Unit 1: Introduction

Objectives

To gain familiarity with the software and electronic resources used in this course.
To explore the need for effective conservation and management of natural resources.
To define renewable vs. nonrenewable natural resources.
To review the history of natural resources conservation in the U.S. and internationally.
To explore human values and approaches to natural resource management.
To define issues and wicked problems.
To review the basic principles of ecology.

Readings

Course Syllabus: Link opens browser window.

Natural Resource Conservation (text)

Sections 1.1-1.6 (including Case Study 1.1)
Section 2.4

Reading Study Guide: Link opens browser window.

If this is your first course in ecology, read Sections 3.1-3.6.

Lecture Video

Lecture 1: Rivers and Life--Dr. Kathleen Moore

Dr. Moore's lecture explores some of the philosophical and emotional linkages between people and place. Her lecture was originally recorded for use in the Freshwater Unit of this course (thus her emphasis on rivers), but I think it serves better as an introduction to the course and to different ways of seeing natural resources.

Assignments

1. Obtain remote access to OSU library

Using the library from a distance can be a challenge. Get set up by following this tutorial: Remote Access to Library Databases and Electronic Journals. For more library services, read the Library Services page.

2. Participate in this week's graded class discussion

Graded Class Discussion Instructions

Supplemental Research

The following are links to sites containing material related to this week’s unit topic. They are provided for your information only and are not assigned reading.

World Resources 2000-2001: Link opens .pdf file. Chapter 1 (Linking People and Ecosystems) of World Resources 2000-2001 (.pdf file pages 4-42) provides an excellent overview of human impacts on the world's ecosystems.
Mapping the Global Environment: Link opens new browser window. An interactive web page maintained by the World Bank, one of the world's largest sources of development assistance. Point on the “Menu” and learn about environmental hotspots around the world.