Natural Resources and Environment
Department Overview
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment offers several degrees focusing on the sustainable management of natural resources and agricultural systems. The B.S. prepares undergraduate students for careers in a wide range of private enterprises, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as providing a solid foundation for students who plan to pursue graduate degree programs.
Two master’s degrees are offered. The master’s degree in natural resources and environment is designed to prepare students for a management career in natural resources planning and administration, communication and public information, and/or impact assessment. The M.S. degree in natural resources and environment is designed for those intending to pursue a career conducting research related to management problems and/or to proceed on to a doctoral program.
The joint Ph.D. program in natural resources and sustainability prepares future leaders as academic researchers, agency professionals, and analysts of nongovernmental organizations and communities for careers at the frontiers of the science of sustainability and natural resources management.
B.S., Natural Resources and Environment
The sustainability of society and its environment requires an interdisciplinary approach to making and implementing natural resource and environmental decisions. The natural resources and environment degree integrates knowledge in natural science, policy, economics and human values to advance the sustainable management of natural resources and agricultural systems. Students learn through a variety of approaches, including classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and opportunities for internships and independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Successful graduates will be qualified for employment in a broad range of private enterprises, government agencies and nonprofit organizations in the various natural resources fields, and will be well-equipped for graduate studies. The natural resources and environment minor strengthens students' degree programs by providing a broad introduction to how natural and social sciences, the humanities, and policy should be integrated in order to make well-founded decisions.
Minimum Requirements for Natural Resources and Environment Bachelor's Degree: 120 credits
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in natural resources and environment, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
M.N.R.E., M.S., Natural Resources and Environment
The two master’s degrees offered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment are designed for students desiring careers in resources management and students planning doctoral work, as well as those wishing to be better-informed citizens. The courses and curriculum for the two degrees were developed in cooperation with groups and agencies that work professionally with resource management in Alaska. These agencies, including the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contribute significantly to the programs by providing guest lecturers and internship and research opportunities for students.
Because of the diversity and broad scope of the field, each degree is customized according to the student’s interests and the advisory committee’s recommendations. Student research projects and theses have typically been in the fields of forest management, land use planning, soil management, natural resource policy, range management, parks and recreation management, horticulture, agronomy, animal science, climate change and GIS.
A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in a relevant discipline is required for acceptance into either program. Candidates should have a general familiarity with the major resource fields. The student’s committee may require the student to take courses to remedy any deficiencies; these credits will not count toward the credits required for the degree.
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, official GRE scores, undergraduate transcripts and a statement of the applicant’s goals. The latter should include information about why you are applying for the degree, why you chose UAF and DNRE, and how such a degree would fit into your career goals. Applications cannot be considered until all these items have been received by the Office of Admissions.
The M.S. degree in natural resources and environment is designed for those intending to pursue a career conducting research in management problems and/or to proceed on to a doctoral program. Thesis research in natural resources and environment is directed toward resource problems and based on hypothesis testing.
The master’s degree in natural resources and environment is designed to prepare students for a management career in natural resources planning and administration; communication and public information; and/or operational innovation, improvement and impact assessment. While not requiring scientific research, the work is expected to involve critical reflection, empirical inquiry and intellectual honesty. A written product and an oral presentation demonstrating sound scholarship will be required. Final acceptance of the project will be by the student’s committee and the chair of DNRE.
Minimum Requirements for Natural Resources and Environment Degrees: M.S.: 30 credits; M.N.R.E.: 35 credits
M.S., Ph.D., Earth System Science
Earth System Science at UAF is a multidisciplinary degree program that provides the option for a disciplinary concentration in one of eight topics:
- Sustainability
- Ecosystems
- Hydrology
- Atmospheric and Climate Sciences
- Cryosphere
- Solid Earth Geophysics
- Geoscience
- Geospatial Science
The ESS program involves faculty participation from six departments and programs:
- Natural Resources and Environment
- Center for Cross-Cultural Studies
- Biology and Wildlife
- Civil, Geological, and Environmental Engineering
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Geosciences
and five research institutes:
- Institute of Agriculture/Natural Resources and Extension
- Institute of Arctic Biology
- Institute of Northern Engineering
- International Arctic Research Center
- Geophysical Institute.
Minimum Requirements for Earth System Science Degrees: M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 26-41 credits.
Ph.D., Natural Resources and Sustainability
The joint Ph.D. program in natural resources and sustainability prepares future leaders as academic researchers, agency professionals and analysts of nongovernmental organizations and communities for careers at the frontiers of the science of sustainability and natural resources management.
Exploring and understanding natural resource management systems require a well-defined skill set and a clear understanding of how specific problems are linked to broader cultural, ecological and geopolitical contexts. Thus, the study of natural resources and sustainability encompasses a spectrum of topics. The Ph.D. builds on the existing strengths of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and College of Business and Security Management faculty members to educate students in specific areas while training them to be conversant in the broader range of relevant topic areas.
The program objectives and its curriculum center around three thematic areas of study:
- resource economics,
- resource policy and sustainability science, and
- forest and agricultural sciences.
Each student draws on a common set of core courses, and, with his/her graduate committee, develops a program of coursework and research that produces a unique intellectual contribution to the applied field of natural resources and sustainability. Students elect to focus on one of the three thematic areas or they choose to integrate foci to develop their areas of knowledge and dissertation research.
Additional application requirement: Students are required to have a faculty sponsor upon entering the program. A letter of support from a DNRE or CBSM faculty member in addition to three letters of recommendation must be submitted with the graduate application.
Minimum Requirements for Natural Resources and Sustainability Doctorate Degree: 24 credits
Graduate Certificate, Geospatial Science
This graduate certificate prepares the student to harness geospatial technologies for cutting-edge applications in natural resources, geohazard management, environmental monitoring and many more. The program teaches advanced skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, including digital mapping, radar imaging and predictive data analytics. These skills are highly sought after in the job market. They can boost careers in start-ups, consulting firms, and government agencies across a diverse range of fields, including mining, forestry, agriculture, conservation and engineering.
This graduate certificate in geospatial science is equivalent to a year of coursework done by a graduate student in this area. Its target audience consists of students and professionals seeking advanced skills and mastery of GIS and remote sensing tools and concepts. It is most suitable for students with a background in the sciences and engineering.
Minimum Requirements for Geospatial Science Graduate Certificate: 12 credits
Graduate Certificate, Resilience and Adaptation
The graduate certificate in resilience and adaptation studies is ideal for current graduate students in many disciplines. The graduate certificate encourages a more in-depth study of resilience, adaptation and sustainability, and provides students with a credential that recognizes their knowledge of resilience theory and its application to sustainable systems. The certificate prepares students for a career in academia, industry, government and non-governmental organizations by exposing them to the interdisciplinarity of complex systems. It is a defined series of courses that expose the students to the concepts of resilience and adaptation. Courses will advance knowledge and promote social-ecological research in sustainability and resilience. Students working on degrees in the STEM sciences and social sciences will broaden their disciplinary perspective through exposure to economics, ecology, sociology and anthropology to gain practical knowledge, training and integrative skills development. This certificate embodies a holistic perspective that recognizes the importance of both the social and biological dimensions of environmental sustainability and resilience. This certificate is offered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and will meet the needs of students and professionals.
Minimum Requirements for Resilience and Adaptation Graduate Certificate: 12 credits
Programs
Degrees
- B.S., Natural Resources and Environment
- M.N.R.E., Natural Resources and Environment
- M.S., Earth System Science
- M.S., Natural Resources and Environment
- Ph.D., Earth System Science
- Ph.D., Natural Resources and Sustainability
Graduate Certificates
Minors
Courses
Natural Resources Management (NRM)
NRM F101 Natural Resources Conservation and Policy
3 Credits
Offered Fall
History of natural resources conservation and policy in the United States, including the evolution of federal land and water management agencies and policies. Case studies of current natural resource conservation issues, both in the United States and internationally, that examine the interaction of society and the environment and explore solutions.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F102 Practicum in Natural Resources Management
1-2 Credits
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.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 2 credits
NRM F111X Introduction to Sustainability Science
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The field of sustainability science provides a useful framework for understanding and responding to complex environmental problems. This course introduces the theory and principles that form the basis of sustainability science, focusing on feedbacks between society and the environment with an emphasis on environmental and related change in Alaska.
Prerequisite: placement in WRTG F111X.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F125 Our Changing Climate: Past, Present, Future (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall and Spring
Examines how the biophysical impacts of climate change define and intersect with social, ecological, economic, political and cultural dimensions of our lives. Provides a foundation in both Indigenous and Western science perspectives of the causes, impacts and feedbacks of a changing climate. Includes theoretical and project-based experience in climate change.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X.
Cross-listed with ACNS F125, HONR F125, RD F125.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F161 Wilderness Leadership Education
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course introduces students to many hard and soft skills necessary to be an effective outdoor leader and educator. These foundational skills are developed through classroom learning, readings and hands-on experience in the field. Students will learn to minimize risk and impact while maximizing enjoyment and learning in the field. Field program requires travel through rough un-trailed terrain with heavy packs and average strength and stamina. No use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or firearms.
Recommended: BIOL F104X, NRM F101 and physical geography.
Special Notes: The field portion of the course includes detailed instruction in and mentored experience with modern backcountry travel techniques.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 6
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F204 Public Lands Law and Policy
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Background on selected federal lands management legislation and agency policies affecting resources conservation, development and preservation.
Prerequisites: Sophomore class standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F210 Principles of Sustainable Agriculture
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Basic principles of sustainable agriculture including economic, social, and environmental concepts. Agroecology is introduced as the basis for sustainable soil, plant, and animal agriculture techniques. Sustainable agriculture concepts will be related to current issues such as population growth, resource availability, and developing social structures and preferences.
Prerequisites: NRM F101, BIOL F116X, CHEM F106X or FISH F110.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F211 Introduction to Applied Plant Science
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Basic principles and requirements for plant growth and development with special attention to the production and management of field and greenhouse grown crops.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F212 Greenhouse Management
3 Credits
Offered Spring
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.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F240 Natural Resources Measurement and Inventory
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Techniques and instrumentations used to measure and inventory natural resources, including land, timber, range, wildlife, water and recreation resources.
Prerequisites: MATH F151X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F277 Introduction to Conservation Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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 F115X; BIOL F116X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F290 Field Course of Natural Resource Management Complexity in Alaska
2 Credits
Offered Spring
A 10-day field course examining ecological and societal factors that create challenges to sustainable management of Alaska's natural resources. Topics include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, wildlife management, wildland fire response and management, energy development, recreation and tourism.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 3
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F300 Internship in Natural Resources Management
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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 F101; junior standing with 3.0 GPA; permission of instructor; an approved internship plan.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 3-10
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 6 times for up to 6 credits
NRM F303X Environmental Ethics and Actions (h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
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.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; placement in WRTG F111X.
Attributes: UAF GER Ethics Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F313 Introduction to Plant Pathology
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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 F115X; BIOL F116X.
Recommended: BIOL F239.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F338 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3 Credits
Offered Fall
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.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of PCs or Unix workstations desirable.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F361 Advanced Wilderness Leadership Education
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Natural environment, concentrating on outdoor leadership, environmental ethics, minimum impact camping, forest and Arctic natural history, and adaptable judgment and decision-making. Includes boreal forest and along tundra-ridge hiking, river crossing, glacier ascent, and skills to do these activities safely. Other possible travel mediums include sea kayaks, canoes or rock climbing. No use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or firearms.
Prerequisites: NRM F101; NRM F161.
Special Notes: Three lecture sessions will preview a demanding educational field program of 5-15 days requires travel through rough un-trailed terrain with heavy packs or boats and average strength and stamina.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 0 + 6
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F365 Principles of Outdoor Recreation Management
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Theories, practices, economics and problems fundamental to the use of land and related natural resources for recreation. The course focuses on human dimension related issues faced by recreation managers and research to address those issues.
Prerequisites: NRM F101; STAT F200X; junior standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F370 Introduction to Watershed Management
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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 F101 or NRM F111X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F375 Natural Resource Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Basic ecology concepts, including physical (wind, temperature, water, etc.), biotic (population and community dynamics), genetic successional and landscape dynamics will be covered. Basic physiological characteristics of trees, succession, vegetation classification, and related concepts. Stand structure, diversity, competition, growth, forest-soil interactions, biomass, nutrient distribution and dynamics, energy relations, ecology of disturbances.
Prerequisites: NRM F240.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F380 Soils and the Environment
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Soil development and classification; physical and chemical properties; biological activity; water movement and nutrient cycling in natural and manipulated ecosystems.
Prerequisites: CHEM F105X; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F407 Environmental Law
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior class standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F430 Resource Management Planning
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Application of planning and conflict resolution principles to natural resources management. Examines plans prepared in response to current Alaska 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 resource dispute simulations. Review resource management plans and develop plans for a local resource management issue.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Stacked with NRM F630.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F435 GIS Analysis
4 Credits
Offered Spring
GIS analysis of natural resources including spatial query, attribute query, vector, grid, image, topographic and network analysis techniques.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F453 Harvesting and Utilization of Forest Products
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Manual and mechanized timber harvesting systems including timber cutting, yarding and transport processes. Technology of processing wood into various products. Introduction to supply and demand of forest products from a world, state and local perspective. Labs include visits to local forest products companies, chainsaw safety and wood identification.
Prerequisites: NRM F101.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F461 Interpretive Services
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Naturalist and other visitor programs in outdoor recreation areas: philosophy, planning and development of interpretive programs; resources, agencies, users, interpretive media and program evaluation.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F466 Environmental Soil Chemistry
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Covers basic principles of soil chemical processes, including soil solution chemistry; precipitation/dissolution and soil colloids; soil solid phase; soil acidity/alkalinity; adsorption and ion exchange; reduction/oxidation reactions; and kinetics of soil chemical processes. Labs include soil chemical analyses, computer simulation models for soil chemistry, and experience writing technical reports.
Prerequisites: CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X; NRM F380.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F469 Survey Research in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Social science concepts applied to survey-based human dimensions research. Survey research methods including operationalizing research questions into measurable variables, designing survey instruments, assessing reliability and validity, developing a sampling plan, data management, data analysis, and reporting results.
Prerequisites: NRM F101; STAT F200X.
Stacked with NRM F669.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F480 Soil Management for Quality and Conservation
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: NRM F380.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F484 Senior Thesis in Natural Resources Management
2 Credits
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. Final thesis and presentation.
Prerequisites: GEOS F483 and permission of instructor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F485 Soil Biology (n)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F489 Alaska Soil Geography Field Trip
1 Credit
Offered Summer; As Demand Warrants
Soil geography transect from Pacific (Anchorage) to Arctic (Deadhorse) coast. Hands-on experience describing and sampling soils, with emphasis on how a variety of ecological factors and climate affect soil formation and classification.
Prerequisites: NRM F380, or a course in soils.
Stacked with NRM F689.
Special Notes: Students must provide their own camp gear, be able to walk on uneven or rocky ground and be physically fit for fieldwork.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
NRM F601 Research Methods in Natural Resources Management
2 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction for graduate students to the research methods 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, approaches to research, the sequence of steps involved in scientific investigation and the presentation of research results.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F613 Resilience Internship
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Students of the Resilience and Adaptation Program participate in internships to broaden their interdisciplinary training, develop new research tools and build expertise outside their home disciplines. Internships are for eight to ten weeks of full time commitment and take place during the student's first summer in the program. In autumn students meet to discuss their internship experiences and make public presentations.
Prerequisites: ANTH F667, BIOL F667, ECON F667 or NRM F667; ANTH F668, BIOL F668, ECON F668 or NRM F668.
Cross-listed with ANTH F617; BIOL F613; ECON F613.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F616 Ecological Background for Resilience and Adaptation
1 Credit
Offered Fall
Provides the ecological background that is necessary for understanding the role of ecology in complex systems involving interactions among biological, economic, and social processes. Designed for incoming students of the Resilience and Adaptation Program (RAP), who have not received training in ecology.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with BIOL F616.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F630 Resource Management Planning
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Application of planning and conflict resolution principles to natural resources management. Examines plans prepared in response to current Alaska 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 resource dispute simulations. Review resource management plans and develop plans for a local resource management issue.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with NRM F430.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F637 Evolution of Conservation Concepts and Policy
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ECON F637.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F638 GIS Programming
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
GIS programming for ArcView, Arc/Info and ArcGIS. Programming techniques for customizing GIS, efficient batch processing, and development of custom tools for GIS display and analysis.
Prerequisites: NRM F338.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F641 Natural Resource Applications of Remote Sensing
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: NRM F338.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 6 times for up to 6 credits
NRM F647 Sustainability in the Changing North
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores the basic principles of sustainability of environmental and social systems. Principles are applied across a range of scales from local communities to the globe, with an emphasis on examples in Alaska and the Arctic. Specific attention to the theory and practice of boundary spanning and knowledge coproduction.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ANTH F647; BIOL F647; ECON F647.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F649 Integrated Assessment and Adaptive Management
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
An interdisciplinary exploration of the theoretical and practical considerations of integrated assessment and adaptive management. Students survey concepts important in understanding societal and professional-level decision-making. Students work as individuals and as a team to undertake case studies with relevance to integrated assessment and adaptive management.
Prerequisites: Graduate student standing in a natural science, social science or interdisciplinary program at UAF or another university.
Recommended: ANTH F647, BIOL F647, ECON F647, NRM F647; ANTH F667, BIOL F667, ECON F667, NRM F667.
Cross-listed with ANTH F649; BIOL F649; ECON F649.
Special Notes: In case of enrollment limit, priority will be given to graduate students in the Resilience and Adaptation Program in order for them to be able to meet their core requirements.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F656 Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Well-being
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Review principles governing the sustainability of systems, cultural practices and behaviors that enhance or degrade sustainable livelihoods and community wellbeing. Emphasis is on historical context of sustainability, nature and magnitude of the social, economic and ecological dimensions of contemporary change, and "best practices" for communities to respond effectively to change.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with CCS F656.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F665 Advanced Outdoor Recreation
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F667 Resilience Seminar I
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Provides a forum for new students of the Resilience and Adaptation graduate program to explore issues of interdisciplinary research that are relevant to sustainability. A considerable portion of the seminar is student-directed, with students assuming leadership in planning seminar activities with the instructor.
Prerequisites: Enrolled in Resilience and Adaptation Graduate Program.
Recommended: ANTH F647, BIOL F647, ECON F647 or NRM F647 (taken concurrently).
Cross-listed with ANTH F667; BIOL F667; ECON F667.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
NRM F668 Interdisciplinary Research Methods-Resilience Seminar II
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Provides a forum for new students of the Resilience and Adaptation graduate program to explore issues of interdisciplinary research relevant to sustainability. The seminar provides support to each student planning his/her summer internship and preparing and presenting a thesis research prospectus.
Prerequisites: ANTH F647, BIOL F647, ECON F647 or NRM F647; ANTH F667, BIOL F667, ECON F667 or NRM F667.
Cross-listed with ANTH F668; BIOL F668; ECON F668.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
NRM F669 Survey Research in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Social science concepts applied to survey-based human dimensions research. Survey research methods including operationalizing research questions into measurable variables, designing survey instruments, assessing reliability and validity, developing a sampling plan, data management, data analysis, and reporting results.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with NRM F469.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F670 Biometeorology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Radiation and 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; graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F672 Nutrient Cycling
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Examination of physical, chemical and biological processes controlling nutrient element recycling, availability and retention in natural and managed ecosystems.
Prerequisites: CHEM F106X; NRM F375 or BIOL F371; NRM F380.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F685 Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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; one course in microbiology.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
NRM F689 Alaska Soil Geography Field Trip
1 Credit
Offered Summer As Demand Warrants
Soil geography transect from Pacific (Anchorage) to Arctic (Deadhorse) coast. Hands-on experience describing and sampling soils, with emphasis on how a variety of ecological factors and climate affect soil formation and classification.
Prerequisites: NRM F380, or a course in soils.
Stacked with NRM F489.
Special Notes: Students must provide their own camp gear, be able to walk on uneven or rocky ground and be physically fit for fieldwork.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
NRM F692 Graduate Seminar
1-3 Credits
Topics in natural resources management and geography explored through readings, student presentations, group discussions and guest speakers.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 3 times for up to 3 credits
NRM F698 Non-thesis Research/Project
1-9 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
NRM F699 Thesis
1-12 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 120 credits
NRM F699A Thesis
1-12 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-12 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
Faculty
Peter Fix
Department Chair
Professor of Outdoor Recreation Management
Meriam Karlsson
Professor of Horticulture
Jenifer McBeath
Professor of Plant Pathology/Biotechnology
Santosh Panda
Associate Professor of GIS & Remote Sensing
skpanda@alaska.edu
907-474-7539
West Ridge Research Building, Room 108D
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Sarah Trainor
Professor of Social-Ecological Systems Sustainability
Mingchu Zhang
Professor of Agronomy/Soil Sciences
