Natural Resources Management
NRM 101 (3 Credits) Fall
Natural Resources Conservation and Policy (3+0)
Concepts, management practices and issues/concerns associated with the conservation of natural resources; natural and social science aspects of resource conservation and policy; resource commentaries and discussion sessions provide opportunities for developing a personal philosophy related to natural resources. Majors in all fields welcome. (Prerequisite: Placement in ENGL 111.)
NRM 102 (1-2 credits) Fall, Spring
Practicum in Natural Resources Management
Practical experience in natural resources management. Supervised individual study on a farm, in a greenhouse, managed forest, agency or business, or another approved location. (Prerequisites: Natural Resource Management majors only and permission of instructor.)
NRM 106 (1 Credit) Spring
Orientation to Natural Resource Management (1+0)
Overview of career opportunities in natural resources. Includes discussions with research faculty and upper class students involved in various aspects of resource management issues.
NRM 122 (3 credits) As Demand Warrants
Food Facts, Fads and Consumer Choices (3+0)
Consideration of the food supply and its safety, available alternatives in the marketplace and applied basic nutrition as it relates to food choices and health.
NRM 204 (3 Credits) Spring
Natural Resources Legislation and Policy (3+0)
Background on selected federal lands management legislation and agency policies affecting resources conservation, development, and preservation.
NRM 211 (3 Credits) Fall
Introduction to Applied Plant Science (2+3)
Basic principles and requirements for plant growth and development with special attention to the production and management of field and greenhouse grown crops. (Prerequisite: A basic course in the subject area.)
NRM 212 (3 Credits) Spring
Greenhouse Management (3+0)
The greenhouse as a controlled environment for research, education and commercial production of plants; the physical environment; environmental controls and monitors; plant cultivation techniques and crop scheduling useful in plant science and commercial production. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.)
NRM 215 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Plant Propagation (2+3)
Principles and practices of plant propagation useful in horticulture, botany, forestry, agronomy, revegetation projects and plant research. Emphasis on both macro- and micropropagation (tissue culture) of Alaska native plants by seeds, spores and vegetative propagules such as cuttings. (Prerequisite: NRM 211 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 251 (4 credits) Spring
Silvics and Dendrology (3+3)
Addresses ecological requirements and characteristics of tree species of the Northern Forest and western North American forest; silvical characteristics including range, climate, soils, shade tolerance, growth, and principal enemies. Family and species characteristics for identification on sight or with a key. Field trips required. Laboratory fee: $20.00. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106 and 271 or permission of instructor.)
NRM 277 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Introduction to Conservation Biology (3+0)
(Same as BIOL 277)
Introduction to the basic ecological, genetic, management, legal, and historical developments in conservation biology and focused efforts to manage biological diversity resources, with a status review of important habitats and endangered species. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 290 (2 Credits) Spring
Resource Management Issues at High Latitudes (0+6)
Broad perspective of high latitude resource management issues. On-site analyses of resource management needs, opportunities, and/or conflicts in the industries of: agriculture, forestry, mining, seafood, petroleum, recreation, and tourism. Includes 10 day field trip. Students must provide own sleeping gear, rain gear, and hiking boots. Students must be able to hike forest trails and camp under conditions of inclement weather. May be repeated for credit with instructor's permission. Materials fee: $150.00-175.00. (Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.)
NRM 300 (1-6 Credits) Fall, Spring, Summer
Internship in Natural Resources Management
Supervised pre-professional experience in a business or agency (public or private). Open to students majoring or minoring in natural resources management only. Course may be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 credits. (Prerequisites: NRM 101, junior standing, 3.0 gpa, permission of instructor, and an approved internship plan.)
NRM 303X (3 Credits) Spring
Environmental Ethics and Actions (3+0) h
Exploration of the history of modern Western views of the relationship between people and nature, alternative foundations for an environmental ethic (utilitarianism, spiritual activity, rights-based, and respect-based ethics) and practices of such ethics in business, profession, and general lifestyle today. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.)
NRM 304O (3 Credits) Fall
Perspectives in Natural Resources Management (3+0)
Analysis of philosophical/ethical, economic, scientific, and political foundations of diverse natural resource management perspectives. (Prerequisites: NRM 101, COMM 131X or 141X, junior standing or permission of instructor.)
NRM 310O (3 Credits) Fall
Agricultural Concepts (3+0)
Food and fiber origins are traced through world production techniques and use patterns to show how components of the agricultural industry (government, multinational corporations and consumers) are affected by and can affect policy, production, marketing and end-products. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106.)
NRM 312 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Introduction to Range Management (3+0)
Applied ecological treatment of soil, plant and grazing animal relationships on uncultivated lands. Origin of the discipline, management practices, important rangelands of North America; emphasis on Alaska's rangelands and grazers. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106, BIOL 239 or permission of instructor; NRM 320, 321 recommended. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 313 (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Introduction to Plant Pathology (3+3)
Plant pathology; non-parasitic and parasitic causes of plant diseases; methods of plant infestation and mechanism of plant defenses; epidemiology and disease control. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106; BIOL 239 recommended. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 320 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Introduction to Animal Science (2+3)
Origin, history, and economic significance of breeds of dairy and beef cattle, swine, sheep, and poultry. Discussion of reindeer, bison, and musk-ox. Management and production systems with special reference to Alaska. (Prerequisite: A course in general biology. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 321 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Applied Animal Nutrition (2+3)
Application of feeding standards and feedstuffs analysis to the nutrition of farm animals. Comparative anatomy of the digestive system of pig, horse, and cow. (Prerequisite: A course in general biology. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 338 (3 credits) Fall
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (2+3)
(Same as GEOG 338)
Geographic data concepts including mapping systems, data sources, editing data, GIS analysis and computer mapping. Introduction to Global Positioning Systems. GIS applications in natural resources management. Materials fee: $35.00. (Prerequisite: Knowledge of PC's or unix workstations desirable.)
NRM 340 (3 Credits) Spring
Natural Resources Measurement and Inventory (2+3)
Techniques and instrumentations used to measure and inventory natural resources, including land, timber, range, wildlife, water, and recreation resources. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.
NRM 341 (4 Credits) Spring
GIS Analysis (3+3)
(Same as GEOG 341)
GIS analysis of natural resources including spatial query, attribute query, vector, grid, image, topographic and network analysis techniques. (Prerequisite: NRM 338.)
NRM 365W (3 Credits) Spring
Principles of Outdoor Recreation Management (2+3)
Theories, practices, economics, and problems fundamental to the use of land and related natural resources for recreation. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.)
NRM 370 (3 Credits) Fall
Introduction to Watershed Management (2+3)
The hydrologic cycle and the influence of land management techniques on water quantity, quality, and timing. Water yield, soil erosion and non-point pollution, snowpack management, and land use alternatives. (Prerequisites: NRM 101 and GEOS 101 or permission of instructor.)
NRM 375 (3 Credits) Fall
Forest Ecology (2+3)
Basic forest ecology concepts including work on the physical (wind, temperature, water, etc.), biotic (population and community dynamics), genetic and successional and landscape dynamics and how this basic information can be used in development of wise management plans for forest ecosystems. (Prerequisite: NRM 251.)
NRM 380W (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Soils and the Environment (2+3)
Soil development and classification; physical and chemical properties; biological activity; water movement and nutrient cycling in natural and manipulated ecosystems. (Prerequisite: CHEM 105.)
NRM 400 (3 Credits) Fall
Fisheries Science (3+0)
(Same as FISH 400)
The subject of fishery science is reviewed to reflect the emerging concept of a study area integrated over a broad sweep of disciplines: oceanography, limnology, marine biology, fish population dynamics, aquaculture, economics, processing, product quality and development, and marketing. Demonstrates how such different subjects have feedback loops to one another and stresses the science fundamentals involved. Laboratory fee: $10.00. (Prerequisite: one 200-level biology class. Corequisite: STAT 200 [STAT 373-J].)
NRM 401 (3 Credits) Fairbanks, Spring
Fisheries Management (3+0) Juneau, Alternate Fall
(Same as FISH 401)
Principles, concepts and techniques of fisheries management in terms of their biological, economic, social and political aspects. Topics are stocking and introductions, habitat manipulation, sustainable yield, regulation, management organizations and their responsibilities. Examples of several fisheries are used to clarify concepts and practices. (Prerequisite: BIOL 271. Next offered Juneau: 1998-99.)
NRM 404 (3 Credits) Spring
Processes of Natural Resources Decision Making (3+0)
Analysis of decision-making models and evaluation criteria within the institutional and social constraints of federal and state agencies. (Prerequisites: NRM 101 and sophomore standing.)
NRM 405W (2 Credits) Fall, Spring
Senior Thesis in Natural Resources Management (2+0)
Problem-solving with emphasis on writing and analysis. Individual project under the guidance of faculty sponsor involving formulation of a question in natural resources management and preparation of a formal, comprehensive written report. Must be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits. (Prerequisites: NRM core, senior standing, senior thesis orientation workshop, or permission of instructor.)
NRM 407 (3 Credits) Spring
Environmental Law (3+0)
The role of common law theory in regulatory, statutory, and constitutional interpretation in the field of environmental protection, including air and water pollution, toxic/hazardous substances, and land-use regulation. (Prerequisite: Junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.)
NRM 412 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Field Crop Production (3+0)
Agronomic principles and practices involved in the production, storage, marketing, and utilization of field crops. (Prerequisite: NRM 211. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 420 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Animal Nutrition and Metabolism 3+0)
Nutrition and metabolism of domestic animals; ruminant and monogastric. (Prerequisites: CHEM 105, 106; biochemistry recommended. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 425 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Ungulate Management and Production Systems (2+3)
Functional biology of large herbivores (ungulates) and the management of world's grazing systems. Production strategies (cropping, herding ranching, and farming) as they pertain to productive and/or commercial management of wild ungulates with emphasis on Alaska's species. Laboratory presents specific examples with guest lecturers, films, and an introduction to modeling of grazing systems. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105X-106X and a wildlife or animal science course or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 430 (3 Credits) Fall
Resource Management Planning (3+0)
Application of planning and conflict resolution principles to natural resource management. Examination of plans prepared in response to current Alaskan resource disputes, including wolf, brown bear, boreal forest, and recreation river plans. Includes public involvement, consensus building, the basic steps in the planning process, and two 3-hour resource dispute simulations. Students review several resource management plans and work in teams to develop a plan for a local resource management issue. (Prerequisite: Upper division standing.)
NRM 431 (3 Credits) Spring
Wildlife Policy and Administration (3+0)
(Same as WLF 431)
Study of laws and agencies shaping wildlife management in North America. History and current status of major policy issues. Organization of and funding sources for state and federal programs in wildlife conservation. (Prerequisite: A 3 credit course in wildlife management principles or permission of instructor.)
NRM 438 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Arc Macro Language GIS Programming (3+0)
(Same as GEOG 438)
Arc macro language. Programming of pop-up menus and tools for GIS editing, display, and analysis. (Prerequisite: NRM 338 or equivalent. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 450 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Forest Management (3+0)
Forest land management for production of goods and services; relation of timber production to other forest land uses. Sustained yield, allowable cut, information needs, valuation, decision making. (Prerequisites: NRM 251, 340, ECON 235 (or equivalent), or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 451W (3 credits) Alternate Spring
Silviculture (2+3)
Examines biological, environmental, and silvicultural considerations essential for successful regeneration and maintenance of boreal and western North American forests. For persons in land management, including timber, woodlot, wildfire habitat, streamside, aesthetics. Provides intense look at science and art of forest stand management. Involves considerable critical writing. Field trips required. (Prerequisites: NRM 251, BIOL 271, junior standing or permission of the instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 452 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Forest Protection (3+0)
Principles and practical management systems for protection from fire, insects, and diseases. Factors in managing forest ecosystems, problems and techniques important in high latitude forests, especially in Alaska. (Prerequisites: BIOL 105, 106, 271, BOT 239; NRM 251 or instructor's permission. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 453 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Harvesting and Utilization of Forest Products (2+3)
Manual and mechanized timber harvesting systems including timber cutting, yarding, and transport processes. Technology of processing wood into various products including lumber, plywood, veneer, pulp, and energy. (Prerequisites: NRM 101 and 251 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 461 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Interpretive Services (3+0)
Naturalist and other visitor programs in outdoor recreation areas: philosophy, planning, and development of interpretive programs; resources, agencies, users, interpretive media, and program evaluation. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 462 (3 Credits) Fall
Alaskan Environmental Education (3+0)
(Same as ED 462)
Utilization of the environment inside and outside the formal classroom in all subject areas. Curriculum materials (K-12), interpretive and audiovisual aids, problem solving, and applications to situations from the public schools to summer camps, short courses, and workshops for individuals of any age. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.)
NRM 463 (3 Credits) Fall
Wilderness Concepts (3+0)
(Same as NRM 663 and GEOG 463 and 663)
Discovery of wilderness concepts, including the history and evolution of wilderness thought, the contemporary meaning of wilderness, and survey of economic and noneconomic wilderness values for individuals and society.
NRM 464 (3 Credits) Spring
Wilderness Management (3+0)
(Same as GEOG 464)
Wilderness ecology and land management practices on lands designated as wilderness. Plus, visitor management regimes are analyzed. Both national and international views of wilderness are presented. (Prerequisite: A basic course in ecology, resource management, or permission of instructor.)
NRM 465 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Outdoor Recreation Planning (3+0)
Allocations of natural resources for recreational purposes, including concomitant services. Macrobehavioral patterns influencing the allocation process. (Prerequisites: NRM 101 and ECON 235 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 480 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Soil Management for Quality and Conservation (3+0)
Managing soil in disturbed and natural ecosystems to reduce soil losses and maintain or improve soil quality. Methods for maintaining soil quality, preserving soil against loss from erosion, remediating contaminated soil, and reclaiming degraded soils discussed. (Prerequisite: NRM 380. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 485 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Soil Biology (3+0) n
Major groups of organisms in the soil and their interrelationships; the major biological processes which take place in the soil and their significance to soil productivity, plant growth, and environmental quality; and methodology for studying soil organisms and soil biological processes. (Prerequisites: A course in biology or microbiology and a course in soils or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 601 (3 Credits) Fall
Research Methods in Natural Resources Management (3+0)
Introduction for graduate students to the research methods as employed in the various fields of resource management, including agriculture, forestry, ecology, and social sciences. Designed to acquaint students with the relationship between theory and research, the nature of scientific inquiry, the approaches to research, the sequence of steps involved in scientific investigation, and the presentation of research results. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)
NRM 625 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Ungulate Management and Production Systems (2+3)
Functional biology of large herbivores (ungulates) and management of the world's grazing systems. Production strategies (cropping, herding, ranching, and farming) as they pertain to productive and/or commercial management of wild ungulates with emphasis on Alaska's species. Laboratory presents an introduction to flow charting, types of models, model design using various software, construction of a productive grazing system model, compiling a written report to explain the system designed. (Prerequisite: BIOL 105X or 106X and a wildlife or animal science course and permission of instructor. Next offered 1997-98.)
NRM 630 (3 Credits) Spring
Resource Planning: Principles and Practices (3+0)
In our complex world, resource planning and conflict go hand in hand. Managers find themselves caught between opposing groups and planning has become the forum for developing resource management agreements between the often angry stakeholders. Thus, the principles of mediation and conflict resolution have become an essential part of planning. Course should enhance the student's ability to analyze a resource management dispute, improve the climate for a good settlement, and successfully mediate an agreement. Students take part in several dispute simulations and prepare a detailed case study of a plan for a wildlife, river, forest, or other resource management issue. (Prerequisite: NRM 430 or equivalent.)
NRM 631 (3 Credit) As Demand Warrants
Resource Planning Practicum (3+0)
Application of principles and processes through group projects focused on Alaska land or resource problems. (Prerequisite: NRM 630 or permission of instructor.)
NRM 637 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Natural Resource Policy (3+0
(Same as ECON 637)
Resource policy issues development and implementation including forestry, mining, fisheries, oil, wildlife and other topics as demand warrants. Focus on policy issues involved in management of Alaska's resources. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 640 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Simulation and Modeling in Resource Management (3+0)
Introduction to and discussion of the use of simulation and modeling in natural resource management. Emphasis on concepts, strategies, and case studies. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 641 (4 Credits) Alternate Spring
Natural Resource Applications of Remote Sensing (3+3)
Application of remote sensing for inventory and analysis of natural resources. Topics include aerial photography applications and digital remote sensing, including image display, rectification, classification and accuracy assessment. (Prerequisite: NRM 338 or equivalent. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 651 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Advanced Silviculture (3+0)
Examines biological and environmental aspects of silviculture; addresses stand manipulation from the 'silvicultural system' approach and includes regeneration, vegetation management, stand tending, 'harvest' with considerations for bioadversity, 'old-growth,' wildlife habitat, and timber production. Ecological classification, landscape management, preharvest silvicultural prescriptions will be addressed. Must be able to participate in one weekend field trip. (Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and graduate student standing. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 663 (3 Credits) Fall
Wilderness Concepts (3+0)
(Same as NRM 463 and GEOG 463 and 663)
Discovery of wilderness concepts, including the history and evolution of wilderness thought, the contemporary meaning of wilderness, and survey of economic and noneconomic wilderness values for individuals and society.
NRM 665 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Advanced Outdoor Recreation (3+0)
Evaluation of contemporary outdoor recreation management models and the linkage between management programming and visitor response. Development of a synthesized model and testing with contemporary problems. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 670 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Biometeorology (3+0)
Radiation balance, energy balance relationships for natural and modified surfaces; physical environment in relation to biology and ecology of plants and animals; implications for resource and environmental management. (Prerequisites: Biological or physical science background and graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 672 (2 Credits) Alternate Fall
Dynamics of Nitrogen in Forest Ecosystems (2+0)
Consideration of the state and dynamics of nitrogen in the complete forest ecosystem, including its basic chemistry, measurement techniques, functions, component partition, and changes in these features with forest disturbances. (Prerequisites: Graduate status in natural resources management, wildlife-fisheries, biological sciences, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 675 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Theoretical Forest Ecosystem Science (3+0)
Theoretical concepts of forest ecosystem dynamics including theoretical developments in the description of plant growth, ecosystem productivity, decomposition, and plant carbon allocation. Development of a model using the basic theoretical constructs. (Prerequisites: Undergraduate major in biological sciences or renewable resources including at least one course in ecology, one approved college-level mathematics course and graduate standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 678 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Ecosystem Management (3+0)
Ecosystem Management addresses the current concepts being debated and used to manage renewable resources. Students will, through reading, discussion, and written exercises, develop understanding and applications of the concept as well as draft definitions. Class sessions will involve lecture and discussion. (Prerequisites: B.S./B.A. with basic biology, wildlife, natural resources, forestry background, or demonstrated knowledge; seniors with permission of instructor only; public with knowledge/experience only; permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 681 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Natural Area Protection and Management (3+0)
An examination of the emergence of programs to identify, protect, and maintain natural diversity and natural areas as a major factor in public and private resource management in the U.S. and Canada. Topics will include conservation biology principles, evolution and operating principles of natural area programs, natural area data management, natural area system administration. (Prerequisites: Basic biology [including genetics], introductory ecology, plant or animal systematics or taxonomy, introductory chemistry. Next offered: 1997-98.)
NRM 685 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry (3+0)
In-depth examination of several (4-5) current topics in soil microbiology and biochemistry. Based on readings from the primary literature and discussions in class. Each student will be expected to lead at least one discussion, write a research proposal, and present the proposal to class. (Prerequisites: at least one course in soil science and one course in microbiology or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1998-99.)
NRM 692 (1 Credit) Fall, Spring
Graduate Seminar (0+0+1)
Topics in natural resources management explored through readings, student presentations, group discussions, and guest speakers; high level of student participation. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.)