifying attributes of natural resources in ways that facilitate conservation and management. Fundamentals of sampling design, field surveys, data collection, and data analysis, with emphasis on methods for plant and animal populations. Explore how sampling design affects the scope of inference and quality of data that result from a study.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 335 Introduction to Geospatial Concepts and Defense Applications

The 3-credit course is a basic introduction to geospatial technology and concepts with an emphasis on its use in defense and security. The course will be highly participatory involving hands-on practical experience using geospatial technology. Students will be introduced to the concepts of geospatial technology with a focus on applications that are relevant to military officers and others interested in defense and security.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 355 Introduction to Wildland Fire

The course aims to provide students with a broad, balanced understanding of fire as a biophysical process. We will explore fire from many perspectives, including physics, ecology, biogeography, management, policy, and economics. The course will strive to make our study of fire interesting and relevant in the contemporary world by examining how such factors as climate change, invasive species, and land use influence how fire interacts with the landscape. We will examine a variety of fire management strategies including fire suppression, prescribed fire, wildland fire use, and landscape restoration ecology. The course will provide a global perspective on fire, with primary emphasis on ecosystems of western North America.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 384 Natural Resources Management Practices

Introduction to resource management practices used to achieve societal goals. Includes practices used to produce water, wood, forage, wildlife and other renewable resources; to protect water, soil, wilderness and scenic attractions; and to mitigate the adverse impacts of management and land-use activities on the environment.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 388 Biosphere 2 Science, From Wonder to Discovery

Welcome to Biosphere 2 Science, from Wonder to Discovery. Our focus will be on science that informs our understanding of Earth systems, including exciting research only possible at Biosphere 2. Key themes that you will explore and experience include diverse research methods, scale and control, models and inference, data science, systems thinking, microbiology drivers, climate change, and ecosystem services ¿ including the provisioning of food and water for humans. Earth systems research ¿ and implications for healthy, equitable human societies ¿ is inherently interdisciplinary. Therefore, this course is of relevance for many careers, majors housed in several colleges; participating faculty also represent multiple UArizona colleges. Our course moves through several examples and problem sets or mini-projects with leading scientists that include the key themes for understanding planet Earth. By the end of the course you will have a valuable science-practice tool kit and way of thinking applicable to a wide variety of professional pursuits. Honors Credit available via contract.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 392 Directed Research

Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty where students complete a substantive part of the research and analysis and a final report.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 393 Internship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 399 Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 403 Applications of Geographic Information Systems

General survey of principles of geographic information systems (GIS); applications of GIS to issues such as land assessment and evaluation of wildlife habitat; problem-solving with GIS.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 407 Insect Discovery

Insect Discovery is a special course that combines an introduction to insect biology with practical experience in science outreach. Students will learn insect biology through lectures, labs and field trips, and communicate their knowledge to elementary school children by leading hands-on, inquiry-based science activities.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 413 Applied Biostatistics

Introductory and advanced statistical methods and their applications in ecology. Focuses on how research design dictates choice of statistical models; explores principles and pitfalls of hypothesis testing.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 416A Computer Cartography

Introduces the principles of map design, production and analysis.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 416C Urban Geographic Information Systems

Introduces concepts and application skills for use of geographic information systems to investigate a range of urban spatial issues and decision-making processes. Emphasis on complete process of GIS-based problem solving, including project planning, spatial data sources/acquisition, preparation/coding, analysis, representation, and communication.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 416E Geovisualization (GIS)

Introduces principles and practices of Geovisualization (Geoviz) and softwares (Community and ERDAS Image).

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 416F GIS for the Social Sciences

An advanced course for students who want to integrate social science data and geographic information science into their research or work life. The course is presented in a lecture/laboratory format. The lecture portion will deal with conceptual issues necessary for the integration of social science data and approaches within a GIS framework. The laboratory portion will provide practical experience with GIS software products used for the development and analysis of spatially-referenced social science data sets.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 417 Geographic Information Systems for Natural and Social Sciences

Introduction to the application of GIS and related technologies for both the natural and social sciences. Conceptual issues in GIS database design and development, analysis, and display.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 419 Cartographic Modeling for Natural Resources

Computer techniques for analyzing, modeling, and displaying geographic information. Development of spatially oriented problem design and the use of logic are applied to the use of GIS programs. Emphasis on applications in land resources management and planning.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 420 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Examines various areas of advanced GIS applications such as dynamic segmentation, surface modeling, spatial statistics, and network modeling. The use of high performance workstations will be emphasized.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 422 Resource Mapping Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems

This course combines aspects of remote sensing, GIS, and biogeography in an interdisciplinary framework to elucidate how land use and land cover can be monitored using UAS. Links will be made with field and satellite-based monitoring techniques to cross-validate landscape maps. Students that take this course will develop a solid scientific and applied basis to address geospatial landscape monitoring questions. They will do this by safely flying a drone, acquiring data in the field and with the drone, processing GPS and multi-sensor data, analyzing these data and creating landscape maps and products.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 429 Ecological Climatology

Life evolved on the Earth partly due to favorable climate conditions, but life has also played an important role in shaping the Earth's atmosphere and climate - a perfect example of the complex feedbacks occurring between biological and geophysical systems. This course will explore in-depth interactions occurring between relevant areas of ecology - the study of the interactions of organisms among themselves and with their environment - and climatology - the study of the physical state of the atmosphere - to understand the functioning of terrestrial landscapes in the climate system. A central focus will be on the exchange of energy, water, chemical elements, and trace gases between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere and how this exchange leads to fascinating feedbacks in Earth's climate system. This course combines aspects of physical climatology, hydrology, ecosystem ecology, and biogeography in an interdisciplinary framework to elucidate how the biosphere and atmosphere are inextricably linked. Students that take this course will develop a solid conceptual framework for evaluating how the biosphere responds to climate perturbations and how, in turn, perturbations in the biosphere affect climate. This course will provide students with a critical thinking skill-set that will allow them to evaluate important topical issues regarding climate change. Students will also get an introduction to the vast freely downloadable climate, satellite, and Earth System Model data and an introduction to the technical skills needed to incorporate these data into their own scholarship and research.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 431A Traditional Ecological Knowledge

An introduction to the growing literature on traditional ecological knowledge and its relationships to the ecological and social sciences.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 433 Forest Ecology

Forest Ecology is a 3-unit course in which the objective is to develop a better understanding of how forests work. Forests provide many benefits to humanity, including wood, water resources, and habitat for wildlife. In addition, they play a key role in the global carbon cycle. A 2018 U. S. National Academies of Sciences report advocates for using afforestation, reforestation, and improved forest management as "Negative Emissions Technologies" to draw CO2 out of the atmosphere. At the same time, we see forests dying in response to drought and going up in smoke in massive wildfires. Can we restore the Earth's climate system with forests, and preserve the many benefits to humanity provided by forests? The course begins with a survey of the diversity of forests at the global scale. We'll then consider forests from the ground up (soils and ecohydrology), proceeding to the physiology of individual trees, what controls tree growth, followed by forest demography, including forest stand development, regeneration, and tree mortality, then landscape-scale processes (disturbance ecology), succession, and resilience ecology, ending with forests as ecosystems. Forest models, forest management, forest wildlife, and forest restoration will be considered throughout.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 435 Restoration Ecology

The Restoration Ecology seminar aims to provide students with a broad, balanced understanding of science and practice in the field of restoration ecology. This class is an introduction to the common issues, problems, strengths, and weaknesses of restoration activities across all regions, biomes, and intensities of management. A special emphasis is given to the application of restoration ecology in addressing emerging challenges in natural resource ecology and management.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 436 Agro-ecology

Agro-ecology is the application of ecological principles to the production of food and fiber. The underlying goals are to assess and promote the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems. Through this course we will study how agro-ecosystems vary across time and space and will examine the trade-offs associated with different cropping systems and management practices. We will begin with a brief history of major trends in agriculture, then examine the ecological interactions involved in crop production, observe how these interactions shape agricultural practices and conclude with a discussion of domestic and international government policies that influence agricultural sustainability.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 440 Climate Change Adaptation: Perspectives at the Nexus of Science, Society, & Resource Management

Much of modern society's experience of managing resources and protecting people and infrastructure has occurred during a period of relatively stable climate. In the most recent decades in the Southwest, we have observed a cascade of impacts associated with temperature increases, including changes in snow hydrology, urban heat, wildland fire, and in the severity of drought impacts. Projected future climate changes and impacts may lie outside the range of climate variation that we have observed and may have more serious consequences for society and the environment. Anticipating changes will allow society to identify response options across a range of vulnerabilities and manage the risks associated with projected climate changes. In the best possible cases, these actions, or adaptations, may provide economic and other benefits to society. In this course, we will examine actions to reduce vulnerabilities or increase resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. The focus is on preparedness to reduce climate-related risks. Each of the class sessions is designed to include thought-provoking presentations by local and national practitioners and researchers ¿ to ground state-of-the-art science and theory with on-the-ground realities. The general focus will be on impacts and responses in the arid Southwest (water, fire, wildlife, ecosystems, cities). The course will also investigate the tools and frameworks for advancing action and incorporating adaptation planning at the local, regional, national and international scale. The course is open to undergraduate seniors from relevant academic programs, with the permission of the instructors.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 441A Natural Resource Management in Native Communities

This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 448 Conservation Planning & Wildland Recreation

This course will introduce the concepts and techniques used in the growing field of human use management in outdoor recreation settings. The focus is on the sociological dimensions of the recreation experience and an understanding of the principles, practices, and dilemmas of outdoor recreation management in natural areas.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 452 Climate Change and Dryland Ecosystem Ecology

Overview of climate change impacts on dryland ecosystems with a focus on ecological and hydrological interrelationships and consideration of threshold changes in dryland ecosystems.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 458 Ecosystem Ecology and a Sustainable Future

Rapid changes to Earth's biosphere will influence how natural and managed ecosystems function and alter the services they provide. Issues from conservation biology to sustainability and global climate change rely on a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem processes. In this class, students will learn the principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology, examining the influence of biological, ecological, and physical processes on energy and material flows and water and elemental (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous) cycling in ecosystems. Graduate level requirements include an additional project and leading class discussions.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 473 Spatial Analysis and Modeling

Explores the use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool for natural resource and environmental managers. Topics include spatial autocorrelation, interpolation techniques, and model integration. Examines sources of error and possible ramifications.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 480 Natural Resources Policy and Law

Resource policy formation; ethics of resource use; administration and organization for resource management; analysis of present policy and trends.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 481 Environmental Policy

Role of government in management of energy, natural resources and environment; process and policy alternatives; special attention to the Southwest.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 482 Integrated Geospatial Technologies

The course will cover resource mapping concepts and technologies. Students are expected to have a background in GIS and remote sensing. Topics will include survey methods (e.g. GPS), Internet Mapping Technologies (e.g. Google Earth), remoting sensing technologies such as LiDAR and digital imagery, classification methods, and data integration. Students will be required to complete an independent mapping project.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 483 Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing

Use of aircraft and satellite imagery for monitoring landforms, soils, vegetation and land use, with the focus on problems of land-use planning, resource management and related topics.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 485 The Economics & Social Connections to Natural Resources

The economics and social connections to environmental systems and their problems offers an important insight into the use, misuse, and overuse of natural resources. This course examines economic theory, concepts, and decision-making tools for real-world problems and possible solutions. The course is intended for students studying natural resources, environmental science, social sciences, public policy, public administration, and other disciplines interested in this perspective. Descriptive, graphical, and elementary quantitative methods will be used throughout the course.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 490 Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth

Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth introduces basic and applied remote sensing science as a means to explore the diversity of our planetary environments (biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) within the radiometric, spectral, spatial, angular and temporal domains of remote sensing systems. This survey course strikes a balance between theory, applications and hands-on labs and assignments. We explore how you can download, process, analyze and interpret multi-sensor data and integrate online remotely sensed data sources/products into your research of interest.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 491 Preceptorship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 492 Directed Research

Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty where students complete a substantive part of the research and analysis and a final report.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 493 Internship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 493L Legislative Internship

Working experience at the Arizona State Legislature; responsibilities draw upon student's area of major expertise and include preparing written and oral reports, summarizing legislative proposals, and providing information to legislators and legislative committees.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 494 Practicum

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 496B Natural Resources Seminar

The development and exchange of scholarly information, in a small group setting, on selected topics in natural resources conservation and management. Course registrants exchange results of research through discussions, reports, and/or papers.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 498 Senior Capstone

A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 498H Honors Thesis

An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 499 Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022
Winter 2021

RNR 499H Honors Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 503 Applications of Geographic Information Systems

General survey of principles of geographic information systems (GIS); applications of GIS to issues such as land assessment and evaluation of wildlife habitat; problem-solving with GIS. Graduate-level requirements include completion of a project on the use of GIS in their discipline or an original GIS analysis (100 points) in coordination with the instructor.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 506R Conservation Biology

Biological principles applied to protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species and the processes which link species in natural ecosystems. Biological basis for conservation laws and regulations. Distribution, valuation and sustainable production of biodiversity benefits for humanity. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 513 Applied Biostatistics

Introductory and advanced statistical methods and their applications in ecology. Focuses on how research design dictates choice of statistical models; explores principles and pitfalls of hypothesis testing.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 516A Computer Cartography

Introduces the principles of map design, production and analysis. Graduate-level requirements include an instructor approved 5-8 page paper on a related topic and analytical cartography demonstrating scholarly analysis in contemporary analytical cartography.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 516C Urban Geographic Information Systems

Introduces concepts and application skills for use of geographic information systems to investigate a range of urban spatial issues and decision-making processes. Emphasis on complete process of GIS-based problem solving, including project planning, spatial data sources/acquisition, preparation/coding, analysis, representation, and communication. Graduate-level requirements include writing an original research papers based on original data collected in the field.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 516E Geovisualization (GIS)

Introduces principles and practices of Geovisualization (Geoviz) and softwares (Community and ERDAS Image). Graduate-level requirements include an instructor-approved, scholarly paper on a related topic in Geoviz. The paper will be 5-8 double-spaced, typewritten pages and provide a scholarly analysis and critique of a significant real-world Geoviz application.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 516F GIS for the Social Sciences

An advanced course for students who want to integrate social science data and geographic information science into their research or work life. The course is presented in a lecture/laboratory format. The lecture portion will deal with conceptual issues necessary for the integration of social science data and approaches within a GIS framework. The laboratory portion will provide practical experience with GIS software products used for the development and analysis of spatially-referenced social science data sets. Graduate-level requirements include a 15 page term paper dealing with the integration of social science and GIS. Specific topics must be agreed upon in advance with the instructor. The paper will be completed in stages and due dates for selecting a topic, and for the completion of a précis, an outline and the paper will be posted on the course D2L site.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 517 Geographic Information Systems for Natural and Social Sciences

Introduction to the application of GIS and related technologies for both the natural and social sciences. Conceptual issues in GIS database design and development, analysis, and display. Graduate-level requirements include a thorough bibliographic review and a scholarly paper on a current application of geographic information systems in the student's major field.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 519 Cartographic Modeling for Natural Resources

Computer techniques for analyzing, modeling, and displaying geographic information. Development of spatially oriented problem design and the use of logic are applied to the use of GIS programs. Emphasis on applications in land resources management and planning. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 520 Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Examines various areas of advanced GIS applications such as dynamic segmentation, surface modeling, spatial statistics, and network modeling. The use of high performance workstations will be emphasized. Graduate-level requirements include a more extensive project and report.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 522 Resource Mapping Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems

This course combines aspects of remote sensing, GIS, and biogeography in an interdisciplinary framework to elucidate how land use and land cover can be monitored using UAS. Links will be made with field and satellite-based monitoring techniques to cross-validate landscape maps. Students that take this course will develop a solid scientific and applied basis to address geospatial landscape monitoring questions. They will do this by safely flying a drone, acquiring data in the field and with the drone, processing GPS and multi-sensor data, analyzing these data and creating landscape maps and products.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 526A Principles of Indigenous Economics

Indigenous and aboriginal peoples in the Americas developed distinctive economic systems prior to contact with Europe. As the world economic system developed, indigenous peoples attempted to preserve their ways of life as best they could, with some success. This course examines the ontological, epistemological and moral principles of indigenous economic theory with application to contemporary problems.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 529 Ecological Climatology

Life evolved on the Earth partly due to favorable climate conditions, but life has also played an important role in shaping the Earth's atmosphere and climate - a perfect example of the complex feedbacks occurring between biological and geophysical systems. This course will explore in-depth interactions occurring between relevant areas of ecology - the study of the interactions of organisms among themselves and with their environment - and climatology - the study of the physical state of the atmosphere - to understand the functioning of terrestrial landscapes in the climate system. A central focus will be on the exchange of energy, water, chemical elements, and trace gases between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere and how this exchange leads to fascinating feedbacks in Earth's climate system. This course combines aspects of physical climatology, hydrology, ecosystem ecology, and biogeography in an interdisciplinary framework to elucidate how the biosphere and atmosphere are inextricably linked. Students that take this course will develop a solid conceptual framework for evaluating how the biosphere responds to climate perturbations and how, in turn, perturbations in the biosphere affect climate. This course will provide students with a critical thinking skill-set that will allow them to evaluate important topical issues regarding climate change. Students will also get an introduction to the vast freely downloadable climate, satellite, and Earth System Model data and an introduction to the technical skills needed to incorporate these data into their own scholarship and research. Graduate student requirements include 1) developing an analysis, writing it up in the format of a scientific paper, and presenting the analysis and paper to the class at the end of the semester, 2) selecting and formally reviewing two scientific papers from the peer-reviewed literature.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 531A Traditional Ecological Knowledge

An introduction to the growing literature on traditional ecological knowledge and its relationships to the ecological and social sciences. Graduate-level requirements include preparing for and leading a class discussion on a specific topic.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 533 Forest Ecology

Forest Ecology is a 3-unit course in which the objective is to develop a better understanding of how forests work. Forests provide many benefits to humanity, including wood, water resources, and habitat for wildlife. In addition, they play a key role in the global carbon cycle. A 2018 U. S. National Academies of Sciences report advocates for using afforestation, reforestation, and improved forest management as "Negative Emissions Technologies" to draw CO2 out of the atmosphere. At the same time, we see forests dying in response to drought and going up in smoke in massive wildfires. Can we restore the Earth's climate system with forests, and preserve the many benefits to humanity provided by forests? The course begins with a survey of the diversity of forests at the global scale. We'll then consider forests from the ground up (soils and ecohydrology), proceeding to the physiology of individual trees, what controls tree growth, followed by forest demography, including forest stand development, regeneration, and tree mortality, then landscape-scale processes (disturbance ecology), succession, and resilience ecology, ending with forests as ecosystems. Forest models, forest management, forest wildlife, and forest restoration will be considered throughout.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 535 Restoration Ecology

The Restoration Ecology Seminar aims to provide students with a broad, balanced understanding of science and practice in the field of restoration ecology. This class is an introduction to the common issues, problems, strengths, and weaknesses of restoration activities across all regions, biomes, and intensities of management. A special emphasis is given to the application of restoration ecology in addressing emerging challenges in natural resource ecology and management. Graduate-level requirements include co-leading at least two class sessions.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 536 Agro-ecology

Agro-ecology is the application of ecological principles to the production of food and fiber. The underlying goals are to assess and promote the long-term sustainability of agricultural production systems. Through this course we will study how agro-ecosystems vary across time and space and will examine the trade-offs associated with different cropping systems and management practices. We will begin with a brief history of major trends in agriculture, then examine the ecological interactions involved in crop production, observe how these interactions shape agricultural practices and conclude with a discussion of domestic and international government policies that influence agricultural sustainability. Graduate-level requirements include leading one class discussion and taking a more in-depth take-home midterm exam.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 540 Climate Change Adaptation: Perspectives at the Nexus of Science, Society, & Resource Management

Much of modern society's experience of managing resources and protecting people and infrastructure has occurred during a period of relatively stable climate. In the most recent decades in the Southwest, we have observed a cascade of impacts associated with temperature increases, including changes in snow hydrology, urban heat, wildland fire, and in the severity of drought impacts. Projected future climate changes and impacts may lie outside the range of climate variation that we have observed and may have more serious consequences for society and the environment. Anticipating changes will allow society to identify response options across a range of vulnerabilities and manage the risks associated with projected climate changes. In the best possible cases, these actions, or adaptations, may provide economic and other benefits to society. In this course, we will examine actions to reduce vulnerabilities or increase resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. The focus is on preparedness to reduce climate-related risks. Each of the class sessions is designed to include thought-provoking presentations by local and national practitioners and researchers ¿ to ground state-of-the-art science and theory with on-the-ground realities. The general focus will be on impacts and responses in the arid Southwest (water, fire, wildlife, ecosystems, cities). The course will also investigate the tools and frameworks for advancing action and incorporating adaptation planning at the local, regional, national and international scale. Graduate-level requirements include completing an in-depth research paper or proposal, and written reflections on adaptation tools and practices.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 541A Natural Resource Management in Native Communities

This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change. Graduate-level requirements include Increased length of writing assignments.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 546 Principles of Research

Philosophy of science and the principles of conducting research, including formulation of problems, problem analysis, study plans, and preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 548 Conservation Planning & Wildland Recreation

This course will introduce the concepts and techniques used in the growing field of human use management in outdoor recreation settings. The focus is on the sociological dimensions of the recreation experience and an understanding of the principles, practices, and dilemmas of outdoor recreation management in natural areas.Graduate-level requirements include students to be team leaders during the project phase of the class. They will be expected to learn how to be project coordinators and work with undergraduate students.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 552 Climate Change and Dryland Ecosystem Ecology

Overview of climate change impacts on dryland ecosystems with a focus on ecological and hydrological interrelationships and consideration of threshold changes in dryland ecosystems.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 558 Ecosystem Ecology and a Sustainable Future

Rapid changes to Earth's biosphere will influence how natural and managed ecosystems function and alter the services they provide. Issues from conservation biology to sustainability and global climate change rely on a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem processes. In this class, students will learn the principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology, examining the influence of biological, ecological, and physical processes on energy and material flows and water and elemental (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous) cycling in ecosystems. Graduate level requirements include an additional project and leading class discussions.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 573 Spatial Analysis and Modeling

Explores the use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool for natural resource and environmental managers. Topics include spatial autocorrelation, interpolation techniques, and model integration. Examines sources of error and possible ramifications. Graduate-level requirements include the students to show additional, sophisticated proficiency with the material through the completion of a final course project, consisting of an additional analysis of data provided by the students (see syllabus for point breakdown).

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 575 Economics of Water and Environmental Markets and Incentive-based Policies

Economic incentives, tradable permits and markets for ecosystem services are pivotal in contemporary water and environmental policy. This class covers theory and application of economic concepts needed to evaluate water and environmental laws and policies; including ecosystem service provision, tradable use permits, benefit cost analysis, externalities, public goods and valuation methodologies. Case studies include federal, state, tribal and international water and environmental policies.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 578 Global Change

Analysis of the Earth system through an examination of its component parts (particularly climate and biogeochemistry) and their interactions with human activities, emphasizing information needed to understand modern and future environmental changes. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth written exercise and additional activities as described in the syllabus.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 580 Natural Resources Policy and Law

Resource policy formation; ethics of resource use; administration and organization for resource management; analysis of present policy and trends. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth policy analysis paper.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 581 Environmental Policy

Role of government in management of energy, natural resources and environment; process and policy alternatives; special attention to the Southwest. Graduate-level requirements include additional readings and a substantial research paper of at least 25 pages in length.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 583 Geographic Applications of Remote Sensing

Use of aircraft and satellite imagery for monitoring landforms, soils, vegetation and land use, with the focus on problems of land-use planning, resource management and related topics. Graduate-level requirements include the completion of a project report.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 585 The Economics & Social Connections to Natural Resources

The economics and social connections to environmental systems and their problems offers an important insight into the use, misuse, and overuse of natural resources. This course examines economic theory, concepts, and decision-making tools for real-world problems and possible solutions. The course is intended for students studying natural resources, environmental science, social sciences, public policy, public administration, and other disciplines interested in this perspective. Descriptive, graphical, and elementary quantitative methods will be used throughout the course.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 590 Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth

Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth introduces basic and applied remote sensing science as a means to explore the diversity of our planetary environments (biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere) within the radiometric, spectral, spatial, angular and temporal domains of remote sensing systems. This survey course strikes a balance between theory, applications and hands-on labs and assignments. We explore how you can download, process, analyze and interpret multi-sensor data and integrate online remotely sensed data sources/products into your research of interest.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 593 Internship

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 594 Practicum

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 596B Natural Resources Seminar

The development and exchange of scholarly information, in a small group setting, on selected topics in natural resources conservation and management. Course registrants exchange results of research through discussions, reports, and/or papers.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 599 Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 615 Ecosystem Service Valuation Methods

This course examines theory, concepts, and the application of methods that are frequently used for the valuation of market and non-market ecosystem services. Understanding and predicting the behavior of decision makers and consumers, when choosing among institutional structures or incentives, is key to solving conflicts between humans and nature. Special focus is given to the concepts of utility, preferences, and willingness-to-pay (accept). Course intended for students studying natural resources, environmental science, public policy, public administration, and other disciplines interested in this perspective.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 620 Working with Ecological Data in R

R is increasingly becoming the software package of choice for manipulating, analyzing, and presenting data in ecological studies. This 2-credit graduate course will focus on fundamentals of the R language and introduce students to particular packages that are useful across a broad set of ecological applications. This course will emphasize tools for inputting, editing, checking, restructuring, and plotting of various data types (time series, counts, geographic layers, model output). This course will also include some discussion of general statistical approaches (hypothesis testing, parameter estimation and model selection) and their proper execution in R.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 621 Applied Statistics

An intermediate course in statistical methods for the applied sciences, with emphasis on applications in ecology and biology. Fundamentals of inference, estimation, and testing, with emphasis on generalized linear models and implemented with the R software environment.

Offered:
Fall 2022

RNR 694 Practicum

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 694A Teaching in Renewable Natural Resources Studies

Mentored teaching experience for students serving as a teaching assistant in courses in Natural Resources.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 694B Teaching in Range Management

Mentored teaching experience for students serving as a teaching assistant in courses in the Rangeland Ecology and Management program.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 694C Teaching in Watershed Management

Mentored teaching experience for students serving as a teaching assistant in courses in the Watershed Management and Ecohydrology program.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 694D Teaching in Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Mentored teaching experience for students serving as a teaching assistant in courses in the Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management programs.

Offered:
Spring 2022

RNR 696A Renewable Natural Resources

The development and exchange of scholarly information, in a small group setting, on selected topics in Natural Resources science and management. Course registrants exchange results of research through discussions, reports, and/or papers.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 696W Water, Society, and Policy Seminar

This course is designed to introduce students to the various ways that water science, societal forces, and public policy intersect, and to familiarize students with the various units on campus addressing complex interdisciplinary water management questions.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 699 Independent Study

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 900 Research

Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 909 Master's Report

Individual study or special project or formal report thereof submitted in lieu of thesis for certain master's degrees.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022

RNR 910 Thesis

Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022
Winter 2021

RNR 920 Dissertation

Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).

Offered:
Fall 2022
Summer 2022
Spring 2022