-
John D. Aber
PROFESSOR -
Russell G. Congalton
PROFESSORProgram Coordinator for Environmental Conservation & Sustainability -
Jessica G. Ernakovich
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR -
Serita D. Frey
PROFESSOR -
Andrew Stuart Grandy
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR -
Thomas D. Lee
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORGraduate Program Coordinator -
William H. McDowell
PROFESSOR -
Scott V. Ollinger
PROFESSOR -
Adam S. Wymore
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Environmental Sciences Major: Ecosystems Option B.S.

Program Overview
What is the study of ecosystems in environmental sciences?
Environmental sciences is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape our natural environment. In the ecosystems concentration, students focus on the interactions between living and non-living things within a specific area. Students also develop a basic understanding of environmental policy, field methods appropriate for entry-level environmental science positions, and geographic information systems (GIS) and learn how to communicate effectively with both scientific and lay audiences and contribute to multidisciplinary teams.
Why study ecosystems in environmental sciences at UNH?
UNH is a recognized leader in environmental sciences research, and environmental sciences majors benefit from the significant depth and breadth of faculty expertise in the areas of biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science and water resource management. Students graduate with a comprehensive skillset that prepares them for work at government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and environmental and university research labs. Students are encouraged to participate in faculty research projects and UNH’s EcoQuest study abroad program in New Zealand, and many graduates continue to master’s and doctoral programs.
Potential careers
- Advocacy and regulatory affairs
- Education and outreach
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental monitoring
- Environmental organizations
- Research
Contact
Wendy F. Rose
114 James Hall
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: (603) 862-1022
Curriculum & Requirements
The College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA) and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) jointly offer a bachelor of science degree in environmental sciences. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field concerned with the interaction of biological, chemical, and physical processes that shape the environment, and control the response of natural systems to human activities. Students graduating with a degree in environmental sciences will have an understanding of these interacting processes, experience working in interdisciplinary teams to apply this understanding, and the ability to communicate effectively with both scientific and lay audiences. While in this program, students will acquire significant experience with field, laboratory and analytical methods appropriate for employment in professional environmental science positions as well as a basic understanding of environmental policy. The University of New Hampshire is a recognized leader in environmental sciences research, and the environmental sciences program capitalizes on faculty expertise in this area. Program faculty emphasize teaching and research in the areas of biogeochemical cycling, environmental chemistry, ecosystem science, global change, hydrology, plant ecology, soil science, and water resource management among many other fields.
Employment opportunities include environmental consulting firms; educational facilities (e.g., science centers), environmental monitoring laboratories (e.g., water treatment plants, the Environmental Protection Agency), government agencies (e.g., the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resource Conservation Service), university and government research laboratories, and nongovernment environmental organizations. The environmental sciences program also constitutes an excellent preparation for graduate programs in several areas relating to the environment.
The Program has four options, and specific course requirements for the major vary by option. The ecosystems and soils and watersheds options are both managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in COLSA, and the geosystems and hydrology options are both managed by Earth Sciences in CEPS.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Scope of the Major (Introduction - 3 Courses) | 9 | |
NR 400 | Professional Perspectives in Natural Resources | |
NR 403 | Introduction to Environmental Science | |
NR 435 | Contemporary Conservation Issues and Environmental Awareness | |
or NR 437 | Principles of Sustainability | |
The Scientific Basis (Foundation - 7 Courses) | 28 | |
Biology I: | ||
BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | |
Biology II: | ||
NR 439 | Environmental Biology | |
or BIOL 411 | Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular | |
Chemistry I: | ||
CHEM 403 | General Chemistry I | |
or CHEM 405 | Chemical Principles for Engineers | |
or CHEM 411 | Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences | |
Chemistry II: | ||
NR 561 | Chemistry of the Environment | |
or CHEM 404 | General Chemistry II | |
Physics: | ||
PHYS 401 | Introduction to Physics I | |
or PHYS 407 | General Physics I | |
Calculus: | ||
MATH 424B | Calculus for Life Sciences | |
or MATH 425 | Calculus I | |
Statistics: | ||
BIOL 528 | Applied Biostatistics I | |
or EREC 525 | Statistical Methods and Applications | |
Earth and its Systems (Core - 6 Courses) | 24 | |
Earth Science: | ||
ESCI 401 | Dynamic Earth | |
or ESCI 402 | Earth History | |
or ESCI 409 | Geology and the Environment | |
Aquatic Science: | ||
NR 504 | Freshwater Resources | |
Soils: | ||
NR 501 | Studio Soils | |
Climate/Weather: | ||
ESCI 514 | Introduction to Climate | |
or GEOG 473 | Elements of Weather | |
or GEOG 670 | Climate and Society | |
Ecology: | ||
NR 527 | Forest Ecology | |
or BIOL 541 | General Ecology | |
Human Dimensions: | ||
NR 602 | Natural Resources and Environmental Policy | |
or NR 662 | Environmental Policy, Planning and Sustainability in New Zealand | |
or NR 507 | Introduction to our Energy System and Sustainable Energy | |
or NR 784 | Sustainable Living - Global Perspectives | |
Environmental Toolkit (Methods - 2 Courses) | 7-8 | |
Select two courses from the following: | ||
ESCI 534 | Techniques in Environmental Sciences | |
NR 658 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | |
or ESCI 777 | GIS for Earth & Environmental Sciences | |
NR 757 | Remote Sensing of the Environment | |
ESCI 778 | Remote Sensing Earth & Environmental Sciences | |
NR 713 | Quantitative Ecology | |
Ecosystem Integration (Advanced Topics - 4 Courses) | 16 | |
Population and Community Ecology: | ||
NR 765 | Community Ecology | |
or NR 734 | Tropical Ecology | |
or NR 706 | Soil Ecology | |
or NR 660 | Ecology and Biogeography of New Zealand | |
or NR 640 | Wildlife Population Ecology | |
or NR 642 | Introduction to Biogeography | |
or NR 603 | Landscape Ecology | |
or BIOL 720 | Plant-Animal Interactions | |
Ecosystems: | ||
NR 730 | Terrestrial Ecosystems | |
or NR 751 | Aquatic Ecosystems | |
or NR 661 | Restoration Ecology and Ecosystem Management in New Zealand | |
Biogeochemistry: | ||
NR 744 | Biogeochemistry | |
or NR 761 | Environmental Soil Chemistry | |
or NR 703 | Watershed Water Quality Management | |
or ESCI 642 | Biogeosciences in the Earth System | |
Environmental Problem Solving: | ||
ESCI 654 | Fate and Transport in the Environment | |
or NR 707 | Environmental Modeling | |
or EREC 760 | Ecological-Economic Modeling for Decision Making | |
or NR 749 | Forest Inventory and Modeling | |
Integration and Research (The Capstone Experience) | ||
Capstone: | ||
NR 663 | Applied Directed Research in New Zealand | |
or NR 786 | Leadership for Sustainability | |
or NR 795 | Investigations | |
or NR 799 | Honors Senior Thesis | |
Every student must complete a capstone experience senior year, or during the summer before senior year if at least 90 credit hours have been completed. A Contract form provided by the Program must be completed and signed by the student, the adviser, and the capstone mentor (faculty or off-campus) by the end of Junior Year. | ||
Total Credits | 84-85 |
NR 791 - Preparation for Capstone (1 Credit, credit/fail) - is offered every spring. While not required for graduation, it is recommended for second semester juniors who need guidance in terms of developing a capstone project and completing the Capstone Contract.
Explore Program Details
Rigorous academic pursuit and hands-on learning from the mountains to the sea. Full immersion learning at a diversity of sites in the North and South Islands.
Xi Sigma Pi is facilitated through the UNH NREN department. Its goal is to unite likeminded individuals through service and fraternal spirit through a shared enjoyment of the environment. In addition, members receive recognition for their service by earning a cord to wear during graduation. Opportunities to take up leadership roles and give back to the NREN department are abundant.