Department of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences
Courses
Geology
Introductory course for both non-science and science majors focusing on 1) earth hazards; and their mitigation, 2) climate change and its impacts and 3) earth and energy resources, their origin and environmental impacts.
Origin of the seas and ocean basins. Processes of marine sedimentation and seawater chemistry. Dynamics of air/sea interaction, circulation, waves and tides. Description of coastal and other marine environments.
A complementary laboratory to Introductory Oceanography, GLY 150. A series of exercises relating to bathymetry, accoustic profiling, marine charts, properties of seawater, sea floor sediments, currents, waves and tides.
An introduction to U.S. Parks and Monuments including earth materials, plate tectonic setting, formative geologic processes, and natural history; brief overview of history and purpose of the National Park Service.
An elementary but comprehensive physical geology course that deals with the earth's origin, composition, structures, tectonics and processes. Intended primarily for, but not limited to, the science major. 3 lec.
Introduction to 1) the principles used to interpret past physical, biologic, and chemical events archived in rock record, and 2)the history and development of the earth's lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
An introduction to laboratory methods for the identification and classification of minerals, rocks, fossils and landscapes.
Reconstruction of events in earth history based on physical characteristics and arrangement of rock layers and their fossil contens. 2 hr lab (PR: 210L; CR: GLY 201)
Using the geology of West Virginia, introduces geologic field methods including geologic map interpretation and construction, cross-section preparation, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and ArcGIS mapping. Includes fields trips, laboratories.
Pre-req: (GLY 200 with a minimum grade of D or GLY 201 with a minimum grade of D) and (GLY 210L with a minimum grade of D or GLY 211L with a minimum grade of D).
Explores geologic structures: their history, 3-d relationships and the stresses that cause them. Structural deformation occurs at scales ranging form the continental to the atomic. Labs and weekend field trip.
Pre-req: GLY 110 or GLY 200.
Techniques of collection, preparation and analysis of mineral, rock and water samples, and the use of different instruments for obtaining quality data. Will also cover tools used for data interpretation.
Pre-req: GLY 200 (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D and GLY 210L (may be taken concurrently) with a minimum grade of D.
Formation, organization, sequence, and correlation of sedimentary rocks; study of the orgin, transportation and deposition of rock-forming sediments. 3 lec-2 lab.
Pre-req: GLY 201 with a minimum grade of D and GLY 211L with a minimum grade of D.
Field trip to Big Bend National Park, Texas to study the structure, stratigraphy, igneous geology, metamorphic geology, paleontology and natural history of this national park.
Taxonomy, morphology, and paleoecology of body and trace fossils representing the major invertebrate phyla; analysis and interpretation of faunal assemblages; evolution and extinction of species. (PR: GLY 201)
Pre-req: GLY 201 with a minimum grade of D and GLY 211L with a minimum grade of D.
Application of chemical principles to geology. Topics include cosmochemistry; distribution of elements in minerals and rocks; aqueous solutions and water-rock interaction; radiometric age dating and stable isotope geology.
Pre-req: CHM 211 with a minimum grade of D and GLY 200 with a minimum grade of D.
Microscopic description of minerals, textures, and fossils in sedimentary rocks, their classification, and interpretation of source area, depositional environment and post-depositional history. 3 lec-2 lab.
Pre-req: GLY 201.
Development of seismic, gravity, magnetism, electrical and thermal methods of studying the structure and dynamics of the earth. 3-lec
Pre-req: GLY 200 with a minimum grade of D and GLY 210L with a minimum grade of D and (PHY 201 with a minimum grade of D or PHY 211 with a minimum grade of D) and MTH 229 with a minimum grade of D.
Origin and distribution of coal, oil and gas, and methods of exploration and reserve evaluaton. 3 lec-2 lab.
Pre-req: GLY 200.
The properties of water, the hydrologic cycle with emphasis on surface and groundwater processes, the uses, needs and problems associated with water resources. 3 lec.
Pre-req: GLY 200 with a minimum grade of D and (MTH 132 with a minimum grade of D or MTH 229 with a minimum grade of D or MTH 229H with a minimum grade of D).
Consideration of risks posed by natural geo-hazards and from physical/chemical contamination of geologic media. (PR: GLY 200, GLY 210L or equivalent; Recommended: GLY 451)
Pre-req: GLY 200 with a minimum grade of D and GLY 210L with a minimum grade of D.
Consideration of geotechnical problems faced by geologists and engineers. Major topics include mechanics and classification of soil and rock, and geotechnical aspects of groundwater.
Pre-req: GLY 200 with a minimum grade of D and GLY 210L with a minimum grade of D and (MTH 132 with a minimum grade of D or MTH 229 with a minimum grade of D).
An independent study involving a research project or internship. Must be approved by Geology faculty. (PR: 20 hours of Geology coursework).
A seminar-type class on a multidisciplinary applied topic offered at the discretion of faculty to substitute for GLY 491. (PR: 20 hours of Geology coursework / consent of faculty).
Field trip to Big Bend National Park, Texas to study the structure, stratigraphy, igneous geology, metamorphic geology, paleontology and natural history of this national park.
Taxonomy, morphology, and paleoecology of body and trace fossils representing the major invertebrate phyla; analysis and interpretation of faunal assemblages; evolution and extinction of species. (PR: GLY 201)
Introduction to the principles of geochemistry. The application of chemistry to the study of the earth and to geologic problems.
Identification and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, their origin and occurrence; their geologic and economic. 2 lec-4 lab.
Megascopic and microscopic identification and a depositional and post-depositional interpretation of the sedimentary rocks. 3 lec-2 lab.
The origin and occurrence of petroleum, coal, and natural gas; the relationships of accumulations to depositional environments and structural history; methods used in exploration, evaluation and recovery. 3 lec-2 lab.
Pre-req: GLY 200.
The computer will be used for compilation, reduction, data analysis and modelling from a wide range of geological problems. Existing and student developed programs will be used.
Identification and analysis of the earth's surficial features in terms of stratigraphy, structure, processes, tectonics, and time. 3 lec 2 lab.
The properties of water, the hydrologic cycle with emphasis on surface and groundwater processes. The uses, needs and problems associated with water resources.
Laboratory and field experiments studying principles and concepts of hydrology. 2 lab.
Consideration of risks posed by natural geo-hazards and from physical/chemical contamination of geological media.
Consideration of geotechnical problems faced by geologists and engineers. Major topics include mechanics and classification of soil and rock, and geotechnical aspects of groundwater.
Natural Resources and the Environment
This course is designed to equip students to use the process of scientific inquiry to answer questions related to living systems.
Critical thinking course designed to examine and explore issues in environmental science including protection of terrestrial and aquatic resources and production of energy and food for a growing population.
This course will discuss scientific concepts essential to agriscience and examine practices, careers, and new directions in various fields in agriculture.
The course introduces the students to the properties and the interfaces of biological and physical systems with emphasis on energy concepts, production and distribution in both systems.
This course provides an overview of human-nature relationship from the perspective of conservation and natural resource management.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
Independent study for selected sophomores or advanced freshman under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Independent study for selected sophomores or advanced freshman under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Independent study for selected sophomores or advanced freshman under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Independent study for selected sophomores or advanced freshman under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
This course will examine the principles of soils, including origin, composition, classification, and physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes, as well as agricultural and environmental applications.
Pre-req: CHM 212 with a minimum grade of D.
This course will examine the principles of animal production through the application of anatomy, physiology, behavior, nutrition, reproduction, breeding, and genetics in the production and management of farm animals.
Pre-req: BSC 121 with a minimum grade of D.
The effects of human activity on ecological, political, economic, and cultural systems are examined. Particular attention is given to present human population growth, industrial activities, and energy availability.
Students examine case studies of current environmental problems and propose methods of remediation. Cultural, political, economic, as well as ecological and physiographic factors are considered.
Use of scientific procedure and current technology to characterize and quantify sensitive elements of terrestrial ecosystems and to assess human impact on these systems.
Pre-req: (IST 111 with a minimum grade of D or NRE 111 with a minimum grade of D) or BSC 104 with a minimum grade of D or BSC 120 with a minimum grade of D.
This course will examine the principles and practices in horticulture and apply these practices through a semester service project.
Pre-req: BSC 121 with a minimum grade of D and NRE 310 with a minimum grade of D.
This course will examine the principles of sustainable agriculture and its relationship with natural resources while identifying challenges to agricultural sustainability and frontiers in the field.
Pre-req: NRE 200 with a minimum grade of D.
Globally, insects have tremendous impacts on agriculture. This course introduces students to insects and their roles in agriculture including integrated pest management and pollination ecology.
Pre-req: BSC 121 with a minimum grade of D.
Course focuses on the relationships among the scientific method, data structures, and geographic images. Students relate hypothesis formation and databases through the development of ARCMap documents.
Examination of how aquatic resources are protected for humans and species of concern by current regulatory framework.
This course will introduce students to the principles of aquatic toxicology including regulations driving biological criteria, development of laboratory toxicity testing and test methodology.
Pre-req: BSC 105 with a minimum grade of D or BSC 121 with a minimum grade of D or IST 323 with a minimum grade of D or NRE 323 with a minimum grade of D.
Biomonitoring is the use of organisms to assess habitat and water quality of a stream. Current aquatic biomonitoring focuses on the utilization of benthic invertebrates and fishes communities.
Pre-req: BSC 120 with a minimum grade of D or IST 323 with a minimum grade of D or NRE 323 with a minimum grade of D.
A supervised internship in an area of natural resources and the environment.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
A course covering topics not treated in regular course offerings.
Independent study for selected juniors and seniors under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Independent study for selected juniors and seniors under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Independent study for selected juniors and seniors under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Independent study for selected juniors and seniors under supervision of faculty; may be repeated only once.
Prepares students for the senior project, internship experience, and for careers beyond graduation. Life skills are introduced by building on communication, organization, and project management skills (capstone).
Students develop and complete a research project under the direction of a faculty member in the NRE department (capstone).
Pre-req: NRE 490 with a minimum grade of D.
This course will examine properties of soil fertility, its relationship to plan nutrition, and practices in nutrient management and fertilizer application.
This course will examine the principles of sustainable agriculture and its relationship with natural resources while identifying challenges to agricultural sustainability and frontiers in the field.
Examination of how aquatic resources are protected for humans and species of concern by current regulatory framework.
This course will introduce students to the principles of aquatic toxicology including regulations driving biological criteria, development of laboratory toxicity testing and test methodology.
Introduction to graduate research and individual topics, development of literature research skills, reading and discussion of keystone papers, support for research project prospectus development and beginning the literature portfolio for the thesis.
This course focus is discussion of fundamental and cornerstone literature from the field of nature resources. Emphasis will be given to research methods and individual student project development.
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other courses.
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other courses.
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other courses.
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other courses.
Independent Study (1-4 hrs)
Independent Study (1-4 hrs)
Independent Study (1-4 hrs)
Independent Study (1-4 hrs)
The course utilizes relevant literature from the Natural Sciences to investigate data analysis and presentation methods. Topics include statistical methods selection, graphical presentations, journal selection and interpretation of data outcomes.
The course focuses on transition to professional opportunities beyond graduate school. Discussions will include scientific publication and public presentation in multiple venues and formats, expectations of various career options and applications of science in decision making.
Independent Study
Independent Study
Independent Study
Independent Study
Study of an advanced topic not normally covered in other courses.
Thesis
Natural Resource Recreation Management
An orientation to the profession and its settings, emphasizing history, trends, concepts, and relationships to other fields.
This course is designed to give students the skills essential for the pursuit of employment in guiding participants on flat-water canoe courses in backcountry settings.
This course is designed to give students the skills essential for the pursuit of being able to guide participants on fly fishing excursions in the backcountry.
This course is designed to give students the skills essential to pursue employment as a guide on bass fishing excursions in the backcountry.
This course is designed to give students the foundation skills essential in the pursuit of being leading participants on backcountry backpacking experiences. Leave No Trace ethics will be taught.
Students develop an understanding of statistical reasoning through the use of software to generate, summarize, and draw conclusions from data. Course enhances statistical technique dexterity through analysis of applied problems.
Designed to provide students with the fundamental understanding of and for the delivery of nature based educational programs offered through an experiential framework.
Organization, administration, and delivery of outdoor recreation activities and resources. Emphasis upon federal, state, and local government programs and areas.
Principles and techniques of environmental interpretation as practiced in federal, state, and private agencies.
This course is the study of environmental education, its foundations, emergence in the 1960's, its evolution, the systems approach to it, and the application of it in the field.
This course will deal with the fields of recreational sports and campus recreation management. It will present the foundations of both fields, the development, implementation, and trends in today's programs.
A systematic approach to the concepts and philosophies for managing wildland, wilderness, and protected areas.
This course will study the processes for event facilitation. Special attention will be given to the roles and skills utilized by a variety of recreation managers.
This course focuses on preparing students to be outdoor adventure education leaders, facilitating programs in both the front and back country utilizing adventure education techniques in an outdoor setting.
The course will examine the critical issues addressed by tourism planning and management, which are the positive and negative influences of tourism on the destination's economy, society, culture, and environment.
This course provides an overview and analysis of individual and group behavior as it pertains to consumer activity in the context of recreation and tourism resource environments.
This course will examine the theoretical foundations, applications and best management practices in ecotourism. Other minor topics include: sustainability, nature-based and adventure tourism; sociocultural, environmental, and economic impacts of ecotourism.
Focused on the management, operation, and administration practices of recreation resource areas. Includes supervision of personnel, budgeting, and public relations for a variety of park and public land organizational structures.
A course presenting an overview of leisure services for the elderly. Topics include research results, theories, and modern day trends. A wellness model will be included.
Theoretical & practical approach to research, evaluation and assessment of the social sciences of natural resources and recreational management.
The course is designed to help students identify and evaluate the level of resource impact, understand factors that cause impacts, and suggest management actions to minimize impacts under given conditions.
A study of the knowledge and skills necessary to supervise and administer the general development and maintenance of park and recreation areas and facilities.
Basic considerations in the planning and design of natural areas, parks, forests, recreation, and sport area infrastructure, facilities and associated amenities.
This course will examine the historic and current philosophies of wilderness and protected area management as applicable to NGOs, local, state, and federal land management programs.
Focusing on natural resource management, the course will explore techniques and procedures required for spatially explicit data analysis in park and protected area applications.
A course designed to instruct students in contemporary methods and techniques of constructing OHV trails and related facilities.
A supervised 40-hour per week, 6 week internship in which the students work with park and recreation agencies. (PR: NRRM major. Advisor approval required.)