2026-2027 Academic Catalog

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Forest Resources & Environmental Conservation (FREC)

FREC 1004 - Digital Planet (3 credits) 
Exploration of innovative geospatial technologies and their impact on the world around us, including how humans interact with the environment and each other. Roles of location-based services, global positioning systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing, virtual globes and web based mapping for environmental applications. Skills and techniques for spatial thinking and environmental decision-making. Ethical implications of the use of geospatial technologies, data, and computational approaches.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 5F Quant & Comp Thnk Found., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 1084 
FREC 1024 - Introduction to Environmental Conservation and Society (3 credits) 
This course serves as an introduction to academic and career planning in the environmental conservation and society major. Students will review fundamental concepts and contemporary issues in environmental conservation. They will examine career choices in environmental conservation. As a first-year experience the course will also focus on community building and strategies for academic success.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 1044 - Introduction to Environmental Data Science (3 credits) 
Application of data science to environmental management. Role of data science, mathematical and statistical modeling, geospatial technology, database management, knowledge integration, and decision science in environmental decision-making. Skills and techniques required to assist scientists and managers with the challenges of collecting, collating, archiving, modeling, analyzing, visualizing, and communicating data in support of natural resource management.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 1064 - Discovering Forest Resources and Environmental Management (1 credit) 
Exploration of foundational topics in forest resources and environmental management. Familiarization with the ecology, measurement, management and conservation of forests and associated ecosystems. Professional and academic integrity, roles and responsibilities, career opportunities in natural resources, student success skills.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
FREC 1984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 2004 - Forest Ecosystems (3 credits) 
Introduction to forest ecosystem ecology. Global forest cover, types, distribution, and change. Relationships among forest structure, function, and biodiversity. Interactions among rock, soil, water, air, and the organisms that define and inhabit forests around the world. Energy, water, carbon, and nutrient fluxes from leaf to global scales. Connections among forests, society, and global change. Capacity of forests to sustainably provide ecosystem services.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2114 - Ecology of Appalachian Forests (3 credits) 
Introduction to the natural history, tree biology, tree identification, forest ecology, management and forest types of the Appalachian region. Contemporary issues related to forest functions will be discussed including carbon storage, climate change, invasive forest species, wildlife management, fire, biofuels, agroforestry, urban forests, ecosystem restoration, clean water, recreation, and use of renewable resources.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2124 - Forests, Society & Climate (3 credits) 
Role of forest ecosystems on the global carbon cycle, climate, biodiversity and economies. Anthropogenic impacts on forest ecosystems and their ecological function in the face of changing climate. Regional and cultural implications for the state of the forests and deforestation-related policy. Climate-related threats to global forests, including loss of biodiversity, deforestation, forest fires, and invasive species. Sustainable forest management for anticipated future scenarios.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2134 - Plants and Greenspaces in Urban Communities (3 credits) 
Modern concepts of sustainability changing plant use in urban settings. Fundamentals of urban plant systems in the context of urban ecosystem management. Philosophy and critical analysis of sustainability related to green infrastructure, including urban forests, green roofs, urban soils, urban wildlife, urban agriculture, and innovations merging plant and ecosystem functions with building and site engineering. Multi-disciplinary emphasis at site, regional, and global, scales.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 4 Reasoning in Natural Sci., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: HORT 2134 
FREC 2214 - Introduction to Land and Field Measurements (3 credits) 
Measurement of land and field attributes including geographic position, land distance, direction, area, slope, elevation and boundary attributes. Use and development of maps used in natural resource applications. Use of global positioning systems and geographic information systems in the acquisition and management of land and field measurements. Assessment of vegetation attributes with field plots. Use of computer software to manage and analyze data and present results.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1025 or MATH 1225 or MATH 1524 
Corequisite(s): FREC 2324 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2254 - Arboriculture Field Skills (1 credit) 
Field observation, discussion, and practice of skills employed in the management of urban landscape trees. Hands-on experience with tree pruning, removal, pest control, fertilization, cabling/bracing, lightning protection, and climbing. Emphasis on arborist safety, professional ethics, and best management practices. Guest instruction provided in part by professionals working in the tree care industry.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
FREC 2274 - Wilderness First Responder (3 credits) 
Assessment and treatment of emergencies in remote settings. Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, personal and group safety and hygiene, patient assessment and documentation of treatment for trauma, medical emergencies, environmental emergencies, and long-term care. Team management of medical emergencies in wilderness context, organization and implementation of rescues, decision-making, leadership, judgment, and prevention. Prepares students to successfully complete a national certification exam.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2314 - Forest Biology and Dendrology (2 credits) 
Introduction to the botany, physiology, genetics and silvics of important forest trees of North America.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1106 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
FREC 2324 - Dendrology Laboratory (1 credit) 
Field identification of trees of North America with particular emphasis on trees native to the Eastern United States.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
FREC 2414 - Field Experience in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (2 credits) 
Field exercises to develop skills needed to sustainably manage forest and environmental resources including navigation and mapping, inventory of timber and non-timber resources, soil and water conservation, forest and recreation management, forest operations and timber harvesting. Fee $216.
Instructional Contact Hours: (6 Lab, 2 Crd) 
FREC 2514 - Wildland Fire: Ecology and Management (3 credits) 
Provide students with basic knowledge on how: fire has an impact on forest environments; the environment and weather influence fire behavior; wildland fires are suppressed; and fire is used as a land and vegetation management tool. The course will also provide students with the knowledge and training to qualify as a basic wildland firefighter (FFT2-Red Card). Extended laboratory sessions will provide practice in fire behavior prediction, prescribed burning techniques, and fire control methodology. COURSE FEE: $110.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2554 - Leadership for Global Sustainability (3 credits) 
Leadership principles and humanities perspectives that help examine and engage global sustainable development challenges such as climate change, food-water-energy nexus, rising middle class, circular economy, and environmental justice. Topics include collaboration, stories, conflict resolution, self-awareness, bias, equity, religion, hubris, globalism, and moral naturalism. Examine trade-offs among economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainable development. Integration and application of disciplinary topics including ethics, ecology, evolution, anthropology, economics, religion, aesthetics, and risk management.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 2 Critical Thinking Humanities, 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: LAR 2554 
FREC 2614 - Human-Environment Systems (3 credits) 
Social and ecological dynamics of human-environment systems. Effect of complex environmental problems on ecosystems and human well-being. Introduction to systems thinking. History, philosophy, and application of decision making in the field of natural resource management. Pre: Sophomore standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 2784 - Global Forest Sustainability (3 credits) 
A socio-economic approach to examining the management and use of the worlds forests, enhance knowledge of global forest resources and products, and understand the roles and relationships of key stakeholders.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: SBIO 2784 
FREC 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 2994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 3014 - Forest Health and Ecosystem Resilience (3 credits) 
Identification and application of forest health metrics to manage and restore degraded forested ecosystems at local and global scales. Abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic disturbances to forested ecosystems. Examining ecosystem resilience in forested ecosystems.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2314 or BIOL 2304 or HORT 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3044 - Environmental Data Science (3 credits) 
Applications of the analysis and modeling of environmental datasets at multiple spatial-temporal scales to study environmental issues of societal importance. Computer programing is used in the acquisition, analysis, visualization, and storage of environmental data. Modeling techniques include regression, classification, and numerical simulation. Ethics and methods of data curation, quality control, analysis, and sharing.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 1044 or CMDA 3654 or CS 3654 or STAT 3654 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 5A Quant & Comp Thnk Adv., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3104 - Principles of Watershed Hydrology (3 credits) 
Study of hydrology in watersheds. Qualitative and quantitative principles of physical hydrological processes governing the movement, storage, and transformation of water on the Earths surface as influenced by watershed characteristics, including human modifications. Pre: Junior Standing
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1026 or MATH 1226 or STAT 3005 or STAT 3604 or STAT 3615 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: WATR 3104 
FREC 3214 - Forest Biometrics (3 credits) 
Statistical and mathematical basis for collecting and analyzing data used to make valid inferences and ethical decisions in applications of forest ecosystem science and management. Principles and practices of forest inventory and probability-based sampling. Computational and mathematical tools for analyzing field data. Statistical summarization, estimation, hypothesis testing, and inference from data collected in forest inventories.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2214 and (MATH 1026 or MATH 1226) 
Corequisite(s): FREC 3224 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 5A Quant & Comp Thnk Adv., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3224 - Forest Biometrics Laboratory (1 credit) 
Field practice and computer analysis for collecting and analyzing survey data for use in forest management. Forest inventory and probability-based sampling, stratified sampling, double sampling, regression, and census-based sampling applications. Computer and geospatial tools for analyzing field data. Field assessment of tree and log contents, stand density, and site index. Collection and analysis of growth and yield data.
Prerequisite(s): (FREC 2214 or FOR 2214) and (FREC 2414 or FOR 2414) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
FREC 3314 - Forest Ecology and Silvics (3 credits) 
Environmental factors affecting the establishment, growth, and development of forests; silvical characteristics of trees; forest community structure and function; forest ecosystem analysis. COURSE FEE: $48.
Prerequisite(s): (FREC 2314 or FOR 2314) and (FREC 2214 or FOR 2214) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 4 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3324 - Silviculture Principles and Applications (4 credits) 
Theory and practices involved in controlling forest establishment, composition, and growth are developed in a regional context. Formulation of silvicultural systems and the study of reproduction methods, site preparation, intermediate stand manipulations, and reforestation operations.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3314 or FOR 3314 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 4 Lab, 4 Crd) 
FREC 3354 - Trees in the Built Environment (3 credits) 
Science and practice of tree cultivation, conservation, and management in human-dominated environments along an urban to rural gradient. Holistic study of landscape tree management: planning, planting, inspection, maintenance, removal, and wood waste utilization. Examination of tree responses to urbanization and tree influences on built environments. Emphasis on sustainable, ethical stewardship of landscape trees for the benefit of people and the environment.
Prerequisite(s): (FREC 2314 or BIOL 2304 or HORT 2304) and (FREC 2324 or HORT 3325 or HORT 3326) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: HORT 3354 
FREC 3364 - Environmental Silviculture (3 credits) 
Science and design of sustainable management of forests to meet the needs of a globalized society. Historic and current intercultural and socio-economic factors influencing stakeholder objectives and the shape, value, pattern, composition, structure, and function of forests domestically and abroad. Tools used to design forests and management plans to address global challenges. Design thinking process: gather stakeholder input, brainstorm/analyze ideas, develop potential solutions, test their working hypothesis or prototype in a computer simulation, and iterate/improve toward a sustainable solution.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2324 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3454 - Trees in the Built Environment Lab (1 credit) 
Hands-on experience in the cultivation, conservation, and management of landscape trees in human-dominated environments along the urban to rural gradient. Field exercises in tree inventory, appraisal, disorder diagnosis, planting, pruning, and protection. Emphasis on use of scientific methods and best management practices to ensure tree health, safety, and functionality for the benefit of people and the environment. Methods of communicating technical information and management recommendations for landscape trees through written media.
Corequisite(s): FREC 3354 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
FREC 3514 - Inclusion and Belonging in Environmental Conservation (3 credits) 
Examination of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sense of belonging in environmental conservation, sustainability, and outdoor recreation. Historical and current barriers to inclusion, access, and participation in the environment. Focus on environmentalism, structural inequalities, and potential interpersonal and organizational barriers to working in environmental careers and recreating in nature. Research, strategies, and planning to create inclusive practices and policies for environmental conservation. Pre: Junior standing
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 7 Identity & Equity in U.S., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3524 - Environmental Interpretation (3 credits) 
Interpretation theory and techniques as relevant to natural resource management; culturally appropriate program planning and evaluation; role of interpretation in enhancing visitor experiences and promoting stewardship. Pre: Junior standing.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3544 - Outdoor Recreation Planning and Management (3 credits) 
Planning and management of nature-dependent outdoor recreation. History, philosophy and benefits of nature-dependent outdoor recreation. Environmental and social impacts of recreational uses. Techniques to manage visitor impact. Pre: Junior standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3574 - Environmental Education Service Learning (3 credits) 
Introduction to key concepts in environmental education and teaching skills through lecture, discussion, service learning, and reflection. Training in internationally recognized environmental education curricula (e.g. Project Learning Tree, Project Wet), in class management and organization skills and in theory relevant to both teaching and learning. Students develop and conduct after school environmental education programs at local elementary schools
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3714 - Forest Harvesting (3 credits) 
Principles and application of forest harvesting. Terminology, phases, function, and the interrelationships of people, money, machines, and environment. COURSE FEE: $60.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2214 or FOR 2214 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3724 - Forest Boundaries and Roads (3 credits) 
Application of basic land surveying and forest measurement techniques to the location, establishment, and maintenance of forest boundaries and roads. Consideration of stream crossings, best management practices, and costs. Fee $187.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2214 or FOR 2214 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3734 - Forest Fiber Supply (3 credits) 
Analysis of the southeastern U.S. forest industry fiber supply process with emphasis on the evolution and dynamics of timber procurement systems, strategies, business principles, ethical dilemmas, and professional practices. Field exercises and case studies to ethically appraise timber sales. Analysis of current industrial operations and practices. Discourse-based project resulting in the writing, presenting, and critiquing of procurement plans. Pre: Junior standing. COURSE FEE: $365
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3754 - Watersheds and Water Quality Monitoring (3 credits) 
Delivery of water quality constituents from watersheds to water bodies (streams, lakes, and estuaries). Field monitoring methods to assess watershed drivers and how they affect water quality and aquatic ecosystem condition. Linkages among water quality, watershed characteristics, land use and management, and climate. Design of watershed monitoring programs to guide watershed management for protecting water quality and ecological condition of aquatic systems.
Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1106 or BIOL 1006) and CHEM 1035 and (FREC 2004 or FOR 2004 or FREC 2114 or FOR 2114 or FREC 3314 or FOR 3314 or BIOL 2804 or ENSC 3604) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: WATR 3754 
FREC 3774 - Implementing Sustainability: Navigating the Human Element  (3 credits) 
Tools for navigating the social complexities of environmental and sustainability-related initiatives. Social science principles and theories that help identify the social actors relevant to sustainability and to explain human behavior. Application of social science theories to develop strategies for approaching real world problems relevant to building a sustainable future. Problem-solving exercises to develop skills for implementing sustainability strategies and interacting with diverse stakeholders. Ethical implications of sustainability strategies in terms of recognitional, distributional, and procedural justice.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2554 or LAR 2554 or NR 2554 or GEOG 1115 or NR 1115 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 3954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 3964 - Internship Through Directed Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
Repeatability: up to 12 credit hours 
FREC 3984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 4004 - Professional Skills in Natural Resources (1 credit) 
Elements of professionalism and principles of success across a wide spectrum of natural resources careers. Skills for ethical and professional interaction including effective communication, advancement of diversity and inclusion, and personal responsibility. Career preparation principles including employer outreach, job seeking, resume writing, and interview preparation. Guest speakers from academia, industry, and government. Pre: Senior standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: NR 4004 
FREC 4014 - Natural Resources Economics (3 credits) 
Examination of domestic and international natural resource use, exploitation, and degradation problems, with special focus on use of economics to understand why potential overuse of natural resources exists, and what policy options are available to correct these problems and ensure sustainable natural resource use over time. Water, forests, fisheries, land and exhaustible resources. Permission of instructor may be substituted for the pre-requisite.
Prerequisite(s): ECON 2005 or AAEC 1005 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: NR 4014 
FREC 4024 - Forest Resources Management and Business (3 credits) 
Forest management and business principles, theory, and methods to support sound decision-making in forestry: from the level of the forest to the business organization as a whole. Capital budgeting methods to prescribe forest harvest schedules and perform forest finance analyses. Forest industry structure, trends, and future performance. Strategic management frameworks (e.g. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), PIE (Potential, Importance and Ease) and Porter’s Five Forces) and the influence of public policy and regulation on forest business strategy. Ethics, sustainability and corporate social responsibility applied to real forest business problems.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4044 - Environmental Data Science Capstone (3 credits) 
Apply environmental data science strategies and techniques to natural resources problems. Capstone experience using spatial and/or temporal environmental data. Integrate multiple concepts and strategies to create a practical solution.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3004 or FREC 3044 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4114 - Information Technologies for Natural Resource Management (3 credits) 
An introduction to computer information systems used in natural resources management. Course will introduce students to the theory and applications of database management systems (DBMS) and geographic information systems (GIS). Uses, challenges, and limitations of these technologies in natural resource management applications will be discussed. Students will receive extensive hand-on instruction in the use of current software packages for DBMS and GIS.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2214 or FOR 2214 or GEOG 2314 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4134 - Forest Carbon Management and Policy (3 credits) 
Importance of forests in the global carbon cycle. Measuring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of forest carbon stocks and fluxes. National, regional and international forest carbon markets. Main national and international forest-based carbon policies and programs, such as REDD+. Impacts of forest management practices by landowners and policies on forest carbon stocks. Economic viability of forest carbon projects. Pre: Junior standing.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4174 - Climate Change and the International Policy Framework (3 credits) 
Science, causes and impacts of climate change. Mitigation and adaptation measures to address the causes and impacts of climate change. International climate change policy, with attention to the policy making process, in particular the role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and climate negotiations. Science and diplomacy in climate negotiations to achieve successful outcomes. The ethical and social implications of climate change policies.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: IS 4174, PSCI 4174 
FREC 4214 - Forest Photogrammetry and Spatial Data Processing (3 credits) 
Films, filters and camera photogeometry; scale; measurement estimation; image processing; flight planning and photo acquisition; geographic information systems; spatial data analysis techniques and applications. Pre: Junior standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4244 - Hydroinformatics (3 credits) 
Analysis and examination of hydrologic data using basic statistics and computer programming. Calculation and interpretation of flow frequency and duration, hydrologic analysis of geospatial digital terrain data, and implementation and analysis of simple hydrologic models. Advanced methods of temporal and spatial hydrologic data visualization using computer programming.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3104 or WATR 3104 or FREC 1044 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: WATR 4244 
FREC 4254 - Urban and Community Forestry Practicum (1 credit) 
Practical applications of the principles of urban and community forestry. Technologies and techniques used for assessing, planning, and managing urban and community forests. Use of remote sensing, computer models, and decision-support tools to conserve and enhance urban and community forests. Field observation of urban forest protection and restoration practices. Use of national standards and best management practices to make urban forest stewardship recommendations. Pre: Junior Standing
Corequisite(s): FREC 4454 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
FREC 4324 - Genetics of Natural and Managed Populations (3 credits) 
Introductory genetics with an emphasis on evolutionary processes relevant to natural and managed populations of both plant and animal species. Traditional and modern genetics, including quantitative and population genetics, molecular evolution, genomics, and biotechnology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1105 and BIOL 1106 and (STAT 3005 or STAT 3615 or FREC 3214) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: FIW 4324 
FREC 4334 - Principles and Practice of Agroforestry (3 credits) 
Biological, social, economic, and technical aspects of agroforestry, training and technology transfer techniques, and application of forestry and agriculture principles. Roles of animals and fish, trees, and agricultural crops in agroforestry systems. Community involvement in planning and implementation of agroforestry projects. COURSE FEE: $40.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CSES 4334 
FREC 4354 - Forest Soil and Watershed Management (3 credits) 
Properties and processes of soil and water in forests. Emphasis on management for the delivery of ecosystem services at local to global scales. Includes analysis and interpretation in field and laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): CSES 3114 or FREC 2004 or GEOS 3614 or ENSC 3134 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 5A Quant & Comp Thnk Adv., 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4364 - Advanced Silviculture and Forest Vegetation Management (3 credits) 
Advanced topics in silviculture with an emphasis on species silvical differences; forest vegetation management and control, herbicides used in forestry, their chemistry, toxicology, application technology; environmental considerations; tree improvement, individual tree growth, and stand dynamics as affected by intermediate silvicultural operations; implications of atmospheric deposition.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3324 or FOR 3324 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4374 - Forested Wetlands (3 credits) 
Classifications, jurisdictional delineation, and management options of forested wetlands. Relationship of hydrology, soils, and vegetation to ecosystem processes, societal values, and management with regard to environmental and legal considerations and best management practices. Emphasis is on forested wetlands in the southern U.S., but national and international wetlands are included. COURSE FEE: $187.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 4354 or CSES 3114 or ENSC 3114 or GEOS 3614 or CSES 3134 or ENSC 3134 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4414 - Advanced Wildland Fire Management (3 credits) 
Impacts fire has on forest environments; how the environment influences fire behavior; how computer programs aid fire decision making; and how fire is used as a land and vegetation management tool. Influences of weather on fire behavior. The course will also provide students with the knowledge and training to qualify as an advanced wildland firefighter (Squad Boss) (FFT1 - Red Card) and a Virginia Certified Prescribed Burn Manager.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2514 or FOR 2514 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4434 - Natural Resource Policy (3 credits) 
Historical development of U.S. natural resource policy. Application of policy analysis tools to understand the factors driving natural resource policy formation at the federal, state, and local level. Evaluation of the effects of alternative policies on natural resource use and social wellbeing. Overview of existing natural resource policies with applications to forest and timber management, biodiversity, public lands, endangered species, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Pre: Junior Standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4444 - Integrated Forest Management Practicum (3 credits) 
Application of accumulated discipline-oriented knowledge and techniques to solve forest resource management problems as a member of a team. Forest resource management and planning, multiple-use concepts to solve forest management problems, design and implement field-based sampling protocol, develop an integrated forest management plan with logical and ethical recommendations based on analysis of sampled data. Pre: Senior standing.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 6 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4454 - Principles of Urban and Community Forestry (3 credits) 
Historical and modern perspectives on the science, policy, and practice of conserving and managing trees and greenspace in urbanizing areas. Examination of social, economic, and ecological factors that shape urban forests. Methods of assessing, planning, and governing urban forests to meet sustainability goals. Strategies to promote participation and inclusiveness in community forest stewardship. Critical analysis of contemporary topics in urban forestry and communicating about urban forests with diverse audiences. Pre: Junior standing.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 11 Intercultural&Global Aware. 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4464 - Water Resources Policy and Economics (3 credits) 
Economic theory and methods to explain water use decisions. Efficiency, equity, and ethical considerations in U.S. water policy. Analysis of water markets, climate change, and environmental flows from diverse stakeholder perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): AAEC 1005 or ECON 2005 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 7 Identity & Equity in U.S., 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: AAEC 4464, WATR 4464 
FREC 4514 - Forest and Tree Pest Management (3 credits) 
Identification and ecology of biotic and abiotic influences on forest and landscape tree health. Developing a theoretical and practical understanding for diagnosing and managing pests and stresses of trees in both the forest and landscape setting. Insects and diseases that attack trees.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3324 or FOR 3324 or HORT 3325 or HORT 3326 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4544 - Applied Outdoor Recreation Planning (3 credits) 
Study of advanced principles and practices of outdoor recreation management and planning through practical application. Topics include recreation ecology, outdoor recreation management and design, visitor use impacts, trail monitoring, Leave No Trace principles, outdoor recreation program planning and techniques.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4554 - Creating the Ecological City (3 credits) 
Multidisciplinary, team oriented, problem-solving approaches to creating cities that foster healthy interconnections between human and ecological systems. Analysis of problems from practical and ethical perspectives in the context of the diverse knowledge bases and values of decision-makers. Formation and utilization of integrated design teams to address complex ecological city design and planning problems at a variety of scales. Pre: Senior standing.
Prerequisite(s): HORT 2134 or FREC 2134 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 3 Reasoning in Social Sciences, 6A Critique & Practice in Arts, 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: BSE 4554, HORT 4554, LAR 4554, SPIA 4554 
FREC 4714 - Harvesting Systems Evaluation (3 credits) 
Principles and techniques for evaluating harvesting machines and systems design, application, productivity, and financial performance.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3714 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4784 - Wetland Hydrology and Biogeochemistry (3 credits) 
Water flows creating wetland hydrologic regime. Hydrologic controls on wetland processes. Linkages between hydrology and biogeochemical cycles. Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other element cycles within and across wetland boundaries. Field methods to assess hydrologic regime and biogeochemical cycles. Ecosystems services from hydrologic and biogeochemical processes. Applications of wetland hydrology and biogeochemistry in wetland restoration, delineation, and creation.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 5004 - Graduate Seminar (1 credit) 
Special topics, critical reviews, and discussions of pertinent literature throughout a wide range of subject areas in forestry. May be repeated.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
FREC 5014 - Graduate Student Success in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (1 credit) 
Practices and perspectives for graduate student success in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation. Identification of plagiarism and other violations of Virginia Tech Honor Code. Proper use of professional conventions for citations, accurate reporting, and research and scholarship. Ethical standards in teaching, mentoring, and professional activities. Addressing ethical misconduct. Apply Virginia Tech Principles of Community to value human diversity and inclusion. Impact of personal actions and words on self, others, and community related to privilege bias, power, prejudice, discrimination, and identity. Avenues of redress in response to violations of the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. Focus on one's own implicit or unconscious bias. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
FREC 5024 - Coupling Social and Ecological Systems (3 credits) 
Human-environment relationships in research. Current paradigms in environmental conservation. Methods and approaches to conducting coupled human-environment research and management. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5024G - Advanced Forest Resources Management and Business (3 credits) 
Forest management and business principles, theory, and methods to support sound decision-making in forestry: from the level of the forest to the business organization as a whole. Capital budgeting methods to prescribe forest harvest schedules and perform forest finance analyses. Forest industry structure, trends, and future performance. Strategic management frameworks (e.g., SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), PIE (Potential, Importance, and Ease) and Porter's Five Focus analyses) and the influence of public policy and regulation on forest business strategy. Ethics, sustainability and corporate social responsibility applied to real forest business problems. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5034 - Ecosystem Dynamics (4 credits) 
Application of the systems perspective to functional characteristics and dynamics of ecosystems: energy flow, biogeochemical cycling, and stability/resilience in the response to environmental change. Computer simulation of ecosystem response to change. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: BIOL 5034 
FREC 5044 - Conservation Finance and Development (3 credits) 
The role of financial capital in forest and natural resources management, conservation, and economic development. Market-based and financial instruments (e.g., green bonds, REDD+, carbon credits, pay-for-success agreements, private equity investing, etc.) to tackle conservation, natural resources management, and sustainability challenges (e.g., deforestation, loss of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, etc.). Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework in the evaluation of investment portfolios. Covers basic concepts and principles of finance applied to conservation and natural resources projects necessary to debate with investors and stakeholders. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5104 - Seminar in Remote Sensing and Geographic InformationSystems (1 credit) 
Interdisciplinary seminar devoted to current research in the fields of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, and related topics. Seminars, workshops, and presentations conducted by students, faculty, and visitors. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 5104 
FREC 5114G - Advanced Information Technologies for Natural Resource Management (3 credits) 
Course will introduce students to the theory and applications of database management systems (DBMS) and geographic information systems (GIS). Uses, challenges, and limitations of these technologies in natural resource management application will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 2214 or GEOG 2314 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5144 - Watershed Hydrology (3 credits) 
Physical concepts of hydrological processes that affect age, origin, cycling, and flowpaths of water within watersheds. Analysis of current and historical research methods. Hydrological science as an interdisciplinary topic. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: CSES 5144 
FREC 5154 - Hyperspectral Remote Sensing (3 credits) 
Theory of spectroscopy and spectrometry from portable spectroradiometers to airborne and spaceborne hyperspectral sensors as relevant to natural resource applications, including vegetation species identification and vegetative health, soil and peat properties, mineral and geothermal characteristics, and water applications. Practical investigation of research tools and techniques used to analyze hyperspectral data. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing Required
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 5154 
FREC 5164 - Population Genomics (3 credits) 
Contemporary sequencing, genotyping, and analytical approaches to understanding the causes and consequences of genomic variation that impinges on fitness, productivity, and health of natural and managed populations of plants and animals. Neutral population and evolutionary genetic processes, methods to identify the molecular targets of natural selection, genetic variation relevant to fitness- related traits, software tools relevant to genomic data analysis in a population genetic context. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5174 - Ecological Modeling and Forecasting (3 credits) 
Application of computer modeling to predict the future of ecological systems. Techniques for estimating parameters in ecological models and quantifying uncertainty. Creating, evaluating, and interpreting ecological forecasts. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5184 - Research & Synthesis in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (2 credits) 
Scientific method, inductive and deductive reasoning and the impacts of new technology and big data on forest and environmental resource research. Evaluation of methods, experimental design and interpretation in recent publications. Writing of a literature synthesis and research hypotheses for inclusion in the student’s research working plan, thesis chapter, or final project. Design of effective graphics that synthesize research review and approaches. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
FREC 5214 - College Teaching in Natural Resources (2 credits) 
Effectively teach college classes in the broad field of natural resources. Design and coordinate an inclusive learning environment for all students. Facilitate learning with effective assessment and teaching strategies. Develop a course structure. Support students through effective codes of conduct and field safety measures. Formalize a personal teaching philosophy. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
FREC 5224 - Forest Biometry (3 credits) 
Theory and practice involved in the measurement and modeling of the growth and yield of forest trees and stands
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3215 and FREC 3216 and STAT 5606 and STAT 5616 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5244G - Advanced Hydroinformatics (3 credits) 
Analysis and examination of hydrologic data using basic statistics and computer programming. Calculation and interpretation of flow frequency and duration, hydrologic analysis of geospatial digital terrain data, and implementation and analysis of simple hydrologic models. Advanced methods of temporal and spatial hydrologic data visualization using computer programming. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: WATR 5244G 
FREC 5254 - Remote Sensing of Natural Resources (3 credits) 
Philosophy and rationale of remote sensing as a part of the resource management process; comparisons of analogic and digital sensors; sensor selection and proper use; accuracy assessment; signature development; and identification of factors which affect the quality of remotely sensed information.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5354 - Soil Science and Biogeochemistry (3 credits) 
Foundations of soil science and biogeochemistry. Concepts in soil and landscape evolution; elemental cycling; soil-plant-microbe interactions; soil sampling and analysis; and relationships among physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5374 - Advanced Forest Ecology (3 credits) 
Advanced topics in forest ecology, including: forest populations, forest community dynamics, forest community structure and analysis, forest productivity on a global scale, ecology of forest landscapes, spatial heterogeneity, and hierarchy issues in ecology.
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3314 and MATH 2016 and STAT 5606 and STAT 5616 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5374G - Advanced Forested Wetlands (3 credits) 
Classifications, jurisdictional delineation, and management options of forested wetlands. Relationship of hydrology, soils, and vegetation to ecosystem processes, societal values, and management with regard to environmental and legal considerations and best management practices. Emphasis is on forested wetlands in the southern U.S. but national and international wetlands are included. Data analysis, interpretations, and report for field trips are required for graduate credit. COURSE FEE: $113. Pre: Graduate Standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 4 Lab, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5416 - Advanced Forest Resource Management and Economics (3 credits) 
5415: Application of microeconomics to solving forest resource problems. Emphasis on forest products demand and supply analysis, forest products marketing, forest capital theory, and interregional and international trade in forest products. 5416: Impacts of economic and physical variables upon forest appraisal and management decisions. Valuation of nonmarket goods and economics of multiple-use. Application of operations research tools in evaluating forest management alternatives in public and private forest planning. I
Prerequisite(s): FREC 3414 and FREC 4424 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5454G - Advanced Principles of Urban and Community Forestry (3 credits) 
Historical and modern perspectives on the science, policy, and practice of conserving and managing trees and greenspace in urbanizing areas. Examination of social, economic, and ecological factors that shape urban forests. Methods of assessing, planning, and governing urban forests to meet sustainability goals. Strategies to promote participation and inclusiveness in community forest stewardship. Critical analysis of contemporary topics in urban forestry and communicating about urban forests with diverse audiences. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5464 - Social Science Research Methods in Natural Resources (3 credits) 
Social science research design and methods for students studying natural resource management. Addresses the unique and interdisciplinary nature of social science research related to complex natural resource problems. Guides students through the development of research questions into detailed research proposals that address human dimensions of natural resource management. Students own research topics will provide examples for in-class discussion of research design. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5464G - Advanced Water Resource Policy and Economics (3 credits) 
Economic theory and methods to explain water use decisions. Efficiency, equity, and ethical considerations in U.S. water policy. Analysis of water markets, climate change, and environmental flows from diverse stakeholder perspectives. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: WATR 5464G 
FREC 5544 - Remote Sensing in the Social Sciences (4 credits) 
Principles on the use of remotely sensed (satellite) data in social science research, with key applications in environment, agriculture, and economic development. Basic scripting techniques to extract, visualize, and analyze satellite remote sensing data across the electromagnetic spectrum with cloud-based computing platforms. Development of social science research proposals using remotely sensed data and based on review of relevant seminal and current research articles. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 1 Lab, 4 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: AAEC 5544, GEOG 5544 
FREC 5714G - Advanced Harvesting Systems Evaluation (3 credits) 
Advanced principles and techniques for evaluating harvesting machines and systems design, application, productivity, and financial performance. Graduate standing required.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5784G - Advanced Wetland Hyrdology and Biogeochemistry (3 credits) 
Water flows creating wetland hydrologic regime. Hydrologic controls on wetland processes. Linkages between hydrology and biogeochemical cycles. Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other element cycles within and across wetland boundaries. Field methods to assess hydrologic regime and biogeochemical cycles. Ecosystems services from hydrologic and biogeochemical processes. Applications of wetland hydrology and biogeochemistry in wetland restoration, delineation, and creation. Pre: Graduate Standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5884 - Topics in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation (1-4 credits) 
Topics in forest resources and environmental conservation. Evaluation of literature and/or a critical appraisal of methods/approaches of analysis related to contemporary issues. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 16 credits. Pre: Graduate standing.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1-4 Lec, 1-4 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 16 credit hours 
FREC 5894 - Final Examination (3 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 5904 - Project and Report (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 5954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 5974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 5984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 5994 - Research and Thesis (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 6124 - Woody Plant Defense and Resistance Mechanisms (3 credits) 
Mechanisms of resistance and defense in woody plants to common stressors, including arthropods, pathogens, and mammals. Secondary plant metabolites. Evolutionary arms race theory. Methods and applications of host resistance and defense mechanisms. Pre: Graduate standing
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
FREC 6214 - Forestry Lidar Applications (3 credits) 
Theoretical underpinning of established and emerging research using light detection and ranging (lidar) technology for forestry applications including detailed terrain mapping and digital elevation models, canopy height modeling, prediction of forest biophysical parameters, forest physiology and the canopy light regime, watershed mapping and stream modeling, ecological modeling, landscape classifications, and wildlife habitat. Advanced research tools and techniques used to analyze lidar data for different applications. Graduate standing required.
Prerequisite(s): (FREC 5254 or FOR 5254) and (FREC 5264 or FOR 5264) and GEOG 5034 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: GEOG 6214 
FREC 6984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
FREC 7994 - Research and Dissertation (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course