Wildlife and Conservation Biology B.S.

Course Descriptions

NRS 100

Natural Resource Conservation

(3 crs.) Introduction to humans' use and management of natural resources: land, food, forest, wildlife, water, minerals, and air, with a survey of contemporary resource-use problems in environmental pollution. (Lec. 3) (A1)

NRS 101

Freshman Inquiry into Natural Resources Science

(1 cr.) Introduction for freshmen to the opportunities, careers, research activities, applied outreach, and educational programs in the Department of Natural Resources Science. Interact weekly with faculty. Explore hands-on modules. (Lec. 1) S/U credit.

NRS 190

Issues in Biotechnology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (AFS), CMB, NRS, PLS 190. Introduction to modern biotechnology in medical, pharmaceutical, forensic, agricultural, marine, and environmental applications. Consideration of ethical, environmental, health, and social issues. (Lec. 3/Online) (A1)

NRS 200

Seminar In Natural Resources

(1 cr.) Review and discussion of research, management, and other topics in natural resources. Speakers expose students to issues that natural resources professionals are concerned with and the work that they do. Pre: 100.

NRS 212

Introduction to Soil Science

(4 crs.) Physical, biological, and chemical properties of soils and their practical application to environmental science. Introduction to soil genesis, classification, and land-use and conservation issues. (Lec. 3/Practicum 2/Online)

NRS 223

Conservation Biology

(4 crs.) Conservation of biological diversity in a world dominated by humans. Conservation biology theory, application; ecosystem conservation; landscape ecology principles. (Lec. 3, Online 1) Pre: NRS 100, BIO 101 or 110, or 102.

NRS 223

Conservation Biology

(4 crs.) Conservation of biological diversity in a world dominated by humans. Conservation biology theory, application; ecosystem conservation; landscape ecology principles. (Lec. 3, Recitation 1) Pre: NRS 100, BIO 101 or 110, or 102.

NRS 234G

Introduction to Water Resources

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (GEO), NRS, EEC 234. Introduction to science and policy related to managing fresh water resources, fundamentals of hydrologic processes, importance of water to human society, environmental impact of water use, global water issues. (Lec. 3) (A1) (GC)

NRS 300

Introduction to Global Issues In Sustainable Development

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (MAF 350) and NRS 300. Role of the United States in development assistance to foreign nations. Topics include foreign aid, sustainable development, transfer of technology, and international career opportunities. (Lec. 3) (C2) (A2)

NRS 301

Introduction To Forest Science

(3 crs.) Development and importance of forestry; forest regions; tree characteristics and identification with emphasis on Northeastern species; forest environment; tree growth and site productivity. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: BIO 102.

NRS 304

Field Ornithology

(3 crs.) Identification, field study techniques, habitats, and basic biology of birds. Emphasis on field identification of local species. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 101 or 110, and permission of instructor.

NRS 305

Principles of Wildlife Ecology and Management

(3 crs.) Application of ecological knowledge to the management of wild vertebrate populations and the habitat upon which they depend. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 223 and BIO 101 or 110, and 102.

NRS 309

Wildlife Field Techniques

(3 crs.) Application of practical field techniques for quantification and evaluation of wildlife and habitats. Methods of field identification, sampling, and data analysis. (Lab. 4, Project 3) Service learning. Pre: NRS 223, and credit or concurrent enrollment in NRS 305. (D1)

NRS 323

Field Botany and Taxonomy

(4 crs.) Cross-list with (NRS), BIO 323. Collection, identification, and study of vascular flora of Rhode Island, including use of manuals and herbarium specimens. Field trips throughout Rhode Island. Discussion of principles, methods, and data used in classification. (Lab. 2, Online) Pre: BIO 102.

NRS 324

Mammalogy

(4 crs.) Classification, distribution, field study techniques, ecology, behavior, and biology of mammals. Emphasis on New England species, but includes mammals of the world. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 101 or 110, and permission of instructor. In alternate years.

NRS 326

Leadership in Global Environmental and Health Crises

(3 crs.) The goal of this course is to encourage students to work collaboratively as they discover and clarify their personal and vocational leadership principles to become socially and environmentally responsible leaders. (Lec. 3)

NRS 326X

Global Environmental and Health Crises Leadership

(3 crs.) The goal of this course is to encourage students to work collaboratively as they discover and clarify their personal and vocational leadership principles to become socially and environmentally responsible leaders. (Lec. 3)

NRS 330G

The Biodiversity Crisis

(3 crs.) Overview of local-to-global patterns of biodiversity, including historical and recent declines. Emphasis on how biodiversity is interconnected with ecosystem processes and what declines mean for human health (Lec. 3). Pre: NRS100 and (BIO262 or NRS305 or NRS223). (A1) (C2) (GC)

NRS 350

Field Entomology and Taxonomy

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), BIO, NRS 350. Collection, identification and study of the common families of insects, including use of keys and teaching collection specimens. Field trips throughout Rhode Island. Discussion of insect classification. (Lec. 3, Lab. 1) Pre: BIO 102 or permission of instructor.

NRS 351

Soil Morphology Practicum

(2 crs.) Seven weeks of practical experience in the description of soil profiles under field conditions. Field trips to observe, describe, and interpret morphological properties as utilized in soil judging. (Practicum) Pre: NRS 212 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of chairperson.

NRS 355

Wildlife Conservation & Hunting

(3 crs.) Designed for students to gain knowledge of Rhode Island's wildlife resources, the North American Conservation model, and management of natural resources through sustainable harvesting. (Lec. 2, Practicum 1) Pre: NRS 100, NRS 223, and NRS 305 or permission of instructor.

NRS 355

Wildlife Conservation & Hunting

(3 crs.) Designed for students to gain knowledge of Rhode Island's wildlife resources, the North American Conservation model, and management of natural resources through sustainable harvesting. (Lec. 2, Practicum 1) Pre: NRS 100, NRS 223, NRS 305 and permission of instructor.

NRS 388

Biology of Bees and Pollination Ecology

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (ENT), BIO, NRS 388. Learn the biology, behavior and pollination services of bees. Learn how to identify bees to family level. Understand the basics of honey bee management. Learn various types of pollination. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 101 and 102, or permission of instructor.

NRS 395

Research Apprenticeship in Natural Resources Science

(1-3 crs.) Supervised experience for qualified undergraduates who assist NRS faculty and graduate students in departmental research projects. Tasks may include literature review, research design, installation of sampling plots and equipment, laboratory analyses, data collection, and data analysis. (Practicum) Pre: sophomore to senior standing and permission of instructor. Limited to NRS majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. S/U credit.

NRS 397

Natural Resources Internship

(1-6 crs.) Supervised work experience in forestry, wildlife management, soil science, water resources, environmental education, or related areas of natural resources management. (Practicum) Pre: NRS 100, NRS 212 and approval of chairperson. Open only to NRS majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. S/U credit.

NRS 401

Foundations in Restoration Ecology

(4 crs.) Overview of factors involved with implementing an ecological restoration. Will synthesize the physical, biological, and human factors that determine restoration success. Includes weekly field/lab sessions. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: NRS 223 or BIO 262, or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 402

Quantitative Wildlife Ecology

(3 crs.) Overview of statistical design and analysis of ecological field measurements with an emphasis on probabilistic models used in wildlife population research and conservation. Capstone. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 262 or NRS 223, and STA 308 or 409, or permission of instructor.

NRS 402

Quantitative Ecology I

(3 crs.) Overview of statistical design and analysis of ecological field measurements with an emphasis on probabilistic models used in wildlife population research and conservation. Capstone. (Lec. 2, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 262 or NRS 223, and STA 308 or 409, or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit

NRS 403

Quantitative Wildlife Ecology Field Investigations

(1 cr.) Independent field study of wildlife populations using modern quantitative measurements and data analyses. Emphasis on experimental design, data collection and recording, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and reporting. (Practicum) Capstone. Not for graduate credit. Pre: permission of instructor.

NRS 404

Environmental Data Acquisition and Analysis

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (OCG), NRS, GEO 404. Introduction to instrument prototyping and measurements in environmental science. Hands-on with data collection: programming microcontrollers, interfacing hardware and software, wireless sensor networks. Data analysis in Python. (Lec. 2, Lab. 1) Pre: MTH 131 or MTH 141.

NRS 405G

Indonesia: Biodiversity, Geology, Water Resources

(3 crs.) Cross-listed (GEO), NRS 405G. Students apply their knowledge and gain global competency in an off-campus field experience in Indonesia. Travel required; additional costs apply. (Lec. 3) Pre: Permission of instructor.

NRS 406

Wetland Wildlife Management

(4 crs.) Introduction to management of wetland wildlife. Emphasis on management techniques used for major wetland types, waterfowl, furbearers and nongame wildlife. (Lec. 2, Lab 4) Pre: NRS 223 and permission of instructor.

NRS 407

Endangered Species Conservation

(3 crs.) Programs for the protection of species under the Endangered Species Act and global approaches to conservation of biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes. (Lec. 3) Pre: BIO 101 or 110, and NRS 100.

NRS 409

Concepts in GIS and Remote Sensing

(4 crs.) Discussion of the unique properties of geospatial data, geospatial data structures, accessing existing spatial data, and applications of GIS and remote sensing in the environmental sciences. (Lec. 3, Rec. 1) Pre: junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 410

Fundamentals of GIS

(3 crs.) Emphasis on using a geographic information system (GIS) to create a geographically referenced spatial database, spatial topology, data visualization, computer-assisted map making, and spatial data query and analysis. (Online) Pre: past or concurrent enrollment in NRS 409 or 509.

NRS 410

Fundamentals of GIS

(3 crs.) Emphasis on using a geographic information system (GIS) to create a geographically referenced spatial database, spatial topology, data visualization, computer-assisted map making, and spatial data query and analysis. (Online) Not for graduate credit.

NRS 412

Soil-Water Chemistry

(3 crs.) Biogeochemistry of soil-water interactions. Soil composition, the exchange and sorption of elements, trace element behavior, redox reactions and control of these factors on availability and loss. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 212 and CHM 124 and 126 or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

NRS 415

Remote Sensing Of The Environment

(3 crs.) Introduction to fundamentals of airborne and space-borne remote sensing. Emphasis on remote sensing applications in terrestrial environmental and natural resources studies. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2)

NRS 417

Herpetology

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (NRS), BIO 417. Introduces students to the biology, ecology, conservation, and management of reptiles and amphibians, including global perspectives, and field methods for studying amphibians and reptiles of northeastern North America. (Lec. 2, Lab. 4) Pre: BIO 101/103 and 102/104; and NRS 223 or BIO 262, and permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 419

Field Experience in Herpetology

(1 cr.) Cross-listed as (NRS), BIO 419. Capstone field trip in herpetology to region with higher amphibian and reptile diversity, such as Appalachia, to hone skills in identification, broaden understanding of ecology, and apply field research methods. (Practicum) Pre: concurrent enrollment in or credit for NRS/BIO 417, and permission of instructor. S/U only. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 423

Wetland Ecology

(4 crs.) Formation, development, and distinguishing features of inland and coastal wetlands. Topics include classification, geology, hydrology, soils, plant ecology, vegetation dynamics. Primary emphasis on wetlands of the glaciated Northeast. Capstone. (Lec. 2, Lab. 4) Pre: BIO 262, GEO 103, NRS 223, concurrent enrollment in NRS 425 or 525, and permission of instructor.

NRS 425

Wetland Field Investigations

(1 cr.) Independent field study of a diverse freshwater wetland ecosystem, with emphasis on aerial photo-interpretation, wetland classification, and in-depth examination of glacial geology, hydrology, plant ecology, and soils. (Practicum) Capstone. Pre: concurrent enrollment in 423. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 426

Soil Microbiology

(3 crs.) Occurrence, metabolism and ecology of soil microorganisms, with emphasis on nutrient cycling, soil pathogens, transformation of organic and inorganic pollutants, and soil biotechnology. (Lec 3) Pre: NRS 212 or permission of instructor.

NRS 432

Principles of Onsite Wastewater Treatment

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (NRS), GEO 432. Principles of onsite wastewater treatment (physical, chemical, biological treatment processes) in context of system design. Individual and watershed-scale evaluation of system performance, climate change effects, public and ecosystem health implications. (Lec. 3, Lab. 1) Pre: NRS 212 or concurrent enrollment in GEO 483 and permission of instructor.

NRS 442

Environmental Crisis Communication

(3 crs.) Effective communication requires strategy, clarity, and an audience-centric approach. Using case studies, this course will explore crisis communication theory and practice through the lens of recent environmental disasters. (Lec. 3) Not for graduate credit.

NRS 444

Wildlife Trafficking

(3 crs.) Explores the impacts of legal and illegal wildlife trade, including population declines, establishment of invasive species, and introduction of zoonotic disease. Students conduct research on wildlife trade. (Lec. 3, Online) Pre: permission of instructor.

NRS 444X

Wildlife Trafficking

(3 crs.) Explores the impacts of legal and illegal wildlife trade, including population declines, establishment of invasive species, and introduction of zoonotic disease. Students conduct research on wildlife trade. (Lec. 3, Online) Pre: permission of instructor.

NRS 445

Invasive Species Research, Management, and Policy

(4 crs.) Overview of the major invasive alien species issues in the research, management, and policy arenas. Includes weekly field/lab sessions. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: NRS 223 or BIO 262 or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 450G

Soils, Land Use, and the Environment

(3 crs.) Application of soils and landscape level data to address land use issues and environmental problems such as waste management, storm-water runoff, water quality, sustainability, restoration, and reclamation in urbanizing environments. Capstone. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 212 or permission of instructor, and concurrent enrollment in NRS 452G. (D1) (GC)

NRS 452G

Soil, Water, and Land Use Investigations

(1 cr.) Independent studies of the application of soils, water, and landscape spatial data to make assessments, apply practices, and develop designs to manage environmental impacts from urban and suburban expansion. (Practicum) Capstone. Pre: NRS 212, and concurrent enrollment in NRS 450G. (D1) (GC)

NRS 461

(361) Watershed Hydrology and Management

(4 crs.) Detailed study of the watershed processes that govern the hydrology and quality of surface water. Emphasis on methods and analyses employed for watershed management. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: NRS 212, STA 308 or 409 or permission of instructor.

NRS 471

Soil Morphology and Mapping

(4 crs.) A detailed study of the morphological properties of soils and their distribution on the landscape. Practical experience in describing soil profiles and preparing soil maps. (Lec. 2, Lab. 4)

NRS 475

Coral Reef Conservation

(3 crs.) Investigation of human impacts on coral reef ecosystems and strategies to conserve their biodiversity. Laboratory sessions focus on field surveys and research techniques. Travel required; additional costs apply. Not for graduate credit. (Lec. 1, Lab 3, Rec. 1) Pre: permission of instructor and SCUBA certification required.

NRS 480

Colloquium

(2 crs.) Student-directed projects for reflection on educational accomplishments, exploration of post-graduate opportunities, and formulation of long-term professional goals. Requires completion of four major projects. (Seminar) Pre: junior standing. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 482

Innovative Subsurface Remediation Technologies

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (GEO), NRS, EVS, CVE 482. Innovative remediation technologies for treating contaminated groundwater and sediments: theory, applications, and limitations of selected methods. Discussion of case studies. (Lec. 4) Pre: permission of instructor. In alternate years. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 484

Environmental Hydrogeology

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (GEO), NRS, EVS, CVE 484. Physico-chemical principles and fundamental relationships that describe the fate and transport of contaminants in the hydrologic system. (Lec. 3, Lab. 2) Pre: GEO 483 or CVE 588 or NRS 510, or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit. Offered every other year.

NRS 485

Salt Marsh Ecology

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), NRS 485. Structure and function of salt marsh ecosystems, including biogeochemistry, in the context of global change. Seminar-style discussions of primary scientific literature, laboratory and field exercises, and an independent research poster. (Lec. 2, Lab 4) Pre: BIO 262 or NRS 223 and 2 semesters of chemistry or permission of instructor. BIO 360 recommended. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 491

Special Projects

(1-3 crs.) Special work to meet the needs of individual students in natural resources. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of chairperson.

NRS 492

Special Projects

(1-3 crs.) Special work to meet the needs of individual students in natural resources. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of chairperson.

NRS 492H

Honors section of NRS 492: Special Projects

(1-3 crs.) Honors section of NRS 492: Special Projects. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of chairperson. Pre: must have a 3.40 overall GPA.

NRS 495

Advanced Natural Resources Apprenticeship

(3 crs.) Collaboration with faculty and graduate students in departmental research, including supervision and mentoring of students enrolled in NRS 395. Emphasis on independent decision-making and leadership of undergraduate research teams. Limited to majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Practicum) Pre: NRS 395 and permission of instructor. S/U only. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 497

Natural Resources Cooperative Internship

(6-12 crs.) Supervised work experience with a governmental agency, nongovernmental organization, or private company in the environmental field. Capstone. (Practicum) Pre: senior standing and permission of department. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 498

Teaching Practicum In Natural Resources Science

(1-3 crs.) Teaching experience for qualified undergraduates through actual involvement in planning and assisting in NRS courses. May include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a laboratory or field course, or tutoring. (Practicum) Pre: senior standing, previous enrollment in the course to be taught, and permission of instructor. Limited to NRS majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. Not for graduate credit. S/U only.

NRS 499

Senior Thesis In Natural Resources Science

(6 crs.) In-depth research or outreach effort reviewed by a faculty committee and culminating in a thesis written in scientific journal format. Oral presentation to the committee required. Capstone. (Independent Study) Pre: GPA of at least 3.25, successful completion of NRS 491 or 492 and permission of department chairperson. Not for graduate credit.

NRS 501

Foundations of Restoration Ecology

(4 crs.) Overview of factors involved with implementing an ecological restoration. Will synthesize the physical, biological and human factors that determine restoration success. Includes weekly field/lab sessions. (Lec. 3/Lab. 3) Pre: NRS 223 or BIO 262, or permission of instructor.

NRS 503

Wildlife Biometrics Field Investigations

(1 cr.) Independent field study of wildlife populations using modern quantitative measurements and data analyses. Emphasis on experimental design, data collection and recording, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and reporting. (Practicum) Pre: concurrent enrollment in 402.

NRS 505

Biology and Management of Migratory Birds

(2 crs.) Current programs, problems, and techniques for managing migratory game and nongame birds. Emphasis on basic biology of the species, habitat management, and harvest management. (Seminar) Pre: NRS 305 or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

NRS 508

Seminar in Biological Literature

(1 cr.) Cross-listed as (BIO), CMB, AFS, AVS, PLS, NRS, LIB 508. Survey of biological literature including traditional methods of bibliographic control, contemporary information retrieval services, and the development of a personalized information system. (Sem. 1) Pre: graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

NRS 509

Concepts of GIS and Remote Sensing in Environmental Science

(4 crs.) Unique properties of geospatial data, accessing existing GIS and remote sensing data, and applications of GIS and remote sensing in the environmental sciences. Uses in ecology, conservation, soil science, geohydrology, and conservation biology. (Lec. 3, Rec. 1) Pre: graduate standing or permission of instructor.

NRS 514

Climate Change Science and Policy

(3 crs.) Overview and analysis of the science and policy issues concerning climate change and global warming. (Lec. 3) Pre: for graduate students, none; for undergraduates GEO 305 or permission of instructor.

NRS 516

Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Mapping

(3 crs.) Digital remote sensing in environmental and natural resource studies. Emphasis on satellite remote sensing image rectification, georeferencing, classification, and integration with GIS. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: NRS 415 or permission of instructor.

NRS 517

Herpetology

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (NRS), BIO 517. This course provides an in-depth background on the biology, ecology, conservation, and management of reptiles and amphibians, including field methods for studying amphibians and reptiles of northeastern North America. (Lec. 2, Lab. 4) Pre: graduate student in biological and environmental sciences and permission of instructor.

NRS 518

Ecohydrology and Green Design

(3 crs.) Relationships between hydrology and ecosystems with applications to green design. Topics address role of hydrology on wetlands, storm water and onsite wastewater infrastructure, dam removal and implications for environmental justice. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 361 or NRS 461 or permission of instructor.

NRS 519

Field Experience in Herpetology

(1 cr.) Cross-listed as (NRS), BIO 519. Capstone field trip in herpetology to region with higher amphibian and reptile diversity, such as Appalachia, to hone skills in identification, broaden understanding of ecology, and apply field research methods. (Practicum) Pre: Concurrent enrollment or credit for NRS/BIO 517 and permission of instructor. S/U only.

NRS 520

Quantitative Techniques in Natural Resource Research

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (NRS 520), EEC 524. Research design, database management, and analysis and interpretation of natural resource data. Emphasis on hands-on experience of quantitative and computerized techniques commonly used by natural resource scientists. (Lec. 2, Lab 2) Pre: STA 308 and permission of instructor.

NRS 522

Advanced Gis Analysis Of Environmental Data

(3 crs.) Discussion and application of terrain modeling, spatial statistics, proximity analysis, remote sensing/GIS linkages, and environmental data integration. Emphasis on ecological data at watershed/landscape scales. Capstone. (Lec. 1, Lab. 6) Pre: NRS 410 or permission of instructor.

NRS 524

Application Of Advanced Spatial Analysis

(1 cr.) Independent application of spatial data analysis to derive solutions to environmental problems, with emphasis on GIS data integration, vector and raster modeling, and visualization of analytical and quantitative results. Capstone. (Practicum) Pre: concurrent enrollment in NRS 522.

NRS 525

Wetland Field Investigations

(1 cr.) Independent field study of a diverse freshwater wetland ecosystem, with emphasis on aerial photo-interpretation, wetland classification, and in-depth examination of glacial geology, hydrology, plant ecology and soils. (Practicum) Pre: concurrent enrollment in 423.

NRS 526

Microbial Ecology of Soils and Sediments

(3 crs.) Occurrence and activity of microorganisms in soils and sediments, including wetlands. Environmental physiology of microbes; habitat interactions; methods of study; importance of microbial processes to ecosystem productivity, pollutant degradation, and atmospheric chemistry. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 212, CMB 211, or permission of instructor.

NRS 527

Marine Protected Areas: An Interdisciplinary Analysis

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (MAF), NRS 527. Examination of the ecological, political, social, cultural, and economics factors influencing the use of MPAs (Lec. 3) Pre: permission of instructor.

NRS 528

Geographical Information Systems in Python

(3 crs.) Using the Python programming language to undertake and automate GIS processing tasks. (Lec. 1, Lab. 2) Pre: NRS 410 or permission from instructor.

NRS 530

Visualizing Environmental Advocacy

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (WRT) NRS 530. Examines visual approaches to environmental advocacy; analyzing and writing about visuals in journal articles, scientific research, proposals, popular press; rhetorical analysis of scientific visuals and visualization. (Lec. 3) Pre: WRT 104 or 106 or equivalent, or permission of instructor; graduate standing or senior status.

NRS 532

Graduate Principles of Onsite Wastewater Treatment

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (NRS) GEO532. Principles of onsite wastewater treatment, including physical, chemical, biological treatment processes in soils and different system designs. Evaluation of system performance, assessment of public and ecosystem health impacts and effects of climate change. (Lec. 3, Lab 1)

NRS 533

Landscape Pattern And Change

(3 crs.) Remote sensing perspective of landscape characterization; landscape dynamics; spatiotemporal land-use and land-cover change; modeling and analysis of landscape by integration of remote sensing, GIS, GPS, and in situ data. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: NRS 415 or permission of instructor.

NRS 534

Ecology of Fragmented Landscapes

(2 crs.) Presentation of the concepts of landscape ecology with emphasis on populations of plants and animals in fragmented habitats. Topics discussed include habitat corridors, fluxes of energy and species along habitat edges, shape analysis, and stability of populations in habitat patches. (Lec. 2) Pre: BIO 262 or permission of instructor. In alternate years.

NRS 535

Geospatial Watershed Modeling

(3 crs.) Cross-listed with (GEO) NRS, CVE 535. Tools to simulate the water quantity and quality of a complex watershed; development of models for examining the water quantity and quality issues that are associated with watershed management. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: NRS 461 or GEO 483 or CVE 475 or equivalent, or graduate standing, or permission of instructor.

NRS 538

Physiological Ecology of Wild Terrestrial Vertebrates

(3 crs.) Relationships between animal physiology and the ecology and dynamics of wild vertebrate populations, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 305 or permission of instructor.

NRS 542

Environmental Crisis Communication

(3 crs.) Effective communication requires strategy, clarity, and an audience-centric approach. Using case studies, this course will explore crisis communication theory and practice through the lens of recent environmental disasters. (Lec. 3)

NRS 543

Public Engagement with Science

(3 crs.) Theoretical and practical aspects of public engagement with science, policy, and management, with an emphasis on communication. (Lec. 3) Pre: Graduate Standing or permission of instructor.

NRS 545

Invasive Species Research, Management, and Policy

(4 crs.) Overview of the major invasive alien species issues in the research, management, and policy arenas. Includes weekly field/lab sessions. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 262 or NRS 223, or permission of instructor.

NRS 555

Applied Coastal Ecology

(2 crs.) Resource management problems in coastal national parks. Topics include air and water pollution, barrier island erosion, deer overpopulation, Lyme disease, and ecosystem restoration. Examples of conflicting land-management mandates and research needs discussed. Optional field trips. (Lec. 2) Pre: advanced course work or experience in topical fields or permission of instructor. Offered in even-numbered years.

NRS 563

Biology and Ecology of Fishes

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), NRS 563. Exploration of the functional biology and ecology of marine and freshwater fishes through lecture and discussion of primary literature. Laboratory involves specimen study, field trips, and a research project. (Lec. 3, Lab. 3) Pre: BIO 366 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

NRS 567

Soil Genesis And Classification

(3 crs.) Development of soils as influenced by physical, chemical, biological, and climatic factors. Processes of soil formation presented relative to soil taxonomy and geographic distribution. (Lec. 3) Pre: NRS 471 or permission of instructor.

NRS 568

Recent Advances in Natural Resources Science

(3 crs.) Critical analysis and presentation of technical reports on recent advances in natural resources science. Topics will vary according to instructor and background of students. (Lec. 3) Pre: graduate standing or permission of instructor.

NRS 570

Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management

(3 crs.) Examine the fundamental structure of primary GIS data and integration of non-spatial data sources. Focus is on database creation and data management workflows to prepare data for analysis and visualization. (Accelerated Online Program) Pre: EVS 509 and graduate standing or permission of instructor.

NRS 571

Techniques in Geospatial Data Analysis

(3 crs.) Identify and apply appropriate geoprocessing tools or workflows for geospatial analysis in both the desktop and cloud GIS environments to support decision making and problem-solving across disciplines. (Accelerated Online Program) Pre: EVS 509, NRS 570, graduate standing or permission of the instructor.

NRS 572

Advanced Topics in Geospatial Data Visualization

(3 crs.) Create visualizations using web maps and application templates available within ArcGIS Online. Apply techniques for effective data presentation while creating storymaps, interactive applications and data dashboards. (Lec. 3) Pre: EVS 509, NRS 570, and graduate standing or permission of instructor.

NRS 573

Emerging Technologies in Geospatial DataCollection

(3 crs.) Develop advanced level skills in mobile data collection using field operation applications in ArcGIS Online. Explore emerging techniques to integrate data feeds and imagery using GIS technology. (Accelerated Online Program) Pre: EVS 509, NRS 570, and graduate standing or permission of instructor.

NRS 582

Innovative Subsurface Remediation Technologies

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (GEO), EVS 582, NRS 582. Innovative remediation technologies for treating contaminated groundwater and sediments: theory, applications, and limitations of selected methods. Discussion of case studies. Offered alternate years (Lec. 4) Pre: permission of instructor.

NRS 584

Environmental Hydrogeology

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (GEO), EVS, NRS 584. Develop an understanding of the physico-chemical principles and fundamental relationships that describe the fate and transport of contaminants in the hydrologic system. (Lec. 3, Lab 2) Pre: GEO 483 or CVE 588 or NRS 510 or permission of instructor.

NRS 585

Salt Marsh Ecology

(4 crs.) Cross-listed as (BIO), NRS 585. Structure and function of salt marsh ecosystems, including biogeochemistry, in the context of global change. Seminar-style discussions, weekly assignments, written and oral presentations of independent proposal and research project. (Lec. 2, Lab. 4) Pre: permission of instructor. Prior undergraduate coursework equivalent to a course in ecology and 2 semesters of chemistry is expected.

NRS 591

Special Problems

(1-3 crs.) Advanced independent research projects supervised by members of the research staff and unrelated to Master's or Doctoral research. Projects developed to meet individual needs. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of chairperson.

NRS 592

Special Problems

(1-3 crs.) Advanced independent research projects supervised by members of the research staff and unrelated to Master's or Doctoral research. Projects developed to meet individual needs. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of chairperson.