Natural Resources (NATR) Courses
NATR 294 Topics in Natural Resources
- Units:0.5 - 5
- Hours:9 - 72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Current topics in natural resources conservation and management not covered by regular catalog offerings are examined. Topics and field locations vary, including advanced subjects related to wildlife, fisheries, soil and water resources, conservation biology, forest resources and management, restoration ecology and aquatic ecology. Field trips may be required.
NATR 300 Introduction to Natural Resource Conservation and Policy
- Units:4
- Hours:72 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course provides a survey of concepts, issues, management approaches, laws and regulations relevant to Earth's natural resources, such as soils, water, wildlife, fisheries, rangelands, and forests, with a focus on their sustainable management and conservation. It integrates over-exploitation, pollution, land use, and waste issues throughout the course, and explores principles, problems, and potential solutions in the context of ecology, economics, and ethics. This course stresses critical thinking, the scientific method and ecological dynamics as it deals with past, present, and future natural resource issues. Major themes include sustainability and global environmental problems as well as environmental laws and policies. Field labs may be required.
NATR 301 Introduction to Ornithology
- Same As:BIOL 332
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B; IGETC Area 5C
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This introductory course covers the biology and natural history of birds. Topics include evolutionary origins of birds and of flight, avian anatomy and physiology, and bird behavior, such as migration, song, feeding ecology, and mating systems. Conservation strategies are also investigated. Laboratory work explores bird structure and function, taxonomic classification, and species identification, particularly of those found in California and the western United States. Field trips may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed BIOL 332.
NATR 302 Introduction to Wildlife Biology
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340; AND eligible for transfer-level Math.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B; IGETC Area 5C
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course is an introduction to the science of wildlife biology and the basic principles and techniques involved in wildlife research, conservation, and management. It emphasizes ecological aspects of wildlife populations and communities such as predator-prey relationships, population dynamics, diseases and parasites of wildlife, and wildlife habitat. Animal behavior, nutritional ecology, and other aspects of wildlife biology are also explored. Human dimensions of wildlife management including wildlife restoration and conservation, human-wildlife conflicts, hunting, invasive species, impacts of global climate change, and other relevant issues are examined. Social, economic, and ecological implications of management alternatives are investigated. Additionally, this course provides hands-on experience with habitat and population sampling, data analysis and interpretation; radio telemetry; wildlife capture and handling; and critical analysis of wildlife management policies and the development of a wildlife management plan. Field trips are required.
NATR 303 Energy and Sustainability
- Same As:ENERGY 303
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MATH 120, 125, 129, 133 or higher; NATR 300, or an equivalent transferable life science course; and Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300, OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course investigates fundamentals of energy and impacts of energy systems on society and the environment. It explores energy resources, efficiency, conservation, and emerging technologies. Specifically addressed are mechanics, advantages, disadvantages, and sustainability of current and future energy systems. This course also focuses on economic, cultural, political, and environmental aspects of energy production and consumption in the context of the built environment, transportation, food systems, manufacturing, and public services. Field trips may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed ENERGY 303 or ET 303.
NATR 304 The Forest Environment
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MATH 120 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers basic biological and physical science concepts important to a general understanding of forest ecology and forestry. It investigates tree anatomy and basic physiology, forest types and distributions across the Earth, ecological processes and species adaptations, forests of the United States and the history of their use, California forests and major tree species, soils, fire ecology and natural selection, and pests and diseases of forest trees. Additional topics include the role of fire in forest management, the science of silviculture and forestry, forest management and harvest techniques, history of the forest conservation movement, and current issues and policies related to forest resource use. Field trips are required.
NATR 305 Fisheries Ecology and Management
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340; AND eligible for transfer-level math.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers the fundamentals of marine and freshwater fisheries, ecosystems, and their impacts on society and the environment. Fish life history, ecology, habitats, and population dynamics are examined. Fisheries' sustainability issues are investigated, including environmental, ecological, economic, and social aspects. Commercial and recreational fisheries management and aquaculture are covered. Field trips are required.
NATR 306 Introduction to Rangeland Ecology and Management
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course introduces the science of range ecology and management. It covers ecological principles that apply to rangeland ecosystems and their conservation and management, as well as the history of rangelands and their management. This course focuses on the interactions among the different components of rangelands: soils, plants, non-human animals, and people. The effects of different management systems on ecosystem services provided by rangelands are studied, including food, fiber, fuel, water, habitat, and carbon sequestration. In addition, it explores current issues and research surrounding rangeland conservation, sustainability, restoration, and climate change. Field trips are required.
NATR 307 Principles of Sustainability
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area V(b); CSU Area D7; IGETC Area 4
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Theoretical and practical aspects of sustainability are explored including social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Sustainable principles and practices are examined in the context of energy production and consumption, transportation systems, food production, water resources, industry, and the built environment. The environmental as well as social and cultural impact of industrialization is addressed, and solutions to current problems are discussed. Field trips may be required.
NATR 310 Study Design and Field Methods
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:NATR 300; MATH 120 or higher; eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course addresses study design and field methods important to the field of natural resources. It covers basic statistical approaches and sampling designs, and introduces a variety of sampling and monitoring protocols and techniques. Field labs provide practice with a variety of hands-on methods for vertebrate study, vegetation assessment, land survey, and aquatic studies. Specific portions of the course focus on (1) survey skills including distance and direction measurement, topographic map reading, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS); (2) woody and herbaceous vegetation sampling strategies such as transect and quadrat, and habitat assessment; (3) methods used in terrestrial vertebrate wildlife studies, such as radio telemetry, remote cameras, and live-trapping; and (4) techniques specific to aquatic ecology and water quality measurements. It also includes applications of GIS and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Field trips may be required.
NATR 320 Principles of Ecology
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B2; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5B; IGETC Area 5C
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers basic principles of ecology, including the physical and biological factors of different environments in relation to the distribution and abundance of plants and animals. Emphasis is on the management of ecosystems using ecological principles and the understanding of current ecological issues. Field trips are required.
NATR 322 Environmental Restoration
- Units:2
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:NATR 300, 302, 310, 320, and 330
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course covers fundamental principles and practices of environmental restoration--the process in which a damaged resource is renewed biologically, structurally, and functionally. Topics include both the causes of ecological degradation and biodiversity loss, as well as the science of development, management, monitoring, and sustainability of restored environments. Ecological principles, ecosystem processes, and biological interactions are covered in the context of restoration of wildlands and more urbanized areas. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with a variety of restoration techniques and materials in diverse habitats. Previously restored habitats in the Sacramento region are explored and current restoration sites are evaluated. Field trips may be required.
NATR 324 Field Studies: Birds and Plants of the High Sierra
- Units:1.5
- Hours:9 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This field study course focuses on identification, distribution, abundance, ecological relationships, and conservation of bird and plant communities of the High Sierra. Primary environments explored include montane chaparral, riparian woodland, coniferous forest, montane bog and fen, rocky outcrop, montane meadow, subalpine woodland, and alpine tundra. Emphasis is placed on the natural history and life history characteristics of common birds and plants, as well as rare and endangered species and their conservation challenges. Field trips are required.
NATR 330 Native Trees and Shrubs of California
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This dendrology course covers classification and ecology of major natural plant communities of California and their component tree and shrub species. Emphasis is placed on biotic and abiotic factors of native woody plant distribution and abundance in northern California, focusing on characterization of the dominant vegetation types and identification of native woody species. Major topics include plant adaptation, evolution, and diversity in time and space; morphology and physiology; life history; soils, climate, and topography; endemism; interspecific and intraspecific interactions; invasive species; disease; anthropogenic and natural environmental change; human uses of native plants; and native plant restoration and conservation. This course involves the creation of a plant collection including at least 60 representative native woody species. Field trips are required.
NATR 332 Wildflowers of California
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:NATR 330
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course investigates biology, ecology, conservation, and management in the context of California wildflowers. Field labs focus on the California Floristic Province. The identification, distribution, and interrelationships of herbaceous plants in their natural environment, physical and biological influences, ecological relationships, and representative plant communities are examined. Special emphasis is given to the study of plant families in our local grasslands, vernal pools, oak woodlands, and foothills. Field trips may be required.
NATR 346 Water Resources and Conservation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MATH 120 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course provides an introduction to water resource management with an emphasis on water issues in California. It explores current and projected water issues in California and introduces students to fundamental aspects of Hydrology and Hydrogeology. The course investigates surface water and groundwater systems, with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable water resource management that balances urban, agricultural, industrial, and environmental water needs. It considers the implications of water rights and key water policies in evaluating how water is used and exploited. The course also explores concepts and practices of water budgeting for agriculture and domestic use.
NATR 495 Independent Studies in Natural Resources
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
NATR 498 Work Experience in Natural Resources
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to natural resources with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Natural Resources Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of natural resources. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in transfer-level degree occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
NATR 499 Experimental Offering in Natural Resources
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
