Environmental Studies Curriculum
Required Core Courses for Major
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
GE Area |
BIOL 106 |
Plant Biology, Evolution and Ecology |
4 |
B1 |
BIOL/ENVR 120 |
Sierra Nevada Natural History |
3 |
|
ENVR 102 |
Introduction to Environmental Studies |
3 |
|
ENVR 142 |
Introduction to Environmental Science |
3 |
|
ENVR 150 |
Ecosystem Inventory & Measurements |
2 |
|
ENVR/POLS 180 |
Environmental Protection, Policy & Practice |
3 |
|
ENVR 194AD |
Current Environmental Issues |
1 |
|
ENVR 210 |
Introduction to Soil Science |
3 |
|
FORS/ENVR 101 |
Introduction to Forestry |
4 |
|
ORL 116 |
Outdoor Recreation Principles |
3 |
|
WILD/ENVR 100 |
Introduction to Wildlife & Fisheries |
3 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Elective Courses for Major – at least 8 units
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
ENGL 180 |
Nature Literature in America |
3 |
ENVR 160 |
Watershed Protection & Restoration |
3 |
ENVR 190AD |
Environmental Studies Field Course |
.5 |
ENVR 192AD |
Winter Ecology |
.5 |
ENVR 201 |
Introduction to GIS |
3 |
WILD/ENVR 221 |
Wildlife Diversity & Field Techniques |
4 |
ENVR 250 |
Fisheries Culture |
3 |
Stand-alone & Recommended Support Courses – at least 2 units*
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
GE Area
|
FORS/ENVR 045 |
Seasonal Firefighting Basic Training |
2 |
|
BIOL 104 |
Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology |
4 |
B1 |
MATH 202 |
Statistics |
4 |
B2 |
GEOL 102 |
Physical Geology |
4 |
B1 |
CHEM 102 |
General Chemistry I |
4 |
B1 |
HIST 150 |
Environmental History |
3 |
D |
FORS/ENVR 152 |
Dendrology |
3 |
|
*Students planning to transfer are strongly recommended to take these courses. Choose your General Education options from this list. You can take up to 9 shared units in your major and GE.
Total Environmental Studies Major Requirements
Core Courses 32
Electives / Support 10
FRC Gen Ed up to 24 (depending on selection of electives)
Total: 60 - 64
Suggested Two-Year Plan
| |
1st Year Fall |
|
ENVR 102 |
Intro to Env Studies |
3 |
ENVR 142 |
Intro to Env Science |
3 |
ORL 116 |
Outdoor Rec Principles |
3 |
GE |
|
3 |
Electives |
|
3 |
| |
|
15 |
| |
1st Year Spring |
|
BIOL 106 |
Plant Bio, Ecology, Evolutn |
4 |
ENVR 180 |
Environmental Policy |
3 |
ENVR 192 |
Current Env Issues |
1 |
GE |
|
7 |
| |
|
15 |
| |
2nd Year Fall |
|
ENVR 120 |
Sierra Nevada Natural Hist |
3 |
ENVR 152 |
Intro to Forestry |
4 |
ENVR 100 |
Intro to Wildlife |
3 |
GE |
|
3 |
Electives |
|
2 |
| |
|
15 |
| |
2nd Year Spring |
|
ENVR 210 |
Intro to Soil Science |
3 |
ENVR 150 |
Ecosystem I & M |
2 |
GE |
|
3 |
Electives |
|
7 |
| |
Total Units: |
15
60 |
Courses Descriptions
A number of our courses are cross-listed with other disciplines. Each course, unless otherwise noted, can only be taken once for credit.
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ENVR / FORS 045 2 UNITS
SEASONAL FIRE FIGHTER BASIC TRAINING
Hours: 36 total lec hours; 1 week Spring Offering
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.
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ENVR / WILD 100 3 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE BIOLOGY: AN INTERGRATED APPROACH
Hours: 2 lec. 3 lab. Fall Offering
An exploration of the field of wildlife biology, including conservation, ecology, threats, and management of wildlife resources. The class is designed as an introductory-level course for the student interested in wild vertebrate species.
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ENVR / FORS 101 4 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO FORESTRY
Hours: 3 lec, 3 lab. Fall Offering
Introduction to forest science. Comprehensive, broad overview of forest policy, biology, silviculture, management and career opportunities. Labs include field trips to a national forest, national park, private industrial forest, wilderness area, sawmill and the FRC campus forest.
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ENVR 102 3 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Hours: 3 lec Fall Offering
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.
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ENVR / BIOL 120 3 UNITS
SIERRA NEVADA NATURAL HISTORY
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Fall Offering
Learn to observe the patterns and relationships of flora, fauna, non-living elements of the Sierra Nevada range, with a particular focus on Plumas County. Basic ecology, climatology, and geology will also be discussed. A weekend field trip is required.
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ENVR / WILD / ADMJ 125 2 UNITS
WILDLIFE LAWS & ISSUES
Hours: 2 lec Occasional Offering: TBA
In-depth studies of wildlife issues, laws, and regulations throughout North America and the world. The scope of the course encompasses the issues dealing with wildlife and natural resources in modern society. National and international laws governing wildlife will be studied. 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. The course also explores wildlife laws and how they are made and changed. Possible solutions to wildlife issues will be reviewed.
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ENVR / FORS 140 3 UNITS
WILDLAND FIRE MANAGEMENT
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Spring Offering
Introduction to fire ecology, and basic concepts, techniques, skills and theories on fire suppression and control. Includes fire physics, fuels, weather, topography, fire behavior, fire suppression, fire weather and prescribed fire. Field labs include fire line construction and prescribed burning. Meets training needed to become a firefighter with federal and state agencies.
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ENVR 142 3 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Hours: 3 lec Fall Offering
Covers human population, resource use and pollution. Emphasis is on the scientific basis of global environmental issues. Sustainability of patterns of resource use is examined. Students explore various worldviews as they relate to the role of humanity and its relationship to the natural world. Crucial controversial issues are raised and no valid viewpoint is overlooked. A realistic but hopeful view is presented, based on the concept that the ultimate solution of human ecological problems requires a solid foundation of fact and rational opinion.
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ENVR 150 2 UNITS
ECOSYSTEM INVENTORY & MEASUREMENTS
Hours: 1 lec, 3 lab Spring Offering
Methods and techniques used to measure and collect data on a variety of ecosystem components. Use of maps, aerial photos, compass, transits and levels to measure wildland topography and vegetation. Ecosystem inventory includes measurements of water quality and acid precipitation.
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ENVR / FORS / BIOL 152 3 UNITS
DENDROLOGY
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Fall Offering
Classification, identification and nomenclature of forest trees and shrubs of the U.S., emphasizing native western species. Analysis of species’ range of survival and optimal growth, along with sub-speciation and varieties in major commercial timber zones. Familiarization with tree/shrub morphological characteristics, common, scientific and family names, plus their ecological and commercial role as major forest cover types.
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ENVR 160 3 UNITS
WATERSHED PROTECTION & RESTORATION
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Odd-year Fall Offering
Using field trips and outdoor lab exercises, we examine how land use affects rivers and the techniques that can be used to restore rivers and clean up polluted waters. We will also examine the growth of the watershed-stakeholder movement as a democratic tool to implement better land use decisions to protect streams and rivers. At least one weekend field trip is required.
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ENVR 170 1 UNIT
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Hours: 2 lec; 9 weeks Occasional Offering: TBA
An interactive introduction to the diverse field of Environmental Education as applied to Kindergarten–12th grade. Students will have the opportunity to explore various approaches and applications of EE while developing the skills necessary to translate their environmental knowledge and experience into effective instruction.
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ENVR 171 1 UNIT
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FIELD PRACTICUM
Hours: 1lec, 3 lab; 9 weeks Occasional Offering: TBA
A hands-on course focusing on the planning and implementation of environmental education in the real world. The lab/ practicum of this course will take place at the Feather River Outdoor School, a local sixth-grade residential outdoor education camp. Students will develop lesson plans and activities using their own unique blend of skills, talents, background knowledge and the camp setting. Ultimately each student will have the opportunity to lead environmental field study hikes for small groups of students. Advisory: ENVR 170.
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ENVR / POL 180 3 UNITS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Hours: 3 lec Spring offering
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.
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ENVR 190AD .5 UNIT
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES FIELD COURSE
Hours: 27 total lab hours Spring Offering
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. Can be repeated up to four times.
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ENVR 192AD .5 UNIT
WINTER ECOLOGY
Hours: 4.5 total lec hours, 13.5 total lab hours; 2 days Occasional Offering: TBA
By taking local field trips, this course attempts to develop an understanding of winter ecology by using hands-on, practical ecological methods. Can be repeated up to four times.
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ENVR 194AD 1 UNIT
CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Hours: 3 lec, 9 field Spring offering
The course will focus on three current environmental issues on local ecosystems. For each, there will be a three-hour lecture/discussion session, and a nine-hour field trip to visit people and places affected by these issues. Can be repeated up to four times.
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ENVR 201 3 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
Hours: 1.5 lec, 1.5 lab Spring Offering
An introduction to the principles and practices involving Geographical Information Systems (GIS). How GIS function in an interdisciplinary approach to data and sampling methods. Mapping, basic cartography, analysis, geographical information system design, concepts, and implementation. How various data types are used in modeling and cartographic output production. Advisory: Computer literacy.
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ENVR 210 3 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO SOIL SCIENCE
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Spring Offering
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 forestry, watershed and wildlife applications. The relationship of soil properties and the geologic/geomorphic setting is emphasized. Prerequisite: CHEM 100 or CHEM 102.
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ENVR / WILD 221 4 UNITS
WILDLIFE DIVERSITY & FIELD TECHNIQUES
Hours: 2 lec, 6 lab Spring Offering
An applied course dealing with field identification and basic natural history of vertebrate wildlife and the fundamental field techniques used in wildlife management. Lectures emphasize classification and natural history of vertebrate wildlife, as well as field techniques that are commonly used in the study and management of wildlife. Labs involve field identification and the application of wildlife survey methods and field techniques. One or more weekend field trips may be required. Prerequisite: WILD 100 or BIOL 102. .
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ENVR 250 3 UNITS
FISHERIES CULTURE: CONSERVATION & COMMERCIAL
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Fall Offering
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. Advisory: High school or college biology and algebra.
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ENVR / WILD / FORS 291AD-295AD 1-5 UNITS
DIRECTED STUDY
Hours: 54-270 total hours HOURS TBA w/ Instructor
A student may take advanced course work in Environmental Studies, after having completed the introductory courses. In unusual cases, students may enroll in directed studies without completing the pertinent beginning courses. Students must have written approval of the instructor, Division Chair, and the Dean of Instruction. Can be repeated up to four times. Prerequisite: Demonstrated ability in area of study.
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ENVR / BIOL 297AD 1-3 UnitS
SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Hours: 1-3 lec; 3-27 field Occasional Offering: TBA
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. Can be repeated up to four times. Advisory: Some background in biology or environmental science.
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FORS 010 4 UNITS
INTRODUCTION TO ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE / LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Hours: 60 total lec hours; 60 total lab hours Occasional Offering: TBA
Course designed to prepare students for entry-level occupations in the landscape, grounds, and horticulture fields. Areas covered include, but are not limited to, plant preparations, plant identification, nursery production, floriculture, greenhouse management, landscape maintenance, and plot design. Emphasis will be on landscaping project in which design, preparation and implementation will be stressed.
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FORS 050 3 UNITS
CDF FIREFIGHTER 1 BASIC
Hours: 54 total lec hours, 18 total lab hours; 1 week Occasional Offering: TBA
This course is based on curriculum prepared by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) for the 67-hour Firefighter 1 Basic training course. Students completing this course will have met entry-level training requirements for wildland firefighter jobs with CDF. Topics include fire behavior and fire chemistry, fireline safety, fire suppression strategies, structure fires, hazardous materials, hose lays and hydraulics, communications, Incident Command System, use of air craft in fire suppression, and fire-related first aid.
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FORS 112 3 UNITS
HORTICULTURE
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Occasional Offering: TBA
A survey course in horticulture with emphasis on the techniques and biological relationships involved in soil management, plant propagation, greenhouse production, and market gardening (vegetables, herbs, cut flowers). Course emphasizes conditions of the Plumas County area and involves hands-on experience with the facilities of FRC.
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FORS 114 3 UNITS
LANDSCAPE GARDENING & DESIGN
Hours: 2 lec, 3 lab Occasional Offering: TBA
Introduces principles and applications of residential landscape design with emphasis on sustainability and water conservation. Topics include principles of design, climate and microclimate, site planning, landscape construction techniques, irrigation, pruning, and installation and use of ornamental native, exotic, and edible plants.
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