2026-2028 Catalog

https://nres.calpoly.edu/

The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences department offers three fantastic, learn-by-doing focused undergraduate majors - Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences, Environmental Management and Projection, and Forest and Fire Sciences. Students have access to several thousand acres of agricultural, forest, and rangeland managed by the college. Students gain hands-on experience with equipment and techniques in common use by environmental scientists, environmental managers and planners, foresters, wildland fire fighters, natural resources managers, soil scientists, agricultural scientists, and geologists. The department is equipped for analysis of soil, plant, tree, rock, and water samples. Analytical methods available to students include portable gas analyzers for analysis of greenhouse gases, portable x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF), inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), high temperature combustion analysis of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, petrographic microscopy with digital image analysis, as well as a suite of microbiological, geographic and geospatial analytical techniques and instrumentation.

The department maintains greenhouse research space and operates state-of-the-art weather monitoring equipment on Cal Poly rangelands, providing data for a wide variety of interdisciplinary research projects.

Experiential Learning

The Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department has a number of outdoor field sites where faculty and student learn-by-doing projects and research are conducted. Facilities sited at the Cal Poly campus include a Forestry Skills Center, computer labs, GIS laboratories, several environmental science labs, Coastal Resources Institute Research field lab, and several well-equipped greenhouses. Moreover, the department works closely with Cal Poly’s School Forest at Swanton Pacific Ranch, near Santa Cruz, California to ensure our students have many opportunities to engage at this hands-on learning resource. This 3800-acre ranch includes redwood forests, salmonid-bearing streams, agricultural land, and many other ecosystems. The Swanton Pacific Ranch provides hands-on learning of active forest, ranch, agricultural, and watershed management activities. The management of these forest resources is internationally certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Students make extensive use of these facilities. Significant field work and laboratory activities occur in all undergraduate and graduate programs.

In addition to these campus-based learning experiences, the department places great importance on work experience before graduation. Work experience validates the student's career goals, confirms the relevance of their classroom education, while offering a pathway to employment. Students can earn course credit through internships, supervisory courses, and/or for volunteer or paid work positions related to their major.

Students are encouraged to reinforce their education, develop professional contacts, and strengthen their career potential by participating in any of the following activities: the Environmental Sciences Club; the Soil Judging Team; Association of Environmental Professionals Student Chapter (AEP); Society of American Foresters Student Chapter (SAF); Logging Team; Student Association of Fire Ecology; and/or Xi Sigma Pi Forestry Honorary Society; attending international and national conferences; and internships and cooperative education programs with government and industry. Each of these opportunities, combined with a friendly, helpful atmosphere, provide students a college experience that is highly personal as well as rewarding. Students also are encouraged to investigate opportunities for international education through Cal Poly's International Center.

How to Read Course Descriptions

ERSC Courses

ERSC 1144 Introduction to Earth Science (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F

Survey of fundamental processes of Earth science. Application of systems thinking to understand the dynamic interactions among geologic, hydrological, biological, and atmospheric components of the Earth system. Explore how geographic, soil, and human factors shape the Earth. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly ERSC 144.
ERSC 2250 Physical Geography (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F

Systems and processes responsible for the Earth's patterns of weather, climate, and landforms. Atmospheric circulation, severe weather, climate change, hydrologic cycle, tectonics, volcanism, and fluvial, coastal, and glacial landscapes. Emphasis on interactions between humans and the natural environment. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 2250. Formerly ERSC/GEOG 250.
ERSC 3303 Soil Erosion and Water Conservation (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: One of the following: GEOG 218, GEOG 2218, LA/NR 218, and LA/NR 2218; and SS 120 or SS 1120.

Evaluation of soil and water conservation with agriculture, rangeland, and urban land applications. Processes, regulation, and best management practices for soil erosion, water quality, and stormwater. Development of stormwater pollution prevention or farm water quality plans to meet regulatory requirements. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Formerly ERSC 303.
ERSC 3325 Climate and Humanity (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Recommended: One of the following: ERSC 144, ERSC 1144, GEOG 250, or GEOG 2250.

Geographic perspective on the interrelationships between climate and human cultures. Effects of people on climate and the influence of climate and weather upon human activities and behavior. Focus on global human conditions which are responsible for the alteration of climate and in turn are vulnerable to climate change. Course may be offered in classroom-based or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 3325. Formerly ERSC/GEOG 3325.
ERSC 3335 Soil, Water, and Civilization (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2022-26 catalog); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2022-26 catalog); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2022-26 catalog).

Explore past civilizations and how management of soil, water, and other natural resources allowed them to flourish, decline, or fail. Sustainability of natural resource use in modern/future societies. Issues include sustainability, agricultural practices, deforestation, water quality, and land management. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2022-26 catalog). Formerly ERSC 335.
ERSC 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 12 units. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 4400. Formerly ERSC/SS 400.
ERSC 4414 Global and Regional Climatology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: ERSC/GEOG 250, ERSC/GEOG 2250, ERSC 144, or ERSC 1144.

Earth's pattern of climates and the physical processes that account for them. Interrelationships between climate and the physical/biological and cultural environments. Modern climate changes and their consequences. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 4414. Formerly ERSC/GEOG 414.
ERSC 4415 Applied Meteorology and Climatology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: ERSC/GEOG 250, ERSC/GEOG 2250, ERSC 144, or ERSC 1144.

Physical processes in the atmosphere that determine regional weather, climate and climate variability. Surface and satellite systems for weather observation, and weather/climate modeling. Dynamics of weather systems, including thunderstorms and hurricanes. Emphases on weather/climate affecting agriculture and other human activities. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as ERSC/GEOG 4415. Formerly ERSC/GEOG 415.
ERSC 4442 Applied Groundwater Hydrology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: BRAE 236, BRAE 2236, BRAE 340, BRAE 3340, ERSC 144, ERSC 1144, GEOL 201, GEOL 2240, SS 120, or SS 1120; one of the following: MATH 141, MATH 221, MATH 1261, or MATH 1267; and one of the following: PHYS 121, PHYS 141, PHYS 1121, or PHYS 1141.

Applied field methods of vadose zone and groundwater flow modeling, confined and unconfined aquifer flow characterization, well installation, monitoring, and sustainable groundwater management. Groundwater modeling with COMSOL, MODFLOW, and AQTESOLV. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly ERSC 442.
ERSC 4443 Applied Environmental Contaminant Transport (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: BRAE 236, BRAE 340, BRAE 2236, BRAE 3340, ERSC 144, ERSC 1144, GEOL 201, GEOL 2240, SS 120, or SS 1120; one of the following: MATH 141, MATH 221, MATH 1261, or MATH 1267; and one of the following: CHEM 110, CHEM 124, CHEM 125, CHEM 1110, CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1122.

Applied study of mechanisms of fate and transport of contaminants in soils and groundwater. Field methods and technologies of soil and groundwater sampling and site characterization. Conceptual and mathematical models, case studies, laboratory study of breakthrough behavior, and remediation technologies. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly ERSC 443.
ERSC 4450 Geomorphology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: GEOL 201 or GEOL 2240.

Evaluation of processes shaping landscapes. Field-based production of surficial geologic maps. Field, aerial photograph, and topographic map analysis assessing processes shaping landscapes. Interpretation of landforms and landform relationships. Assessing tectonic and climate influences on landscapes. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly ERSC 423.
ERSC 4470 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule list topic selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 4470. Formerly ERSC/SS 470.
ERSC 4471 Special Advanced Laboratory (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 4471. Formerly ERSC/SS 471.
ERSC 4476 Senior Project - Advanced Internship Experience in Environmental Science/Management (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363; and consent of instructor.

Independent internship experience conducted under faculty supervision focusing on a discipline area of environmental science/management. Completion of a project as a component of the internship. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4476. Formerly ERSC/NR 476.
ERSC 4477 Senior Project - Research Experience in Environmental Science (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363.

Guided research experience in a specific area of environmental science. Implementation of materials and methods. Collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Completion of formal written report. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4477. Formerly ERSC/NR 477.
ERSC 4478 Senior Project - Current Topics in Environmental Science (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363.

Critical evaluation and formal presentation of current issues in environmental science/management. Evaluation of current topics, analysis of supporting evidence, and synthesis and presentation of resulting perspectives on different approaches to current challenges in environmental science/management. Satisfies the senior project requirement. 2 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4478. Formerly ERSC/NR 478.
ERSC 4479 Senior Project - Independent Study (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363; and consent of instructor.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4479. Formerly ERSC/NR 479.
ERSC 5570 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars. Formerly ERSC 570.
ERSC 5571 Special Advanced Laboratory (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Formerly ERSC 571.

ESCI Courses

ESCI 5500 Individual Study (1-12 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the NRES department faculty. Open only to graduate students who have demonstrated ability to do independent work. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly ESCI 500.
ESCI 5501 Research Planning (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Problem solving and research planning for agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. Preparation of study plans that identify problems, review appropriate literature, formulate objectives, develop methods and provide for presentation and interpretation of results. 3 lectures. Formerly ESCI 501.
ESCI 5502 Research Design and Data Analysis (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Recommended: Completion of a statistics course.

Preparation for ESCI Professional-Track students. Identify research problems, review and synthesize literature, formulate objectives, survey quantitative and qualitative research methods for environmental science and management (research design, sampling, data collection, analysis, and interpretation), develop and present a research plan. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly ESCI 502.
ESCI 5539 Graduate Internship in Environmental Sciences and Management (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Independent internship experience conducted under faculty supervision focusing on a discipline area of environmental science/management. Repeatable up to 3 units. Formerly ESCI 539.
ESCI 5550 Advanced Environmental Science (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Recommended: An environmental science/management course.

Advanced study of earth system processes and environmental problems. Advanced application of systems thinking to study of energy, geologic systems, groundwater and surface water resources, soils, environmental pollution and degradation, atmospheric and ocean dynamics, and the global climate system. 3 lectures. Formerly ESCI 550.
ESCI 5565 Advanced Applied Hydrology (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Recommended: ERSC 442 or ERSC 4442.

Advanced hydrology techniques and applications to hydrology projects, including water quality and quantity monitoring and assessment, channel morphology monitoring, structural and non-structural enhancements for channel and upland watersheds, groundwater monitoring and modeling, natural and managed aquifer recharge, stream-aquifer interactions, and seawater intrusion. 1 laboratory, 1 activity. Formerly NR 575.
ESCI 5575 Teaching Strategies for College Environmental Sciences Laboratories (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Concepts of teaching and learning related to instructor performance in college environmental science and natural resources laboratory classes. Introduction to teaching strategies, managing a classroom, writing laboratory exercises and quiz questions, science pedagogy for the laboratory, and laboratory/field safety. Repeatable up to 6 units. 2 seminars. Formerly ESCI 575.
ESCI 5581 Graduate Seminar in Environmental Sciences (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Environmental Sciences and Management.

Study and presentation of selected developments, trends and problems in environmental science, forest and natural resources, earth and soil sciences, and environmental management. Develop professional skills including time management, career planning, and project management. Repeatable up to 2 units. 1 seminar. Formerly ESCI 581.
ESCI 5582 Advanced Spatial Data Analysis in Environmental Science (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Recommended: STAT 218 or STAT 1110; and NR 218 or NR 2218.

Seminar of practices and state of research in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, machine learning, and spatial analysis in agriculture, natural resources, ecology and environmental sciences. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 582.
ESCI 5590 Advanced Environmental Management (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Recommended: An environmental science or environmental management course.

Scientific principles of environmental issues and environmental management practices focusing on sustainable development and systems thinking, centered around the health of humans and ecosystems. Analysis of fundamental and emerging environmental factors that impact management practices. 3 lectures. Formerly ESCI 590.
ESCI 5598 Project (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and one of the following: ESCI 502, ESCI 550, ESCI 581, ESCI 590, ESCI 5502, ESCI 5550, ESCI 5581, and ESCI 5590.

Creation of a professional project leading to improved understanding of the physical environment, solution of an environmental problem, natural resources management, or improved interaction between society and the natural environment. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Formerly ESCI 596.
ESCI 5599 Thesis (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Individual research in environmental sciences and management under the general supervision of faculty, leading to a graduate thesis. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly ESCI 599.

NR Courses

NR 1140 Careers in Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: TBD

Analysis and development of career goals in natural resources and environmental sciences. Acquainting students with potential career options and preparation of academic plans for the majors in the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department. 1 seminar. Formerly NR 140.
NR 1141 Introduction to Forest Ecosystem Management (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F

Fundamentals of forestry including basic silviculture, forest protection, measurement and policy. Integrated resource management of forest lands for multiple uses. Introduction to land and resource measurements, including field instruments, property description, map and photograph reconciliation, and data accuracy and precision. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 141.
NR 1142 Environmental Management (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

An introduction to environmental management as a field and orientation for ENVM majors. Explores the effects of human activities on the natural environment as well as past and current efforts to balance human resource demands with ecosystem integrity. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Formerly NR 142.
NR 2200 Special Problems for Undergraduates (1-12 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Credit/No Credit grading only. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly NR 200.
NR 2203 Resource Law Enforcement (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD

Law enforcement applied to natural resource conservation on public and private lands. Examination of state and federal laws related to fish and wildlife management. Problems associated with implementation of resource laws examined. 3 lectures. Formerly NR 203.
NR 2204 Wildland Fire Control (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Fire control techniques for various wildland fuels. Elementary fire physics, fuels, weather, fire behavior, fire suppression techniques, line construction, "mop-up", fire line safety, air operations, and fire organization. Meets wildland fire fighter certification for United States Forest Service (USFS). Partially meets California Department of Forestry (CDF) Firefighter I. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 204.
NR 2208 Dendrology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Recommended: BOT 121 or BOT 1121.

Identification, classification, silvical characteristics, distribution, environmental requirements, and economic importance of woody plants in shrub, woodland, and forest ecosystems of the United States. Emphasis on species located in the Pacific Coastal, Sierran, and Cascade ecosystems. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 208.
NR 2218 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP

Fundamental concepts and functions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Create, manage, analyze, and display geographically referenced data. Explore how GIS is applied to analyze environmental, social, and natural resource issues. 2 lecture, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as LA/NR 2218. Formerly LA/NR 218.
NR 2270 Special Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly NR 270.
NR 2290 Intercollegiate Forestry Activities (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Beginning through advanced skills in the event areas of college forestry activities. Instruction in use of specialized equipment and safety. Field trip required. Repeatable up to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 290.
NR 2350 Urban Forestry (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Recommended: NR 208 or NR 2208.

Establishment and management of municipal forests, wildland-urban interface, wildlife habitat, and pollution abatement. Management of forest areas with a focus on addressing challenges related to heavy recreational use, fire hazard, watershed, and societal values. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Replaces NR 350.
NR 3304 Agroecology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: STAT 218, STAT 252, STAT 301, STAT 312, STAT 1110, STAT 1220, STAT 1510, or STAT 3210.

Ecological concepts and principles applied to the design and management of agricultural systems. Discussion of research in agroecology and assessment of cropping system sustainability. Laboratory section emphasizes field assessment of ecological structures and functions, experimental design, and data interpretation. 3 lectures. 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR 304.
NR 3305 Forest and Fire Ecology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 5B (GE Area B2 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5C (GE Area B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Examination of major forest types and processes that determine their development and productivity across the earth (silvics). Overview of the biophysical dynamics of fire and its interactions with vegetation structure and fuels management. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 305.
NR 3306 Natural Resource Ecology and Habitat Management (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 5B (GE Area B2 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5C (GE Area B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Ecology and management implications in North American ecosystems. Importance of maintaining natural dynamics of energy flow and nutrient cycles at the community and ecosystem levels for sustainability. Humanity's role as principal factor of change of the resources in natural systems. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 306.
NR 3308 Fire and Society (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Prehistorical and historical record of human use of and attitude toward fire. Mythology and religion of fire. Traditional, cultural, and ethnic variations and their influence on modern United States institutions involved in managing fire. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly ES/NR 308.
NR 3310 Global Climate Change (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Global climate change ranks among the most impactful environmental challenges humans have faced. Exploration of biophysical mechanisms governing the climate system, the drivers of climate change, and the implications of these unprecedented changes for Earth's coupled human-environmental systems. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR 310.
NR 3312 Technology of Wildland Fire Management (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B
Sustainability Related

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Historic, current and future perspectives of wildland fire in California. Sustainability and ecosystem health. The use of models and technology to solve complex land management problems. Assumptions and limitations of fire behavior and suppression models. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR 312.
NR 3315 Forest Mensuration (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: One of the following: BRAE 237, BRAE 239, BRAE 1239, or BRAE 2237; NR 141 or NR 1141; and STAT 218 or STAT 1110.

Principles and methods of sampling and measurement for forest and natural resource quantities, determination of density measures, and site index. Modeling and estimation for tree volumes, stand structure, and composition. Applications in sampling, statistical, and inventory techniques. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 315.
NR 3316 Environmental Literacy: An Integrative STEM Approach (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs). Recommended: Introductory statistics course.

Examination of local environmental challenges with systems thinking strategies and tools. Explore natural and human factors shaping coastal watersheds. Design for environmental education, analyze science data and practices, develop critical environmental literacy, and practice culturally inclusive communication strategies. Field trip required. 2 seminars, 1 activity. Crosslisted as NR/SCM 3316. Formerly NR/SCM 316.
NR 3317 The World of Spatial Data and Geographic Information Technology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Foundation for understanding the world through geographic information as well as the tools available to utilize spatial data. Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technology. Not open to students with credit in GEOG 218, GEOG 2218, LA/NR 218, or LA/NR 2218. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as LA/NR 3317. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly LA/NR 317.
NR 3318 Introduction to Environmental Data Science (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: LA/NR 218 or LA/NR 2218; and STAT 218 or STAT 1110.

Introduction to methods and applications in environmental data science. Computer programming to manipulate and analyze environmental data. Techniques to import, clean, analyze, model, and visualize environmental data. Introduction to data sources in forestry, fire science, natural resources, and environmental science. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.
NR 3319 Watershed Processes and Management (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: LA/NR 218 or LA/NR 2218; and SS 120 or SS 1120. Concurrent: NR 3320 and Forest and Fire Science, Water Science concentration major.

Introduction, analysis, and measurement of watershed processes of precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, stream channels, erosion, and riparian functions. Watershed management toward aquatic habitat and water quality goals. Field trip required. 2 lectures. Formerly NR 320.
NR 3320 Watershed Processes and Management Laboratory (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: LA/NR 218 or LA/NR 2218; and SS 120 or SS 1120. Concurrent: NR 3319 and Forest and Fire Science, Water Science concentration major.

Evaluation, analysis, or measurement of watershed processes of precipitation, evapotranspiration, streamflow, stream channels, erosion, assessment of riparian functions, stream ecology, and water quality. Field trip required. 1 laboratory.
NR 3321 Water Resources Technology and Society (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Study of technologies for sustainable management of water resources. Focus on monitoring of drinking water supply and quality, groundwater wells, surface water storage and conveyance systems, industrial, and oil and gas water use and management and stresses due to climate change. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR 321.
NR 3323 Human Dimensions in Natural Resources Management (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); Completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 4A (GE Area D1 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Social, economic, political, and ecological conditions and institutions that influence decisions affecting the environment. Examination of human-caused environmental impacts and how they in turn influence social institutions. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR 323.
NR 3324 Social Dimensions of Sustainable Food Systems (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of lower-division courses in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 and D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Historical, political, socio-economic, and cultural dimensions of sustainable food and fiber systems. Overview of frameworks used for understanding agro-ecological sustainability with an emphasis on human elements. Exploration of core sustainability concepts, practices, and goals through case studies. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR 324.
NR 3326 Natural Resources Economics and Valuation (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Theory of efficient use of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, including methods for non-market valuation. Economic perspectives of sustainability and climate change. Environmental and ecological economic theories and techniques to address allocation of water, timber, wildlife/fisheries, open space, and recreation. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as AGB/NR 3326. Formerly NR 326.
NR 3328 Environmental Leadership and Community Engagement (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Theories and practices of leadership and community engagement for a wide range of environmental issues. Development of personal leadership skills and methods for effectively working with non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, community groups, and the private sector to advance sustainability principles. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as EIM/NR 3328. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly NR/RPTA 328.
NR 3335 Conflict Management in Natural Resources (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Application of behavioral science principles and techniques in the management of natural resource systems. Management of internal and external human resource issues and concerns in natural resources organizations is emphasized. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs).
NR 3339 Internship in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (1-8 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
CR/NC
Prerequisite: NR 140 or NR 1140; or one of the following: ERSC 144, ERSC 1144, NR 141, NR 142, NR 1141, or NR 1142; and consent of instructor.

Work with an approved firm or agency engaged in natural resources or environmental management, education, research, policy, or monitoring. Apply and develop professional skills and competencies. Repeatable up to 8 units. Credit/No Credit grading. Formerly NR 339.
NR 3340 Wildland Fire Management (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Recommended: NR 204 or NR 2204.

Wildland fuels, fire weather, and fire danger ratings in chaparral, grassland, and forested areas. Advanced modeling of surface and crown fire behavior. Fire management strategies and implications, policies and objectives of fire management organizations. Field trip required. 2 lectures. Formerly NR 340.
NR 3341 Wildland Fire Behavior (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Recommended: NR 204 or NR 2204.

Assessment of factors influencing wildland fire behavior in grassland, shrubland, and forested ecosystems. Impacts of fuels, weather, and/or topography on wildland fire behavior. Examination of extreme fire behavior. Fire behavior prediction systems employed at stand-level and landscape-level. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 341.
NR 3349 Water for a Sustainable Society (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 4
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area D
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of one lower-division course in GE Area 4 (GE Areas D1 or D2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Historical, political, economic, socio-technical, and cultural dimensions of water sustainability. Overview of complex systems with an emphasis on individual choices and their impact on water sustainability. Exploration of core sustainability concepts, practices, barriers, and goals related to water resources. Course offered online only. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as BRAE/NR 3349. Fulfills GE Upper-Division 4 (GE Area Upper-Division D for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly BRAE/NR 349.
NR 3360 Ethnicity, Culture, and the Environment in the United States (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing or one of the following: Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences major, Environmental Management and Protection major, or Forest and Fire Sciences major; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 3B (GE Area C2 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Exploration of how ethnicity and culture shape landscapes and how social hierarchies structure access to and impacts from natural resource use in the United States. Examination of how social values, land ethics, and environmental contexts influence human-environment relationships, with emphasis on systemic inequities affecting marginalized communities. 3 lectures.
NR 3363 Career Preparation and Practices in Natural Resources Fields (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Introduction to professional practices, including preparation of professional materials and interview skills. Review and presentation of current published research and library researching techniques in environmental science/management and forestry and fire sciences. Development of presentation skills. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 seminars. Formerly NR 363.
NR 4365 Silviculture and Fuels Management (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: NR 208 or NR 2208; and NR 315 or NR 3315. Recommended: One of the following: NR 304, NR 305, NR 306, NR 3304, NR 3305, or NR 3306.

Forest ecology focusing on the development of sustainable forest management practices for achieving diverse forest ecosystem management objectives in US forests. Natural forest ecology, silvicultural systems and forest regeneration, and forest ecosystem services. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 365.
NR 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly NR 400.
NR 4402 Forest Health and Disturbance Ecology (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; one of the following: BIO 162, BIO 222, BIO 227, BIO 2215, BIO 2217, NR 208, or NR 2208; and one of the following: NR 205, NR 304, NR 305, NR 306, NR 3304, NR 3305, or NR 3306.

Impact and losses to forested areas caused by physical and biotic agents with a special focus on insects, diseases, drought, and wildfire. Relation of direct and indirect control practices to forest management. 3 lectures. Formerly NR 402.
NR 4403 Forest Health and Disturbance Ecology Laboratory (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Concurrent: NR 4402.

Overview of disturbance ecology agents and abiotic events. Laboratory analysis of common forest microbes, development of techniques for isolating microbes, field identification of signs of insect damage, examination of interactions between biotic agents and abiotic events focusing on wildfire. Field trip required. 1 laboratory.
NR 4404 Environmental Law (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Investigation of law as a tool for furthering environmental planning, management and protection with focus on federal environmental laws including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act. Legal research skills and legal analysis. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CRP/NR 4404. Formerly CRP/NR 404.
NR 4408 Water Resource Law and Policy (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Area 1 (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); or graduate standing.

Examination of water quality and quantity regulation and management in California, the United States, and globally. Coverage of freshwater and marine water issues. Research case study on water law and policy development. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as CRP/NR 4408. Formerly CRP/NR 408.
NR 4413 Agricultural Law (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analysis of agricultural law and policy including the business of agriculture, agricultural legislation, and coverage of contemporary agricultural issues such as water, food safety, and labor. Examination of statutory, judicial, policy and administrative areas in agriculture. 4 lectures. Formerly NR 413.
NR 4414 Sustainable Forest Management and Forest Operations (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: ECON 201, ECON 2001, NR 326, or NR 3326; and NR 315 or NR 3315. Recommended: NR 365 or NR 4365.

Biophysical, economic, social and political influences on optimal forest. Relationships between sustainable forests, ecosystem services, operational practices, forest road design, safety in forest operations, and environmental protection. Forest investment analysis and sustainable forest production. Field trip required. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 414.
NR 4416 Environmental Impact Analysis and Management (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

National Environmental Policy and California Environmental Quality Acts applied to private and public planning, development, and restoration projects. Intent, purpose, and application of the laws. Differences and similarities between laws and relationship with other environmental regulations. Review of real-world case studies. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 416.
NR 4417 Natural Resource Protection and Policy (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Overview of regulations pertaining to natural resource protection and management of public and private lands. Current environmental and natural resource law issues and disputes, focusing on evaluation of environmental impacts of public and private projects, programs, and activities. Course may be offered in classroom-base or online format. 3 lectures.
NR 4418 Applied Geographic Information System (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: One of the following: GEOG 218, GEOG 2218, LA/NR 218, or LA/NR 2218.

Acquisition, organization, and analysis of spatial data from diverse sources using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. GIS modeling applications, validation techniques, and quantitative reasoning are applied to develop and accomplish spatial analysis projects. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 418.
NR 4421 Wetlands (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and SS 120 or SS 1120. Corequisite: One of the following: BIO 114, BIO 1114, BOT 121, or BOT 1121; and one of the following: CHEM 124, CHEM 125, CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1122.

Formation, characteristics, and functions of wetlands. Genesis of hydric soils. Plant adaptations to saturated soils. Wetlands as wildlife habitat. Policies and social issues associated with wetlands. Procedures of wetland delineations. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as NR/SS 4421. Formerly NR 421.
NR 4422 Stream Measurements and Water Quality Monitoring (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Field measurement of streamflow, water quality, and water resources to support environmental evaluations of local water resources. Application of quality assurance procedures for monitoring water resources. Field trip required. Repeatable up to 2 units. 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 422.
NR 4431 Spatial Data Analysis and Environmental Mapping (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: GEOG 218, GEOG 2218, LA/NR 218, or LA/NR 2218; and one of the following: STAT 217, STAT 218, or STAT 1110. Recommended: SS 321 or SS 3321.

Introduction to methods and applications in spatial data science. Use of computer programming and geographic information systems (GIS) to manipulate and analyze spatial data. Applied mapping of environmental, agricultural and natural resource data using modeling techniques. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as NR/SS 4431. Formerly SS 431.
NR 4442 Environmental Life-Cycle Analysis (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Assess and quantify environmental impacts of human activities, industrial production processes, and organizational sustainability performance using life-cycle analysis. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Formerly NR 314.
NR 4445 Systems Thinking in Environmental Management (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Analysis of environmental challenges by incorporating systems thinking and system dynamics simulations with quantitative models. Interpretation of modeling results and their social and political implications. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures. Formerly NR 445.
NR 4460 Senior Project - Watershed Assessment and Protection (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing, and NR 320 or NR 3320; or graduate standing.

Assessment of streamflow, peak flows, and land management effects using established techniques and hydrologic models. Fluvial processes, sediment transport, and stream restoration techniques. Assessment and restoration plan of a watershed toward protection of aquatic and public resources. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 420.
NR 4462 Senior Project - Applied Resource Analysis and Assessment (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing and NR 416 or NR 4416.

Evaluation of environmental impacts of public and private projects, programs, and activities. Preparation, implementation, and coordination of environmental plans. Criteria for measurement, interpretation, and evaluation. Resource inventories, permitting and environmental constraints analysis, evaluation, synthesis, environmental assessment writing, and preparation. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.
NR 4463 Senior Project - Ecological Restoration (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; and one of the following: NR 304, NR 306, NR 402, NR 3304, NR 3306, NR 4402, SS 321, SS 422, SS 3321, or SS 4422.

Targeted study and application of ecological restoration concepts, theories, and practices. Evaluate benefits and limitations of restoration strategies. Develop and execute an applied restoration project in San Luis Obispo County. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 464.
NR 4464 Senior Project - Environmental Policy Analysis (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; and one of the following: NR 404, NR 408, NR 4404, or NR 4408.

Survey of policy tools and approaches to manage environmental challenges. Analyze environmental challenges, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing policy tools, and propose new policies to address policy gaps. 4 lectures. Formerly NR 435.
NR 4465 Senior Project - Ecosystem Management (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; and one of the following: Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences major, Environmental Management and Protection major, or Forest and Fire Sciences major.

Capstone course integrating biophysical and social sciences. Principles, concepts, and techniques designed to utilize resources while sustaining ecosystem health within acceptable limits of change. Ecosystem assessment, planning, and/or management project. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 465.
NR 4466 Senior Project - Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Protection (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing. Recommended: NR 340 or NR 3340.

Biophysical and socioeconomic issues affecting wildland fire management in urbanized landscapes. Fire risk assessment. Pre-fire prevention, mitigation, and preparedness during-fire response and post-fire recovery actions by public- and private-sector agencies and residents. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 455.
NR 4470 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly NR 470.
NR 4471 Special Advanced Laboratory (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Formerly NR 471.
NR 4475 Senior Project - Forest Stewardship Practices (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); and completion of GE Area 5 (GE Areas B1 to B3 for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Sustainable forest management, ecosystem sampling and inventory methods, hydrologic resources, road condition, forest project impact analysis, and best management practices related to forest stewardship. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 474.
NR 4476 Senior Project - Advanced Internship Experience in Environmental Science/Management (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363; and consent of instructor.

Independent internship experience conducted under faculty supervision focusing on a discipline area of environmental science/management. Completion of a project as a component of the internship. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4476. Formerly ERSC/NR 476.
NR 4477 Senior Project - Research Experience in Environmental Science (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363.

Guided research experience in a specific area of environmental science. Implementation of materials and methods. Collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Completion of formal written report. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4477. Formerly ERSC/NR 477.
NR 4478 Senior Project - Current Topics in Environmental Science (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363.

Critical evaluation and formal presentation of current issues in environmental science/management. Evaluation of current topics, analysis of supporting evidence, and synthesis and presentation of resulting perspectives on different approaches to current challenges in environmental science/management. Satisfies the senior project requirement. 2 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4478. Formerly ERSC/NR 478.
NR 4479 Senior Project - Independent Study (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and one of the following: NR 306, NR 326, NR 363, NR 3306, NR 3326, or NR 3363; and consent of instructor.

Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their fields of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. Crosslisted as ERSC/NR 4479. Formerly ERSC/NR 479.
NR 4480 Leadership Practice (1 unit)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Tasks associated with the development of personal leadership skills. Study and practice in setting goals and objectives. Developing, evaluating, and implementing a project independently and as part of a team. Decision-making and problem-solving emphasized. Repeatable up to 4 units. 1 lecture. Crosslisted as NR/RPTA 4480. Formerly NR/RPTA 472.
NR 5532 Applications in Biometrics and Statistics (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: One of the following: STAT 218, STAT 251, STAT 511, STAT 1110, STAT 1210, or STAT 5110; or graduate standing.

Parametric and semi-parametric statistical methods in modeling biological and economic phenomena. Biometric modeling of stand growth and inventory. Econometric modeling of market and environmental values. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly NR 532.
NR 5570 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topics selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 1 to 4 seminars. Formerly NR 570.
NR 5571 Special Advanced Laboratory (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Formerly NR 571.

SS Courses

SS 1120 Introductory Soil Science (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 5A
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 5C
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area B1
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area B3
Sustainability Related

Biological, chemical, physical, and genetic properties of soils. Application of scientific principles to solving land use, water management, and soil conservation problems. Interpretation of soils data for making environmental decisions, applying management practices, and sustainable food production. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas 5A and 5C (GE Areas B1 and B3 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SS 120.
SS 1130 Soils in Environmental and Agricultural Systems (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
2026-28 or later catalog: GE Area 5A
2020-26 catalogs: GE Area B1
Sustainability Focused

Soils' ecological functions. Soil and the water cycle. Soil in production of food, fiber, and forest materials. Techniques and reports of soil analyses with agricultural and environmental applications. Soil quality. Introductory overview of soils and civilizations. Not open to students with credit in SS 120 or SS 1120. 3 lectures. Fulfills GE Area 5A (GE Area B1 for students on the 2020-26 catalogs). Formerly SS 130.
SS 2221 Soil Health and Plant Nutrition (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: SS 120 or SS 1120.

Plant nutrient requirements in the context of soil health. Composition, value, and use of fertilizer materials, conditioners, and agricultural minerals for sustainable crop production and environmental quality. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 221.
SS 2270 Special Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable to 12 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Formerly ERSC/SS 270.
SS 3321 Soil Morphology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: SS 120 or SS 1120.

Identification of soil morphological and site properties. Correlation of soil physical and chemical properties with soil taxonomy and land use. Techniques of interpretations for agriculture, forest lands, wetlands, range lands, and urban development. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 321.
SS 3444 Climate Smart Agriculture (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
2026-28 or later: Upper-Div GE Area 2/5
2020-26 catalogs: Upper-Div GE Area B
Sustainability Focused

Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); completion of GE Area 2 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B4 for the 2020-26 catalogs); one of the following: BIO 114, BIO 1114, BOT 121, or BOT 1121; and SS 120 or SS 1120.

Contribution of the agricultural sector to climate change. Impacts of climate change on agriculture. Evaluation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for sustainable crop production. Field and laboratory assessment of climate smart agricultural practices. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as PLSC/SS 3444. Fulfills GE Areas Upper-Division 2 or Upper-Division 5 (GE Area Upper-Division B for students on the 2020-26 catalogs).
SS 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 12 units. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 4400. Formerly ERSC/SS 400.
SS 4402 Soil, Compost, and Water Testing Enterprise (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: SS 221 or SS 2221; and one of the following: CHEM 124, CHEM 125, CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1122.

Experience in soil, compost, and/or water testing. Sampling rationale and protocol. Analyses of soil, compost feedstocks, finished compost, and/or water. Theory and practice behind analytical instrumentation and quality assurance/quality control. Interpretation of results for soil, compost, and/or water management. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly SS 402.
SS 4421 Wetlands (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area 1 (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); and SS 120 or SS 1120. Corequisite: One of the following: BIO 114, BIO 1114, BOT 121, or BOT 1121; and one of the following: CHEM 124, CHEM 125, CHEM 1120, or CHEM 1122.

Formation, characteristics, and functions of wetlands. Genesis of hydric soils. Plant adaptations to saturated soils. Wetlands as wildlife habitat. Policies and social issues associated with wetlands. Procedures of wetland delineations. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as NR/SS 4421. Formerly NR 421.
SS 4422 Soil Ecology (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Corequisite: CHEM 312 or CHEM 2240; and SS 221 or SS 2221; or graduate standing. Recommended: STAT 218 or STAT 1110.

Biogeochemical activities, ecology and environmental implications of soil organisms. Effects on the formation, characteristics, and productivity of soils. Methods of studying soil organisms. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 422.
SS 4423 Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: CHEM 124 or CHEM 1120; CHEM 312 or CHEM 2240; and one of the following: MATH 121, MATH 141, MATH 161, MATH 1261, or MATH 1264; or graduate standing.

Chemical processes governing weathering, soil mineral formation and stability, and common solubility equilibria. Chemical principles to explain soil surface chemistry and environmental problems in water and soil chemical systems. Preparation of professional reports based on laboratory data and library research. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 423.
SS 4424 Environmental Soil Physics (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: One of the following: CHEM 124, CHEM 128, or CHEM 1120; one of the following: MATH 141, MATH 161, MATH 221, MATH 1261, or MATH 1267; one of the following: PHYS 121, PHYS 141, PHYS 1121, or PHYS 1141; and SS 120 or SS 1120.

Capstone course on matter and energy in soils, with emphasis on physical properties and behavior of solids, flow of water and air, and transport of heat. Applications to agriculture, environmental engineering, earth science and environmental science. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 424.
SS 4431 Spatial Data Analysis and Environmental Mapping (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: One of the following: GEOG 218, GEOG 2218, LA/NR 218, or LA/NR 2218; and one of the following: STAT 217, STAT 218, or STAT 1110. Recommended: SS 321 or SS 3321.

Introduction to methods and applications in spatial data science. Use of computer programming and geographic information systems (GIS) to manipulate and analyze spatial data. Applied mapping of environmental, agricultural and natural resource data using modeling techniques. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Crosslisted as NR/SS 4431. Formerly SS 431.
SS 4440 Forest and Range Soils (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: SS 321 or SS 3321.

Ecosystem approach to chemical, biological, physical and mechanical properties of forest and range soils. Site quality, nutrient cycling, erosion and mass movement, fire effects. Preparation of soil management reports similar to those required by various land management organizations. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 440.
SS 4444 Soil Judging (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: SS 321 or SS 3321.

Morphological description of soils in the field. Taxonomic determination of classifications and interpretive properties from soil descriptions. Participation in collegiate soil judging contests. Repeatable up to 4 units. Field trip required. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Formerly SS 444.
SS 4445 Advanced Soil Judging (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: SS 444 or SS 4444.

Advanced applications of field soil descriptions using professional standards in diverse geographic settings. Morphological description, classification, and interpretation of soils and landforms. Participation in national collegiate soil judging contests. Field trip required. Repeatable up to 4 units. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.
SS 4470 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule list topic selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 4470. Formerly ERSC/SS 470.
SS 4471 Special Advanced Laboratory (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Crosslisted as ERSC/SS 4471. Formerly ERSC/SS 471.
SS 5500 Individual Study in Soil Science (1-12 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP, SU
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences faculty. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly SS 500.
SS 5522 Advanced Soil Fertility (2 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Senior standing and SS 221 or SS 2221; or graduate standing.

Current research frontiers in soil fertility. Evaluating soil testing philosophy and interpretation, recent developments in soil fertility management, soil health, soil carbon sequestration, soil-plant-microbiome interactions, soil salinity and sodicity, sensor-based technologies, and precision agriculture. 2 lectures. Formerly SS 522.
SS 5570 Special Advanced Topics (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars. Formerly SS 570.
SS 5571 Special Advanced Laboratory (1-4 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

Directed group laboratory study of special topics for advanced students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Repeatable up to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories. Formerly SS 571.

Aakash Ahamed
B.S. Franklin & Marshall College, 2012; M.S. Boston College, 20214; Ph.D. Stanford 2022.

Chip S. Appel
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1995; M.S., 1998; Ph.D., University of Florida, 2001.

Nicholas Babin
B.A., UC Santa Cruz, 2004; M.A., UC Santa Cruz, 2008; Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz, 2012.

Yu Cao
B.S., Shanghai International Studies University, 2014; M.A., Kent State University, 2014; M.A., University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 2018; Ph.D., Northern Arizona University, 2023.

Yi-wen Chiu
B.S., National Taiwan University, 1996; M.S., University of Minnesota, 2006; Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 2010.

Richard Cobb
B.S., Northern Arizona University, 1996; M.S., University of Maine, 2000; Ph.D., University of California Davis, 2010.

Charlotte L.M. Decock
B.S., UGENT, 2005; M.S., Ghent University, 2007; Ph.D., University of California Davis, 2012.

Samantha J. Gill
B.S., Humboldt State University, 1991; M.S., 1993; Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 1997. Registered Professional Forester, California.

Ashley Rose Grupenhoff
B.S. Virginia Commonwealth University, Ph.D., University of California Davis, 2023.

Jeremy James
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1998; Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 2004.

Lilli Kaarakka
B.S., University of Helsinki, 2011; M.Sc. University of Helsinki and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences-dual degree 2012-13, D.Sc., University of Helsinki, 2018.

Bwalya Malama
B.S., University of Arizona, 1999; M.S., University of Arizona, 2001; Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2006.

Yamina Pressler
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 2013; Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2019.

Gordon L. Rees
B.S., Brigham Young University, 2009; M.S., Univerisity of California, Davis, 2015; Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 2015.

Seeta Sistla
B.A., Swarthmore College, 2004; M.A., Brown University, 2007; Ph.D., University of California Santa Barbara, 2012.

Christopher Graham Surfleet
B.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 1993; M.S. Oregon State University 1997; Ph.D. 2008. Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control.

Anastasia Telesetsky
B.A., Vanderbilt University, Nashville Tennessee, 1993; M.A., Univeristy of California, Santa Barbara, 1997; J.D., University of California, Berkeley, 2000; LLM, University of British Columbia, 2009

Priya O. Verma
B.S., University of Massachusetts, Boston, 2000; M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara, 2004; Ph.D. 2011.

Nicholas Williams
B.A. UC Santa Barbara 2006; M.A. Unversity of California Santa Barbara 2010; Ph.D., University of California Santa Barbara, 2015.

Stewart Wilson
B.S., Humboldt State University, 2010; M.S., University of California, Davis, 2015; M.A., University of California, Davis, 2019; Ph.D., University of California, Davis, 2019.