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.
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.
NRM 180 - Special Topics in Natural Resources Management
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management.
NRM 222 - Social Inquiry and West Michigan Water
This course examines human-ecosystem interactions in West Michigan watersheds through an exploration of quantitative, sociological survey data. After an orientation to social science research methods and human dimensions of natural resource management, students will develop authentic research questions, explore variables in the database, and report findings visually and in writing.
NRM 230 - Introduction to Wildland Fire Management
This course provides students with a basic introduction to wildland and prescribed fire ecology, behavior, and management. This is required training for all personnel seeking to become wildland firefighters under National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification standards. NWCG certifications S-130, S-190, and L-180 are granted upon successful course completion.
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.
NRM 250 - Natural Resource Measurements and Mapping
Techniques of natural resource measurement including understanding spatial relationships and tools associated with data analysis. Introduction to navigation with compass, vegetation sampling, use of geographic information systems, global positioning systems, remote sensing, and their integration.
NRM 263 - Forest Vegetation of the Great Lakes Region
Nomenclature, classification, and identification of woody plants based on leaf, twig, bud, bark, fruit, and growth form. The course will focus on vegetation found in forests within the Great Lakes and Northeastern regions of the United States, and frequently planted ornamentals.
NRM 281 - Principles of Soil Science
Aspects of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.
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.
NRM 308 - Wildlife Ecology
This course provides an introduction to wildlife ecology including population ecology as it relates to wildlife management and conservation.
NRM 315 - Racism in the Conservation Movement
This class will explore how racism and misogyny influenced the field of conservation in the United States from the early 1800's to present day.
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.
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.
NRM 377 - Project Design and Seminar
Students will focus on professional development and career training, learn about various options for senior capstone projects, design a research question, and identify appropriate methods for answering a research question. Students will also discuss current natural resources issues through scientific articles and collaborative discussions.
NRM 380 - Special Topics in Natural Resources Management
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management. Prerequisites: Variable.
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 405 - GIS Applications in Natural Resources
Explores applications of geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and data from global positioning systems to natural resource issues related to wildlife, forestry, fisheries, watersheds, and ecological conservation.
NRM 406 - Renewable Energy Systems: Structure, Policy, and Analysis
A survey of the technological as well as economic, societal, and public policy issues associated with renewable energy systems. Topics include generation using renewable resources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, as well as advanced energy storage systems and distribution. Energy research and analysis techniques are introduced.
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.
NRM 415 - Fire Ecology and Management
An examination of fire as an ecological and biophysical process, and its interactions with and effects on a variety of ecosystem components, and use as a resource management tool. A National Wildfire Coordinating Group Certification (RX - 310 Introduction to Fire Effects) is granted upon successful course completion.
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.
NRM 430 - Advanced Wildland Fire Management
This course provides students with advanced skills and knowledge related to wildland- and prescribed-fire ecology, behavior, and management. This is advanced training for all personnel seeking to become Wildland Firefighters under National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification standards. NWCG certification S-290 is granted upon successful course completion.
NRM 435 - Applications of Web GIS & Drones
Applications of contemporary web-based geographic information systems (GIS) and field-based GIS in natural resources and environmental-related fields including drone flight and image analysis.
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 454 - Watershed and Wetland Management
Theory and application of urban, rural, and wildland hydrology, including the management of watersheds and wetlands to improve water quality, stabilize stream flows, and conserve stream and wetland biota.
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 465 - Techniques for Modeling Biological Systems
An eclectic survey of biological systems requiring quantitative approaches, and the main deterministic modeling techniques used to study them (except partial differential equations). Modeling techniques include introductions to difference equations, matrix algebra, calculus, and differential equations, plus relevant computer methods, with no prior knowledge assumed.
NRM 472 - Fisheries Management
An introduction to the principles of fisheries science and management. The focus is on the process and tools for managing fish populations and their habitats as well as emphasizing quantitative and sampling methods for fisheries assessment.
NRM 480 - Special Topics in Natural Resources Management
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, or field experience (or any combination of the preceding) in specific areas of resource management.
NRM 486 - Restoration Ecology
This course will introduce students to the science of restoration ecology through an examination of underlying theories and contemporary research in ecosystem restoration.
NRM 490 - Internship in Resource Management
Internships are available in all areas of specialization. Location of placement and credit must be arranged with the appropriate faculty before registration. No more than five credits in NRM 490 and NRM 499 can be applied to the major (three to the minor). Offered each semester. Prerequisite: Junior standing in natural resources management.
NRM 495 - Senior Project and Seminar
Students will design and implement an independent research project related to contemporary issues and problems of natural resources management, and formally communicate results in oral and written scientific formats, and for a public audience. Students will also lead discussions about current natural resources issues and strategies to address them.
NRM 497 - Field Trip - Issues in Western U.S. Natural Resources Management
This field trip will provide a broad and comprehensive perspective on natural resource management issues in the Western United States. Students will also lead discussions about current natural resources issues and strategies to address them.
NRM 499 - Research in Resource Management
Research conducted individually with faculty supervision and/or in cooperation with other majors in resource management. Research projects and credit hours must be approved by the appropriate faculty before registration. Limits: Three credits toward major or minor; five credits of NRM 490 plus NRM 499 toward major or three toward minor. Prerequisite: Junior standing in resource management.