The course will be structured around the advanced methods that have enhanced our understating of forest ecosystems. The course will explore concepts and techniques to address the changes in climatic cycles, the implications of wide-scale pollution, fire and other ecological disturbances that have an effect on forests ecosystems. Topics to be covered include forest water and biogeochemical cycles, forest ecology, forest diversity and global forest ecology. A field trip to the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest or another location in the White Mountain National Forest is included. Prerequisite: demonstration of competency in biogeochemistry, chemistry, ecology and quantitative analysis; or permission of instructor.
Please note this class includes Friday field trips with dates to be determined.
Communicating about environmental science is an important skill and helps in linking environmental science and policy. This course will provide an introduction to environmental science communication concepts, explore historical and theoretical aspects of environmental communication, and develop communication and outreach skills through a variety of activities and projects. Connections will be made to students? research interests and projects to assist them in conveying their work to multiple audiences.
This course will examine the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems. Topics to be covered will include the geology, chemistry, physics and biology of such systems. Special emphasis will be given to biogeochemical cycles, energy flow and productivity, and relationships of freshwater systems to human existence. Lab work will include studies of both lotic and lentic systems.
Please note there are required Saturday field trips with dates yet to be determined.
This course expands on Watershed Hydrology (ESP 5320) by taking a closer look at the contaminants carried by water as it moves through the hydrologic cycle. Studied contaminants will include water temperature (an EPA recognized contaminant), pH, nutrients, metals, and organic toxics such as pesticides. We will study the distribution of these contaminants and the theories necessary to understand their fate and transport in watersheds.
Students select a topic in consultation with their advisor and committee. A timeline, proposal, and defense are outlined. A final thesis is prepared in accordance with program thesis guidelines.