Biological Sciences (DBS)

ANSC 808 - Ruminant Nutritional Physiology

Credits: 3

Anatomy of the ruminant gastrointestinal tract, physiological factors related to rumen function, and microbial and whole-body metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and lipids.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ANSC 810 - Dairy Nutrition

Credits: 4

Feeding and related management of dairy cows, nutrients and their use, digestive anatomy, physiology, energy systems, forage quality and conservation methods, metabolic disorders, ration balancing.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ANSC 815 - Physiology of Lactation

Credits: 4

Examines the biological and biochemical influences of the lactation process. Emphasis on the physiological effects of environments, hormones, and nutrition on milk synthesis and secretion, mammary physiology, and maternal response.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ANSC 827 - Advanced Dairy Management I

Credits: 4

Advanced management evaluation of milking procedures, reproduction, nutrition, mastitis, and calf and heifer management.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ANSC 828 - Advanced Dairy Management II

Credits: 4

Advanced management evaluation of dairy cattle, housing, milking equipment, milk quality, record keeping, herd health, financial, personnel management, environmental issues. Visits to farms in the area to provide critical assessments of dairy farm businesses.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ANSC 895 - Investigations

Credits: 1-4

Investigations in genetics, nutrition, management, diseases, histology, equestrian management/agribusiness, physiology, cell biology, microbiology, dairy management, or teaching experience.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ANSC 899 - Master's Thesis

Credits: 1-6

Master's students must enroll for a total of 6 credits of this course. Students may enroll in 1-6 credits per semester.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

ANSC 999 - Doctoral Research

Credits: 0

Doctoral Research.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

Special Fee: Yes

BIOL 801 - Plant Physiology

Credits: 4

This course covers general principles of plant physiology relating plant structure to function and introduce basic physiological processes underlying plant growth and development and plant responses to the environment. Course topics include plant cell structure, plant water relations, plant mineral nutrition, metabolism, photosynthesis, plant respiration, signal transduction, plant growth regulators, photomorphogenesis, plant development, reproduction, senescence, and stress physiology. Course format consists of lectures and laboratory session. The laboratory session is designed to accompany lectures in plant physiology. The laboratories' core objective is to help students visualize main basic concepts and common techniques in plant physiology by running basic experiments, analyze data, and present results. It is strongly encouraged that students have a background knowledge of plant biology and chemistry for success in this class.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

View Course Learning Outcomes

BIOL 804 - Plant-Microbe Interactions

Credits: 3

Microbes and plants have developed intriguing strategies to encourage, resist or profit from their coexistence. The primary objective of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the various ways in which microbes interacts with plants, the outcomes of that interplay, and applications of these interactions and explore how these interactions impact ecosystem function. One year of general biology and a semester of Microbiology or Genetics recommended.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 806 - Data Science with R for the Life Sciences

Credits: 4

Introduces students to the basic data analysis and programming tools commonly used throughout the life sciences. Students will become proficient in R programming, data wrangling and cleaning, the principles of open and reproducible science, SQL database management, version control via Git/Github, building maps, and Bash command lines. Data sets and case studies from across the life sciences will be used throughout the course. The class culminates with an small group project.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 811 - Experimental Design & Analysis

Credits: 4

Design and analysis of biological and ecological research experiments. "Real world" studies used to discuss the identification of hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, and the application of statistical analyses including ANOVA, ANCOVA, correlation and regression, cluster analysis, classification and ordination techniques. Theoretical statistical concepts tailored to consider students' own thesis and dissertation research, allowing statistical problems to be addressed at various stages of the research process. Common computer packages used for analyses include Excel, JMP, Systat and R.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 814 - Model Organisms in Biological and Medical Research

Credits: 2

Animals, plants, and microbes serve as powerful tools for both basic and biomedical research. This course integrates historical, philosophical, sociological, and biological perspectives to examine how models are chosen and used. and how to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Students will study particular model species in depth, and address general epistemological questions about the choice and use of model organisms. This course is designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates interested in research.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 820 - Plant-Animal Interactions

Credits: 4

Animals and plants engage in a range of interactions, from plant-pollinator and plant-ant mutualisms to plant-herbivore and carnivorous plant antagonisms. This course will explore the consequences of a variety of interactions on the evolution of traits in both animals and plants, considering implications for both conservation and agriculture. Weekly recitation. One year of general biology recommended.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 827 - Animal Communication

Credits: 4

This course examines the principles underlying how animals communicate with each other and why they communicate the way they do by using perspectives drawn from a broad range of disciplines including physics, chemistry, ecology, psychology, economics, and behavioral ecology. Students will explore the primary literature, and work in teams to conduct independent research. The course is intended for advanced undergraduate or graduate students interested in neuroscience and behavior, evolution, wildlife and conservation biology, or zoology. One year of general biology recommended.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 828 - Marine Bioacoustics

Credits: 3

Marine bioacoustics is a highly interdisciplinary field of science that requires knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, physics, and engineering. This course provides an introduction to the role of acoustics in aquatic biological systems and how acoustics is used to study biological processes and ecosystem dynamics. Topics include: marine animal hearing; sound production; behavior; echolocation; remote sensing; research methods; and the impacts of sounds on marine animals. It is suggested that students have a strong background in biology. College level physics and calculus is suggested.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 840 - Acoustic Ecology

Credits: 4

This course examines the acoustic environment and how alterations to the acoustic environment from human activities and climate change result in permanent changes to animal behavior and the resulting soundscape. Focusing on using acoustics as a tool to monitor species and habitats, students will learn quantitative approaches and best practices for acoustic ecology investigations. Students will explore the emerging field of ecological acoustics through primary literature and hands-on, independent research in habitats surrounding UNH campus. This course is intended for advanced undergraduate or graduate students interested in animal behavior, ecology, wildlife and conservation biology, or zoology. Two semesters of college-level biology required prior to taking this course.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

BIOL 852 - New England Mushrooms: a Field and Lab Exploration

Credits: 4

This is a hands-on field, lab and lecture course in the identification, classification, life histories, and ecology of mushrooms and other macrofungi. Lectures focus on macrofungal ecology and systematics. Laboratory instruction emphasizes morphological, microscopic, and molecular identification techniques, plus the use of smart-phone field note recording and on-line resources. Several field trips are required in addition to the weekly laboratory. Previous experience with fungi is not required. Grades are based on a collection, a project, and presentations. Intro course in Biology or Plant Biology, recommended.

Equivalent(s): PBIO 852

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

BIOL 855 - Biological Oceanography

Credits: 3

Biological processes of the oceans, including primary and secondary production, trophodynamics, plankton diversity, zooplankton ecology, ecosystems and global ocean dynamics. One year of general biology recommended.

Equivalent(s): ESCI 850, ZOOL 850

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 873 - Physiology of Fishes

Credits: 4

Investigates the physiological processes responsible for maintaining homeostasis in fishes. Focuses on the function and regulation of the major organ systems during stress and environmental adaptation. Topics include reproduction, osmoregulation, digestion, endocrinology, and sensory perception.

Equivalent(s): ZOOL 873

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

BIOL 895 - Advanced Studies

Credits: 1-4

Advanced research or seminar, supervised by a faculty member.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

BIOL 899 - Master's Thesis

Credits: 1-10

Master's thesis research.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

BIOL 901 - Introductory Graduate Seminar

Credits: 2

This seminar provides an introduction to the Biological Sciences Graduate Program, offering students an overview of program structure and requirements, introducing faculty research and campus resources, and helping participants develop skills and strategies useful in graduate school. Requirements include preparation of a written research proposal and a brief oral presentation.

Equivalent(s): ZOOL 901

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

BIOL 902 - Writing and Publishing Science

Credits: 2

Participants in this seminar (1) make significant progress on one or more of their current academic writing projects; (2) increase their understanding of the genres, protocols, and mechanisms of scientific writing and publishing; and (3) develop strategies and skills for getting professional writing done efficiently and well, in graduate school and beyond.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

BIOL 950 - Scientific Communication

Credits: 2

Professional success in science depends on the ability to communicate, both by publishing in professional journals and by explaining the implications of research to a broad audience. This course covers a wide range of topics related to scientific communication. Students work on multiple forms of communication, practice communicating science to the public, strengthen peer reviewing skills, explore online scientific communities, and enhance awareness of relevant economic, legal, and ethical issues.

Equivalent(s): LSA 950

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

BIOL 999 - Doctoral Dissertation Research

Credits: 0

Doctoral dissertation research.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

Special Fee: Yes

MEFB 817 - Lake Ecology

Credits: 4

Introduction to the ecology of freshwater systems with emphasis on lakes. Origins of lakes and the effects of watersheds on lake chemistry and nutrient cycling are explored. Other topics include the impact of human disturbances on productivity and aquatic food webs and methods used for the management and restoration of lakes. Comparisons are made of the structure and functions of lake ecosystems found in temperate, tropical and arctic regions.

Equivalent(s): PBIO 817, ZOOL 817

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

MEFB 847 - Aquatic Plants in Restoration/Management

Credits: 4

A field-intensive class focusing upon freshwater and marine vascular plants with an emphasis on species commonly associated with ecological restoration, the identification and conservation of rare species, and the adaptations and management of invasive species of aquatic habitats in New England. Field trips emphasize the flora of various wetland habitats, including open water and vegetated fresh water wetlands, as well as coastal and estuarine habitats. Lectures and readings examine the current trends in research and management focusing upon specific taxa and pertinent facets of their taxonomy, physiology, and natural history.

Equivalent(s): PBIO 847

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 803 - Watershed Water Quality Management

Credits: 4

Principles of land use as they relate to water quality and quantity. Lectures focus on biogeochemical cycles and the watershed approach to land and water resource management. Labs and field trips focus on methods of water sampling and analysis. One year of chemistry is recommended. Lab/field trips.

Equivalent(s): WARM 803

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 806 - Soil Ecology

Credits: 4

Examines the ecological relationships between soil microorganisms and their biotic and abiotic environment, with emphasis on the role of soil microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling. Specific objectives are to examine the biodiversity present in soil systems, factors controlling microbial community composition and diversity, and linkages between soil microbial communities, soil physical properties, and soil organic matter and nutrient cycling dynamics. Lab.

Equivalent(s): SOIL 806

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 807 - Environmental Modeling

Credits: 4

Environmental Modeling introduces students to a range of key mathematical and computer modeling concepts and the ways they can be used to address important scientific questions. The course is divided into four topical sections: Population and Community Ecology, Hydrology, Biogeochemistry, and Ecosystems. In each section, modeling concepts and skills are presented together with environmental information to emphasize the linkage between quantitative methods and relevant scientific results.

Equivalent(s): EOS 807

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 808 - Environmental Economics

Credits: 4

Environmental pollution, the market economy, and optimal resource allocation; alternative control procedures; levels of environmental protection and public policy; property right issues.

Equivalent(s): RECO 808

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 820 - International Environmental Politics and Policies for the 21st Century

Credits: 4

Students examine policies for managing human activities to sustain the health of regional ecosystems and planetary life-support systems. Selected problems of the international commons (oceans, marine resources, atmosphere, migratory species); global and regional carrying capacity (population, resource consumption), internationally shared ecosystems (trans-boundary watersheds, water-bodies, tropical forests); and the relevant international institutions and politics for policy formation, conflict resolution, and implementation. Using a policy-analytic framework, students develop case studies to assess international policies and institutional arrangements to achieve the objectives of Agenda 21--Earth Summit Strategy to Save the Planet.

Equivalent(s): EC 820

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 824 - Resolving Environmental Conflicts

Credits: 4

Theories and practices of environmental dispute settlement. Roles of public, non-governmental and governmental organizations. Effectiveness of public participation initiatives in influencing public policy decisions and/or resolving environmental conflicts. Alternative approaches to consensus (policy dialogues, joint problem solving; strategic planning; negotiation, mediation) as well as litigation. Specific cases are critiqued and evaluated; conflict resolution skills are developed. Students observe and/or participate in ongoing local decision processes. Lab.

Equivalent(s): EC 824

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 829 - Silviculture

Credits: 4

The science and art of establishing, growing, and tending forests to meet multiple objectives. Basics of forest stand dynamics applied to the problems of timber management, wildlife habitat, water quality, and carbon sequestration.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 830 - Terrestrial Ecosystems

Credits: 4

Processes controlling the energy, water, and nutrient dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems; concepts of study at the ecosystem level, controls on primary production, transpiration, decomposition, herbivory; links to Earth-system science, acid deposition, agriculture.

Equivalent(s): EOS 830

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 831 - Agriculture and Environmental Change: Challenges and Solutions

Credits: 4

Agriculture is the foundation of civilization, providing the food, fuel and fiber needed to sustain a growing human population. From the original land clearing to today, agriculture has profoundly impacted the environment and is now recognized as a major contributor to soil and water degradation and climate change. At the same time, climate change and other large-scale environmental changes are forcing adaptation of agricultural practices. This course examines interactions between agricultural systems and global environmental processes, including climate change, carbon cycling, nitrogen pollution and water resources. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of how agricultural practices contribute to environmental changes from local to global scales and the underlying biogeochemical drivers of change. We will evaluate frameworks like agroecology, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture for their potential to mitigate environmental impacts. Students will learn to apply interdisciplinary thinking to develop solutions that balance crop productivity and environmental sustainability in a changing world. The course emphasizes biogeochemical understanding across spatial and temporal scales and couples to agroecosystem management frameworks to consider solutions.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

NR 834 - Tropical Ecology

Credits: 4

This course introduces students to the ecology of different tropical ecosystems, and involves students in analyzing and interpreting ecological field data and remotely sensed data. An important emphasis is to understand patterns and processes across scales - from individual plants to ecosystems and landscapes. The also addresses important global issues in the tropics, including climate change, land use change, diverse ecosystem services, and sustainable resource management. Completion of a general ecology course is required prior to taking this course.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

NR 840 - Inventory and Monitoring of Ecological Communities

Credits: 4

Provides an introduction to the major concepts associated with monitoring change in ecological communities. Students develop an appreciation for such issues as: identification of appropriate baselines for comparison; use of indicator species; the tools used to inventory common, rare, and secretive species; how trend data are analyzed; and the implications of failing to detect an indicator species. Restricted to senior wildlife majors others by permission. Lab.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 843 - Addressing Arctic Challenges I

Credits: 4

Students will gain knowledge on the effect of climate change on Arctic environmental, social, and built systems, and apply transdisciplinary approaches to addressing arctic challenges. This course employs inquiry-based, peer-to-peer, and self-driven approaches. Students will tackle a research project, including in-depth data analysis in R, with the aim of contributing new knowledge in the form of a proposal, peer-reviewed publication, policy brief, outreach product, or other.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 844 - Biogeochemistry

Credits: 4

Examines the influence of biological and physical processes on elemental cycling and geochemical transformations from the molecular to the global scale, involving microorganisms, higher plants and animals and whole ecosystems; factors that regulate element cycles including soils, climate, disturbance and human activities; interactions among the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere; transformations of C, N, S, and trace elements.

Equivalent(s): EOS 813, EOS 844

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 845 - Forest Management

Credits: 4

Forest land ownership; management objectives; forest inventory regulation and policy; forest administration; professional responsibilities and opportunities. Restricted to Natural Resources majors. Lab.

Equivalent(s): FOR 845

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 849 - Forest Inventory and Modeling

Credits: 4

Applied sampling and statistical techniques for assessing current forest conditions and predicting future growth, yield, and structure. Topics include plot and point sampling, ecological inventory, and evaluation of site quality and stand density.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 851 - Aquatic Ecosystems

Credits: 4

Energy flow and nutrient cycling in streams, rivers and lakes, with an emphasis on understanding the control of primary productivity, decomposition and community structure by both hydrologic and biotic drivers. Role of aquatic ecosystems in carbon and nitrogen budgets at watershed, regional, and global scales. Impacts of environmental changes such as global climate change and suburbanization on aquatic ecosystems. Lab.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 857 - Remote Sensing of the Environment

Credits: 4

Practical and conceptual presentation of the use of remote sensing and other geospatial technologies for mapping and monitoring the environment. This course begins with the use of aerial photographs (photogrammetry, and photo interpretation) and includes measures of photo scale and area, parallax and stereo viewing, object heights, flight planning, photo geometry, the electromagnetic spectrum, camera systems and vegetation/land cover mapping. The course concludes with an introduction to other geospatial technologies including digital image analysis, global positioning (GPS), and geographic information systems (GIS). Conceptual lectures are augmented with practical homework assignments and hands-on lab exercises. Lab.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 859 - Digital Image Processing for Natural Resources

Credits: 4

Introduction to digital remote sensing, including multispectral scanners (Landsat and SPOT) radar, and thermal imagery. Hands-on image processing including filtering, image display, ratios, classification, registration, and accuracy assessment. GIS as it applies to image processing. Discussion of practical applications. Use of ERDAS image-processing software. Knowledge of PCs required.

Prerequisite(s): NR 857 with a minimum grade of B-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 860 - Geographic Information Systems in Natural Resources

Credits: 4

This course in geographic information systems (GIS), covers advanced theory, concepts, and applications of GIS for natural resource and related disciplines. Discussion of database structures, data sources, spatial data manipulation/analysis/modeling, data quality and assessment. Students conduct a project of their design exploring aspects of GIS most useful to them. Lecture emphasizes concepts and applications through a text and selected peer-reviewed articles. Lab uses the latest version of ArcGIS software and provides hands-on experience.

Prerequisite(s): NR 658 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 861 - Environmental Soil Chemistry

Credits: 4

Chemical transformations in soils are the basis for soil fertility and plant productivity in natural and managed ecosystems, and also influence key ecosystem processes including soil organic matter turnover and soil-atmosphere exchange of trace gases. This class will explore soil chemistry processes and transformations related to soil nutrient cycling, plant nutrient acquisition, and other critical environmental services.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 881 - Agroforestry

Credits: 4

This course introduces students to the principles and practice of agroforestry—the integration of trees with crops and/or livestock to provide multiple benefits. Students gain knowledge of Indigenous and modern agroforestry systems, their global distribution and characteristics, the scientific principles underlying interactions between trees, crops, and livestock, and their management to optimize benefits. Students explore the potential for agroforestry to serve as a climate-smart, sustainable strategy for enhancing food production and ecosystem services, and gain practical field experience in designing agroforestry systems appropriate for New England.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

View Course Learning Outcomes

NR 882 - Forest Health

Credits: 4

Forests cover over 30% of the land surface of the Earth and are incredibly important ecologically, economically, and to the health of the planet. While forests show great capacity to withstand disturbance, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened worldwide by climate change, native and introduced insects and disease, poor management practices, land clearing, drought, fire, and pollution. This course offers an overview of the dominant threats to forests, their causes and consequences, and options for monitoring, management, and mitigation.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 887 - Advanced Topics in Sustainable Energy

Credits: 4

This course will engage students in advanced topics in sustainable energy. Course reviews basic structure of our energy system, energy markets and economics, and the environmental, economic and technological of our energy landscape. Focus will be on electricity and building use with introductions to the transportation system. Students will gain the knowledge to evaluate innovations in technology, policy and financing necessary to implement sustainable energy goals from conservation and efficiency to renewables and energy storage.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

NR 899 - Master's Thesis

Credits: 1-10

Master's Thesis. Usually 6 credits, but up to 10 credits when the problem warrants.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credits.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

NR 900 - Teaching Assistantship Practicum

Credits: 0

This course covers best practices, norms, and expectations in performing the duties of a teaching assistant. Strategies for effective grading, communication with students and instructors, and institutional policies are explored and reinforced.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

NR 903 - Approach to Research

Credits: 2

Provides incoming graduate students with an overview of the scientific method, peer review, and various research approaches and methods. Ethics, institutional and individual responsibilities, and effective communication are also addressed in a seminar and discussion format.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

NR 905 - Grant Writing

Credits: 2

The ability to secure financial support for research and outreach activities is becoming increasingly important. This course is intended for graduate and post-graduate level students who need to write proposals for their graduate work or to gain external funding from government agencies. Students will gain in-depth understanding of the proposal writing process through class discussions, insights shared by UNH faculty, and by writing a research proposal following the entire process.

Equivalent(s): SOIL 905, WARM 905

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

NR 909 - Analysis of Ecological Communities and Complex Data

Credits: 4

This course introduces you to a suite of tools appropriate for analyzing and interpreting multivariate data arising from agroecological (and other ecological) research. In this course we cover a variety of multivariate analyses, including clustering, ordination (principle components analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, correspondence analysis), group comparisons (multi-response permutation procedures, PerMANOVA, indicator species analysis, discriminant analysis, mantel test), and other hypothesis-driven techniques, including structural equation modeling.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 911 - Natural and Environmental Resource Management

Credits: 4

Fundamental economic, aesthetic, and ethical principles involved in the management of natural resources. Ways to apply these principles in the formulation and evaluation of resource management policies, including the management of specific renewable resources, soils, water, forests, and wildlife. (Offered every other year.)

Equivalent(s): RAM 911

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 913 - Hierarchical Modeling in Ecology

Credits: 4

This course uses modern Bayesian statistical modeling approaches to analyze ecological data, with an emphasis on applied hierarchical models. These models will be used to examine ecological systems and related topics including: population and community dynamics, experimental design, spatial patterns, species abundance and diversity, community organization, metapopulations, and landscape processes. To be successful in the course students should have taken a course in statistics and have working knowledge of the R programming language.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 914 - Data Analysis for Natural Resources and Ecology

Credits: 4

Principles and practices of data analysis, with application to experimental and observational studies. Topics include study design, exploration of data, principles of statistical inference, statistical hypothesis testing, and approaches to model selection.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

NR 947 - Ecosystem Science: Theory, Practice, and Management Applications for Sustainability

Credits: 4

This course is designed for graduate students to explore in detail the fundamental principles and practical application of ecosystem science. Emphasis will be placed on understanding historical context as well as the most recent peer-reviewed literature. Writing assignments will emphasize local, regional, and international applications of ecosystem science to address environmental sustainability.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 965 - Community Ecology

Credits: 4

This course investigates how community properties -- species richness, and abundance distribution -- are influenced by evolutionary history, landscape phenomena such as dispersal and migration, and local factors such as the physical environment, disturbance, competition, predation, and positive interactions. Mechanistic models of community dynamics, including succession, are discussed. The influence of species diversity on ecosystem function is discussed, and all aspects of the course are related to conservation science.

Equivalent(s): NR 865

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 977 - Just Maps: Cartographies of Environmental Justice

Credits: 4

Maps are ubiquitous. We carry them in our pockets, hang them on walls. We use maps to orient ourselves and rely on them to make meaning of social-environmental information. But whose space and time to maps employ? How do maps construct knowledge and to what social and political ends? What power dynamics do maps reflect and how do they become powerful themselves? This course explores such questions with focus on environmental in/justice. Completion of a GIS/Mapping course required prior to taking this course.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 993 - Natural and Environmental Resources Seminar

Credits: 2

Presentation and discussion of recent research, literature, and policy problems in the natural and social sciences influencing resource use.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

NR 995 - Investigations

Credits: 1-4

Investigations in Natural Resources may include topics in environmental conservation, forestry, soil science, water resources, and wildlife management.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

NR 996 - Natural Resource Education

Credits: 2

Responsibilities include set-up, teaching, and grading of one lab section per week or equivalent lecture experience. Meets the teaching requirement for M.S. degree students.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

NR 998 - Directed Research

Credits: 1-4

Student designs and conducts original research that culminates in a paper of publishable quality. Alternative to NR 899 for those choosing non-thesis degree option. IA (continuous grading).

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

Grade Mode: Graduate Credit/Fail grading

ZOOL 810 - Sharks and Bony Fishes

Credits: 4

Some fish swimming today are hundreds of years old, whereas others complete their life cycle in two months! This course provides an introduction to the diversity of fishes found across the globe, including elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) and teleosts (bony fishes). Particular attention will be paid to fishes local to New Hampshire and New England. Students will learn about fish anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Lab. (Offered in alternative years.)

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 411 with a minimum grade of D- and BIOL 412 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Special Fee: Yes

ZOOL 836 - Genes and Behavior

Credits: 4

Genes and behavior examines the genetic underpinnings of animal behavior, and how behavior evolves on a genetic level. The course primarily relies on readings from the primary literature, using examples from laboratory model organisms, animals in their natural habitats, and humans. Topics include aggressiveness, social behavior, personality, parental care, communication, mating behavior, novelty seeking behavior, and foraging. This interdisciplinary course examines these behaviors at multiple levels, including genomics, population genetics, molecular genetics, epigenetics, endocrinology, and neurobiology.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

ZOOL 895 - Advanced Studies

Credits: 1-4

Independent study in various areas, including but not limited to: animal behavior; departmental biology; ecology; electron microscopy; evolution; genetics; histology; history of biology; invertebrate biology; neurobiology and behavior; physiology; teaching practices; underwater research; vertebrate biology; biological techniques. Course sections for advanced work, individual or group seminar. May include reading, laboratory work, organized seminars, and conferences.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading