Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

Building and Construction  Technology

BCT 520 Energy and Buildings (2nd sem)
The course serves both as an introduction to the physical processes lying behind the sustainable design of a building and as an initiation for the integration of technology in architecture.  Prerequisites: for undergraduates only, BCT 211. Ms. Hoque

BCT 521 Environmental Control Systems (2nd sem) 4 cr  This course builds on building technology fundamentals and focuses on the design, control, and optimization of environmental (heating, cooling, and plumbing) systems in buildings. Students will learn how to analyze, design, and optimize active heating and cooling technology, including plumbing systems, in both residential and commercial buildings. In the lab, students will gain expertise in building energy modeling (BEM) using a state-of-the-art BEM tool (eQuest) to optimize the energy performance of an existing campus building.  Prerequisite: BCT 520 Ms. Hoque

BCT 530 Mechanics of Building Materials (2nd sem)
With lab. Introduction to the mechanical behavior of building materials for students of construction technology and architecture. Basic structural concepts of statics and strength of materials addressed in a practical manner. Prerequisites: MATH 104 and PHYSICS 131. Ms. Clouston

BCT 540 Design of Wood Structures
Provides students with a fundamental understanding of design principles for design of individual wood components including beams, columns, trusses, wood/steel connections, and sheathing.

BCT 550 Construction Project Management (2nd sem)
Introduces concepts of project management for design and construction including: initiation, planning, implemenatation, monitoring, control, closeout, documentation, scope, budget and scheduling, teamwork and communication, contracts and negotiation and risk management.  Prerequisites: BCT 204, BCT 313, and BCT 353.  Mr. Novelli

BCT 596 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6.

BCT 597B Bio-Based Building Lab (alt. years)
Students invent, design, build and structurally test their own laminated and/or cast composites made from natural materials. Classes will entail some instruction but will depend largely on student participation involving (but not limited to): reviews, discussions and presentations of research articles from the literature. While learning the underlying concepts behind currently-used composite materials, this course is a great resume builder and a fun introduction to materials research and technical writing. Ms. Clouston

BCT 597D Sustainable Building and LEED Certification
A hands-on, multi-media learning environment in which students expand their knowledge of sustainability in the built world. All students participate online; optional attendance on face-to-face field trips to National Grid Headquarters and Artist for Humanity, and at lectures from specialists in the field. Those students who opt not to attend the face-to-face meetings view video recordings of the field trips and the guest lectures. A LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) preparation component integrated into the structure of the course answers an industry need for LEED accredited professionals in the fields of construction, engineering, and architectural design. Mr. Nicolson

BCT 597S Building a Quick Convincing Green Business Plan
Strategic and tactical planning for “green” business initiatives.  Students develop a “green” strategy and promote sustainability both internal, through culture exchange, and externally through change in market positioning. Credit, 1. Mr. Bean

 

Natural Resources Conservation

NRC 521 Timber Harvesting (2nd sem, even yrs)
With lab. Components of timber harvesting systems; felling, bucking, primary and secondary transport. Integration of components into safe, efficient, and cost-effective harvest systems. Lab: case studies of harvest operations in the field. Mr. Kittredge

NRC 526 Silviculture (1st sem, even yrs)
Silvicultural practices used to manage forests for timber production, wildlife habitat improvement, and watershed protection. Special focus on southern New England but techniques apply to forests throughout the world. Lab involves developing silvicultural plans for project areas. Prerequisite: NRC 212 or equivalent. Credit, 4. 

NRC 528 Forest and Wetland Hydrology (1st sem, odd yrs)
Hydrologic structure and function of forest, wetland, and agricultural ecosystems. Changes in water flow and quality associated with land and resource use. Management approaches to prevent or reverse adverse environmental impacts. Mr. Barten

NRC 534 Forest Measurements (1st sem, odd yrs)
With lab. Quantification and assessment of resource variables, sampling theory and design of forest inventories and other resource survey techniques, field exercises in resource inventory, statistical analysis of field data. Prerequisite: introductory statistics. Credit, 4. Mr. Catanzaro

NRC 540 Forest Resources Management (2nd sem, even yrs)
Use of forests to meet multiple objectives. Summary of forest history, policies, programs, and review of traditional and contemporary forest management principles and practices. Examples, site visits and reports, interaction with practitioners and landowners, term project and presentation. Prerequisites: NRC 261, 526 or equivalents; NRC 521 and 597 desirable. Credit, 4. Mr. Barten

NRC 541 Urban Forest Management (1st sem, even yrs)
Use of community and urban forests to meet multiple objectives.  Summary of forest history, policies, and programs.  Review of traditional and contemporary forest management principles and practices.  Case examples, site visits, and reports.  Iteractions with practitioners and landowners.  Emphasis on community and urban forestry issues. Mr. Bloniarz

NRC 563 Wetlands Ecology and Conservation (2nd sem, even yrs)
Wetland ecology, policy, conservation and management are the focus of this course.  An ecosystems approach to the dynamics and ecology of wetlands includes both biotic (vegetation, wildlife) and abiotic (landforms, soils, hydrology, geochemical cycling) elements, as well as interactions among them. Also covered are the legal, political and economic aspects of wetlands, wetland classification and evaluation and wetland management and conservation. Mr. Jackson

NRC 564 Wildlife Habitat Management (1st sem)
Wildlife-habitat relationships illustrated through basic field zoology and natural history, evolutionary biology, and ecological theory.  Explores the dynamics and management of various habitats in North America and elsewhere.  Topics include wildlife ecology, habitat classification, resource utilization, impacts on humans, and management techniques. Prerequisite: NRC 261 or equivalent. Credit, 4. Ms. Warren

NRC 565 Wildlife Population Dynamics and Management (1st sem)
Basic techniques and concepts of the management and population dynamics of wildlife populations; emphasis on estimating animal population parameters, development of population growth models, and principles of population management. Includes field and laboratory techniques for estimating population parameters for wildlife. Prerequisite: NRC 261 or RES-ECON 211 or Introductory Statistics. Credit, 4. Mr. Jackson

NRC 570 Ecology of Fish (2nd sem, even yrs)
With lab.  Interactions of fishes with their environment.  Topics include feeding adaptations, community trphics, mating systems, reproductive biology, life histrory strategies, growth dynamics, predator-prey systems, community diversity.  Prerequisite: two semesters of biology, one semester of ecology or consent of instructor. Credit, 4. Mr. Danylchuk

NRC 571 Fisheries Science and Management (1st sem, even yrs)
Introduction to the principles of fish stock assessment, with emphasis on harvest modeling and forecasting techniques. Implications of overfishing and habitat degradation. Prerequisite: NRC 470. Credit, 4. Mr. Jordaan

NRC 572 Insects and Diseases of Forests and Shade Trees (2nd sem, odd yrs)
Ecology, biology and control of insects which attack shade trees, forests and forest products. A brief introduction to insects; attention to the more important forest and shade tree insects.

NRC 575 Case Studies in Conservation (2nd sem)
Outside speakers from a wide variety of private and public conservation organizations present case studies in conservation and land protection. Seminar presentations supplemented by class discussion and student development of a case. Mr. Kittredge  

NRC 576 Water Resources Management and Policy (1st sem, even yrs)
Topics in water resources including institutions, law, economics, politics, infrastructure, planning, analysis, and sustainability. Case studies, lectures, and exercises on various topics from around the world. Mr. Randhir  

NRC 577 Ecosystem Modeling and Simulation (1st sem, odd yrs)
Systems modeling and analysis used to understand the complexities of natural systems. System representations, modeling, experimentation, optimization, and policy modeling. Computer modeling using Stella and GIS. Mr. Randhir  

NRC 578 Watershed Science and Management (2nd sem)
Concepts in watershed systems, with integration of biotic, abiotic, and socio-economic components for conservation and management. Transdisciplinary introduction to watershed-based ecosystem management and policy. Taught in-class using computer modeling, case studies, and exercises. Mr. Randhir  

NRC 579 Cree Culture, Natural Resources and Sustainability
This small (maximum of 8 students) and unique class centers on a ten day experiential learning trip to a Cree village and winter bush camp in northern Quebec.  Extensive readings and discussions focus on cultural and environmental history and the complex influences of a global market for energy and natural resources on an ecosystem (the boreal forest) and people (the James Bay Cree) no longer protected by their relative isolation. Mr. Barten

NRC 580 Conservation Genetics (1st sem, even yrs)
With lab. The genetic basis for solving biological problems in conservation including the genetics of small populations and the application of molecular genetic techniques to conservation problems. Credit, 4. 

NRC 585 GIS for Natural Resources Management (both sem)
Introduces students to the construction, display, and analysis of spatial information using Geographic Information Systems. Hands-on use of ArcGIS on a PC platform. Mr. Schweik, Ms. Bradley  

NRC 586 Natural Resource Inventory of Local Lands (2nd sem, odd yrs)
This class will provide upper level undergraduate students and graduate students in wildlife, natural resources conservation, and forestry an opportunity to gain applied experience in planning and conducting a natural resources inventory.  Students will work in multi-discipline teams and be matched with a local community or conservation organization in need of a natural resources inventory on their land.  Students will plan and execute an inventory to meet the needs of the client and deliver the client an inventory report and presentation.  Opportunities to gain experience with conservation easement monitoring will also be made available. Mr. Catanzaro  

NRC 587 Digital Remote Sensing (2nd sem, odd yrs)
Computer processing of digital images as a means of obtaining information about natural resources. LANDSAT images primarily used. Image processing, classification, and image enhancement techniques discussed and applied. Mr. Finn 

NRC 590A Advanced Arboriculture (2nd sem)
In depth coverage of pruning, cabling, rigging, and tree risk assessment primarily from a mechanical, rather than a biological, perspective.  Introductory material, including the ANS A.300 and Z.133 standards as well as the International Society of Arboriculture's Best Management Practices (BMP) are covered in NRC 232 and NRC 305, which are prerequisites for this course. (NRC 305 may be taken concurrently)  Emphasis is on primary literature. Mr. Kane

NRC 590AE Aquatic Ecology (2nd sem)
Advanced ecology course that examines the interplay between aquatic organisms and their physical, chemical and biological environment, with an emphasis on freshwater lakes and streams.  Students will learn basic concepts, ecological theory, and methods in limnology, and apply them to understand impacts of human activities and management on aquatic ecosystems.  Course is intended for undergraduate students in Natural Resouce Conservation, Environmental Science, and Biology and graduate students.  Laboratories include field trips.  Catalog Requisites: Two semesters biology, one semester chemistry, one semester ecology, or permission of instructor. Ms. Roy

NRC 590GC Global Change Ecology (1st semester, odd years)
As a species, humans have a remarkable footprint on global ecosystems.  We change land cover, alter water and nutrient cycling, introduce non-native species, harvest natural resources, and change the global climate.  This class will explore the impacts of these changes on a variety of ecosystems, as well as consider how natural resource management can improve ecological resistance and resilience to change. Ms. Bradley

NRC 590RE Restoration Ecology (2nd semester, odd years)
Restoration ecology is the returning of damaged ecosystems or particular properties to a desired state of ecological health.  For purposes of this course, this field can be divided into four topics: (1) remediation of damaged sites where no return to original conditions is possible (e.g., strip mined sites), (2) restoration of missing natural processes (fire, flood cycles, etc), (3) return of missing native species or protection of declining native species, and (4) elimination or management of damaging invasive species.  Skills for preparation of goals and implementation plans for individual sites will be developed.  At the landscape level, knowledge of wildlife restoration and conservation, as well as use of tools for management of damaging invasive species (including especially the role of biological control) will be explored.  Prerequisite: Introductory coursework in biology/ecology. Mr. Vandriesche

NRC 590TP Adapting to Climate Change: Theories, Policy, & Action  (2nd sem)
Introduction to the policies and politics of climate change adaptation with a focus on the response of human systems in both the developed and developing world context.  Overview of climate projections and potential hazards to socio-ecological systems.  Examination of adaptation strategies, policies directing responses, knowledge and factors that facilitate or stymie action, maladaptation.  Discussion of debates on the role of international climate community; state and non-state actors; climate justice and how to reach the most vulnerable. Ms. Milman

NRC 597GA Readings in GIS (1st sem, even yrs)
In this course, students will read and discuss three journal articles about applications of GIS in Natural Resources.  In addition, students will write an annotated bibliography about a GIS topic of their choice. Credit, 2. Mr. Finn

NRC 597T Human Dimensions of Environmental Conservation (1st sem)
The social, behavioral, economic, and political aspects of natural resource management. Introduction to the concept of Human Dimensions, resource management as an expression of social value, and the contemporary resource management paradigm having Human Dimensions as a central component. Review of theoretical foundation. Case studies. Mr. Kittredge  

NRC 597W Wetlands Assessment and Field Techniques (2nd sem, odd yrs)
This course offers in-depth information about Massachusetts wetland regulations, wetland classification, boundary delineation, wetland condition assessment, functional assessment, vernal pool certification, wildlife habitat evaluation, and techniques for evaluating and mitigating development impacts on wildlife habitat. Class meets 14 times over spring semester. Nine indoor lecture sessions take place during the beginning weeks of the semester; five field sessions are scheduled later in the semester. Mr. Jackson  

 

Environmental Conservation

ECO 601 Research Concepts in Environmental Conservation (1st sem)
Introduction to the research process in the science of environmental conservation. Focus on research philosophy, concepts, and design, progressing from development of hypotheses, questions and proposals, to grants and budgeting, to delivery of such research products as reports, publications, and presentations. Mr. DeStefano, Ms. Roy

ECO 602 Analysis of Environmental Data (1st sem)
Lecture. Introduction to the basic statistical concepts critical to the proper use and understanding of statistics in environmental conservation. Prepares students for subsequent Environmental Conservation (ECO) courses in statistical modeling. Covers foundational concepts in statistical modeling and lays out the ‘landscape’ of statistical methods in environmental conservation. Required of all master’s-level ECo students. Mr. McGarigal  

ECO 604 Forest Stand Dynamics (2nd sem, odd yrs)
The applied study of forest successions, including ecological disturbances, regeneration, and development to the old-growth stage. Consideration of how silvicultural techniques are used to control stand dynamics to meet timber, wildlife habitat, and other management objectives. 

ECO 621 Landscape Ecology (2nd sem, even yrs)
Introduction to the evolving discipline of landscape ecology, with emphasis on the theoretical underpinnings. Focus on ecological scaling; landscape structure; agents of landscape structure; consequences of landscape structure to populations, communities, and ecosystem processes; landscape dynamics; and landscape management. Emphasis on modeling. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology or Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation, Forestry, or consent of instructor. Credit, 4. Mr. McGarigal

ECO 632 Applied Multivariate Statistics for Environmental Conservation (2nd sem, odd yrs)
With lab. Provides natural resource scientists with a conceptual and practical working understanding of the classic multivariate statistical techniques, as well as a framework for choosing the most appropriate technique given the question of interest and the properties of the data set. Emphasis on analyzing real data sets using ordination (unconstrained and constrained), cluster analysis (nonhierarchical and hierarchical), discriminate analysis, classification and regression trees, and a variety of other nonparametric procedures. Credit, 4. Mr. McGarigal 

ECO 634 Analysis of Environmental Data Lab
This laboratory course introduces the statistical computing language R and provides hands-on experience using R to screen and adjust data, examine deterministic functions and probability distributions, conduct classic one- and two-sample tests, utilize bootstrapping and Monte Carlo randomization procedures, and conduct stochastic simulations for ecological modeling. This lab focuses on learning the R language and statistical computing environment, which serves as the computing platform for all ECo statistics courses; emphasis is on learning fundamental R skills that will allow students to grow and expand their expertise in subsequent courses or on their own.  Prerequisites:  concurrent or prior enrollment in ECO 602 Analysis of Environmental Data Lecture or consent of instructor.

ECO 675 Ecological Economics and Sustainability
Course aims to study advanced topics in ecological economics and sustainability. Students will be exposed to selected topics in the field through in-depth review and publishable reporting. Mr. Randhir

ECO 678 Advanced Watershed Science and Management (2nd sem, even yrs)
This course will cover advanced topics in the field of watershed science. Students will gain in-depth knowledge and scientific understanding of emerging topics. Prerequisites: NRC 578 Watershed Science and Management or course equivalent. Mr. Randhir

ECO 690E Environmental Conflict and Collaborative Policy
An overview of the causes, dynamics, and consequences of natural resource and environmental conflicts. Analysis of the forms of natural resource and environmental conflict.  Critical examination of the theories and assumptions surronding the study of environmental conflict and conflict resolution. Ms. Milman

ECO 691 Communicating Science
Seminar on forms of written and oral communication in environmental conservation: the preparation of scientific papers, news articles, and conference abstracts, and the presentation of scientific papers, news interviews, and more. Credit, 1. Mr. Griffin, Mr. McGarigal  

ECO 691A Current Research in Environmental Conservation (both sem)
Seminar with invited outside speakers and University faculty presenting current research on topics in environmental conservation. Credit, 1. Mr. Butler

ECO 696 Independent Study 
Credit, 1-6.

ECO 697A Conservation Biology (2nd sem, odd yrs)
Seminar reviewing the ecological principles of conservation biology and strategies used to conserve biological diversity. Emphasis on ecological, community, and population processes. Topics include conservation genetics, population demography and viability analyses, and insular ecology, including edge effects, habitat fragmentation, connectivity, and reserve design. Journal articles provide case histories for examining conservation strategies. Ms. Warren

ECO 697AE Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (2nd sem)
Protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and their watersheds. Includes scientific, social, economic, and policy issues related to aquatic resource threats, and multidisciplinary conservation strategies. Discussions, case studies, and projects. Ms. Roy

ECO 697B Invasion Biology
The physiological and life history characteristics of invasive species; the characteristics of habitats that affect their susceptibility to invasion; and the effects of invasion on biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Ms. Bradley 

ECO 697I Information Technologies in the Public and Non-Profit Sectors (2nd sem)
Discussion of information technology management issues in public and non-profit organizations. Web system development, information technology planning, and relational database applications. Mr. Schweik  

ECO 697J Diadromous Fisheries Ecology and Conservation (1st sem, even yrs)
This course is a graduate-level seminar format course reviewing the biology, ecology, evolution, and management of diadromous fishes. These fishes are unique in their migrations and behaviors, using a variety of aquatic habitats  and experiencing unique challenges in terms of energetics, physiology, and life history strategy. An emphasis is placed on special management concerns and conservation with respect to habitat loss, barriers to migration, and restoration of depleted or extirpated populations.  The course is team-taught by ECO faculty and adjuncts from the USGS S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, and other management agencies. The format is lecture/discussion, with extensive weekly readings. Mr. Haro

ECO 697PS Perspectives on Sustainability (1st sem)
Is "sustainability" a passing fad, or will it be an enduring feature of our future? How can economic growth be balanced against ecological damage?  This course examines severalviews of sustainability, starting with a historical examination of the conditions that have brought us to this point. We review common tools used in sustainability science (particularly systems analysis and scenario planning), explore key sustainability themes through case studies (food systems, water, energy), and integrate all the components of the course by carrying out a sustainability assessment of several anthropogenic systems. Mr. Nicolson

ECO 697RG Readings in Conservation Genetics (1st sem, odd yrs)
Conservation genetics now plays an important role in many aspects of conservation.  This course explores a wide variety of conservation issues.  For each topic we will outline the conservation issues and then explore what a genetics/evolutionary perspective adds to our understanding of that issue. We will read and discuss papers from the recent literature on topics such as: individual genetic identification, inbreeding/outbreeding depression, population viability, metapopulations and fragmentation, units of conservation, hybridization, conservation breeding, invasive species, and climate change.  

ECO 697RR Retrocommissioning and Retrofitting Existing Buildings for Energy Efficiency (2nd sem, even year)
Seminar in which graduate students function as a consulting firm to explore, diagnose, and model one campus building and its operation in detail and produce a comprehensive report with realistic recommendations for dramatic reductions in energy usage at reasonable cost. Credit, 2. Mr. Weil

ECO 697S Intermediate Statistics for Environmental Conservation (2nd sem)
With lab. Intermediate statistics illustrated using examples from ecology. Topics include ANOVA, linear regression (simple and multiple), correlation, logistic regression, contingency tables, and nonparametric methods. Techniques discussed in lectures and applied in laboratories. Prerequisite: ECO 697G. Credit, 4. Mr. Sievert

ECO 697SA Advanced Statistics for Environmental Conservation (1st sem, even yrs)
This course explores statistical problems beyond the classical linear models including mixed effects, non-normal error distributions, autocorrelations, etc.  Hierarchical models, including explicit observer effects, will also be considered. Mr. Finn

ECO 697SB Studies in Building Information Modeling (2nd sem)
Various aspects of digital 3D building modeling with focus on data-based digital design, integrated analyses, interdisciplinary design, and fabrication planning. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Mr. Schreyer

ECO 697SV Design, Implementation, and Analysis of Surveys of People (2nd sem)
This course covers the basic skills required to successfully design, implement, and analyze a survey of people.  Class discussion will include the  relative strengths and weaknesses of different survey methods and the “Dillman” method for designing surveys will be discussed in detail.  The practical elements of implementing a survey, including the Internal Review Board process, data processing, storage, and validation will be covered.  Finally, basic and advanced analytical techniques, using the R statistical package, will be investigated. Mr. Butler 

ECO 697UF Urban Forest Management (2nd sem, odd yrs)
A multidisciplinary introduction to urban and community forest management. Includes a team studio project that identifies a community forest problem for which the class develops an interdisciplinary solution. Mr. Kane  

ECO 697W Advanced Watershed Science and Management (2nd sem, even yrs)
Seminar on the latest topics and research in watershed management. Students lead, and discuss research papers, write critical summaries, and develop a review paper on a topic. Mr. Randhir  

ECO 698 Practicum/Non-thesis projects
Credit, 4-6 

ECO 699 Master’s Thesis
Credit, 1-10.

ECO 757 Advanced Fisheries Management & Ecology
Scientific basis for modern fisheries management, emphasizing coldwater fishes, anadromous species, large reservoir and river fisheries, and conflicts of interest with other water uses. Mr. Jordaan

ECO 758 Advanced Wildlife Management
A discussion course with varying current topics in wildlife management and conservation, potentially including topics such as population demography and ecology, habitat assessment and management, wildlife in a changing climate, reintroduction biology, conservation behavior, migratory bird management and conservation, or suburban wildlife ecology and management.

ECO 768 Wetland Science (2nd sem, even yrs)
Wetland ecology, policy, conservation and management are the focus of this course.  An ecosystems approach to the dynamics and ecology of wetlands includes both biotic (vegetation, wildlife) and abiotic (landforms, soils, hydrology, geochemical cycling) elements, as well as interactions among them. Also covered are the legal, political and economic aspects of wetlands, wetland classification and evaluation and wetland management and conservation. Includes a weekly seminar for discussion of emerging issues in wetland science. Mr. Jackson

ECO 777 Advanced Systems Ecology (2nd sem, even yrs)
Overview of model building and analysis techniques, including stability analysis, individual-based modeling and spatial modeling. Students will program their own model in a language of their choice. Modeling environments covered will include Python, NetLogo and R. Mr. Finn

ECO 791W Written Communication (1st sem)
This seminar course for graduate students focuses on the preparation of scientific papers, including strategy for conceptualizing papers, section tasks and length, style, grammar, and writing skills.  Also covered will be other writing tasks important to graduate students including preparation of an updated resume, letter of application for employment, and a research abstract.  Authorship, the manuscript review process, and how to write a book will be discussed. Mr. Vandreische  

ECO 796 Independent Study

ECO 797P Population and Community Ecology
This course examines how to estimate the abundance of organisms and the determinants and regulation of population growth.  It considers the various factors, including predation, mutualistic interactions and competition for resources, that influence the stability and temporal and spatial dynamics of populations and communities.  It also considers the various factors that influence the species diversity and food web structure of a community, and examines the applications of these ideas to applied systems such as pest control and the management of wildlife and fisheries. Mr. Elkinton

ECO 899 Doctoral Dissertation
Credit, 18.