Current Course Descriptions

Fundamentals of Ecology (RENR 205)-This course is designed to survey the principles and concepts of ecology for non-majors to meet science core requirements. The course focuses on the relevance of ecology in contemporary society by illustrating ecological concepts with numerous examples. Specific topics include an introduction to ecology, climate and soils, biomes, nutrient cycling, energy flow, productivity and biodiversity.  The overarching philosophy of the course is to produce ecologically literate citizens that can make informed decisions regarding environmental issues confronting the State, Nation and globe.

Range Plant Ecophysiology (RLEM 607)-Synthesis and interpretation of physiological mechanisms influencing ecological patterns and processes, including plant acclimation and adaptation in contrasting habitats, abiotic controls on species productivity and distribution, relevant conceptual and experimental approaches, and integration among ecological scales. Course presentation is designed to engage students in a lecture - discussion format. Students are challenged to evaluate the current literature and utilize this information in hypothecial research problems and course examinations.

Rangeland Communities and Ecosystems (RLEM 316)-My portion of this team-taught course is designed to introduce and demonstrate the relevance of physiological plant ecology to rangeland ecosystems and natural resource management. Whole plant photosynthesis, photosynthetic pathways, plant water relations and patterns of species distribution are emphasized. The intent is to instill students with a sufficient conceptual understanding to apply this information in various ecosystems and applications. Course presentation is based on an interactive format.

Academic Outreach

Academic Outreach represents an important opportunity to transfer contemporary research information to individuals and organizations that directly influence land management decisions. Demand for the integration and application of technical information has increased in response to the growing amount of research information that has targeted more complex natural resource issues. Two ecological courses are currently being offered to personnel of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to address this demand.

Course I - Rangeland Ecology: Principles and Applications. This course explores the fundamental principles of rangeland ecology and demonstrates the relevance and application of these principles to contemporary rangeland management. Emphasis is placed on climate, soils, grazing and fire as the major drivers of vegetation distribution and vegetation dynamics in rangeland ecosystems. The course is designed as a blend of classroom activities, field experiences, and demonstrations to emphasize the managerial relevance of ecological principles in rangeland ecosystems. Field tours emphasize plant identification, community composition, ecological sites and the effects of grazing and fire on vegetation composition within and between ecological sites.

Course II - Evaluation of Vegetation Change on Rangelands: State-and-Transition Models and Rangeland Health.  This course emphasizes the ecological foundations and application of alternative procedures to evaluate and manage rangeland ecosystems. The conventional interpretation of continuous and reversible vegetation change and the alternative interpretation advocating discontinuous and non-reversible vegetation change are contrasted and compared. State-and-transition models, ecological thresholds and rangeland health procedures are emphasized.  Participants are provided with the opportunity to 1) gain additional insight into the current NRCS framework for developing ecological site