NRM Courses
Only want to take one class with a focus on sustainability rather than a minor or major? You can still take a variety of courses within the curriculum that also count towards General Education Credit, Issues credit, or may be required within your major.
For updated information of course listings and descriptions visit the Course Catalog
NRM 140 - The Climatic Factor
A study of the atmosphere, broad aspects of weather and climate, microclimatology, and the geography of climate and effects on terrain, vegetation, and people. (3-0-2) Offered fall and winter semesters. 4 cr
NRM 150 - Introduction to Natural Resources
Survey of natural resource issues and environmental problems. The course will use an integrated approach involving concepts from natural and social sciences to provide a foundation for understanding past, present, and future natural resource issues
including biodiversity, land use, water and air pollution, human population, energy use, and waste management. (0-3-0) Offered fall and winter semesters. 3 cr
NRM 240 - Principles of Climatology
The atmosphere, broad aspects of weather and climate, microclimatology, and paleoclimatology. Instrumentation, data presentation, ecoclimate, and microclimatological field observations. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. (3-0-2) 4 cr
NRM 281 - Principles of Soil Science
Aspects of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. (3-0-3) Offered fall semester. 4 cr
NRM 300 - Ethical Recreation: Leave No Trace
This three-day backpacking course covers how increasing recreational use of public lands can impact biophysical resources and visitors’ experience. Students will apply the principles and practices of the Leave No Trace (LNT) program which are designed to reduce the effects of wildland recreation. LNT certification possible upon successful completion. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education Life Sciences requirement. Junior standing. Permit required. 1 cr
NRM 308 - Wildlife Ecology
This course provides an introduction to wildlife ecology including population ecology as it relates to wildlife management and conservation. Offered winter semester. Prerequisite: BIO 215. 4 cr
NRM 320 - Introduction to Resource Systems
Basic principles, terminology, and methodology for the analysis and modeling of resource systems, including natural environments and human ecosystems. (2-0-3) Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: BIO 215 and MTH 122. 3 cr
NRM 330 - Environmental Pollution
Investigation of causes and effects of water, soil and air pollution. Prevention and management of pollution will be discussed and examined from natural and social science perspectives. Design of impact assessment studies, data interpretation and laboratory methods. Topics may include waste disposal, acid deposition, climate change, toxicology, and risk assessment. (2-0-3) Offered winter semester. Prerequisite: CHM 109 or CHM 116. 3 cr
NRM 380 - Renewable Energy Management and Molding
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management. Prerequisites: Variable.
NRM 380 - Livelihoods, Resources, and Development
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management. Prerequisites: Variable.
0.000 TO 9.000 Credit hours
NRM 380 - Managing Soil Health
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management. Prerequisites: Variable.
0.000 TO 9.000 Credit hours
NRM 386 - Ecological Restoration & Management
This course will introduce students to ecological restoration and examines the practical methods and techniques used in ecosystem restoration and management.
NRM 395 - GIS Applications in Resource Management
Explores applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in natural resources management. Students will work on projects and examine several case studies in which GIS is used for the management of natural resources, including watershed
analysis, environmental impact of timber sales, habitat loss, and endangered species conservation. (2-0-3) Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: GPY 307 or NRM 250. 3 cr
NRM 407 - Natural Resources and Society: Study Abroad
Natural resources topics related to biodiversity, sustainability, alternative energy, environmental policy and economics, land use, climate change, historical influences, and cultural/societal attitudes conducted within an international context. The society-based experience is combined with readings, lectures, papers, and discussions. 1-4 cr
NRM 417 - International Field Studies in Resource Ecology & Mgmt
Intensive field work related to natural resources ecology, conservation, preservation, and management conducted within an international context. The field-based experience is combined with readings, lectures, papers, and discussions.
NRM 420 - Wildland Recreation Management
Learn about the challenges of managing wildland recreation that both meets the needs of users and preserves the ecological health of ecosystems. Learn techniques to manage dispersed recreation that occurs on public lands and waters and how to limit their impact on visitors and soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife. (3-0-0) Offered fall semester. 3 cr
NRM 450 - Applied Spatial Analysis of Natural Resources
The course focuses on environmental and natural resource applications of computer-based spatial analysis concepts and techniques. Students will analyze contemporary environmental challenges using, for example, advanced geographic information systems (GIS) tools, image interpretation and analysis, simulation modeling, and spatial analysis.
NRM 451 - Natural Resource Policy
Study of how natural resource policy is developed and implemented in the United States. Focuses on public policies toward renewable resources such as forests, biodiversity, land, recreation, and water. Includes foundations of the American legal system, choice of policy instruments, and basic methods of policy analysis. Part of the Sustainability Issue. (4-0-0) Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: Junior standing and completion of Natural Science Foundation; OR permission of instructor. 3 cr
NRM 452 - Watershed and Wetland Management
Theory and application of wild land and urban hydrology, including the values of watersheds and wetlands as domestic ecosystems. (3-0-3) Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: GEO 111, MTH 122, and NRM 250. 4 cr
NRM 462 - Forest Ecosystem Management
Traditional forestry practices will be introduced, with emphasis on how established practices can be integrated with the concepts of sustainable forestry and ecosystem management. The presentation, discussion, and synthesis of new approaches to the management of forest ecosystems will be especially stressed. (3-0-3) Offered winter semester. Prerequisite: NRM 250. 4
NRM 486 - Restoration Ecology 1 Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management.
NRM 496 - NRM Issues in Southwest
Temporary course - description not available.
NRM 495 - SWS Trends in NRM
A comprehensive and integrative analysis of the fundamental assumptions, issues, and problems of natural resources management. Examines the historical roots of natural resource management, identifies factors that caused natural resource management to change, and explores proposals for managing natural resources in the future. (0-4-0) Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: Completion of 20 credits in NRM, STA 215. 4 cr
NRM 552 - Fisheries Management
An introduction to the principles of fisheries science and management, focusing on the process and tools for managing fish populations and their habitat as well as emphasizing quantitative methods for fisheries assessment.