RENEWABLE RESOURCES
RREN 302 – RIPARIAN ECOLOGY AND WETLAND MANAGEMENT
The focus of this course is on processing functions and structure of riparian and wetland areas and the multiple human influences on these areas. The options for management of these areas will be stressed. Lectures are used to introduce students to the principles and concepts; and lab exercises are used to visit and evaluate field sites for future management consideration.
Co-requisite: NATR 210
Prerequisites: NATR 101, NATR 115, or college-level course in ecology, RREN matriculation or permission of instructor
3 credits (2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours) fall semester
RREN 303 - FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOSPATIAL SYSTEMS
This course is intended to cover the fundamentals of geospatial information systems. These include the geographic information system (GIS) which represents a computerized data management system designed to input, store, analyze and output geographically-referenced spatial data; the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) which combines globally-functional satellite constellations (including the U.S. Global Positioning System or GPS) with global and regional ground-based reference stations (at accurately surveyed locations) to enhance and broaden positioning; and remote sensing which is widely used to gather information about features on the earth’s surface without being in physical contact with these features. The course is designed to provide students who possess limited geospatial technology and analysis background with the ability to gather spatially=distributed and geographically-references data, query data, analyze spatial relationships, and produce professional outputs. The specific topics covered include geospatial data models, geodesy, datums, map projections, and coordinate systems; mapping and cartographic output; data collection and entry; GNSS and coordinate surveying; aerial and satellite imagery; geospatial and tabular data analyses; basic geospatial analysis; advanced geospatial (including terrain) analyses; geospatial estimation; geospatial modeling; and data standards and quality. The laboratory work will focus on the practical application of geospatial information systems following the hands--on approach where the student is expected to gain practical knowledge on using QGIS, ArcGIS for Desktop, aerial and satellite imagery, and a number of positioning and navigation systems.
Prerequisite: NATR 213 and RREN matriculation, or permission of instructor
4 credits (2 lecture hours, 4 laboratory hours), spring semester
RREN 305 – RENEWABLE RESOURCES LAWS AND REGULATIONS
The focus of this course is on the major federal environmental and related health and safety statues currently in force. This course will also make general suggestions and give ideas on how one can identify potential environmental law problems and how to resolve them as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Prerequisite: Bachelor degree standing or permission of instructor
3 credits (3 lecture hours) spring semester
RREN 312 – AQUATIC SAMPLING DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES
A comprehensive study of sampling theory, design and methodologies currently used in the aquatic sciences. Course specifically addresses research sampling considerations and strategy design; sampling statistics and analysis; sampling and characterization of lake, river and wetland ecosystems; watershed and catchments delineation; and stream channel morphology and characterization. Course includes field dress and safety, field data management, watercraft operation, biometry, and data analysis.
Prerequisites: NATR 250 or permission of instructor
3 credits (2 lecture hour, 3 laboratory hours), fall semester
RREN 332 – ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Current issues, theories, practices and trends associated with multiple-use environmental planning and natural resource management. Emphasis is on critical thinking processes for the identification, definition, and resolution of environmental problems; planning and the implementation of plans; and management strategies for specific management goals.
Prerequisite: RREN matriculation or permission of instructor
3 credits (3 lectures hours), spring semester
RREN 412 - ECOSYSTEM ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
This is the capstone course of the Renewable Resources curriculum, building upon theory and analytical skills gained in prerequisite courses and closely integrated with RREN 332 - Environmental Planning and Natural Resources Management. This course will integrate theory and technical management concepts with policy considerations so that terrestrial, aquatic and human system management issues may be approached at a systems-level rather than as individual mitigation or mediation efforts.
Prerequisite: RREN 332
3 credits (2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours), fall semester
RREN 420 - GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS I
This course involves the presentation of two integrated teaching modules that focus on the application of geospatial technology to forest and wildlife management. The first module includes the application of geospatial technologies to the integrated management and monitoring of forest land. The second module utilizes the application of geospatial technology to assess habitat resources for wildlife management. The two modules incorporate the global positioning system (GPS), geographic information system (GIS), and remote sensing technologies combined with field-tested, scientifically-based principles providing an integrated approach to natural resources management. The two modules are vertically integrated where field measurements are combined based on common sampling points.
Pre- or Co-requisite: RREN 303; and RREN matriculation or permission of the instructor
1 credit (1 lecture hour, 2 laboratory hours), 10-week course, spring semester
RREN 421 - GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS II
This is an elective course in the Renewable Resources Technology BT program where students are expected to master the application of geospatial technology to natural resources management through independent and group projects where many of the college properties will be inventoried using the methodology covered in RREN 420. The course follows integrated approaches to the management and monitoring of forest land as well as the assessment of habitat resources for wildlife management by focusing on a new college property each year. Geospatial technologies including the global positioning system (GPS), geographic information system (GIS), and remote sensing are combined with field-tested, scientifically-based principles providing an integrated approach to natural resources management of the forest.
Prerequisite: RREN matriculation or permission of the instructor
1 credit (2 lecture hours), 7-week course, spring semester
RREN 450 – RENEWABLE RESOURCES INTERNSHIP ORIENTATION
This course is designed to prepare students for an internship and to assist them with the process of employment and career development. It prepares students for internship requirements such as goal definition, placement site identification, job application, performance evaluation and report writing. RREN 450 formalizes internship planning and preparation to insure that internships are procured, conducted in a professional manner, follow course guidelines, and satisfy the goals and objectives of students, faculty advisors and cooperating placement sites.
1 credit (2 lecture hours), 8-week course, spring semester
RREN 470 - INTERNSHIP IN RENEWABLE RESOURCES
This course involves supervised fieldwork at an approved placement site. Students carry out a planned program of educational work experiences under direct supervision of an owner, manager, or supervisor. Each intern is advised and monitored by a member of the faculty on a regular basis. Requirements include a journal, interim reports, supervisor evaluations, a summary report and an oral presentation.
Prerequisite: RREN 450 and permission of the instructor
15 credits