The Core Curriculum of the Rubenstein School is carefully designed to cultivate the skills and knowledge that our faculty believe are central to the study of natural resources and the environment. The Core Curriculum's eight required courses (23 total credits) are taken sequentially and cut across all academic programs within the School, integrating the natural and social sciences in an effort to foster a deeper understanding of complex environmental issues.
Core Course Descriptions
NR 1 + 2 Natural History and Human Ecology
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 6 Race and Culture in Natural Resources
Introduces the first-year student to issues of race and culture and their relevance to society, natural resources, and the environment. (2 credits)
NR 9 Vermont: Natural and Cultural History
Introduces students transferring into the Rubenstein School to natural resources and the environment from biological, ecological, and social/cultural perspectives. (4 credits)
NR 103 Ecology, Ecosystems and Environment
Major ecological concepts and their application. Analysis of form, structure and function of organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems and landscapes. (3 credits)
NR 104 Social Processes and the Environment
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 205 Ecosystem Management: Integrating science, society and policy
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 206 Environmental Problem Solving and Impact Assessment
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)
NR 207 Power, Privilege and Environment
This course provides seniors with the opportunity to understand aspects of power, privilege, and injustice and its implications for the natural resource and environmental fields. (1 credit)
