Courses

HOURS: 36 LEC
Basic concepts, techniques, skills and theories on fire suppression and control.  Includes fire physics, fuels, weather, topography, behavior, fire-line construction, National Interagency Incident Management System, safety and helicopters. Meets training needed to become a firefighter for federal and state agencies.

HOURS: 3 LEC, CSU, UC
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the field of environmental studies by emphasizing connections between person, place, and time. Through readings in the foundational texts of environmental philosophy, exposure to the complexities of "environmentalism," and reflective outdoor experiences, students will begin developing an appreciation for their unique ecological identity, significance in history, and role in their community.

HOURS: 1 LEC
This course is designed to be taken early in a student’s career in the Environmental Studies program. It will help build community among new students by introducing them to program staff, returning students, Plumas County (through map exercises, primarily), and by inviting natural resource professionals to speak about their careers and experiences.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU
Learn to observe the patterns and relationships of flora, fauna, and non-living elements of the Sierra Nevada range, with a particular focus on Plumas County. Basic ecology, climatology and geology will also be discussed. An overnight field trip is required. Cross-listed with BIOL120.

HOURS: 2 LEC, CSU
In-depth studies of wildlife issues, laws, and regulations throughout North America and the world. The course includes in-depth discussions and analysis of the Endangered Species Act, commercialization of wildlife, illegal trade of wildlife, introduction of exotic species, the effects of pollution on wildlife, depredation wildlife and human populations’ effect upon wildlife. Possible solutions to wildlife issues will be reviewed. Cross-listed with ADMJ 125.

HOURS: 1 LEC; 3 LAB
Introduction to local and global food systems, and their ecological, economic and social sustainability. Includes an exploration of Plumas County’s local food and farming movement, and an introduction to the basics concepts of farm design and management. Labs include field days to local farms, gardens, and community-based food projects.

HOURS: 1 LEC; 3 LAB
Introduction to sustainable farm production techniques with an emphasis on fall crops. Includes planting schedules, season extension techniques, nutrient management, and the impact of temperature on crop productivity. Lab activities provide opportunities for hands-on experience planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops throughout the fall season.

HOURS: 1 LEC; 3 LAB
Introduction to farm production techniques with an emphasis on spring and early summer crops. Includes crop planning, high altitude variety selection, nutrient management, and spring season extension techniques. Lab activities provide opportunities for hands-on experience with seed starting, soil preparation, potting-up, transplanting, greenhouse management, and spring season extension techniques.

HOURS: 0.5 LEC; 1.5 LAB
Introduction to ecological pest and weed management strategies for the small-scale farm. Includes an overview of short-term, ecologically-friendly strategies for controlling a variety of common pests, as well as long-term approaches to building a balanced farm ecosystem. Labs will include field days at local farms and gardens.

HOURS: 0.5 LEC; 1.5 LAB
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the impacts of temperature on crop growth and equip them to select and utilize the appropriate season extension techniques. Students will learn about a variety of cost effective season extension technologies and gain experience in designing, building and using them.

HOURS: 0.5 LEC; 1.5 LAB
This course will equip students to assess, design and select tools and infrastructure appropriate for the small-scale farm. Includes an overview of small-scale equipment, hand tools, seeders, farm structures and packing shed design, irrigation system components and design, and fencing options. Field labs will include hands-on projects at local farms.

HOURS: 3 LEC, CSU(B1), UC
Course covers the scientific basis of global environmental issues. Students explore and evaluate various environmental perspectives as they relate to the role of humanity and its relationship to the natural world.

HOURS: 3 LAB, CSU, UC
The laboratory section of ENVR 142 will build on students’ understanding of concepts covered in the lecture course. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative methods of assessing data, collecting scientific data, representing information through graphs and charts, manipulating data in Excel, and applying chemical and physical concepts.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3, CSU
This class will introduce you to the fundamental concepts, techniques, and tools used to understand the structure and function of watersheds. In addition, the class will address the basic techniques of stream corridor restoration. During the semester students will have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained to collaborate on watershed restoration projects.

HOURS: 9 LEC; 27 LAB, CSU
This hands-on course focuses on native plant propagation, including identification, seed and cutting collection, transplanting, nursery and greenhouse operations, and revegetation techniques. Evening classroom sessions and daytime application / fieldtrips will combine to provide students with an understanding of how to initiate their own native plant projects.

HOURS: 3 LEC, CSU(D8), UC
We will engage in a comprehensive analysis of the laws and policies that affect water, land, air, fire, wildlife, and vegetation in the American West. The class will examine the federal land management agencies (history, mission, policies), and issues specific to wilderness, wildlife, timber, grazing, water, and mining. While the primary focus is on the western U.S., some discussion of global issues will occur. The course examines policy strategies and outcomes, ethical and economic debates, political controversies, lawmaking and enforcement, and role of key players. Cross-listed with POL 180.

HOURS: 27 LAB, CSU
Selected environmental studies field trips to areas of environmental, historical and ecological interest within four major North American biomes: Great Basin, Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascades, and Modoc Plateau.

HOURS: 4.5 LEC; 13.5 LAB, CSU
By taking local field trips, this course attempts to develop an understanding of winter ecology by using hands-on, practical ecological methods.

HOURS: 9 LEC; 27 FIELD, CSU
We will explore three regional environmental concerns through classroom and field sessions. Readings, guest speakers, discussion, direct observation, and hands-on projects will provide students with varied perspectives and allow you to make judgments about the issues and seek solutions to these complex challenges.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU
An introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) including basic principles as well as practices involving GIS. Students will learn about assessment of vector and raster data, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, geo-referencing, and Global Positioning Systems. In addition, students will learn how GIS facilitates interdisciplinary project approaches, methods of data collection and sampling methods, spatial analysis, project design, and implementation. Cross-listed with GEOG 201.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU, UC (S)
An introduction to the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils. Major topic areas include the relationship of soil characteristics to land management, maintenance of soil productivity, soil erosion processes and erosion control methods, soil classification and the use of soil survey information in agriculture, watershed and wildlife applications. The relationship of soil properties and the geologic/geomorphic setting is emphasized. Cross-listed with AGPS 210.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU
This course is an introduction to forest ecological and biological processes and to forest management, through discussion of silviculture, policy, operations, forest products, and management decision making. Students will learn about techniques for measuring forests and other forest ecosystem components, such as soil, wildlife habitat, etc. Emphasis will be placed both on traditional use of forest resources and emerging, multiple-use goals.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU
This course introduces students to wildland fire and its relationship and interactions with the environment. Major topic areas include: the basics of fire, fire exclusion and policy, fire history, traditional ecological knowledge and cultural burning, fuels, fuels sampling and quantification, fire and fuel modeling, and prescribed fire as a management tool. Students will also learn about career opportunities and gain skills in fire ecology and management.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU
An exploration of the field of wildlife biology, including conservation, ecology, threats, and management of wildlife. The class is designed as an introductory-level course for the student interested in wild vertebrate species, including fish.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 6 LAB, CSU
An applied course dealing with field identification and basic natural history of vertebrate wildlife and the fundamental field techniques used in wildlife management. ENVR 240 is a prerequisite for this course.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LAB, CSU
An introduction to the techniques and methodology of fisheries culture, in earthen ponds and flow-through raceways. Lectures will focus on history, theory, hatchery systems, site selection, and water quality, feeding rates, and the economics of an aquaculture facility. The lab portion will focus on applying the lecture to the FRC fish hatchery and the production of salmonid species.

HOURS: 1 LEC; 1 LAB, CSU
Students will apply concepts from pre-requisite courses, to analyze and synthesize information about the environment. This will lead to participation in ecosystem management decision-making.

HOURS: 3 LEC; 3 LAB
This course introduces students to the study of fishes. Students delve into the history of fishes and the techniques used to differentiate the 31,000 species. The course covers anatomy, behavior, structure and form, ecology of different classes, and students will identify and describe fishes that are found in and around California. Cross-listed with Biology 264.

HOURS: 2 LEC; 3 LEC, CSU
This course builds upon the knowledge gained in ENVR250 Fish Culture and delves deeper into the subjects of water quality, water management, feed management, inventory, and bio filtration. These subjects are the driving force for recirculation fish culture. Students will explore the important mechanical components of a system and the role each plays in the life support of the culture species. Cross-listed with AGAS266. Prerequisite: ENVR 250.

HOURS: 1 LEC     
The objective of this class is to synthesize material learned in the major and assist students in the development of professional skills in seeking out, applying to, and interviewing for continued education and/or employment in environmental fields. Prerequisite: Completed 11 units of required core courses for the Environmental Studies major.

HOURS: 0-90 LEC; 0-270 LAB, CSU
A student may take advanced course work or complete a student designed project in Environmental Studies after having completed introductory courses. The topics, learning objectives, educational material(s), number of units to be awarded, and method of evaluation are determined in a written agreement between the instructor and the student before the student engages in the learning experience. A “Learning Contract for Directed Studies” must be completed by the student, approved by the instructor and Chief Instructional Officer, and placed on file with the Office of Instruction.

HOURS: 0-54 LEC; 0-162 LAB, CSU
Course covers selected topics in evolving issues or research in the area of environmental management or ecosystem science or special field topics as the opportunity arises. Independent student research and presentation are emphasized. Cross-listed with BIOL 299.

HOURS: 3 LEC
This course examines the values, attitudes, and behaviors of humans related to natural resources. Students will explore their own beliefs, biases, and prejudices through the use of case studies in controversial topics such as grazing on public lands, the expansion of wolves into new habitat, listing of endangered species, and recreation conflicts.