SYLLABUS
Name of
Course:
Natural Resources Management Techniques
Course
Instructor:
Gary Phillips, Environmental Studies Program Coordinator
Office phone number - (712) 362-7978 & e-mail address - gphillips@iowalakes.edu
Credits:
Lecture (EV264A) - 4 credits, Laboratory (EV264B) - 0 credits
Catalog
Description:
Introduction to the problems associated with the usage of natural
resources and the techniques available to evaluate, develop, and manage natural
resources. Attention is given to
renewable natural resources and the management techniques that can be utilized
to best conserve these resources. Topics
covered include wildlife management, forest and recreational land management,
agricultural and rangeland management, and fisheries management.
Text:
Conservation of Natural Resources by David A. Castillon
Other
Materials:
Natural Resources Management Techniques Laboratory Manual
Objective of
Course:
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the problems
associated with the usage of natural resources and the techniques which are
available to evaluate, develop, and manage natural resources.
Course
Content:
Wildlife
management.
Forest and
recreational lands management.
Agricultural and
rangeland management.
Fisheries
management.
Method of
Instructional Delivery:
There are three hours of lecture, demonstrations, and discussions each
week. A one-hour test will be given
after each of the four units covered in this course.
Two 2-hour laboratory periods are also part of this course.
These lab periods are used for the performance of experiments, field
trips, writing of lab reports, and work on special projects and research papers.
Learning
Objectives/Competencies:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
Outline the
historical background of wildlife management in the United States.
Describe the
organizational structure of wildlife management agencies in the United
States.
Define the
following terms: wildlife, game species, non-game species, upland game
birds, shore birds, waterfowl, small game species, big game species, varmint
species, and furbearers.
Describe the
value of wildlife.
Describe the
properties of wildlife populations.
List and
describe the factors which control wildlife populations.
Define the
following terms: productivity, saturation point, habitat, range, carrying
capacity, and succession.
List and
describe the various wildlife management philosophies.
List and
describe the three entities that must be considered when establishing
wildlife management goals.
Describe the
basic schemes used in the management of small game, big game, and waterfowl.
List the basic
techniques used in wildlife management and describe how each technique is
used to manage wildlife populations.
Describe the
basic principles associated with the establishment of wildlife management
policies.
Describe the
factors that define the structure of forest communities.
Define the
following terms: association, dominants, understory, ecological niches,
species diversity, tree, shrub, pure stand, mixed stand, and crown class.
List and
describe the forest regions of the United States.
Describe the
characteristics of the following forest types: coniferous, cold-temperature
deciduous broad-leaved, tropical drought-deciduous, tropical broad-leaved
evergreen, and savanna
Outline the
historical background of forestry in the United States.
List and
describe the various forest management philosophies.
List and
describe the basic forest management techniques which are commonly used in
forestry.
Describe the
affects of timber harvest, fire, insects, and diseases on forests.
Describe the
economic value of forests.
Outline the
historic background of recreational lands management in the UnitedStates.
Outline the
administrative structure of park management agencies in the United States.
List and
describe the basic park management techniques which are commonly
Prepare and
label diagrams of soil profiles showing the various soils horizons present.
Define the
following terms: agronomy, soils, soil horizon, soil profile, pedon,
polypedon, and soil series.
List and
describe the factors affecting soil genesis.
List and
describe the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.
Describe the
relationship between soils and plant growth.
List and
describe the various types of soil water.
Describe the
systems used for the classification of soils.
List and
describe the characteristics of the 10 major soil orders.
List and
describe the types of soil erosion.
Describe the
magnitude of soil erosion in the United States.
Describe the
soil conservation techniques which are used to manage agricultural soils.
3Describe the
distribution and characteristics of rangelands.
Describe the
techniques which are used to manage rangelands.
Outline the
historic background of fisheries management in the United States.
Describe the
basic considerations which must be given to the management of freshwater and
marine fisheries.
Describe the
properties which determine the structure of aquatic communities.
Describe the
ecological concepts which determine the size of fish populations.
Describe the
techniques which are used to census and characterize fish populations.
Define the
following terms: year class, age group, carrying capacity, standing crop,
productivity, and yield.
Describe the
techniques which are used to manage fish populations.
Describe the
techniques which are used to manage fish habitat.
Describe the
basic concepts and techniques used for the propagation of fish.
Describe the
considerations given to regulation of the harvest of fish.
Describe the
status of aquatic nonindeginous species in the United States.
Methods of
Evaluation: Four 1-hour tests
of 100 points each will be given during the semester.
These tests will include multiple choice and essay questions. Four quizzes will also be given during the semester.
Laboratory reports will be required for selected labs and will be graded
on accuracy, completeness, proper format, neatness, and scientific knowledge.
A 100 point research paper is also required for this course.
Students are expected to attend class except in cases of sickness,
emergencies, or excused absences. Students
who miss class for the above reasons will be allowed to make up their work.
Some extra credit may be earned for approved projects.
Tests 400 points
Quizzes 40 points
Laboratory Reports 260 points
Research Paper 100 points
TOTAL POINTS 800