Focus an ecological sustainability and ecological concepts and principles, with examples drawn from forests and arid lands. Exploration of global ecosystems, ecological processes and services, factors that create and maintain diversity, ecosystem health and integrity. Principles for sustainable natural resource management and use.

The course covers the physiological, population, and community ecology of insects and related invertebrates. Specific topics include insect size, scaling, and ecological consequences, the Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on insect population and community dynamics, seasonal adaptations, dispersion, life table analysis, r- and k-selection, ecological methods, and insect-plant interactions. Case studies include examples based on the professional and research interests of students. Course activities include discussions, textbook and literature readings, written assignments, and exams.

Study of the ecology of riparian vegetation, including successional processes in riparian zones, productivity, structure and diversity of riparian ecosystems. The class is focused on the terrestrial vegetation, soils and animals of riparian ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on the past abuse associated with riparian ecosystems, 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). 

An interdisciplinary survey of concepts relating to fire science, ecology, management, and policy. Includes case studies of several representative ecosystems, ranging from west- and eastside forests of the Pacific Northwest to shrub steppe ecosystems of the Intermountain West and chaparral ecosystems of southern California.