Courses

All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise specified.

Building and Construction Technology

BCT 501 Safety in Construction (2nd sem)
1 credit. With construction being one of the most dangerous occupations, workplace safety is crucial for every successful building project. This course teaches basic safety concepts through guest lectures and the self-guided study of OSHA principles. Students acquire the 10-hour OSHA safety training (and card) as part of this course (at a small, additional cost), which is the basic requirement for any work on construction sites.

BCT 511 Clean Energy Corps (2nd sem)
Students in the UMass Clean Energy Corps will work in teams with energy engineers and other staff of the UMass Clean Energy Extension to provide energy analysis and high-level energy audits to Massachusetts cities and towns. We will collect and analyze municipal energy data, conduct walk-through and instrumented energy audits on-site for some facilities, and provide guidance to help municipalities cut their energy consumption by at least 20%. Students will learn a variety of data analysis and building diagnostic techniques as well as gain experience working with municipal clients.

BCT 515 Living Labs: Carbon Neutrality (2nd sem)
This course explores the concept of using the phenomena of the 'living laboratory' to accelerate innovation in the realm of low carbon approaches to buildings, materials, technologies, policies, and ways of living. Students learn how living laboratories are utilized to accelerate sustainable development by colleges, universities, non-profits, corporations, start-ups, real estate/development firms, cities, and towns to meet sustainability goals that seek to transition to lower-carbon energy systems that strive to lower the net carbon impacts of the built environment, to increase access to energy and sustainability-related technologies, and to improve the quality of life for the world's inhabitants.

BCT 520 Energy and Buildings (1st sem)
An introduction to building energy use focusing on the minimization of energy costs and dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel sources through the implementation of both time-honored passive design strategies and effective building envelope construction practices. The course also introduces students to the fundamentals of building system loads and building annual energy consumption calculations providing the necessary metricized evaluation of a building’s energy and associated climate impacts in relation to other buildings of similar types and programs in similar climates. This is a seminar course that will rely on a combination of lectures, reading materials, and a field trip exploring the methods and materials necessary to reduce a building’s environmental impact. Prerequisite: Undergraduate students who have taken BCT 211, BCT 311, or similar are eligible to enroll. Open to all graduate students. Prerequisites: for undergraduates only, BCT 211.

BCT 521 Environmental Control Systems (2nd sem)
Lab included. This course is intended for those who wish to learn about building energy and environmental systems from both a traditional and a sustainable design perspective. Students will be introduced to the basics of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Through a combination of lectures, reading materials, guest lectures, and field trips they will analyze the heating and cooling loads of commercial buildings and learn how to introduce these systems into existing buildings and design these systems for high-performance buildings. Students will learn to use a state-of-the-art building energy modeling tool, eQUEST (available for free from the Department of Energy) to calculate and optimize whole building energy loads. The goal is to explore key design decisions such as building orientation and form along with system choices to calculate heating and cooling loads through modeling and simulation. The lab component for this class introduces students to technical and non-technical aspects of whole building energy simulation during building design, retrofitting, and maintenance. Pre-requisites: Graduate Students BCT 520; Undergraduate Students. BCT 211, BCT 311, or instructor permission. You must have access to a laptop for the lab. Credit, 4.

BCT 525 Solar Energy Systems & Building Design (2nd sem)
Introduces the fundamental concepts of solar building design and energy systems. Through project-based study and occasional field visits, students will explore the theory, technologies, applications, and benefits of the solar design of buildings and discover how to utilize solar energy systems for residential and commercial buildings. Students will be required to research and document technology and complete a semester case study project in which they will examine various energy conservation aspects and economics underlying solar energy systems. Open to Seniors, Juniors and Graduate students only.

BCT 540 Design of Wood Structures (1st sem)
Provides students with a fundamental understanding of design principles for the design of individual wood components including beams, columns, trusses, wood/steel connections, and sheathing.

BCT 550 Construction Scheduling and Project Control (both sem)
Introduces concepts of project management for design and construction including initiation, planning, implementation, 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.

BCT 560 Alternative Material Construction Systems for Sustainability (2nd sem)
Sustainable, low-carbon construction has become a major focus in the industry over the last years with many builders and homeowners looking for new and different materials and methods of construction that can potentially offset energy costs, promote the use of local materials, and be adaptive to their environment. To meet this shift in demand, there is a need to look beyond conventional materials and embrace alternative materials and construction systems that can then blend with current technologies, which can improve embodied carbon and construction costs. Through real-world problems and hands-on lab projects and demonstrations, students in construction, sustainability, architecture, and engineering are introduced to different types of modular construction as well as alternative building materials, such as CLT, SIPs, adobe, rammed earth construction, log, bamboo, hemp masonry, and strawbale construction. This course will use global examples of such buildings to provide a thorough understanding of the construction processes, limitations, and advantages.

BCT 565 Advanced Construction Techology Trends and Material Testing (1st sem)
This course introduces students to material testing and technological environments in which the construction industry operates today. The program is designed for students with a passion for technologies such as cloud data, drones, photogrammetry, additive manufacturing, AI, Robotics, VR and AR in the Built Environment and a passion to influence the design and engineering of the built environment through material testing such as nondestructive testing and evaluation, chemical testing, thermal analysis, and code compliance testing. The curriculum will prepare this next generation of innovators to not only harness the power of technological innovation but to bridge the industry's fragmentation in order to foster collaboration, catalyze change, and offer advanced and sustainable solutions to global problems.

BCT 592N Residential Construction Management Competition (1st sem)
The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) Student Chapters Residential Construction Management Competition (RCMC) is one of the highlights of the annual International Builders' Show. The competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a management project/proposal. Proposals are submitted to a group of construction company executives who act as judges. During the convention, students defend their proposals to the judges in front of an audience.

BCT 596 Independent Study (both sem)
Credits: 1-6

Natural Resources Conservation

NRC 520 Environmental Education: Pathways for Forging the Nature Connection (2nd sem)
The relationship of humans with non-human nature has been changing dramatically over the last several decades, particularly in the United States. The amount of time Americans spend outdoors in nature has been steadily declining since at least 1970 to an all-time low of just 3-5 hours per week. The so-called nature connection is being lost and, with it, so is society’s capacity for environmental stewardship. In this class, we will examine the field of environmental education, from theories and philosophies of engaging people with nature (which can look different for different people), to pedagogies and actual practices out in the real world, including our own communities. This year, there will be a significant, community-based project on the board subject of trees. This course is open to all upper division undergraduates and graduate students with an interest in the environment and/or sustainability. No background in environmental education is required.

NRC 525 Governing the Commons (1st sem)
Over the last decade or more, there has been a detectable and growing dissatisfaction among students with the “status quo” in the way the society works. Students have witnessed terrorism, long-term war, the “Occupy” movement, a “great recession”, ongoing social inequities, dysfunctional politics, the effects of climate change with challenging projections on its effects to come, and most recently, a global pandemic followed by inflation with a great impact on the economy. Over the years, I’ve interacted with many students who are looking for models of hope and alternatives to the status quo on how society at local, regional and global levels might operate to collectively address problems.

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.

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.

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.

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. Interactions with practitioners and landowners.; Emphasis on community and urban forestry issues.

NRC 554 Sustainable Food Systems (1st sem)
Food systems, sovereignty, and security remain issues of concern for producers, consumers, and policymakers at the dawn of the 21st Century, despite significant advances in transportation and technology. This course addresses these concerns by approaching food, the environment, and sustainability from an environmental anthropology perspective, critically examining the relationship between what we eat and who we are. Over the course of the semester, we will compare past, present and future food systems in the United States with those in other parts of the world. We will also explore topics including food security, nutrition, aid, immigration, climate changes, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural production and diffusion.

NRC 560 Aquatic Ecology (1st 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 ecological concepts and theory and sampling methods, and apply them to understand the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems and strategies for conserving and managing freshwater ecosystems. While there are no formal prerequisites to accompodate graduate students with diverse backgrounds, student should have completed coursework in general biology, chemistry and ecology.

NRC 561 Analytical Methods for Energy and Climate Policy
The course will introduce students to analytical methods applicable to the evaluation of energy and climate problems and policy solutions. The methods include ethical analysis, spreadsheet analysis, life-cycle analysis, optimization and systems analysis.

NRC 562 Clean Energy and Climate Policy in Massachusetts (2nd sem)
Over the past 20 years, Massachusetts has evolved as a leader in clean energy policy, which has led to market development, job and economic growth, and reductions in greenhouse gas and other emissions. This course will provide direct insights into the brief history of these policy developments, including policy objectives, legislative and regulatory activities, tradeoffs of costs and benefits, analytical methods to establish program design, and stakeholder perspectives and engagement. The course will explore the market and economic development and challenges that have resulted from the policy, and explore the economic trade-offs and distributional impacts that may result. Lately, the course will consider the current energy and climate issues in Massachusetts and the latest policy development and proposals that will continue to define our energy future.

NRC 563 Wetlands, Wildlife Ecology and Management (2nd sem)
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.

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.

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.

NRC 566 Restoration Ecology (2nd sem)
Restoration ecology is the returning of damaged ecosystems or particular properties of 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, as well as use of tools for management of damaging invasive species (including especially the role of biological control) will be explored. Ms. Stinson

NRC 567 Vertebrate Ecology (2nd sem)
This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the ecology, evolution and natural history of vertebrate life including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes. The labs will be focused on gaining hands-on experience in typical methods and techniques for sampling live vertebrates in the wild. Credit, 4.

NRC 568 Wetland Soils (2nd sem)
A detailed examination of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils occurring in wetland environments. Applications of this information critical to wetland restoration efforts seeking to replicate the biochemical environment of natural wetland substrates. Additional emphasis on the identification of hydric soil characteristics necessary for wetland delineation.Catalogue Prerequisites: ENVIRSCI 364 or 564H or permission of instructor. Credit, 2.

NRC 570 Ecology of Fish (1st sem, odd yrs)
With lab. Advanced course that examines the interactions of fish with their environment. Topics include: biological systems, physiology, growth dynamics, feeding adaptations, reproductive biology, mating systems, predator-prey systems, life history strategies, population dynamics and community structure. Students taking the course are expected to be skilled in reading scientific journal articles, have an understanding of basic fish conservation, and be comfortable with student directed learning and public speaking/seminar-style classes. Prerequisite: NRC 260, two semesters biology, and one semester ecology (or equivalent). Credit, 4.

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.

NRC 573 Behavioral Ecology and Conservation (both sem)
How does an understanding of behaviors and their adaptive significance contribute to conservation of an animal species? We will focus on fundamentals of animal behavior and review studies where the application of animal behavior is relevant in wildlife protection. We will see how theory and data gathered through traditional and new techniques in animal behavior and behavioral ecology can be used to understand the impact of ongoing anthropogenic threats. Class time will be used to discuss textbook chapters and scientific papers and to present team projects. We will review the research process with a focus on honing the skills required to garner background information, to pose clear questions and state hypotheses, and to imagine the methods and type of data generated to test the hypotheses.

NRC 574 Land Protection Tools and Techniques
Individuals and families own most of the undeveloped land in the eastern U.S. that we rely on to provide public benefits such as wildlife habitat, clean water, and carbon sequestration. Land protection tools offer these private landowners the opportunity to protect their land while meeting their other personal goals. When private lands are protected, we protect the many public values the land provides. This course will focus on permanent land protection tools and techniques to maintain the land in its natural state, policies that encourage land protection, landowner decisions about conserving their land, and maintaining the conservation values after the land has been protected.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NRC 579 Cree Culture, Natural Resources and Sustainability
Interdisciplinary course combines readings, documentary films, and group discussions, a winter camping trip with a Cree family in northern Quebec, and an essay to explore intersections of: our culture, Cree culture, natural resources, and issues of sustainability, stewardship of the environment, and social justice.

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 581 Wetlands Assessment and Field Techniques
This course fosters an understanding of Massachusetts wetlands regulations and techniques for wetlands assessment with an emphasis on wildlife habitat evaluation. Assessments covered include: wetlands classification and mapping, functional assessment, condition assessment, wetland delineation, vernal pool identification, and wildlife habittat evaluation.

NRC 582 Landscape Ecology & Conservation (2nd sem)
An introduction to the discipline of landscape ecology, in both theory and practice, with specific applied examples related to the New England landscape. Landscape ecology focuses on the interplay between scale, spatial pattern, and ecological processes; specifically, how to characterize spatial pattern, where it comes from, why it matters, and how it changes through time and/or scale. Theory and application will weave together throughout the course and students will use their knowledge of landscape ecology theory to better understand practices in land conservation, resource management, and urban planning. Students will also build skills in ecological spatio-temporal data analysis and modeling to analyze patterns and processes through space and time, and gain an understanding of the power and limitations of these techniques.

NRC 583 Environmental Leadership in Practice
This course is designed for any graduate student or motivated upperclassmen with an interest in building a foundation in environmental leadership. Students will build a leadership foundation by learning about their leadership and communication style and strengths and then practice leadership skills aided by readings, interactive discussion and coursework. Students will have the opportunity to engage with environmental leaders from around the Commonwealth as they present their leadership challenges, offering students the opportunity to aid in active solution development. In addition to gaining a foundation in theory, students will hear and engage in honest dialogue to discover what they can learn and how they can grow as an emerging environmental leader.

NRC 584 Ecophysiology (1st sem)
All organisms must cope with a variety of natural and anthropogenic challenges in order to survive, grow, and ultimately reproduce. Physical conditions and biotic interactions vary immensely across habitats, and organisms must possess the appropriate suite of physiological adaptations for success. Understanding the mechanisms and traits that permit organisms to cope with various conditions can provide great insights into eco-evolutionary processes, comparative physiology, and behavior. In this course, we will study physiological systems and principles that are broadly used across taxa, as well as highlight some unique adaptations used by very specialized groups. Our focus will primarily be in animal systems, with some elements of others when possible (e.g. plants and bacteria). In each topical section, we will also discuss case studies that exemplify how ecophysiology is relevant in conservation contexts, and how it can be integrated into management effectively. Readings will include those drawn from textbooks, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and a variety of other topical materials.

NRC 585 Introduction to GIS (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. Credit, 4.

NRC 588 WebGIS (2nd sem)
Students in WebGIS will explore web-based applications in geographic information science.

NRC 589 Responding to Climate Change (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.

NRC 590D Marine Conservation Biology & Policy (1st sem)
Focus on the applied science and policy frameworks underlying maintenance of the oceans’ biodiversity and management of marine resources. Students will learn how key properties of marine species and ecosystems are unique or shared with terrestrial ecosystems, and how these shape both major threats and innovative solutions for managing species and building ecological resilience. Credit, 4.

NRC 590IE Invasion Ecology
Invasion ecology explores the introduction, establishment, and impact stages of non-native, invasive species. We will consider how invasions differ across all taxonomic groups, from plants to fish to pathogens.

NRC 590M Marine Ecology
Advanced course in marine ecology, focused on how organisms interact with the ocean environment. Includes Earth's major marine ecosystems, ecological processes that create biological patterns, field techniques in local New England coastal systems. Links marine ecology to other disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and geography and addresses invasions, nutrient enrichment, and habitat destruction.

NRC 592B Readings in GIS (1st sem, even yrs)
In this course, students will read and discuss journal articles about applications of GIS. In addition, students will write an annotated bibliography about a GIS topic of their choice.

NRC 592C Streamflow Ecology (1st sem)
In river and stream ecosystems, streamflow can be a dominant driver of ecological processes, including floor plain scour for seed deposition, riparian zonation, and the timing of when amphibians lay their eggs or fish migrate upstream. In this seminar, we will read and discuss classic and current papers and reports that cover the science, policy, and management of streamflow-driven ecosystems. Credit, 1.

NRC 596F Insects and Diseases of Forests and Shade Trees (2nd sem, odd yrs)
Independent study in the 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 598V Vertebrate Ecology Practicum (2nd sem)
This one-credit lab/field experience pairs with NRC 590STA-Vertebrate Ecology and is taken concurrently.

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.

ECO 602 Analysis of Environmental Data (1st sem)
This course provides students with an understanding of basic statistical concepts critical to the proper use and understanding of statistics in ecology and conservation science and prepares students for subsequent ECO courses in ecological modeling. The lecture (required for all ECO Master's level graduate students) covers foundational concepts in statistical modeling (emphasis is on conceptual underpinnings of statistics not methodology, with a focus on defining statistical models and the major inference paradigms in use today), basic study design concepts (emphasis is on confronting practical issues associated with real-world ecological study designs and statistical modeling), and lays out the 'landscape' of statistical methods for ecological modeling; emphasis is on the conceptual underpinnings of statistical modeling instead of methodology, with a focus on defining.

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 605 Urban Forest Management (2nd sem)
This course introduces concepts related to the management of urbanized landscapes, focusing on what comprises the urban forest, its function as a natural system and the value of urban forests as an environmental and social catalyst. Examination of what makes up the urban forest, how these components function and the importance of sustainable urban natural landscapes will be undertaken. This seminar course will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of the natural, social, economic and political aspects of protecting, enhancing and maintaining urban forests in populated communities.

ECO 606 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 several views of sustainability, starting with a historical examination of the conditions that have brought us to this point. We review commons 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.

ECO 609 Sustainability Science Perspectives on the Field (1st sem)
This course offers an opportunity to visit local and regional sustainability initiatives. This includes public services, non-governmental organizations, and family businesses spanning multiple dimensions of sustainability. Each field trip has been chosen with the objective of cultivating a deeper understanding of one component of a larger system. Students should have graduate level standing and be enrolled in the MS Sustainability Science program to enroll in this course. This class is entirely field based. Credit, 1.

ECO 610 Offshore Wind Energy - Technology, Resources, Grid Integration, and Trends (1st sem)
Offshore wind farms are engineering projects, and it is vital for all professionals who work in the wind energy industry to have an understanding of the underlying science and technology which drive the siting of offshore wind farms, how these projects are integrated into the electric grid, and trends in technology advances and market development. This course is designed for students without an engineering or scientific background, but provides the engineering context and basic scientific concepts to explain, among other things, the offshore wind resource, major components of wind turbines and towers, electrical interconnections, and advances in turbine size, and fixed and floating platforms.

ECO 611 Offshore Wind Energy-Environmental Impacts, Siting, Permitting, and Stakeholder Engagement (2nd sem)
Before construction begins on an offshore wind farm, there is a rigorous process of assessing ecological and environmental impacts, obtaining any Federal and State permits, and engaging with stakeholders. This process is expensive, and vital to the successful installation of an offshore wind farm. A thorough understanding of these procedures is essential to all professionals in the offshore wind industry. This course is designed to guide the student through this process, from the time the potential offshore wind development site has been identified, until construction is complete and the wind farm is operational.

ECO 612 Offshore Wind Energy – Project Economics, Deployment, and Business Logistics (summer)
Construction of an offshore wind farm raises significant financing and insurance issues, and requires a well-established local workforce, supply chain, and infrastructure. Wind industry professionals must understand this complex process to make informed decisions on planning and construction of offshore wind development. This course will touch on the critical aspects of getting an offshore wind farm up and running, from the planning stages until construction is complete and the wind farm is operational.

ECO 613 Principles of Light-Frame Construction (1st sem)
Principles of Light-Frame Structure Technology provides students with an understanding of the construction industry, processes, and building materials used in the contemporary residential & light-frame construction. We will review the entire process of residential construction project: from regulation and design through site preparation, project management, and ultimate delivery of a completed structure. Close attention will be paid to the sequence of events as they occur in most construction projects.

ECO 614 Sustainability and Smart Growth Systems (1st sem)
This course will introduce primary aspects of sustainable building and smart growth certification systems (SBSG) as the WELL Standard, the Living Building Challenge, Passivhaus and LEED for Neighborhood Development, Cities and Communities. Through instructor-led, individual and collaborative exercises, discover the core concepts and standards related to high performance building systems and interact with front-line practitioners and learn from case-study examples of high-performance buildings. Structured assignments provide the opportunity to grasp real-world challenges and impacts, and to understand the dramatic increase in momentum, scale and complexity of advanced, holistic performance standards during the last 20 years since the first high certification programs were introduced.

ECO 615 Pathways to Zero (2nd sem)
Buildings are responsible for roughly 40% of all carbon emissions, and 90% of all the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. Thus, we need to rapidly develop planning techniques and technologies to retrofit existing buildings so that they can become net-zero carbon emitters. This course will introduce graduate students already familiar with building energy systems to analysis and diagnostic techniques that will enable them to design retrofit plans for actual institutional, municipal, some non-profit commercials buildings as well as water treatment plant. Class activities will include field trips to buildings to conduct energy audits and diagnostic testing, desk-top analysis of energy and cost data, engineering design of building systems, and research and reading on innovative solutions in the published literature. Evaluation will be based on participation, and final deliverables including a report for an assigned building and a presentation to stakeholders.

ECO 620 Studies in Building Information Modeling (2nd sem, summer)
Provides graduate students with an opportunity to deepen their studies in Building Information Modeling (BIM), a concept that is at the heart of contemporary digital building planning and execution. This course also provides a thorough introduction into Autodesk Revit and covers applied topics in Trimble SketchUp, both industry-standard software in the AEC field. In addition to learning basic concepts from BCT 420 (advanced 3D modeling, digital fabrication, laser scanning, etc.), students in this course are also required to research various BIM-related topics and apply them through project work and presentations (e.g. parametric design, building energy modeling, estimating, scheduling, and others). Specific topics are tailored to the student's personal field of work or research and the project is intended to support their related endeavors.

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.

ECO 622 Conservation Biology (2nd sem, odd yrs)
Conservation biology emerged roughly 30 years ago as a mission oriented discipline, engaged in scholarly scientific inquiry, addressing the problems of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. It is an inherently synthetic and interdisciplinary field, founded largely on basic principles from ecology and environmental management, but strongly dependent on the integration of social and natural science approaches. Together, we will examine the state of conservation science today: how the field is changing, new insights from current literature, and competing visions for the future. We will aim to keep the discussions grounded in real world problems through case studies and problem solving. The course aims to provide students with exposure to key tools in the conservation practitioners? toolkit. Students are also encouraged to bring their own research and work life examples to bear on our discussions.

ECO 624 Understanding Wood and Wood Products (1st sem)
Wood is an amazing building material: It is beautiful and warm to the touch. It is easy to machine and abundantly available. It is light, yet strong and stiff. And best of all: It comes from a renewable source. To build with wood, however, requires understanding its peculiarities: the variability of its properties, its interaction with water and the possibility of biodeterioration. This course introduces graduate students to the physical and mechanical properties of wood as applies to construction and architecture. It provides an overview of wood-based products and exposes students to structural systems in wood. Basic laboratory techniques for physical measurement and mechanical testing are introduced.

ECO 626 Recreational Fisheries Science and Conservation (1st sem)
This course will use the primary literature to examine novel approaches for assessing the impacts of angling on recreational fish stocks as well as how humans interface with fish and aquatic systems during this popular leisure activity. Our class will be comprised of student-led discussions linked to assigned readings, critiques of the way angling is portrayed by popular media, and the extent of the conservation message being offered by angling organizations and governments.

ECO 630 Building Material Mechanics (1st sem)
Structures are made from an infinite variety of shapes and materials making their design and analysis potentially very complex. A common first step is through simplification by grouping elements with the same patterns, or carrying similar type of loads, into simple structural elements. In this course, students of Construction and Architecture learn how to use structural idealization to estimate forces and stresses in building elements as a precursor for structural building design. The course employs realistic building examples to introduce students to fundamental engineering analysis. The main topics are: statics and equilibrium as applied statically determinate systems; force and moment analysis; strength of materials where students learn to determine sterss and strain in simply supported beams; and beam design with deflection, shear and bending stress of evaluation. Through a combination of classroom lecture, demonstration, practical application, homework assignments and problem solving sessions, students will gain mathematical confidence and learn the importance of problem solving in construction. These elements can be classified as to their form and function in a technique called "structural idealization".

ECO 631 Public Engagement and Communication (1st sem)
This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of various ways in which scientists can effectively engage and communicate with the public. Topics covered will include models of public engagement, science-society interaction, and practical communication skills building.

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.

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 636 Applied Ecological Statistics (2nd sem)
Intermediate statistics illustrated using examples from ecology. Topics include ANOVA, linear regression (simple and multiple), correlation, logistic regression, continency tables and noparametric methods. Techniques discussed in lectures and applied in laboratories.

ECO 637 Spatial Data Analysis in R
Spatial data provides an extra layer of information that provides an opportunity to gain powerful insights from our data. Analysis of spatial data also poses unique challenges and pitfalls. In this course, students will learn a range of techniques for analyzing data with spatial information, from both a theoretical standpoint as well as implementation of methods in R. Topics covered in the course include descriptive and inferential concepts in that students are likely to encounter in their research including (but not limited to) spatial autocorrelation, clustering, interpolation, and geographically weighted regression.

ECO 638 Spatial Databases and Data Interoperability (1st sem)
This course will introduce students to the current best practices regarding developing, transforming, managing and sharing geospatial data. This course focuses on exposing students to state-of-the-art approaches in retrieving/querying, aggregating and processing geospatial data from multiple heterogeneous sources/systems and technologies, such as relational databases (RDBMS), spatially-enabled RDBMS, XML-based spatial data, KML, Web-services/APIs, JSON/GeoJSON, CAD, BIM/IFC, and file-based databases (SQLite and GeoPackage).

ECO 640 Python for ARC GIS (2nd sem)
This course will cover several programming methods and applications in GIS. Beginning in the (familiar) ArcGIS environment, this course will explore fundamentals of programming in Python while learning the Model Builder interface. By exploring basic automation methods of repetitive or complex tasks, this course will also introduce the foundations of computer science and computational thinking. While gaining proficiency in Model Builder, this course will expand to other python scripting applications, both within ArcGIS and on other platforms. By exploring many applications of programming to advance GIS analysis and improve workflows, students will build a strong base of knowledge and capacity for future learning and flexibility with programming in GIS.

ECO 650 Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) FAA Remote Pilot Certification Prep (1st sem, summer)
This course provides students with an understanding of the various topics required by the FAA to obtain Remote Pilot Certification. At the end of this course, students will be prepared to take their FAA Remote Pilot Written Test. Students will also have an understanding of current public policy and regulations related to UAS in the United States.

ECO 651 Piloting Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) (1st sem, summer)
This course is intended to introduce students to the basics of flying and operating unmanned aerial (UAV) multirotor aircraft safely and reliably. This course assumes no prior knowledge of UAV's or prior flying experience. This course is primarily focused on guiding students as they develop practical flying skills, but will also cover basic information on multirotor function, diagnostics, and maintenance. Preflight procedures are a key part of flying safely and will be covered. Most class time will be dedicated to providing flying practice for students. Students will be introduced to principal concerns operating in the United States national airspace, but this course will not comprehensively cover material for the FAA part 107 written test that is required for commercial operation of UAVs.

ECO 653 Applications in Unoccupied Aerial Systems (2nd sem)
This Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) capstone course will provide the essential aeronautical, business, legal knowledge and skills to achieve a successful foundation in UAS industry. Students that complete this application course will be prepared for successful careers as Remote Pilots in Command (PICs), observers, payload operators, and/or operational managers of governmental and private sector UAS applications. This course will incorporate educational objectives that were gained in the prior courses of the UAS Certificate program with that knowledge being effectively demonstrated in this course. Students will gain additional experience in UAS Technology, Mission Planning, Execution and Evaluation. More specifically, each student will be responsible for identifying a project or application for which UAS data collection would be appropriate, and to subsequently plan and execute the flight in a professional manner to collect the necessary data.

ECO 667 The Conservation Canon
This graduate-level course will expose students to seminal books that have influenced the environmental paradigm in the United States including: Henry David Thoreau's Walden, Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, and Robin Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass. Discussion will focus on students' impressions of the readings, how the authors have influenced current thinking, the contexts in which the books were written, and comparisons across books.

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.

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.

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.

ECO 690STA Data Simulation (1st sem)
Module will cover how to use data simulations for generalized linear models, generalized linear mixed models, and some state space models (like occupency models, N-mixture). The course will focus on statistical methods in the program R, and both frequentist and Bayesian methods will be covered to teach students how to develop a deeper understanding of models routinely used in ecology. This is a module taught over four weeks, where there is one 3 hour class meeting per week. During that class meeting, there will be a combination of lecture and lab, with most of the class time devoted to lab time.

ECO 690STB Data Visualization (1st sem)
Module will cover how to manipulate and extract data, how to create high-impact visualizations of common data analyses, the best techniques and methods to analyze and visualize data with R programming and creating dashboards and visual analytics. This module is taught over 4 weeks, where there is one 3 hour class meeting per week. During that class meeting, there will be a combination of lecture and lab, with most of the class time devoted to lab time.

ECO 690STC Data Wrangling (1st sem)
Module will cover the basic tools on transforming and working with data. Students will learn different ways to format data and think through workflows. The course will focus on data wrangling methods in the program R, but many of the ideas apply to any programming language. This module is taught over four weeks, where there is one 3 hour class meeting per week. During that class meeting, there will be a combination of lecture and lab, with most of the class time devoted to lab time.

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 691E Ecological Responses to Climate Change
This seminar will discuss recent and emerging topics of how climate change is impacting fish, wildlife and related natural resources. Students will become familiar with the latest literature and scientific approaches on ecological responses to climate change as well as management, conservation and adaptation strategies being implemented to decrease risk and vulnerability to climate and interactive stressors. Potential topics include climate niche, distribution and occupancy modeling, field surveys, and other techniques used to collect and analyze species responses to changing environmental conditions in terrestrial, aquatic and ocean ecosystems. This is a discussion based class; topics will be selected based on the specific interests of participants. Credit, 1. Ms. Morelli

ECO 692C Sustainable Building Systems Seminar (both sem)
Our Built Environment has a substantial impact on energy and material resources as well as being a critical determinant of health, comfort, and productivity for occupants. Additionally, there is the negative carbon impact on our environment; beginning with the embodied energy incorporated into the construction of a building followed by the lifelong accumulation of a building’s operational energy. In response, there are multiple subsets of disciplines and entities adopting green, sustainable criteria for new construction and renovations. This course offers students an opportunity to be exposed through lecture and discussion to many of these multiple disciplines. Required Lectures (4) and Elective Lectures (4) serve as a dynamic sampling of the multiple disciplines necessary to create or modify the Built Environment. Lectures presented by various educators, researchers, and practitioners; experts in their fields will provide students with a broadened perspective, which will help foster critical thinking and provide a more expansive view of the Built Environment. Finalize morphological identifications of study organism. Create UCE sequencing Library. Assist with other lab projects. Oversee undergraduate summer researchers. Credit, 1.

ECO 692M Migration Theory
Our understanding of animal migration has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent decades, but how do we know what we know? This seminar will focus on understanding the foundations of the modern study of migration and incorporate studies from a wide range of taxa. Course materials will emphasize a reading of both the classical and contemporary primary literature. Credit, 1.

ECO 692S Readings in Sustainable Building Systems (1st sem)
Students in this course will read and discuss current publications that span the entire field of our graduate program. Regularly scheduled discussions will be led by each member of our graduate faculty. This course provides an overview of the breadth and an introduction to the depth of research in our field and serves as a primer for all our graduate students. Department Faculty

ECO 693E Environmental Careers Seminar (1st sem)
This seminar offers students an opportunity to explore environmental careers that are appropriate for students in environmental conservation, sustainability science, and related fields. We will meet weekly to work on the requested elements for the professional world after graduation, such as resumes, networking, mentoring, interview skills, and more. We will also examine top sectors and growing fields to help students in professionally degree programs position themselves for their intended career.

ECO 696 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6.

ECO 698 Practicum/Non-thesis projects
Credit, 1-6

ECO 698S Sustainability Science Practicum
Credit, 1-6.

ECO 699 Master’s Thesis
Credit, 1-6.

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 790STA Applied Hierarchical Modeling in Ecology (2nd sem)
This course introduces students to advanced ecological modeling concepts that are common in modern ecological research. The class provides a gentle introduction to probability distributions, maximum likelihood estimation, and Bayesian inference, but focuses mainly on statistical applications in ecology. The first quarter of the class will be spent reviewing concepts modeling approaches, probability theory and basic statistics through generalized linear models. The second quarter of the class will introduce the concepts central to hierarchical modeling, review maximum likelihood estimation, and introduce Bayesian inference. The last half of the class will briefly introduce more advanced topics, including overcoming common data problems, mixed effects, capture-recapture, n-mixture, and occupancy.

ECO 899 Ph D Dissertation
Credit, 1-9.

ECO 698 Practicum/Non-thesis projects
Credit, 1-6

ECO 698S Sustainability Science Practicum
Credit, 1-6

ECO 699 Master’s Thesis
Credit, 1-6

ECO 768 Wetlands Ecology & Conservation
Ecological functions and assessment of resource values of wetlands. Major wetlands of the world used as case history studies.

ECO 796 Independent Study
Credit, 1-6

ECO 899 Doctoral Dissertation
Credit, 9

Related Courses - Environmental Science

ENVIRSCI 515 Microbiology of the Soil (1st sem)
Microbial processes in the soil and sediment environments. The ecology of the various microbial communities; the decomposition of organic matter, carbon transformations, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and other mineral transformations; chemistry of these reactions and their biogeochemical implications; biological equilibrium, the rhizosphere, and microbial associations. Prerequisites: basic biology and organic chemistry.

ENVIRSCI 554 Sustainable Food Systems (2nd sem)
Food systems, sovereignty, and security remain major issues of concern for producers, consumers, and policymakers at the dawn of the 21st Century, despite significant advances in transportation and technology. This course addresses these concerns by approaching food, the environment, and sustainability from an environmental anthropology perspective - critically examining the relationship between what we eat and who we are. Over the course of the semester, we will compare past, present, and future food systems in the United States with those in other parts of the world. We will also explore topics including food security, nutrition, aid, immigration, climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural production and diffusion. Also listed as NRC 554.

ENVIRSCI 562 Clean Energy and Climate Policy in Massachusetts (2nd sem)
Over the past 20 years, Massachusetts has sustained itself as a leader in clean energy policy, which has led to market development, job and economic growth, and reductions in greenhouse gas and other emissions. This course will provide direct insights into the brief history of these policy developments, including policy objectives, legislative and regulatory activities, tradeoffs of costs and benefits, analytical methods to establish program design, and stakeholder perspectives and engagement. The course will explore the market and economic development and challenges that have resulted from the policy, and explore the economic tradeoffs and distributional impacts that may result. Lastly, the course will consider the current energy and climate issues in Massachusetts and the latest policy development and proposals that will continue to define our energy future. Also listed as NRC 562.

ENVIRSCI 564H Environmental Soil Science (1st sem)
An examination of the basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil with emphasis on environmental science and natural resource applications. Soil's natural role in biome structure, nutrient cycling, water purification, and carbon storage will be explored. Processes important to soil and groundwater pollution (subsurface movement, attenuation, and remediation) will be discussed. Special attention given to wetland soil processes and the identification of hydric soils in the landscape. The society today - such as food security, adequate clean water, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and waste disposal. Some out-of-class field exercises are required. Credit, 4.

ENVIRSCI 565 Soil Formation and Classification (2nd sem, alternate yrs)
Effect of environmental factors on soil formation and land use. Relationship between soil morphology, classification, and use interpretations. Application of soils information to on-site sewage disposal, wetland delineation, and other environmentally significant problems areas. Prerequisite: introductory course in chemistry, geology, soils, or environmental science; or consent of instructor. With lab. Also listed as STOCKSCH 565. Credit, 4.

ENVIRSCI 575 Environmental Soil Chemistry (1st sem)
Fundamental chemical processes in soils such as precipitation/dissolution, ion exchange, redox reactions, partitioning and adsorption, and ion speciation as well as the nature of soil minerals and organic matter. Chemical processes affecting fate, transport, availability and remediation of heavy metals and organic contaminants in soils and other related terrestrial environments also addressed. Computer models used to examine some current environmental, agricultural, and engineering problems. Problem solving requiring algebraic and numerical manipulations. With lab. Also listed as STOCKSCH 575. Prerequisites: CHEM 110 or 111 and basic course in soil science. Credit, 4.

ENVIRSCI 580 Potable Water Small & Disadvantaged Communities (1st sem)
Access to and the provision of safe drinking water is essential for human life, yet provision of such services is challenging, even within the USA. In this course, we examine the physical, technical, political, economic, and social factors that affect the provision of water in rural and disadvantaged communities. Interdisciplinary teams of students will work together over the semester to study, visit, and make recommendations as to how to address problems from a specific nearby public water system (i.e., the "study site" or "field site"). The study site(s) will be selected by the course instructors in consultation with the New England state water administrators. The instructors will then work with each of the student teams to begin addressing the problems at the assigned study sites. This will include: (1) documenting the system and its challenges based on existing records at the state offices and community files; (2) identification of the key stakeholders, (3) on-site or video meetings with those key stakeholders; (4) development of a preliminary report on the system needs, problems, and solutions already proposed by the stakeholders; (5) development of a plan and report including proposals for new, alternative solutions to the identified problems. In addition to the problem-based learning activities, students will hear from practitioners in the field, including learn about case studies of innovations and actions taken by entities such as the Res-Eau Community Circle program and (e.g., Community Engineering Corps) to address the challenge of public supply in the USA. Also listed as CE-ENG 580.

ENVIRSCI 585 Inorganic contaminants in Soil, Water, and Sediments (2nd sem)
Physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting the fate and transport of inorganic contaminants (including heavy metals) in soil, water and sediment. Sources, chemistry, pedogenic and geochemical behavior of these contaminants and methods used for their analysis. Risk assessment, and remediation technologies, options, and goals. Prerequisites: CHEM 111 and 112, knowledge of college algebra, basic soil science, and transition metal chemistry, or permission of instructor. Also listed as STOCKSCH 585.

ENVIRSCI 587 Phyto/Bioremediation (1st sem)
This course will cover the various aspects of phytoremediation - the use of plants (both natural hyper-accumulators and transgenic) and their associated microbes with the purpose of environmental clean-up of contaminated soil, sediments, and water. Various strategies for phytoremediation of a wide range of toxic pollutants, both organic and elemental, with a special emphasis on toxic metals will be discussed. Prerequisite: BIOLOGY 103, BIOLOGY 152, or STOCKSCH 384. Also listed as STOCKSCH 587. Mr. Dhankher.

ENVIRSCI 589 Responding to Climate change: Mitigation and Adaptation (2nd term)
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. Also listed as NRC 589.