Rangeland Ecology & Management (RNG)
RNG 121, *INTRODUCTION TO WILDLAND ECOLOGY, 4 Credits
Ecological principles will be applied to understand contemporary issues related to wildlands, specifically the rangeland biomes that comprises over 50% of the Earth's surface (FAO, SRM, USDA ERS). Topics to be covered fall into the following categories: Fundamentals of Ecology; Animals (wildlife & livestock); Disturbance (e.g., invasive species, fire, mineral extraction, etc.); Ecosystem Goods & Services (e.g., carbon sequestration, watersheds, biodiversity, recreation, etc.). The course will largely focus on U.S. wildlands, however a portion will examine the ecology and issues of international rangelands in Africa, Eurasia, Australia, and South America. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPBS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Biological Science
Available via Ecampus
RNG 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: RNG 299H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 299H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: RNG 299
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 341, PRINCIPLES OF RANGELAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Describes the ecology and management of North American rangelands with an emphasis on a holistic understanding of rangelands as social-ecological systems. Examines ecosystem goods and services, ecosystem function, disturbance ecology, and management frameworks and principles. Analyzes contemporary issues that threaten the health of rangelands including those that cause conflicts among stakeholders.
Prerequisite: ((BI 221 with D or better or BI 221H with D or better) and (BI 222 [D] or BI 222H [D]) and (BI 223 [D] or BI 223H [D])) or ((BI 211 [D] or BI 211H [D]) and (BI 212 [D] or BI 212H [D]) and (BI 213 [D] or BI 213H [D])) or (BI 204 [D] and BI 205 [D] and BI 206 [D])
Available via Ecampus
RNG 351, ECOLOGY OF GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Describe and differentiate the spatio-temporal dynamics of North American grassland ecosystems including structure, function, and processes. Explore water, nutrient cycles and energy pathways as affected by driving forces of climate, herbivory, and fire.
Recommended: RNG 341
Available via Ecampus
RNG 352, ECOLOGY OF SHRUBLAND ECOSYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Describe and differentiate stress and disturbance impacts on shrubland ecosystems using an autecological approach. Explores the effects of climate, fire, and herbivory on plant morphology, physiology, reproduction, and growth. Evaluate and compare life histories of common shrubs and shrubland communities.
Recommended: RNG 341
Available via Ecampus
RNG 353, WILDLAND PLANT IDENTIFICATION, 4 Credits
Identify common plant species of grassland, shrubland and woodland ecosystems of North America and describe their ecological, cultural and economic importance. Use ecological, morphological and anatomical characteristics to identify plant species. Design and conduct plant inventories, collect and press voucher specimens and utilize dichotomous keys, hand lenses and microscopes to identify plant species.
Recommended: Coursework in botany or rangeland sciences
Available via Ecampus
RNG 355, DESERT WATERSHED MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
A systems-based understanding of hydrologic processes in arid and semiarid landscapes. The class is focused on gaining knowledge of multiple ecological and hydrological interactions occurring in dryland watersheds and on discussing practical methodology aimed to enhance site productivity and ecosystem resilience. Emphasis is placed on land use effects on watershed function; monitoring of soil, water, and vegetation variables; and methods of rehabilitation of degraded landscapes. The course has a strong experiential learning component through a series of ‘hands-on’ practicums and a field trip to a semiarid location in eastern Oregon. Lec/lab.
RNG 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
May be repeated for a total of 16 credits.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 403, SENIOR THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 407, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
RNG 421, RANGELAND RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Describe and evaluate principles, tools and techniques guiding the restoration of degraded rangelands including grassland, shrubland, woodland, riparian and dry forest ecosystems. Identify and understand ecological factors, processes, stressors and pressures that interact to determine ecological health, resistance and resilience. Manipulate plants, soil, animals and microenvironments to improve ecosystem function and services. Conduct site assessments to identify key causes of degradation, and create restoration and management solutions that incorporates ecological, economic, and social factors.
Prerequisite: ((BI 221 with D or better or BI 221H with D or better) and (BI 222 [D] or BI 222H [D]) and (BI 223 [D] or BI 223H [D])) or ((BI 211 [D] or BI 211H [D]) and (BI 212 [D] or BI 212H [D]) and (BI 213 [D] or BI 213H [D])) or (BI 204 [D] and BI 205 [D] and BI 206 [D])
Recommended: Coursework in soils and ecology
Available via Ecampus
RNG 441, VEGETATION MONITORING AND ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Describe techniques and methods used to measure, monitor and analyze vegetation attributes and natural resource data in shrubland, grassland, and forest ecosystems. Topics include sampling principles and design; protocol development; inventory and monitoring; field methods; analysis, evaluation and interpretation of resource data. Field-oriented course, emphasizing both theory and practice.
Prerequisite: ((BI 221 with D or better or BI 221H with D or better) and (BI 222 [D] or BI 222H [D]) and (BI 223 [D] or BI 223H [D])) or ((BI 211 [D] or BI 211H [D]) and (BI 212 [D] or BI 212H [D]) and (BI 213 [D] or BI 213H [D])) or (BI 204 [D] and BI 205 [D] and BI 206 [D])
Recommended: Coursework in ecology
Available via Ecampus
RNG 442, RANGELAND-ANIMAL RELATIONS, 4 Credits
Examines ecological principles of domesticated livestock grazing and their applications to the management of rangelands. Emphasizes sustainability of ecosystem goods and services including grazing effects on individual plants, plant communities and ecosystems. Analyzes grazing management principles to integrate livestock production and enhance ecological goods and services.
Prerequisite: (( (BI 221 with D or better or BI 221H with D or better) and (BI 222 [D] or BI 222H [D]) and (BI 223 [D] or BI 223H [D])) or ((BI 211 [D] or BI 211H [D]) and (BI 212 [D] or BI 212H [D]) and (BI 213 [D] or BI 213H [D])) or (BI 204 [D] and BI 205 [D] and BI 206 [D])) and RNG 341 [D]
Recommended: Coursework in soils and ecology
Available via Ecampus
RNG 448, LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ON PASTURE, 4 Credits
Focuses on grazing management in cultivated pastures in Oregon and other regions with similar agro-ecological conditions. Become familiar with the basic principles of pasture production, grazing management and feed planning and management in large and small ruminant production systems. Provides information on the underlying factors affecting pasture and animal production and product quality in pasture-based production systems. CROSSLISTED as ANS 448/CROP 448/RNG 448.
RNG 455, RIPARIAN ECOHYDROLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
A systems approach to study ecological and hydrological relationships occurring in riparian ecosystems. The class is focused on gaining knowledge of multiple connections between soil, water, and terrestrial vegetation occurring in riparian systems. Emphasis is placed on land use effects on the riparian ecologic and hydrologic function, methods of rehabilitation, and theories of the proper use of riparian ecosystems under a multiple-use philosophy (i.e., fish, wildlife, livestock, aesthetics, recreation, and silviculture).
Recommended: RNG 355
Available via Ecampus
RNG 457, HABITAT ANALYSIS 1: HABITAT USE AND MOVEMENT, 3 Credits
Effective habitat management necessitates an understanding of how animals use and move through the landscape, including rangelands. This is an advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate course designed to familiarize students with multiple techniques of assessing the influence of habitat on site selection of terrestrial animals (wild and domestic). However, topics covered in this course are broadly analogous to other ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of habitat use (space use) and animal movement from multiple study designs.
Prerequisite: FW 251 with D- or better and RNG 341 [D-] and MTH 241 [D-] and (ST 201 [D-] or ST 243Z [D-] or ST 351 [D-] or ST 351H [D-])
Available via Ecampus
RNG 458, HABITAT ANALYSIS 2: ABUNDANCE, OCCUPANCY AND DEMOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Habitat influences abundance, occupancy, and demographic rates of wildlife. Wildlife management is often a component of land management and both benefit from land stewards that have an understanding of how habitat characteristics influence the occupancy, abundance, and performance of wildlife within an area. This is an advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate course designed to familiarize students with multiple techniques of assessing the influence of habitat on abundance, occupancy, and demographic rates of terrestrial animals.
Prerequisite: FW 251 with D- or better and RNG 341 [D-] and MTH 241 [D-] and (ST 201 [D-] or ST 243Z [D-] or ST 351 [D-] or ST 351H [D-])
RNG 470, *PASTORAL SYSTEMS OF THE WORLD, 4 Credits
Describes and evaluates ecosystems which support grazing animals and pastoralists. Examines the biology, ecology and management of these landscapes including climate, soils, plant communities and human-livestock interactions. Investigates the historic role of trade and contemporary challenges to the ecological, social and economic sustainability of pastoral systems.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Recommended: RNG 341 or other applied terrestrial ecology course
Available via Ecampus
RNG 490, RANGELAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING, 4 Credits
Administration and management of rangelands; planning processes involving goal setting, inventories, personnel management, environment, conflict resolution, and other constraints affecting decision-making. Use of data collected from field problems to support the execution of class plans. Field trip required.
RNG 491, ^RANGELAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING - PRINCIPLES AND PROCESSES, 4 Credits
Applies rangeland ecology principles and processes to select and solve a site-specific rangeland management challenge. Develops professional communication skills including listening, dialog, writing, and negotiating with diverse stakeholders to create a multi-stage management plan through implementation of adaptive management. Demonstrates knowledge of monitoring to evaluate effectiveness and report outcomes of management actions. (Writing Intensive Course)
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
Prerequisite: RNG 341 with D- or better
Available via Ecampus
RNG 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
RNG 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 503, MASTER'S THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
RNG 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 507, SEMINAR, 1-2 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 521, RANGELAND RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Describe and evaluate principles, tools and techniques guiding the restoration of degraded rangelands including grassland, shrubland, woodland, riparian and dry forest ecosystems. Identify and understand ecological factors, processes, stressors and pressures that interact to determine ecological health, resistance and resilience. Manipulate plants, soil, animals and microenvironments to improve ecosystem function and services. Conduct site assessments to identify key causes of degradation, and create restoration and management solutions that incorporates ecological, economic, and social factors.
Recommended: Coursework in soils and ecology
Available via Ecampus
RNG 541, VEGETATION MONITORING AND ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Describe techniques and methods used to measure, monitor and analyze vegetation attributes and natural resource data in shrubland, grassland, and forest ecosystems. Topics include sampling principles and design; protocol development; inventory and monitoring; field methods; analysis, evaluation and interpretation of resource data. Field-oriented course, emphasizing both theory and practice.
Recommended: Coursework in ecology
Available via Ecampus
RNG 542, RANGELAND-ANIMAL RELATIONS, 4 Credits
Examines ecological principles of domesticated livestock grazing and their applications to the management of rangelands. Emphasizes sustainability of ecosystem goods and services including grazing effects on individual plants, plant communities and ecosystems. Analyzes grazing management principles to integrate livestock production and enhance ecological goods and services.
Recommended: Coursework in soils and ecology
RNG 548, LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ON PASTURE, 4 Credits
Focuses on grazing management in cultivated pastures in Oregon and other regions with similar agro-ecological conditions. Become familiar with the basic principles of pasture production, grazing management and feed planning and management in large and small ruminant production systems. Provides information on the underlying factors affecting pasture and animal production and product quality in pasture-based production systems. CROSSLISTED as ANS 548/CROP 548/RNG 548.
RNG 555, RIPARIAN ECOHYDROLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
A systems approach to study ecological and hydrological relationships occurring in riparian ecosystems. The class is focused on gaining knowledge of multiple connections between soil, water, and terrestrial vegetation occurring in riparian systems. Emphasis is placed on land use effects on the riparian ecologic and hydrologic function, methods of rehabilitation, and theories of the proper use of riparian ecosystems under a multiple-use philosophy (i.e., fish, wildlife, livestock, aesthetics, recreation, and silviculture).
Recommended: RNG 355
Available via Ecampus
RNG 557, HABITAT ANALYSIS 1: HABITAT USE AND MOVEMENT, 3 Credits
Effective habitat management necessitates an understanding of how animals use and move through the landscape, including rangelands. This is an advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate course designed to familiarize students with multiple techniques of assessing the influence of habitat on site selection of terrestrial animals (wild and domestic). However, topics covered in this course are broadly analogous to other ecosystems. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of habitat use (space use) and animal movement from multiple study designs.
Recommended: ST 511 and ST 512
Available via Ecampus
RNG 558, HABITAT ANALYSIS 2: ABUNDANCE, OCCUPANCY AND DEMOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Habitat influences abundance, occupancy, and demographic rates of wildlife. Wildlife management is often a component of land management and both benefit from land stewards that have an understanding of how habitat characteristics influence the occupancy, abundance, and performance of wildlife within an area. This is an advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate course designed to familiarize students with multiple techniques of assessing the influence of habitat on abundance, occupancy, and demographic rates of terrestrial animals.
RNG 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 601, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 603, PH.D. THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
RNG 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 607, SEMINAR, 1-2 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
RNG 662, RANGELAND ECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Studies ecological theory and related resource management implications in rangelands and arid wildlands. Topics include the history and development of rangeland ecology, plant demography, invasive species, plant population dynamics, disturbance theory, succession, vegetation classification and range condition assessments. Offered every other winter, even years.
Recommended: Basic ecology course
RNG 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.