LRES - Land Resources & Env Sci

LRES 501 Writing and Professional Development for Environmental Scientists: 2 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate status or consent of instructor. Foundational skills for writing scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and thesis chapters with a focus on career development in the environmental sciences

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Securing a career in Environmental Science has become increasingly difficult as funding opportunities and career placement become more competitive. As a consequence, young professionals need to be well versed in all aspects of scientific writing and professional development in order to translate their training into successful careers. This course will focus on the fundamentals of academic writing using Writing Science: How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded by Joshua Schimel.
Students will work on a writing project that contributes to their graduate thesis, be it a grant proposal, a thesis introduction, a thesis chapter, or a related document. Students will provide, and receive, constructive criticism from fellow students.
The instructor will lead discussions of different aspects of manuscript preparation and scientific communication. The combined writing, editing, and discussion format is intended to foster a holistic understanding of the entire writing process.

LRES 505 Concepts of GIS in Environmental Science: 3 Credits (2 Lab, 1 Other)

GIS Concepts in Environmental Science utilizing QGIS opensource software to build a spatial science toolkit. Evaluate vector and raster analysis in LRES topics. Semester project will deliver professional study area map, data management of graduate work, and exposure to advanced spatial techniques.

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Employ appropriate coordinate systems and projections and calculate scale
Demonstrate proper cartographic mapping techniques and standards
Implement data classification and symbology
Discriminate and interpret vector and raster data sets
Examine GPS and Remote Sensing applications
Collect spatial data from data repositories
Performing spatial and attribute queries
Implementing relational database concepts
Evaluate and present your graduate research study area
Design a schema for your spatial data

LRES 507 Environmental Risk Assessment: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Principles of risk analysis, including risk assessment, perception, communication, and management. Emphasis on human toxicology, ecotoxicology, dose-response relationships, exposure analysis, environmental fate, and deterministic and probabilistic risk assessment. Case studies will include examples from pesticides, biotechnology, natural resource extraction, and invasive species. Co-convened with ENSC 407.

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Identify the major conceptual and practical steps used in risk assessment.
Evaluate the scientific weight of evidence for environmental risk issues.
Conduct environmental risk assessments.
Understand the differences between risk perception, risk communication, risk management and risk assessment.

LRES 510 Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring Methods: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

Biodiversity survey and monitoring designs, sampling methods, and data evaluation techniques are introduced. Emphasis is on plants but other taxa are addressed for agricultural, rehabilitation and wildland systems. One week of fieldwork required prior to semester; course completion 3rd week of October.

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Have experience in performing different sampling designs, data collection methods in three systems (agriculture, degraded/reclamation, and wild lands).
Have designed, performed, analyzed and written-up a research project.
Be able to perform basic statistical analysis of biodiversity data.

LRES 511 Environmental Data Mgmt: 2 Credits (2 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing. Foundational skills for wrangling and management of natural sciences data sets using the R statistical computing environment. Students develop a deep understanding of the inner workings of R, learn skills for data import, tidying, and restructuring to prepare data for statistical analysis, and techniques for integrating R with databases to facilitate management, analysis, and archival of large, complex and cumbersome data sets

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Students will be able to articulate the role of a database in environmental research.

Students will be able to create a data model that captures the structure of a data set.

Students will be proficient in the operation of a relational data base.

Students will be able to efficiently manage an ecological data set.

Students will be able to design queries to summarize, update, and manipulate data.

LRES 515 Microbial Ecology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 415. (F) Critical review of literature on the distribution and activity of microorganisms in natural microbial communities based on microbial adaption and physical, chemical and biological features of the microenvironment. A critical discussion of literature and approaches

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Compare key structural differences between bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes
Describe metabolism and catabolism
Identify key microbial species within each environment studied
Create biogeochemical cycling diagrams

LRES 521 Holistic Thought & Management: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate Standing. Students will apply holism and systems thinking to natural and human resource management issues. Learn about the role of adaptability, resilience, and collaborative decision making for the long-term sustainability of socio-ecological systems. Use of real cases from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and other locations. Critical study and discussion of literature

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Students will be able to explain the principles and some applications of systems thinking, and holistic approaches or natural and human resource management decision-making, including formal use of the Holistic Management model.
Students will be able to suggest and evaluate use of a multitude of tools, such as grazing, rest, fire, technology and biological organisms within a management situation.
Students will be able to facilitate creation of a personal and group holistic goal.
Students will be able to assemble the details for natural and human resource management situations, including: people, land, and resources.

LRES 525 Applied Remote Sensing: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

Applications of remote sensing for graduate students, including advanced studies of multispectral and hyperspectal sensors and image processing algorithms. Emphasis is on using remote sensing technologies for solving applied land resource issues.

LRES 528 Bridging Priciples & Practices of Sustainable Cropping Systems: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Any graduate student or undergraduate student with approval from the instructor. The course goal is to elevate agricultural students' awareness of peer-reviewed literature that demonstrates application of principles to address issues of sustainability in cropping systems. The course will use a student-lead discussion format to highlight issues and principles in a series of papers that the class will read. The course will emphasize the practical interaction among agronomy, ecology, economics, and sociology to create an awareness of the interdisciplinary issues associated with sustainability in agriculture

LRES 529 Cropping Systems and Sustainable Ag: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: AGSC 341 or AGSC 342; graduate standing or consent of instructor. The course goal is to elevate agricultural students' awareness of peer-reviewed literature that demonstrates application of principles to address issues of sustainability in agriculture. The course will use a student-lead discussion format to highlight issues and principles in review of a series of papers that the class will read, will focus on the interaction among agronomy, ecology, economics, and sociology to create an awareness of the interdisciplinary issues associated with sustainability in agriculture. Topical issues associated with climate change impacts, system resilience and thresholds and ways to understand complex interactions will be considered for discussion. Co-convened with AGSC 428

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To understand cropping systems function from a practical agronomic perspective. Understand limits to crop growth and associated interaction with land management strategies, crucial to developing an environmentally sensible understanding.
Appreciation for the historical, current, and future role of water in cropping systems, focusing on its primacy in semiarid Great Plains agriculture. Understanding the interaction of precipitation patterns with crop growth, soil water management, and practical strategies for dealing with rainfall variation.
Understanding practical and theoretical aspects of soil management in cropping systems, with special regard to soil nutrient cycling and soil carbon storage.
Understand the function of crop diversity in helping manage pests, water, nitrogen, and other systems aspects. Appreciation for the practical challenges associated with managing crop diversity.
To provide senior students with a learning framework to explore aspects of sustainable cropping systems that interest them and may best advance their career.

LRES 530 Natural Resource Law: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

The course examines major natural resources laws, emphasizing the federal model. A modified case study approach is used to review legislation and related court cases governing natural resources, including water, minerals, timber, range, wildlife, recreation, and wilderness. Co-convened with NRSM 430.

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Become familiar with the major federal legislation governing areas of water, minerals, timber, range, wildlife, recreation, and wilderness resources.
Be able to identify natural resource law issues under a variety of factual situations.
Through course readings and term projects, develop the ability to read and understand court cases involving natural resources laws
understand the current interpretations of the law and understand the processes and issues involved in judicial interpretation of the law.
Examine the major court cases interpreting this legislation.

LRES 531 Applied Watershed Hydrology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ENSC 245 or an equivalent course in soil science AND an introductory physical geography course (equivalent to GEO 103CS) or an introductory earth science course (equivalent to ERTH 101IN) Applied watershed hydrology explores how water from rain and snow moves through landscapes and stream networks. This class will provide a broad introduction that focuses on patterns of streamflow, their measurement, and underlying physical processes including precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil water dynamics, snowmelt, overland and subsurface hillslope runoff, and channel flow. Real-world examples will be used to illustrate the influence of climate, topography, geology, soils, vegetation, land use, and other factors. Applications to aquatic and riparian resources, environmental problems, and human safety will be emphasized

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Have command of core vocabulary and concepts.
Understand major hydrologic processes, their controls, and how they are measured.
Have a basic working knowledge of common quantitative approaches used to characterize streamflow, precipitation, snow, site water balance, and runoff processes
Appreciate the diversity of watersheds, the importance of hydrologic processes to a wide range of issues, and the importance of geography and geology to watershed behavior.
Be able to read and use watershed hydrology literature as informed non-specialists.

LRES 532 Soil Ecosystems and Processes: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITES: BIOB 160. This course focuses on biological and non-biological processes in soil ecosystems. Topics covered are soil's function and role within our environment, nutrient and carbon cycling in soil, and effects of human activities and disturbance on soil and ecosystem function
Repeatable up to 3 credits.

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Students will:
· understand the function and role of soil via key biological and non-biological processes
· learn the effects of natural and human-caused disturbance on soil processes
· be able to evaluate potential environmental outcomes upon changes in soil processes
· learn analytical thinking through reading scientific journal articles, written assignments, and a project

LRES 533 Wetland Ecology & Management: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

This class will examine wetland ecology and the management of resources. Students will study hydrological and geomorphic processes at watershed and site scales, how processes drive wetland hydrology and hydric soil development and maintenance, and the interaction with biological systems.

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Students will:

•Demonstrate a knowledge of the foundational ecological concepts of wetland science;

•Apply these concepts to wetland classification, and delineation;

•Apply these concepts to wetland ecological function and services across multiple wetland classes;

•Be able to evaluate the range of assessment tools available to assess wetland structure and function, and how to choose the proper approach

•Be able to justify an individual wetland’s contribution to the aquatic system within its watershed;

•Demonstrate knowledge of the foundational concepts of the regulatory framework governing wetlands;

LRES 534 Environmental Data Analysis: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: M 121Q or equivalent. Modern sciences are data-driven and this course focuses on making sense of data, both quantitatively and conceptually. Topics include a review of relevant algebra skills, methods to describe data, inferential statistical methods, sampling, experimental design, & regression focusing on interpretation

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summarize data using descriptive statistical measures.
;interpret research based on descriptive statistics.
create and interpret data graphically.
calculate basic inferential measures for means and proportions.
interpret research based on basic inferential statistics.
perform and interpret a linear regression model for a dataset.
perform and interpret a multiple regression model for a dataset.
use R scripts to analyze data.

LRES 535 Techniques of Spatial Analysis: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: GPHY 426 or 429R or 284 or 504 or LRES 525, and STAT 500 or 411, or graduate standing and permission of instructor. (Sp) Exploration and understanding of analytical techniques needed to deal with spatially correlated data. Emphasis is placed on practical applications within geographic information systems and image processing

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Explain the analytical and statistical issues associated with spatial data, such as spatial autocorrelation.
Use tools for exploring spatial relationships in data.
Explain the implications of spatial relationships for sampling design.
Use spatial analysis tools and techniques to solve problems related to autocorrelated data

LRES 536 Ecology of Invasive Plants II: 1 Credits (1 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: LRES 569
Through this course, students will learn to organize plant population data and analyze it to determine population temporal and spatial dynamics. In addition they will learn how to apply the conclusions drawn from the analysis to invasive species management decisions.

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Students will:
* organize plant population data
* analyze population data to determine population temporal and spatial dynamics
* apply the conclusions drawn from the analysis to invasive species management decisions.

LRES 539 Ecological Restoration and Management: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: This course is restricted to LRES-online students only; General Biology, General Ecology; Insights into ecological processes require an understanding of the unique chemical environment that wetlands represent; You must be familiar with basic high school chemistry (Eh/pH/redox) to be able to succeed in this course; Similarly, you must be familiar with basic, high-school-level quantitative approaches in environmental sciences. This class combines readings, ﬁeld measurements and site visits to examine scientiﬁc, legal and management components that deﬁne the practice of restoration. Fundamentals are based on foundational science and practical elements that aﬀect the implementation of restoration projects

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Demonstrate a knowledge of the foundational ecological concepts of restoration science; attributes (e.g. hydrology, soil, and plant communities) necessary to regain desired ecosystem and function.
Determine if these concepts were applied to already established restoration sites
Apply these concepts to restore ecological functions as well as services to degraded sites
Be introduced to the practicalities on establishing, on disturbed sites, the ecosystem structural.
Implement, summarize and interpret a restoration monitoring eﬀort.
Engage in critical thinking and integrative work to problem-solve in relation to restoration scenarios.

LRES 540 Ecology Plants & Community: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOB 160, BIOB 258 and STAT 216Q. This course will explore plant ecology at the individual, population and community levels. Topics include plant response to stress, population biology, and community assembly, and possibly non-native species and restoration. Quantitative measures for assessing populations and communities will be addressed

LRES 543 Agroecology/Appl Plant Ecology: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOE 370, M 171, ENSC 443, STAT 216 Focus on the principles and theories of population and community ecology as they relate to invasive plant species in natural and agroecosystems. Measuring plant interference and assessing population interactions and dynamics through empirical and theoretical models. Review theory and methodology concerning plant population demographics, dispersal , and natural trait selection. Examine the role of biodiversity and evolution in determining sustainable management of ecosystems

LRES 544 Water Quality: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITES: ENSC 110 or equivalent
This course covers water quality fundamentals (physical, biological, and chemical) and integrates science-policy management and research. This course uses examples from county Extension, watershed groups, conservation districts, and agencies across Montana interfaced with MSU hydrology and water quality research.

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After completion of the course, students will:

1. understand the current legal framework for surface water quality management in the U.S., including its controversies;
2. understand how specific water quality parameters are influenced by natural factors and human activities;
3. be able to apply surrogate measurement approaches to estimate water quality;
4. be alert to the considerations associated with monitoring specific individual parameters and interpreting the data;
5. be able to access electronic data sources maintained by public agencies and perform appropriate data manipulations to understand water quality;
6. confidently perform dimensional analysis to calculate concentrations and loads of dissolved and suspended constituents in water.

LRES 545 Watershed Analysis: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ENSC 444 and STAT 216 or BIOB 318 Conceptual and quantitative analysis of watershed processes with an emphasis on modeling surface water hydrology and water resources management. Watershed modeling concepts including analysis of time series, spatially variable data, model calibration, and uncertainty analysis will be studied and demonstrated. The course will emphasize critical analysis of current hydrologic computational methods and hands-on use of watershed models

LRES 546 Quant Methods Environmental: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: ENSC 445 or LRES 545 or consent of instructor. (Sp) This course will focus on development of quantitative analysis and modeling skills in watershed and environmental science. Students will develop skills necessary to describe and evaluate model structure, including their inner workings, and evaluate the merit of different models of varying type and complexity

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Understand and be able to apply basic computer programming skills, including how to develop a mathematical algorithm and translate it to basic computer programming language.
Gain deep understanding of modeling principles and philosophy
Be able to develop a hydrological model and tailor it towards specific case studies and research needs
Be able to apply essential statistics and quantitative techniques for summarizing different types of data, including discrete/continuous data.
Gain preliminary understanding of Earth System Modeling in terms of modeling framework, water-related components and typical applications.

LRES 555 Aqueous Geochemistry: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: CHMY 211, CHMY 228, ENSC 245 or equivalent. Advanced coverage of aqueous geochemistry in terrestrial and aquatic systems including chemical processes such as complexation, precipitation-dissolution, sorption-desorption, partitioning, oxidation-reduction and gas-water equilibria. Applications of these principles will be demonstrated in subject areas including biogeochemical cycling, bioremediation, contaminant fate and transport, salt-affected soils and wetland processes. Recitation will focus on current literature, applied problems, and case studies

LRES 557 Thermal Biology in YNP: 2 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Lab)

(Su) Science/Science Education; Enrollment limited to M.S. Science Education Graduate Program A survey of the ecology of important organisms common in thermal habitats of Yellowstone National Park, including a review of different life forms (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) and their modes of metabolism, and the physical, and chemical habitats that define their environment. Course includes lecture, laboratory, and field components. Students will be asked to design curricula for K-12 audiences. Offered Summer.

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Explain how and why thermophilic microorganisms are important in geothermal environments
Identify relevant theory and methods for thermal biology teaching labs
Design a thermal biology instructional model using course content
Practice scientific oral communication

LRES 558 Isotope Biogeochemistry: 2 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor . Fundamentals and applications of isotope systems useful in the environmental sciences, including light elements such as carbon, mid-mass elements such as iron, and heavy elements such as uranium. Measurement techniques will be discussed, and application to student inspired questions explored

LRES 561 Belowground Plant Ecology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: STAT 401 or equivalent; BIOE 370 or equivalent; BIOO 433 or equivalent. Application of basic ecological principles to belowground interactions of plant communities. Topics include plant competition, belowground herbivory, plant-microbe interactions including mycorrhizae, and diversity/productivity links in soil systems. Case studies will include invasive species, restoration scenarios, sustainable agriculture, and wildland communities

LRES 562 Land Rehab Field Problem: 2 Credits (4 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: ENSC 460, ENSC 461. Extended field trip to numerous drastically disturbed sites across the Northern Plains. On-site review of land rehabilitation problems, solutions, and methodologies. Participation by industry, regulatory agency staff, and rehabilitation professionals will occur at most sites

LRES 563 Restoration Ecology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOE 370 or equivalent ecology course. Review of ecosystem structure and function, and community and population processes in intact systems, along with the effects of major disturbances on natural systems. Restoration amendments will be discussed in terms of their effects on ecosystem structure and function. The course includes case studies, and focuses on plant and soil systems. Co-convened with ENSC 461

LRES 564 Fundamentals of Environmental Monitoring: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F) Provides a graduate level perspective on field measurement methodology in environmental science. Foci are electronic transducers, data loggers, and programmatic approaches to measurement and uncertainty analysis. Incoming students are expected to have a quantitative undergraduate degree related to environmental science.

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Articulate the basic philosophy underlying scientific measurements and structured approaches to scientific workflow
Program microcontroller-based data loggers to collect data from the basic types of electronic transducers, apply calibration models to translate electrical properties to environmental measurements, calculate summary statistics of those measurements, and save the data to permanent memory
Perform programmatic data analysis with computer scripting languages like R
Fit calibration models using linear and nonlinear regression for the common calibration models needed for scientific measurements
Propagate uncertainty through calibration analyses through stochastic Monte Carlo techniques

LRES 565 Environmental Biophysics: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOB 170 or equivalent and PHSX 205. The study of physical relationships between organisms, ecosystems, and their environment. Basic principles of Micrometeorology, Biometeorology, Ecological Climatology, and Biophysical Ecology as applied to contemporary ecological challenges. Laboratory sessions will focus on computer exercises using ecosystem models and field observations. Co-convened with ENSC 465

LRES 566 Chemical Ecology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing in LRES Graduate program or permission of instructor. How organismal interactions are shaped through plant secondary metabolites
emphasizing the impacts on ecosystems across multiple scales and in response to a rapidly changing climate. This course combines lectures with student led discussions on contemporary issues and developments in the field and is also designed to improve critical readings of the primary literature and effective communication in science. Co-convened with ENSC 466.

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Become familiar with the major classes of plant secondary metabolites (PSM), the biosynthetic pathways that produce them, and their distribution among plant families.
Understand the distribution, allocation, and evolutionary selection for PSMs
Gain insight into the integrative roles of PSMs in connecting multiple components of ecological systems, with a focus on plant-plant, plant-microbe, and plant-insect interactions.
Apply knowledge of the field to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with the integration of chemical ecology and agriculture.
Assess experimental methods and interpret data from published work.
Develop a basic understanding of the experimental technology associated with research in chemical ecology.
Critically evaluate published research to assess its significance in the field.
Identify important evolutionary and/or ecological questions that are germane to chemical ecology, and design hypothetical methods for addressing such questions experimentally.
Develop effective ways of communicating science and relevant scientific principles in both oral and written form.

LRES 567 Biogeochem Analy Synthesis: 1 Credits (1 Other)

The course is meant to serve as an introduction to the study of biogeochemical dynamics from an Earth-systems perspective. The course will consist mostly of readings from primary literature and student-lead discussion. We will choose a problem/question, work together to survey relevant literature through a meta-analysis, and strive to produce a manuscript for publication.

LRES 568 Ecosystem Biogeochemistry: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Introduction to the study of biogeochemistry and ecosystem dynamics from an Earth-systems perspective. Discussion will emphasize factors governing the "grand elemental cycles" of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous of Earth's major ecosystems and how modern human activities are affecting these cycles. Co-convened with ENSC 468.

LRES 569 Ecol of Invasive Plants in GYE: 2 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Lab)

(Su) Current theories on what makes species invasive and what ecosystem conditions invite or resist non-indigenous plant species will be considered. Direct involvement in field research associated with testing methodology for monitoring the invasive potential of several exotic species in the otherwise pristine mountain environments. Offered Summer.

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identify, define and articulate the most current theories on what characteristics make species invasive and what ecosystem conditions invite or resist non-indigenous plant species
distinguish characteristics of the philosophical debate within the ecology discipline and society in general about non-native species and the policies directed at their management
observe where plant invasion is occurring and identify the complexity of judging a species to be invasive and having ecosystem impact
demonstrate competency in field sampling techniques, data summarization, statistical analysis, interpretation and results presentation.\\n

LRES 571 Landscape & Ecosys Ecology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: General Biology, General Ecology, General Statistics
Focuses on principles and applications of landscape and ecosystem ecology. Students will explore factors that shape landscape patterns in space and time and consequences for ecosystem processes. The course explores the methods and tools of landscape and ecosystem analysis.
-Department of Land Resources Environmental Sciences.

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Students will analyze the importance of spatial and temporal scale in ecological studies.
Students will examine the factors that shape landscape patterns.
Students will evaluate the techniques for characterizing and quantifying landscape
patterns.
Students will investigate a variety of ecosystem-level processes, including biogeochemical
cycles, and water and energy balances.
Students will be able to evaluate the feedbacks between landscape pattern and ecosystem
process.
Students will be able to effectively critique and synthesize scientific literature.
Students will be able to design and implement a broad scale ecological analysis.

LRES 572 Frontiers in Remote Sensing: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITES: GPHY 429 or GPHY 426 or LRES 525 or equivalent. This course focuses on the emerging trends, technologies, and applications in remote sensing. Each time the course is taught, it will focus on a novel aspect of remote sensing science. Potential topics include UAS, lidar, radar, newly deployed satellites/sensors, and emerging scientific applications in remote sensing. Students who have a background and/or interest in remote sensing applications will be exposed to cutting-edge science, technologies and applications which will broaden their exposure to this rapidly developing field

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Students will be able to compare and contrast the various types of UAS and sensors employed in remote sensing.
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in data acquisition, data processing, and data analysis techniques specific to UAS.
Students will be able to critically evaluate the contribution of UAS to remote sensing science and applications by reading and discussing the primary literature.
Students will be able to analyze and interpret the legal and regulatory framework surrounding the use of UAS in remote sensing.

LRES 573 Remote Sensing Env Sci: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOE 370 and STAT 216Q. This course focuses on understanding the basics of remote sensing science geared towards critical interpretation of the applications of remote sensing in environmental science. In addition, students will be exposed to hands-on exercises in basic digital image processing and analysis

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Students will gain a working knowledge of the various remote sensing approaches, focusing primarily on passive sensors.
Students will evaluate the techniques for processing imagery and incorporating field or ancillary data into analyses.
Students will investigate approaches to classification, change detection, and assessment of map accuracy.
Students will be able to effectively critique and synthesize remote sensing literature.
Students will be able to evaluate the applications of remote sensing in environmental sciences.

LRES 575 Prof Paper & Project: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing A research or professional paper or project dealing with a topic in the field. The topic must have been mutually agreed upon by the student, the major advisor, and graduate committee

LRES 582 Streamside Science for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Su) The primary goal of this course is to increase the water resource knowledge of students through hands-on, field-based curriculum. To accomplish this, students will be asked to adopt a local stream and perform lab assignments "in the field" to better understand hands-on water quality monitoring techniques. The course will improve the teaching skills of secondary science teachers utilizing distant delivery technologies. By completing this course, secondary science teachers will have a better understanding and hands-on working knowledge of the characterization and quantification of water quality as it relates to secondary school science curriculum and environmental issues on a global scale. Offered Summer.

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Learn about the most significant water quality and water resource properties (physical, chemical, hydrological, biological) and how to integrate these measurements into a Water Quality Index (WQI).
Be exposed to the many different resources for teaching water quality as a lab-based, hands-on study program and develop a reference library of resources, experiments, demonstrations, and activities to aid in understanding the importance of water resources in everyday lives.
Gain understanding of how water quality and water resource properties interact to affect the quality of our environment and how 'water resources' as identifiable units are components of the landscape ecosystem and its processes.

LRES 583 The Dirt on Soil Science for Elementary Teachers: 1 Credits (1 Lec)

(Sp) Offered Spring of odd years. This course is for those who want to understand and teach the science of “dirt” in an interactive, hands-on manner so that it engages students. The focus of instruction will be on basic soil physical properties and processes with the idea that soil science is merely the “platform” for introducing elementary graders to science. Teachers completing this course will engage in “hands on” active learning with techniques immediately transferable to the classroom. Offered odd Spring semesters.

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Expand teacher understanding of the basic concepts of soil science and use soil as a “teaching material” to introduce science concepts and integrate basic concepts of many different science disciplines.
Gain understanding of 1) how soil is formed, 2) your soil/ landscape interactions, 3) soil and water relationships, 4) the biology of soil, 5) different soil textures.
Study how children's concepts of soil and land resources are developed in the classroom setting.
Strengthen skills in teaching basic soil science concepts, engaging students, and responding to student needs in the classroom.
Develop our own professional community of course participants, sharing teaching ideas, expertise and experience.

LRES 584 Soil Science for Middle and High School Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(F) This course immerses teachers in soil science fundamentals, emphasizing soil formation, properties, and environmental significance. It models inquiry-based, interdisciplinary strategies for integrating soil science in the K-12 curricula. Participants will develop classroom activities linking soil studies with math, language arts, social studies and environmental topics.

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Define the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil and calculate various quantitative measures of soil physical properties.
Describe the how wind and water influence the Earth’s landscape to create the various soil textures and classifications.
Use the Web Soil Survey to investigate different soil types and land use scenarios that influence soil quality and quantity.
Articulate how historical and contemporary human land use and climate impact global soil resources.
Develop robust, hands-on lesson plans and activities that integrate any combination of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, geology, earth science, political and social sciences, and creative arts.
Curate a customized library of resources and skills for teaching soil science in the classroom.

LRES 585 Water Quality in the Classroom for Teachers: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Spring, even years.) Water Quality in the Classroom for Teachers - is a 'must' course for teachers involved in any aspect of biological sciences. The course has three central foci: 1) to increase student knowledge and assessment skills about the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of water quality investigations, 2) to develop and implement new pedagogy for teaching water quality concepts in the secondary school science classroom, and 3) increase student awareness and understanding of some of the more significant global water quality issues that will face science teachers and their students in the 21st century. Offered even Spring semesters.

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Define the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and parameters of water and describe the various quantitative and qualitative measures of water quality
Calculate water use and identify water saving measures at home and in school.
Describe the how soil and water interactions physically shape the landscape and analyze different environmental scenarios that influence water quality and quantity
Articulate how historical and contemporary human land use and climate impact water quality and quality globally.
Develop robust, hands-on lesson plans and activities that integrate any combination of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, geology, earth science, political and social sciences, and creative arts.
Curate a customized library of resources and skills for teaching water quality in the classroom.

LRES 586 Lake Ecology for Teachers: 2 Credits (1 Lec, 1 Lab)

(Su) This course provides an understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that regulate lake systems. Course topics include the origin of lakes, the ecology of aquatic organisms (e.g., bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish) with a focus on secondary production, food webs, and current environmental issues such as eutrophication and climate change.

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By the end of the course, students who are practicing teachers of science, will

1) have a deep understanding of relationships among physical, chemical, and biological processes that influence lake dynamics

2) be able to accurately measure water quality parameters within a lake with their student

3) understand and perform field sampling techniques to collect and qualitatively assess aquatic invertebrate life within a lake with their students

4) perform taxonomic identification of aquatic invertebrates using scientific taxonomic keys and dissecting scopes with their students

5) understand the role of genetic identification of organisms in ecology and how to incorporate this technology into their classroom

6) effectively navigate genetic database repositories and incorporate this into their classroom

7) create and understand how to incorporate the use of ecological conceptual models in their classroom

8) design an instructional unit appropriate for their students in their teaching setting

LRES 588 Professional Development: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, teaching experience and/or current employment in a school organization, consent of instructor and Dean of Graduate Studies. Courses offered on a one-time basis to fulfill professional development needs of in service educators. A specific focus is given to each course which is appropriately subtitled

LRES 589 Graduate Consultation: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Master's standing, consent of instructor and approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. This course may be used only by students who have completed all of their coursework (and thesis, if on a thesis plan), but who need additional faculty or staff time or help

LRES 590 Master's Thesis: 1-10 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Master's standing
Repeatable up to 99 credits.

LRES 591 Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (4 Lec, 4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Upper division courses and others as determined for each offering. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

LRES 592 Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor, approval of department head, and Dean of Graduate Studies. Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

LRES 593 Grand Challenges in Ecology and Environmental Sciences: 1 Credits (1 Lec)

(F) Foundational course designed as a requirement for all incoming Ecology and Environmental Science (EES) PhD students. The course will have three focal areas including: 1) graduate student professional development, 2) grand challenges in Ecology and Environmental Science, and 3) a field trip to a Montana ecosystem (e.g. Greater Yellowstone, Central Prairie or Crown of the Continent Ecosystem) to immerse the students in observation and discussion of grand challenges associated with these ecosystems. Virtual 1-hour long check-in and three-day field trip required.

View Course Outcomes:

Identify and demonstrate knowledge of tools that will make the student successful in a graduate career, including leadership and teamwork, professionalism & ethics, and written communication and public speaking skills.
Examine and discuss approaches to work-life balance that allow for sustainable work habits that promote physical and mental well-being.
Comprehend a broad set of career options for work after graduate school that include academia, federal and state agencies, consulting, and non-governmental organizations.
Evaluate the complexities of solving real-world environmental problems given the interplay among scientific, social, political, and economic ramifications with particular focus on team approach.
Demonstrate heightened awareness of the physical and biotic phenomena shaping the geological, riparian, terrestrial, and biotic aspects of the focal Ecosystem and the challenges of sustainable optimization based on an understanding of tradeoffs between land use objectives including wildlife conservation, agricultural endeavors, extractive industries, population growth, recreation, and tourism.

LRES 594 Seminar: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing or seniors by petition. Course prerequisites as determined for each offering. Students prepare, present, and critique scientific presentations
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

LRES 598 Internship: 2-4 Credits (2 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, consent of instructor and approval of department head, and Dean of Graduate Studies. An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business or other organization to provide guided experience in a field of study
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

LRES 690 Doctoral Thesis: 1-10 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Doctoral standing
Repeatable up to 99 credits.