Natural Resources

Explores concepts and career development pathways associated with the management and uses of forest resources. Explores where and how forests grow, relationships between forests and human well-being, and environmental and human values related to forests. Examines concepts associated with forest ecosystem functioning, resource use, inventory, planning, and management. Introduces career-development skills, competencies, and resources within the context of forestry-related careers.

History of conservation and natural resource use; ecological principles, and social and economic limitations of conservation; principles and practices of wildlife and fisheries management; role of research in management. Recommend: one course in introductory biology. 

This course provides an overview of the complexities involved in managing global natural resources. Explores an array of natural resource management issues, revealing how natural resource specialists strive to address those issues and work collaboratively to propose and implement solutions. Encourages introspection and expression of perspectives regarding natural resources, along with development of critical thinking skills useful in seeking solutions to complex natural resource management issues.

This course explores multiple components (ecological, social, political, ethical) of selected natural resource problems. The course uses case studies to illustrate how social and biophysical characteristics of environmental problems influence the methods used to try to solve these problems and their potential for success.