WILD 4910: Capstone: Assessment and Synthesis in Natural Resource Science

WILD 4910: Capstone: Assessment and Synthesis in Natural Resource Science

INSTRUCTORCLASS LOCATION & TIMES

Dr. Kris HulveyNR 217, Tues: 1:30-2:45; Thurs: 12-2:45

Wildland Resources

Office: NR 320

Email: OFFICE HOURS

Wed2—4, or email me to

arrange a specific meeting time

COURSE FEE: There is a course fee to cover the cost ofa weekendfield trip: $125.

Course website: look up course on Canvas (Please check course website frequently. Additional reading, course project information, and other course materials will be put on the course website.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is the WILD capstone for the range major. As such, this is a synthetic course that draws on the knowledge and skills brought from other courses in the major. You will focus on individual and group projects in which you must take initiative, undertake significant independent research, and produce a product that will be used by land managers. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills critical for your future career including writing, presentation, job search, and interviewing skills.

• This will be a fast-paced course with assignments due at a majority of class meetings. You must consistently complete, digest, and be ready to discuss assigned readings. You must attend class, including a tworequired weekend field trips(Dates TBA). You will also be expected to head to our field site in the West Desert to collect data on your own as needed. Finally, we present the summary of our final projects to Jay Tanner (the rancher we will be working with all semester), the BLM, and other interested collaborators (Date TBA). This final presentation, along with the final report you produce will be the major products of this course and will constitute a large portion of your grade.

• This will also be a rewarding course. You will get to know land managers who work at a variety of state agencies and each other well, work on a real-world project with direct rangeland management implications, and learn a lot if you put in the effort.

COURSE OUTCOMES: - Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Employ research skills to effectively solve rangeland management problems.

2. Communicate clearly orally and in written form.

3. Set management objectives and understand how to meet them.

CLASS MATERIALS: There is no text book to purchase for this course. Readings will be sourced from scientific journals, agency online publications, and textbooks. These will be available on the CANVAS site for this course.

You will need to purchase a notebook to use for field data collection. See specifications below.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Course Objectives / IDEA evaluation Learning Objectives / Wildland Resource Rangeland Ecology & Management Learning Objectives
Apply knowledge accumulated throughout the range major to solve a ‘real world’ rangeland management problem. / 3. Learning to apply course materials (to improve rational thinking, problem solving and decisions) (Essential) / R5. Understand and apply what is learned in the major to conserve, restore, and manage rangeland natural resources – includes the ability to use research-based knowledge to identify possible solutions to problems, then develop a conservation, restoration, or management plan with specific objectives and constraints.
Develop & improve oral presentation and writing skills essential for success in the rangeland management profession. / 8. Developing skills in expressing oneself orally or in writing (Important) / R4. Develop ability to communicate – includes the ability to understand scientific documents, to critically evaluate opposing viewpoints in rangeland ecology and management, to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations, and to write and otherwise communicate with professionals and stakeholders.
Develop research skills that are necessary for finding and synthesizing resources needed to solve ‘real world’ rangeland management problems. / 9. Learning how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving problems (Important) / See R5 above.

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW: There are no exams for this course. Rather students will be expected to complete at least four oral presentations, complete short synthesis assignments, write a cover letter & resume, keep a field notebook, and complete two longer papers. For many of your assignments you will be expected to use peer-reviewed literature from scientific journals to support your arguments.

Oral presentations:

1. Introductory Presentation – This is a short 5 minute power point presentation. It is informal and each student will use this presentation to introduce their background, interest in range management topics, any expertise they have developed throughout their time at USU or with other jobs, and professional goals.

1. Research Paper Presentation – This is a medium length 7 minute plus Q&A power point presentation. It is formal and each student will present the information gained through their individual research papers (see below) to the class.

1. Final Project Progress Presentations– This is a series of 2-3 informal, short to medium length power point presentations(5-7 minutes) where you will share with the class your ongoing work dedicated to the final project. These presentations are opportunities to get feedback from your peers as you are working on the final project.

1. Final Project Presentation – This is a formal group presentation that presents the semester’s work to the research partners and stakeholder collaborators who helped with your research all semester. It is formal, will be the duration of a class period, and is worth a large portion of your final grade.

Written assignments:

1. Review of 2017 Capstone Classes final report– This is a 1-2 page paper summing the format and ideas presented in the 2017 capstone classes final paper.

1. Review of Management on Tanner ranch & ideas for your literature review– This is a 1-2 page paper summing the ideas presented by Mr. and Mrs. Tanner about their ranch management and presenting 3 potential ideas for your research paper.

1. Cover letter & Resume – We will have experts join the class to discuss cover letter and resume writing. You will then find 5 potential jobs to apply to, and write a cover letter and resume for one of these jobs. This assignment includes peer review and a mandatory revision of your work.

1. Research Paper-The first of the longer papers will be a 5-6 page paper(not including citations) on a rangeland topic that is relevant to our class-project and is of interest to you personally. This paper will be a foundation of your final paper. This assignment includes peer review and a mandatory revision of your work. Mandatory use of APA citation format.

1. Management Plan - The final paper – a management plan for a local ranch -- will be a group effort, with sections that are individually written, sections written as a group, and sections written by your classmates. This final paper will synthesize scientific solutions regarding a specific range management problem introduced at the beginning of the semester. This assignment includes peer review and a mandatory a mandatory revision of your work.

You will write multiple drafts of most assignments, improving these with feedback from me and,at times, your peers. We will go over how to peer review in class – our requirements in this class will likely be different from other classes you have taken. All final writing assignments should include: a cover letter briefly addressing how reviewer comments were addressed.

You will be required to use APA format for all written assignments where you cite other literature. Correctly citing literature is a very important part of scientific and formal writing. You will be graded on the accuracy of your ‘literature cited’ section and points will be deducted for each missing citation and incorrectly formatted citation. Spend the time to get this section correct. See the end of this syllabus for APA citation rules.

All assignments should be typed 1.5 or double-spaced in 12-point font and standard margins.

Field trips: The class includes two mandatory field trips to the TL Bar Ranch. One of the trips is an all day trip. The second is an overnight. Both trips will occur on weekends TBA during the first week of class.

Visits from range professionals: A unique feature of this class is that we will have a variety of range professionals join our class to discuss range management issues and provide information and insight that directly contribute to your final project. These visits provide unique networking opportunities and you will have the opportunity to meet some of the leaders in the range management field.

In class working groups: We will spend a lot of time in this class working in small groups. Each one of you brings a unique background and skills to the class and will develop an expertise as we work on our final project. You will be expected to share your knowledge and skills with others in the class through small group work.

GRADING:End of semester averages will be translated to letter grades as follows: 100-92: A; 91-90: A-; 89-88: B+; 87-83: B; 82-80: B-; etc.

HOMEWORK:There will be homework due almost every class session. This should be turned in at the beginning of class on the appointed day; otherwise it will be considered late, and you will be docked 5% each day thereafter. If extenuating circumstances occur, contact Dr. Hulvey before the due date to discuss an alternate schedule.

% of grade / Assignments / Oral presentations
Class Participation, Quizzes, Short Assignments (16%)
5% / Class attendance & participation
3% / Introductory presentation / *
3% / Short paper #1: Review of 2017 Capstone Classes final report
2% / Quizzes on reading
3% / Questions for Jay Tanner, Dylan Tucker, Troy Forest, and other stakeholder partners
Cover Letter & Resume (10%)
1% / Web search & list of 5 jobs
3% / Draft cover letter & resume
6% / Final cover letter & resume
Literature Review (20%)
2% / Short paper #2: Tanner ranch management review & list of 3 potential topics for research paper
3% / Outlines of individual paper, plus updated bibliography
5% / Draft research paper
6% / Final research paper
4% / Research paper presentation / *
Group Project (54%)
2% / Draft and Final management project proposal
2% / Draft and Final managementproject proposal presentation / *
4% / Outline of management project sections with bibliography (5-more sources)
1% / Field plan for field trip
6% / Field trip #1 & 2 to Jay Tanners Ranch, attendance & participation (this includes field notebooks, data sheets)
7% / Draft management project
3% / Peer review of management project sections
5% / Peer review evaluation of participation in the group project
4% / Participation in the group project (instructor evaluated)
10% / Final papers
10% / Final project presentation / *
100% / Total

CLASS CONDUCT: I strive to create a stimulating and engaging class atmosphere. Students should come to class ready to work hard, participate actively in discussions, and respect classmates’ opinions and ideas. I ask you not to use your cell phones or email in class.

STUDENTS WITH DISABLITIES: Students with physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disabilities Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, 797-2444 voice, 797-0740 TTY, or toll free at 1-800-259-2966. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print or digital) are available with advance notice.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System is designated to establish the higher level of conduct expected and required of all USU students. Infractions (cheating, falsification, and plagiarism) and their associated penalties are described in the USU Academic Policies and Procedures Manual (

PLAGIARISM:Plagiarism includes knowingly "representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one's own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged used of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials." The penalties for plagiarism are severe. They include warning or reprimand, grade adjustment, probation, suspension, expulsion, withholding of transcripts, denial or revocation of degrees, and referral to psychological counseling.

**If you have any question about what constitutes plagiarism, CHECK WITH ME!!!

FIELD NOTEBOOKS: Field researchers keep field notebooks to record data, as well as observations that help when writing reports. During the field trip, you will keep a field notebook to build your observation, natural history, and recording skills, as well as to build a durable record of your field activities and observations. There should be an entry in your notebook for each trip you make out to the field.

I recommend a bound book of modest size (~5.7), either lined or with blank paper, with a durable cover. Good options include Mead composition notebooks, Art Alternatives black bound books, or – if you want waterproof paper for inclement conditions – ‘Rite in the Rain’ notebooks (maybe in the bookstore, but likely need to purchase online).

Details on notebook formatting:

• Number the pages of your notebook consecutively in the uppermost, right-hand corner of each page, with the year and your name in the uppermost, left-handed corner of each page.
• Date every entry with month, date, and year (all 4 digits), and record time of day.
• Note the location you are writing about and the weather or other variable conditions near the top of the page. Your objective is to record date and location information in the most detailed, least ambiguous way possible so that you & others can know exactly when, where, and under what conditions your work was done.
• Write your notes directly into your field notebook in the field. Use good paper and permanent, black ink (pencils OK but less optimal). Fiber-tip pens made by ‘sharpie’ with ‘ultra fine’ points seem to work well. Another, suitable pen is the ‘uni-ball vision micro’ made by Sanford, with waterproof/fade-proof ink. Ball-point pens are not acceptable; ink tends to fade with age.
• Your notebook should be turned in along with your final papers. I will grade your notebook on accuracy, format, clarity, completeness, neatness, and attention to detail.

FIELD TRIPS: We will leave on time for all field trips. It is your responsibility to know where we are meeting and be there 15 minutes before we are scheduled to leave. If you are late, you will likely miss the trip and associated assignments. You cannot make up these exercises.

It is a privilege to work with the mangers and land owners participating in this class and on their properties. This year we will be working at the Tanner Ranch, an active cattle ranchnear Wendover, UT. This means we have a few rules:

• Jay Tanner has the ultimate authority on the site. You must listen and follow directions while on site.
• Except for data, you may not collect anything at the field site without the approval of Jay and/or me.
• Being a student in this class does not give you permission to be at the site without the class, unless previously arranged.

PREPARING FOR THE FIELD: A key to being able to assimilate information in the outdoors and do fieldwork all day is comfort. Study in the field often requires seep hiking, hiking for distance, and at times, waiting in the elements.

• Eat well before and during field trips. Don’t hesitate to carry snacks with you. Peanuts, raisins, cheese, fresh or dried fruit, energy bars, or chocolate are good choices. Make sure you bring enough snacks to share with the instructors . A quart-sized container of water is essential.
• Dress in layers, so garments can be added or subtracted as necessary to maintain body temperature in cold, windy weather. A shirt, and outer sweater (preferably wool or fleece), along with a vest and/or windbreaker, make a good combo. Wear sturdy pants (no shorts in the field!) and closed shoes with socks and some traction. Carry both a warm hat and a sun hat (e.g. baseball cap).
• Gloves are often a better choice than mittens so you can manipulate field gear and take notes.
• Bring sunscreen & lip protection.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Watch: weatherproof & digital. Stopwatch function is useful
• Binoculars, if you can get your hands on some
• Field notebook with pens
• Field project sampling gear – YOU are responsible to make sure you have what you need
• Daypack
• Food & drink
• Field guides, if you have them – birds & plants

RESEARCH EQUIPMENT: We will use a wide range of research equipment – from transect tapes to bios to computers. This only works if we all take responsibility for caring for it, and making sure it gets put back when finished. Also, it is common that equipment breaks or needs maintenance. We won’t charge you for breaking stuff –don’t put away a damaged or non-functional piece of equipment. Let us know so that we can fix or replace it.

COMPUTERS & DATA ANALYSIS: We are going to be using computers to organize and analyze field data. Hopefully you have (or have access to) a laptop. For this class you will need: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, a stats program.