Natural Resources ManagementAS Degree

This course is a study of the agriculture, environmental science and natural resources industries with a focus on career opportunities, self evaluation, and skills necessary for successful job procurement. Topics include job trends, resumes and cover letters, interviewing skills, and the types of careers available in agriculture, environmental science, and natural resources.

This course is the study of botanical characteristics, taxonomy, physiology, and community relationships of the major trees and shrubs in the Western United States. Discussion of commercial uses and geographic ranges of these plants.

This course is an introduction to the integrated management of natural resources including trees, soil, water, fish, and wildlife for the production of wood and fiber products. The emphasis will be on both the traditional and emerging uses of the forest resource to satisfy human needs and the consequent protection of the public trust. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports.

This course is an introduction to plant science including structure, growth processes, propagation, physiology, growth medica, biological competitors, and post-harvest factors of food, fiber, and ornamental plants. (C-ID AG-PS 104).

This course is an interdisciplinary study of the world environment with a focus on human use and protection of natural resources across ethnic and cultural boundaries. Environmental issues involving the exploitation and conservation of natural resources will be studied for their modern as well as historical, political, economic and social implications. Particular attention is paid to the condition of natural resources, including soil, water, forest, mineral, plant and animal life throughout California. The citizen's role in natural resource conservation is stressed throughout the course. Graded only.

This course is an introduction to the techniques, issues and laws pertaining to recreational land management. Topics include types of recreational activities, evaluation of site resources, maintenance and operation of outdoor recreational facilities. Analyses of social and economic factors that affect participation in recreational activities will be included.

This course covers design principles, selection, maintenance, adjustment, and safe operation of wheel and crawler type tractors used in agriculture and in the construction industry. (C-ID AG-MA 108L).

The course is a study of plant and animal ecology in relation to principles of wildlife management with an emphasis on identification, sexing and aging criteria, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat, and a review of trapping and marking techniques.

This course introduces students to federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the management and protection of natural resources. Topics include the history and development of environmental law including Air and Water Quality Acts, National Environmental Policy Act, and Endangered Species Act. Graded only.

This course is an introduction to applied Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and provides the knowledge and practical experience necessary to develop skills in the acquisition of Global Positioning System's (GPS) data and its application to (GIS) for presentation and use in precision agriculture, field biology/botany, natural resources and park-land management, as well as heavy equipment operation. No previous GIS experience is assumed.

The study of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil use and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. Laboratory topics include soil type, classification, soil reaction, soil fertility and physical properties of soil. (C-ID AG-PS 128L).

This course is an introduction to the conservation and management of natural resources. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The major natural resources including water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils will be covered and students will learn about the environmental policy and laws that govern use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation.

This course is an introduction to the methods, techniques, and tools used to restore and enhance watershed health. Topics will include reforestation techniques, hydrologic cycle, disturbance mitigation, and use of native plants for biofiltration. The course emphasizes local water issues and restoration efforts.

Work experience is an experiential course where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a work environment. The course offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills, explore possible career choices, build confidence, network with people in the field, and transition into the world of work. Work experience may include paid or unpaid employment. Students may earn one semester unit of college credit in this course for every fifty-one hours of work experience. Students may enroll in this course up to 8 unit(s) to complete the entire curriculum of the course. A maximum of sixteen units can be earned in work experience courses during a student’s enrollment with Butte College.

Prerequisite: Permission of Work Experience Education instructor and employment supervisor