Course Syllabus
Course: NR 1020
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Natural Resources
Title: Field Inventory and Sampling Techniques
Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028
Catalog Description: This course will teach the correct methods of field inventory and sampling techniques within air, water, vegetation and wildlife management through lectures and hands-on field laboratory exercises. Students will learn practical skills and common practices for collecting and assessing data relative to conservation and management. Students will also learn basic data analysis techniques and interpret the data to make basic management decisions. This course was formerly known as Environmental Sampling and Analysis.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Justification: This course will introduce students to essential techniques and analysis methods that a person working in a natural resource field should be familiar with. The course will also allow students to work directly in the field, getting hands-on experience in those methods.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate the ability to obtain and analyze samples of water and air using correct procedures. This will be assessed using lab reports, section reports, and exams.
Students will demonstrate the ability to perform inventories and monitoring of vegetation and wildlife using common techniques. This will be assessed using lab reports, section reports, and exams.
Students will be able to perform analysis of acquired data and record and present results in the required format. This will be assessed using lab reports, and section reports.
Students will make deductions from their analysis concerning environmental conditions. This will be assessed using lab reports, section reports, and exams.
Content:
This course will include:
• Understanding and practice of air and water testing and analysis
• Understanding and practice of vegetation and wildlife inventory and monitoring
• Proper recording and reporting of data
• Analysis and use of data to make decisions
The course uses examples and protocols from diverse fields and demographics that are common in major natural resource fields.
Key Performance Indicators:
Lab Reports 20 to 50%
Exams 40 to 60%
Section Reports 10 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No textbook is required for this course. Instructor will assign selected readings.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course is delivered through lecture, video recordings, class discussion, hands-on field experiences, projects, assignments, and exams.
Instructors will promote inclusivity by using a variety of learning exercises and assessment tools. Instructors will learn the names of each student individually. They will provide opportunities for each student to receive personalized help and feedback, using clear rubrics and explaining specific reasons when students are docked points.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 30
Optimum Class Size: 20
