Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 General Catalog 
    
2021-2022 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Course Numbers and Descriptions


Course fees may apply. Please review Banner Registration information for details.

 

Wildland Resources

  
  • WILD 1800 - Introduction to Geographic Information Sciences


    3 credits

    This course introduces students to the background and theory behind geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Students learn to integrate and analyze spatial information from different geographic sources. The course includes a weekly laboratory section.

    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Spring 2021.
  
  • WILD 2000 - Natural Resources Professional Orientation


    1 credit

    Through a combination of in- and out-of-classroom activities, students develop an understanding of curriculum requirements and career opportunities associated with the Natural Resources majors. Students will also be introduced to natural resource management issues and research involving multiple disciplines.

    Cross-listed as: ENVS 2000  and WATS 2000  

  
  • WILD 2200 - Ecology of Our Changing World (BLS)


    BLS Breadth Life Sciences
    3 credits

    Foundations of ecological and evolutionary relationships of organisms with other organisms and with the physical environment, emphasizing populations, communities, and ecosystems. Integration of basic science with applications of science to understanding human interactions with the environment.

  
  • WILD 2250 - Introductory Internship/Co-op


    1-3 credits

    Introductory-level educational experience in internship/cooperative education position approved by department.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Departmental signature

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 2400 - Wildland Resource Techniques


    3 credits

    Introduction to research and management techniques for wildlife, range, and forest resources. Emphasizes field and laboratory skills for studying and managing wild plants and animals.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: MATH 1050  or higher (C- or better); BIOL 1610  and BIOL 1620  Enrollment is limited to QCNR majors Department authorization is required for all non-majors

     

  
  • WILD 3100 - Introduction to Wildland Fire


    3 credits

    This course introduces students to science and management of wildland fire. Topics include combustion and fire behavior, fire ecology, and fire management and policy.

  
  • WILD 3300 - Management Aspects of Wildlife Behavior


    3 credit

    Principles, concepts, and mechanisms of animal behavior, emphasizing behavioral ecology, development, and comparative aspects of special relevance to management of fish and wildlife.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: BIOL 1610 , BIOL 1620 , and BIOL 2220 /WATS 2220  

  
  • WILD 3800 - Wildland Plants and Ecosystems


    4 credits

    Autecology and identification of dominant plants in important terrestrial ecosystems of the Intermountain West, and the structure, function, and dynamics of those ecosystems as related to the environment. Enrollment limited to WILD Department majors.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: BIOL 1620  and WATS 2220  or BIOL 2220   Department authorization required for all nonmajors

  
  • WILD 3810 - Plant and Animal Populations


    3 credits

    Basics of plant and animal population ecology, including population regulation, life histories, single and multi-species interactions, and metapopulations. Case studies will cover topics of both management and conservation concern.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: WATS 2220  or BIOL 2220 ; MATH 1100  or higher (C- grade or better); STAT 2000  or STAT 3000  (C- grade or better)

     

  
  • WILD 3820 - Forest Plants: Identification, Biology, and Function


    3 credits

    This course explores the identification, biology, and function of forest plants of western North America with an emphasis on the woody plants of Utah’s forest ecosystems. Introduction to woody plant anatomy, forest communities, and indicator species.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: MATH 1050  or higher (C- grade or better)

  
  • WILD 3830 - Range Plant Taxonomy and Function


    3 credits

    This is a field and laboratory-based course. Students will learn how to identify dominant grass, forb, and woody plants of the Intermountain West using taxonomic keys.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Enrollment limited to WILD Department majors or permission of department

  
  • WILD 3850 - Vegetation and Habitat Management


    3 credits

    Applying ecological principles and concepts to manipulate the composition, structure, and productivity of wildland vegetation for a range of objectives, including the creation and maintenance of wildlife habitat, using biological, chemical, and mechanical methods, as well as fire.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: WILD 3800 

  
  • WILD 4000 - Principles of Rangeland Management


    3 credits

    Modern principles of rangeland management, including history of the profession, ecology, plant physiology, impacts of grazing on individual plants and plant communities, grazing management, range animal nutrition, rangeland watersheds, and the economics and planning of rangeland practices. Also introduces range-wildlife relations and vegetation manipulation.

  
  • WILD 4100 - Scientific Communication for Natural Resource Professionals (CI)


    CI Communications Intensive
    2 credits

    This course is designed to enhance the scientific literacy skills of natural resource professionals by teaching: 1) how to read scientific articles, and 2) how to communicate scientific information effectively in written and oral form to different audiences. Additional coursework is required for those enrolled in the graduate-level course.

    Prerequisite/Restriction:

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6100  

  
  • WILD 4250 - Advanced Internship/Co-op


    1-9 credits

    Advanced-level educational experience in internship/cooperative education position approved by department.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Departmental signature

  
  • WILD 4300 - Forest Stand Dynamics


    3 credits

    This course provides students with in-depth knowledge and exposure to important concepts and literature associated with the study of tree growth, production ecology, dendrochronology, and forest stand development. Additional coursework is required for those enrolled in the graduate-level course.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6300 

    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Fall 2021.
  
  • WILD 4340 - Range Ruminant Nutrition and Management


    3 credits

    The purpose of this course is to explore the nutrition of ruminants grazing on rangelands under the framework of environmental variability and animal adaptations.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6340  

  
  • WILD 4500 - Principles of Wildlife Management


    3 credits

    Provides students with a working knowledge of the application of basic concepts in ecology and animal behavior to the management of wildlife resources to achieve diverse objectives of conservation, control, or cropping.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: WILD 3810 

  
  • WILD 4550 - Wildlife Law Enforcement


    3 credits

    Explores essential topics relating to enforcement of wildlife and other natural resource laws, including applicable state and federal laws, policy formulation, rights of the individual, search and seizure, field forensic procedures, and the judicial process.

  
  • WILD 4570 - Forest Ecology of the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains


    3 credits

    This field experience uses an ongoing research project at the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot as a vehicle for learning field methods, natural history, and ecological theory. Students learn the ecology of mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada and bristlecone pine.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6570  

  
  • WILD 4580 - Management and Manipulation of Ecological Data Using R


    1 credit

    This course provides instruction on the underpinnings of the R computing and statistical environment, as well as how to manage and manipulate data in the R environment.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6580  

  
  • WILD 4600 - Conservation Biology


    3 credits

    Patterns and processes creating biological diversity. Causes and consequences of diversity losses from genes to ecosystems, including habitat fragmentation and exotic invasion. Conservation laws and organizations. Approaches to conserving diversity loss, including reserve design, corridors, and species reintroductions.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: WATS 2220 /BIOL 2220 

  
  • WILD 4640 - Studies in the American West


    3 credits

    This interdisciplinary course in American Studies explores the region of the West through the analysis of literary texts, historical sources, and socio-cultural materials.

    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Summer 2021.
  
  • WILD 4700 - Ecological Foundations of Restoration


    3 credits

    An advanced plant ecology course emphasizing topics especially relevant to successful establishment of plants in disturbed environments and restoration of functioning dynamic ecosystems. It covers basic ecological processes from the population the ecosystem level and applications to ecological restoration.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: BIOL 1610 , BIOL 1620  and WATS 2220  or BIOL 2220  

  
  • WILD 4750 - Monitoring and Assessment in Natural Resource and Environmental Management


    4 credit contact hours CEU

    Lectures, laboratory exercise, and field-based projects introduce students to the concepts, strategies, and analytical methods of natural resource and environmental monitoring and assessment.

    Prerequisite/Restriction:

  
  • WILD 4880 - Genetics in Conservation and Management


    3 credits

    Introduces principles of modern genetics, with applications, examples, and assignments related to ecology and management issues. Emphasizes genetic marker systems, gene flow, genetic drift, and adaptation.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: CHEM 1110  or CHEM 1210 ; and BIOL 1610 

  
  • WILD 4910 - Assessment and Synthesis in Natural Resource Science (CI)


    CI Communications Intensive
    3 credits

    Science-based assessments of natural resources conducted through implementation of analytical methods and synthesis. Case studies used to develop concepts, strategies, and problem-solving skills. Basic GIS and remote sensing skills developed.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: WILD 2400 , WILD 3800 , WILD 3810 , and WILD 4750  

  
  • WILD 4950 - Special Topics


    1-3 credits

    Individual study and research upon selected problems.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Departmental permission

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 4960 - Directed Readings


    1-3 credits

    Individual reading research on forest, range, and wildlife science readings.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Departmental approval

    Repeatable for credit


    Pass/Fail only
  
  • WILD 4970 - Undergraduate Research


    1-3 credits

    Individual or team research.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Departmental permission

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 4980 - Undergraduate Seminar


    1 credit

    Review of current research by graduate students and faculty. Exposes students to new developments in research and management in the fields of wildland resources. Features participation by students, faculty, and guest lecturers.

    Repeatable for credit


    Pass/Fail only
  
  • WILD 5220 - Community-based Conservation Partnerships


    3 credits

    Seeks to infuse ecology with applied conservation and management approaches. Conservation and management of natural resources requires an understanding of ecological relationships and strategies for working with diverse stakeholders. PhD-level students present their research.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 7220 .

  
  • WILD 5300 - Human-Wildlife Interactions


    3 credits

    This course explains current legal, ethical, and biological principles for the control and/or management of problem vertebrate species.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: QCNR majors or department authorization

    Cross-listed as: WILD 7300  

  
  • WILD 5350 - Wildland Soils


    3 credits

    Application of basic principles of soil science to wildland ecosystems. Effects of disturbance and land use on wildland soil properties. Role of soils in natural resource management.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: CHEM 1110 ; PSC 3000 , and one additional upper-division Soils course, or instructor permission

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6350  and PSC 5350 /PSC 6350 .

  
  • WILD 5560 - Applied Avian Ecology (CI)


    CI Communications Intensive
    3 credits

    This course consists of the application of ecological principles to avian population, community, and habitat management. It includes applied aspects of physiology, anatomy, and taxonomy of N.A. bird groups, and a review of state and federal management plans and practices.

    Prerequisite/Restriction:

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6560  

  
  • WILD 5580 - Mammalogy


    3 credits

    This course teaches evolution, adaptations, distribution, natural history, behavior, and identification of mammals of the world, with special emphasis on North American species. It consists of two lectures and one lab.

    Prerequisite/Restriction:

    Cross-listed as: BIOL 5580  

  
  • WILD 5700 - Forest Assessment and Management (CI)


    CI Communications Intensive
    3 credits

    Detailed analysis of forest stand structure and growth. Development of silvicultural prescriptions to meet specific objectives. Analysis of costs and benefits of alternative forest management strategies. Emphasizes forest management to achieve a broad range of objectives.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: WILD majors or students with instructor permission

  
  • WILD 5710 - Forest Vegetation Disturbance Ecology and Management


    3 credits

    Examines causes, effects, and management options for selected biotic and abiotic agents of disturbance in wildland ecosystems.

  
  • WILD 5750 - Applied Remote Sensing


    3 credits

    Covers the application of remote sensing to landcover mapping and resource monitoring at a quantitative level. Students instructed on the effects of atmosphere and surface interaction on the reflectance collected by electro-optical sensors, as well as on the proper use and interpretation of various calibration and classification algorithms.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6750  

  
  • WILD 5860 - Poisonous Range Plants Affecting Livestock


    3 credits

    Poisonous plants of rangelands and their effects on grazing animals, especially livestock. Management practices to reduce or prevent poisoning.

    Cross-listed as: ADVS 5860 .

  
  • WILD 6100 - Scientific Communication for Natural Resource Professionals


    2 credits

    This course is designed to enhance the scientific literacy skills of natural resource professionals by teaching: 1) how to read scientific articles, and 2) how to communicate scientific information effectively in written and oral form to different audiences. Additional coursework is required for those enrolled in the graduate-level course.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 4100  

  
  • WILD 6200 - Biogeochemistry of Terrestrial Ecosystems


    3 credits

    Inputs, outputs, and cycling patterns of major nutrients. Emphasis on mechanisms for transformations, factors influencing process rates, and the impacts of management and global change on nutrient cycles and air and water quality.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: BIOL 1620 , PSC 3000 , CHEM 2300  or CHEM 2310 , or instructor permission

    Cross-listed as: BIOL 6200  and PSC 6200 .

  
  • WILD 6240 - Graduate Internship/Co-op


    1-9 credits

    Graduate-level educational experience in internship/cooperative education position approved by department.

  
  • WILD 6300 - Forest Stand Dynamics


    3 credits

    This course provides students with in-depth knowledge and exposure to important concepts and literature associated with the study of tree growth, production ecology, dendrochronology, and forest stand development. Additional coursework is required for those enrolled in the graduate-level course.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 4300 

    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Fall 2021.
  
  • WILD 6340 - Range Ruminant Nutrition and Management


    3 credits

    The purpose of this course is to explore the nutrition of ruminants grazing on rangelands under the framework of environmental variability and animal adaptations.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 4340  

  
  • WILD 6350 - Wildland Soils


    3 credits

    Application of basic principles of soil science to wildland ecosystems. Effects of disturbance and land use on wildland soil properties. Role of soils in natural resource management.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: CHEM 1110 ; PSC 3000 , and one additional upper-division Soils course, or instructor permission

    Cross-listed as: WILD 5350  and PSC 6350 /PSC 5350 .

  
  • WILD 6400 - Ecology of Animal Populations


    3 credits

    Growth, fluctuation, balance, and control of animal populations.

  
  • WILD 6401 - Population State Variables


    2 credits

    You will learn how to estimate and monitor population abundance using capture-mark-recapture and distance sampling methods. You will also learn how to use Occupancy models to examine metapopulation dynamics, habitat use, species occurrence, and species interactions when detection is not perfect.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: STAT 5100  or WILD 6500  

  
  • WILD 6402 - Demographic Vital Rates


    1 credit

    Reproduction, survival and dispersal are the underlying vital rates that cause change in population abundance.  The importance of variation in life history strategies will be discussed, and you will learn how to estimate vital rates using generalized linear models, capture-mark-recapture and multi-state models.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: STAT 5100  or WILD 6401  or WILD 6500  

  
  • WILD 6403 - Dynamics of Structured Populations


    2 credits

    You will learn how to develop and analyze structured population models, including the implications of density-dependence and stochasticity on the dynamics of structured populations. You will also learn how to conduct perturbation analyses and use demographic models to study life history evolution.

  
  • WILD 6500 - Design and Analysis of Ecological Research Using R


    3 credits

    This course examines research design from a statistical perspective, showing how data analysis is largely determined by research design and its implementation. It reviews statistical tools for analysis of ecological data in the context of design.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Graduate standing

  
  • WILD 6560 - Applied Avian Ecology


    3 credits

    Application of ecological principles to avian population, community and habitat management. Includes applied aspects of physiology, anatomy, and taxonomy of N.A. bird groups, and review of state and federal management plans and practices.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: BIOL 1620  and  WATS 2220  or BIOL 2220  

    Cross-listed as: WILD 5560  

  
  • WILD 6570 - Forest Ecology of the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains


    3 credits

    This field experience uses an ongoing research project at the Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot as a vehicle for learning field methods, natural history, and ecological theory. Students learn the ecology and management issues relating to the mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada and the bristlecone pine ecosystems of the White Mountains.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 4570  

  
  • WILD 6580 - Management and Manipulation of Ecological Data Using R


    1 credit

    This course provides instruction on the underpinnings of the R computing and statistical environment, as well as how to manage and manipulate data in the R environment.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 4580  

  
  • WILD 6700 - Restoration Ecology


    4 credits

    Provides an understanding of ecological restoration, how to determine restoration goals, how to establish targets, and how to determine what are good measures of success. Teaches restoration implementation, best practices for restoration monitoring, and how to develop and sustain community support for restoration.

    Cross-listed as: WATS 6700  

  
  • WILD 6710 - Landscape Ecology


    3 credits

    This course focuses on landscape-scale patterns and processes, and ways of understanding ecological complexity. It explores conceptual underpinnings of larger-scale ecology and emphasizes understanding of current peer-reviewed literature.

    Prerequisite/Restriction:  

    One of the following:

    • GEOG 4870 /GEOG 6870  (may be taken concurrently)
    • NR 6950  (may be taken concurrently)
    • The ability to demonstrate geospatial skills using R


  
  • WILD 6720 - Advanced Conservation Biology


    3 credits

    Examines cases and consequences of population and species declines, including activities such as habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, as well as natural causes due to genetics and demography.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 7720 .

  
  • WILD 6730 - Forest Community Ecology


    4 credits

    Community ecology of forest ecosystems. Quantitative methods of community description. Analytic treatment of scientific literature and an emphasis on critical scientific writing. Role of limiting factors, competition, and disturbance in determining community composition, structure, and dynamics.

  
  • WILD 6750 - Applied Remote Sensing


    3 credits

    Covers the application of remote sensing to landcover mapping and resource monitoring at a quantitative level. Students instructed on the effects of atmosphere and surface interaction on the reflectance collected by electro-optical sensors, as well as on the proper use and interpretation of various calibration and classification algorithms.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 5750  

  
  • WILD 6760 - Ecosystem Services: Science and Management


    3 credits

    Ecosystem services are a common focus of landscape management. In this course, students examine the science behind ecosystem services, explore the concept’s influence on management, and gain tools that enable them to incorporate ecosystem service assessment into their research. 

  
  • WILD 6770 - Community Ecology


    3 credits

    Students learn theory and concepts of plant community ecology. They explore plant community composition, distribution in space, and dynamics in time. Species environmental response models, competition theory, statistical predictive models, and concepts of multivariate analysis in plant ecology are discussed.

    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Summer 2021.
  
  • WILD 6800 - Wildland Resources Departmental Seminar


    1 credit

    Review of current research by graduate students and faculty. Exposes students to new developments in research and management in the fields of wildland resources. Features participation by students, faculty, and guest lecturers. Graduate students are required to register for one semester of seminar credit but are encouraged to attend as many seminars as possible throughout their academic experience.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 7800 

    Repeatable for credit


    Pass/Fail only
  
  • WILD 6870 - Ecology Seminar


    1 credit

    The Ecology Center schedules seminars with ecological scientists from participating institutions. Ecology majors are required to attend or view a minimum of 10 such lectures. Ecologically focused seminars offered by other departments and colleges may also be eligible for credit. 

    Cross-listed as: BIOL 6870 , ENVS 6870 , PSC 6870 , and WATS 6870 

    Repeatable for credit
    Pass/Fail only
  
  • WILD 6900 - Graduate Special Topics


    1-6 credits

    Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 6910 - Directed Study


    1-6 credits

    Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 6920 - Python Programming for GIS


    3 credits

    Students learn the basics of the Python programming language and how to use it with various GIS packages, including ArcGIS and GDAL. The course also introduces other Python modules that are useful for working with GIS data.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: Basic GIS knowledge

  
  • WILD 6970 - Thesis Research


    1-12 credits

    Original research for MS degree.

    Repeatable for credit


    Pass/Fail only
  
  • WILD 6990 - Continuing Graduate Advisement


    1-9 credits

    This course provides graduate students with continued support and advisement. It is usually taken following completion of all coursework required for the degree.

    Repeatable for credit.
    Pass/Fail only.
    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Summer 2021.
  
  • WILD 7000 - Theory and Applications of Wildland Ecosystem Management


    3 credits

    This course covers the application of wildland management principles, new theory, and public policy to on-the-ground decision-making in wildland ecosystems. Field trips are required.

  
  • WILD 7030 - Plant-Herbivore Interactions


    3 credits

    Emphasizes principles of self-organization as applied to plant (tolerance and avoidance of herbivory) and herbivore (food and habitat selection) behavior. Stresses importance of history and ongoing interactions with the environment in understanding the dynamics of plant-herbivore interactions.

  
  • WILD 7220 - Community-based Conservation Partnerships


    3 credits

    Seeks to infuse ecology with applied conservation and management approaches. Conservation and management of natural resources requires an understanding of ecological relationships and strategies for working with diverse stakeholders. PhD-level students present their research.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 5220 .

  
  • WILD 7300 - Human-Wildlife Interactions


    3 credits

    This course explains current legal, ethical, and biological principles for the control and/or management of problem vertebrate species.

    Prerequisite/Restriction: QCNR majors or department authorization

    Cross-listed as: WILD 5300  

  
  • WILD 7400 - Plant Population Ecology


    3 credits

    Dynamics of plant populations as influenced by interactions with their abiotic and, especially, biotic environments. Topics include dormancy and germination strategies, intra- and interspecific competition, facilitation, disturbance, herbivory, pathogenic and mutualistic fungi, pollination, seed dispersal, and vegetative reproduction.

  
  • WILD 7720 - Advanced Conservation Biology


    3 credits

    Examines cases and consequences of population and species declines, including activities such as habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, as well as natural causes due to genetics and demography.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6720 .

  
  • WILD 7800 - Wildland Resources Departmental Seminar


    1 credit

    Review of current research by graduate students and faculty. Exposes students to new developments in research and management in the fields of wildland resources. Features participation by students, faculty, and guest lecturers. Graduate students are required to register for one semester of seminar credit but are encouraged to attend as many seminars as possible throughout their academic experience.

    Cross-listed as: WILD 6800 

    Repeatable for credit


    Pass/Fail only.
  
  • WILD 7900 - Graduate Special Topics


    1-6 credits

    Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 7910 - Directed Study


    1-6 credits

    Offers credit for special assignments, reading, and seminars beyond regularly scheduled courses.

    Repeatable for credit.
  
  • WILD 7970 - Dissertation Research


    1-12 credits

    Original research and study for PhD degree.

    Repeatable for credit.
    Pass/Fail only.
  
  • WILD 7990 - Continuing Graduate Advisement


    1-9 credits

    This course provides graduate students with continued support and advisement. It is usually taken following completion of all coursework required for the degree.

    Repeatable for credit.
    Pass/Fail only.
    This listing includes updates which are effective beginning Summer 2021.