Semester Programme and Course Descriptions
Each semester programme consists of four courses (NR660, NR661, NR662, NR663). NR 660 -662 are taught during the first 11 weeks of the semester. Final exams for these courses will be finished before the commencement of NR 663 (Directed Research) which takes place during the final four weeks of the semester.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (as listed in the University of New Hampshire Undergraduate Catalog)
NR 660 Ecology and Biogeography of New Zealand (5 credits)
This course covers the principles of ecology and biogeography, with a distinct focus on New Zealand. Students investigate the processes that have shaped the New Zealand landmass and its biota. Impact of human settlement on New Zealand's ecosystems is explored in-depth. Methods and techniques of scientific research are incorporated in this course. Field exercises focus on topical case studies in a variety of ecosystems and are designed to strengthen students' conceptual knowledge, enable students to apply this knowledge, as well as develop field skills including classification systems, mapping, habitat assessment, field identification and sampling techniques.
NR 661 Restoration Ecology and Ecosystem Management in New Zealand (4 credits)
Current restoration projects and strategies for management of natural resources in New Zealand form the framework for this course. Solving problems related to introduced species, changes in habitat, the preservation of ecological processes and watershed management are the major foci of this course. Management of resources for multiple uses, as well as primary and extractive industries are included. Field exercises focus on topical case studies in a variety of terrestrial and coastal-marine ecosystems and include the identification of habitats and communities, stresses on the environment and risk analysis.
NR 662 Environmental Policy, Planning and Sustainability in New Zealand (3 credits)
This course introduces students to politics in New Zealand. Investigating policy pathways and planning forms part of the curriculum. Students will assess scope of legislation, including the Resource Management Act (1991), for the economic and socio-political environment in New Zealand. Government obligations to the Treaty of Waitangi, and customary uses of resources are included as part of this course. Students are exposed to diverse perspectives of local authority planners and policy makers, local iwi (tribes), the Department of Conservation and community groups. Students examine case studies involving the resource consent process at several levels of decision-making. Case studies provide a comprehensive overview of the interactions between the environment and people and their cultural and socio-economic needs.
NR 663 Applied Directed Research in New Zealand (4 credits)
Working closely with faculty, student teams investigate selected ecological, resource management or policy issues. All projects have scientific and societal relevance, and contribute to ongoing/existing projects in the region. Students use the scientific method to design and carry out their projects. Development of rigorous field investigations, experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing are emphasized. Students prepare a research report and present their findings in a seminar that includes stakeholders and people from the local community.
Please contact EcoQuest Admissions by e-mail at ecoquest@unh.edu or submit a request online for more in-depth program information.
