Undergraduate Core Curriculum | Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources | The University of Vermont(title)

The Core Curriculum's seven required courses (25 total credits) are taken sequentially and cut across all academic programs within the Rubenstein School, integrating the natural and social sciences to foster a deeper understanding of complex environmental issues.

Goal Statement

By offering a scaffolded set of required core courses grounded in environmental and natural resource content, we prepare our students to successfully integrate and apply knowledge across disciplinary boundaries in their personal and professional lives. Students will embody the values central to the mission of the Rubenstein School, develop leadership and problem-solving skills, participate in experiential learning, and identify areas for personal growth and continuous improvement.

An infographic depicting the courses offered in the RSENR Core Curriculum, all of which are outlined in writing via the core curriculum page previously linked.

Core Course Descriptions

NR 1010 + 2020 Natural History and Human Ecology
Body

A two-semester course with introduction to dynamics of the natural world and basic concepts of biological, chemical, physical, and ecological sciences and application and interpretation of quantitative measurements. Emphasis on social/cultural perspectives and environmental history, values, and ethics with application to natural resource and environmental policy. (4 + 4 credits)

 

NR 1050 Critical Reflection and Dialogue
Body

An opportunity for first-year students to develop skills of critical reflection and dialogue through the examination of several environmental issues, and to build strong working relationships with peers and faculty. Includes nuanced, personal conversations in small and large groups, and considers disparate viewpoints and experiences. (1 credit)

NR 1060 Race and Culture in Natural Resources
Body

Introduces the first-year student to issues of race and culture and their relevance to society, natural resources, and the environment. (3 credits)

NR 1090 Vermont: Natural and Cultural History
Body

Introduces students transferring into the Rubenstein School to natural resources and the environment from biological, ecological, and social/cultural perspectives. This course is taken in place of NR 1010 + 1020. (4 credits)

NR 2030 Ecology, Ecosystems and Environment
Body

Major ecological concepts and their application. Analysis of form, structure and function of organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems and landscapes. (3 credits)

NR 2040 Social Processes and the Environment
Body

Social science theories and their application to environmental issues. Analysis of issues using theories of government, economics, and social movements. Emphasis on integrating frameworks to analyze environmental issues. (3 credits)

NR 3050 Ecosystem Management: Integrating science, society and policy
Body

Integration of natural and social science into ecosystem management and policy. Consideration of ecosystem integrity, ecosystem degradation, human needs and values and the application of management principles within a holistic context. (3 credits)

NR 4060 Environmental Problem Solving and Impact Assessment
Body

Group dynamics, impact assessment, risk assessment and decision making. Emphasis on the process of solving complex environmental problems, interdisciplinary team work, and the National Environmental Policy Act. (4 credits)

Core Competencies and Knowledge Areas

Competencies

  1. Communication: Students will be able to employ effective speaking, writing, listening, and digital communication techniques. Communications Rubric A (PDF) and Communications Rubric B (PDF)
  2. Teamwork: Students will be able to contribute to collaborative efforts, facilitate contributions of others, and address conflict directly and constructively. Teamwork Rubric (PDF)
  3. Working across difference: Students will be able to critically examine dimensions of difference and apply a nuanced understanding of power and privilege through effective communication. Working Across Difference Rubric (PDF)
  4. Problem solving: Students will be able to design, evaluate, and employ appropriate frameworks in order to effect change and generate collaborative solutions to complex problems. Problem Solving Rubric (PDF)
  5. Inquiry and analysis: Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills and employ qualitative and quantitative methodologies in order to formulate questions and evaluate core knowledge areas. Inquiry and Analysis Rubric A (PDF) and Inquiry and Analysis Rubric B (PDF)
  6. Integrative learning: Students will be able to synthesize and transfer learning to complex situations across disciplinary boundaries through the application of critical reflection skills. Integrative Learning (PDF)

Knowledge Areas

  1. Ecological processes and systems: Students will be able to identify and describe basic ecological processes and systems.
  2. Social processes and systems: Students will be able to identify, interpret, and analyze cultural, economic, historical, and political dynamics of environmental issues.
  3. Planning and management: Students will be able to describe effective strategies in ecological planning, management, stewardship, and conservation of natural resources.
  4. Sustainability: Students will be able to discuss social, economic, and ecological principles of sustainability.

Maps