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Water is perhaps our greatest natural resource in all living plants and animals require it. Become an expert in the preservation of this life-giving resource. The Watershed Management and Ecohydrology emphasis in the Natural Resources Bachelor of Science program prepares students for careers in sustainable landscape management. Ecohydrology is especially important in arid and semiarid systems, such as those in Arizona, where the feedback between ecology and hydrology can be particularly tight. With the benefit of small class sizes, students receive specialized coursework in ecology, ecosystem science, social science, communication, policy analysis, and the management of surface water resources. Graduates are qualified to be hydrologists or to pursue careers in organizations and businesses concerned with integrated land management, the environment or water resources.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Demonstrate basic knowledge ecological principles; Acquire basic knowledge of ecological principles (e.g., energy flow, material cycling, competition, predation, mutualism), identify current ecological challenges facing natural resource managers, and use ecological principles to develop potential integrated solutions to problems in natural resource management.

Natural resource management; Describe how social, political, and economic forces affect management of natural resources; and explain why there generally are trade-offs between various objectives in natural resources management.

Land management agency roles; Identify the major land management agencies responsible for stewardship of natural resources, the key historical conditions that lead to the creation of these agencies, and the primary mandates of each of these agencies.

Master basic statistical analyses; Conduct, interpret, and present basic statistical analyses of field and laboratory data, develop a research sampling design, and demonstrate the ability to design and conduct monitoring projects in the field.

Effectively communicate; Write professional reports in the style appropriate for the field of specialization, and demonstrate clear communication of scientific concepts and analytical arguments based on synthesis of published information and use of critical thinking.

Demonstrate ethical behavior; Identify behaviors of ethical professionals, and describe links between these behaviors and professional accomplishments.

Taxonomic identification; Demonstrate the ability to use taxonomic keys to identify a variety of plant and animal taxa.

Career development; Identify career paths and responsibilities within professions related to natural resources, and demonstrate awareness and appreciation for the importance of collaboration for stewardship of natural resources, including among agencies and between scientists and managers.

CAREER FIELDS

Environmental consulting

Hydrologist

Natural resources management

Water resources management

Watershed science