NATRS 100 - Introduction to Natural Resources

Credits: 5
Introduces the study of natural resources outdoors and in a classroom setting. Explores natural resources careers. Introduces concepts of systems, biomes, forest biology, tree physiology, forest ecology, silviculture, water resources, fish and wildlife management, and Washington forest practices. Students study forest history, forest policy, and forest ownership.

Prerequisite: ENGL& 101 or instructor’s permission.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of natural resources career opportunities and organizations by being introduced to people that are self-employed, work for private industry or public agencies. Knowledge by become familiar with GRC’s Natural Resources programs that lead to advanced degrees and employment.
Demonstrate the understanding forest biology, tree physiology and tree anatomy, forest ecology, forest regions and soils and examine the role of fire in development and management of Northwest forests.
Demonstrate the understanding of silviculture and the biological reasons for silviculture prescriptions in the Pacific Northwest.
Demonstrate the understanding of the importance of forest streams, wetlands, and riparian zones and the protection measures used in the regulations of the Forest Practices Rules and the impacts to fish and wildlife.
Demonstrate knowledge of both Federal and Washington State environmental regulations and the aesthetic components found in natural resource environments through analysis, discussions, essay writing and presentations in class.

Program Outcomes

Attain a job in the Natural Resources field.
Manage Forestland and Resources to attain positive outcomes.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communications between industry partners and cooperators.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.