Natural Resources
Program Competencies for NRD
Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to:
- Apply mathematical models, including algebra, to natural resources concepts and models.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ecological principles.
- Use computer technology as it applies to biology and natural resources principles.
- Analyze soil samples for pH, chemicals, bacteria, mold, growth potential, etc.
- Sample water and air, analyze data, report in proper format, and determine cause of abnormal data.
- Analyze growth requirements of a variety of animal types.
- Organize and apply knowledge applicable to management of a greenhouse.
- Employ principles of plant science and pathology to greenhouse procedures and forestry management.
- Access pertinent environmental laws and regulations as applied to hazardous materials, wetlands, recycling, and others applicable to natural resources management.
- Exhibit employment skills applicable to a variety of technician level titles.
Technical Standards1 for NRD
| 1 | For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see Technical Standards. |
Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
- Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
- Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
- Complete repetitive tasks such as transplanting and trimming while maintaining attention to detail.
- Work at tasks with minimum supervision and with constant awareness of the development of impending problems, such as insect/mold infestations.
- Purchase, store, apply, and properly dispose of materials such as fertilizers and pesticides, with regard to the law and with respect.
- Work as part of a team in areas often cramped for space such as greenhouse workstations.
- Function well in outdoor natural settings such as bogs/swamps while dressed in suitable/uncomfortable gear and under less than ideal conditions of temperature, moisture, and insects.
- Possess an adequate level of physical dexterity and strength to lift/maneuver bags of soil/fertilizer and to properly and safely operate equipment such as saws, sprayers, and trimmers.
Natural Resources Degree (NRD)
Natural resources covers a range of environmental occupations in horticulture/floriculture, agriculture, forestry, and recycling fields. Because of a growing appreciation and heightened awareness of the nation’s natural resources, opportunities in these fields are growing. The Natural Resources degree program provides students with a background in practical plant and animal science, basic ecology, and other environmentally-oriented subjects. Along with courses that examine the structure and function of ecosystems, and the state laws and regulations designed to protect them, students will learn about the principles of soils as they relate to biological systems, environmental chemistry, and recycling. MWCC offers the perfect setting for the natural resources program by providing hundreds of acres of undeveloped plant communities and forested areas, two pond ecosystems, and a life studies center consisting of a greenhouse, potting area, and lecture facility.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 126 | Topics In Mathematics (or higher) | 4 |
| BIO 116 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIO 102 | Introduction To Forestry | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| BIO 140 | Introduction To Greenhouse Management | 4 |
| CIS 127 | Computer Technologies | 3 |
| General Elective 1 | 3 | |
| BIO 120 | Horticulture | 4 |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIO 130 | Plant Science | 4 |
| CHE 120 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
| NRD Professional Elective (see list below) | 4 | |
| Humanities Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Health Elective (see list below) | 2-4 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIO 122 | Zoology: The Biology Of Animals | 4 |
| BIO 220 | Soil Science | 4 |
| NRD 232 | Global Environmental Issues (Capstone Course) | 3 |
| NRD 220 | Practicum In Natural Resources | 3-4 |
| Social Science Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits: | 66-69 | |
| 1 | General Electives: See General Electives exceptions. |
| 2 | Humanities Electives: ART, ASL, DAN, ENG, FRE, HUM, MUS, PHL, SPA, SPC, THE |
| 3 | Social Science Electives: ANT, ECO, GEO, HIS, POL, PSY, SOC, SSC |
NRD Professional Electives
| Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 104 | Introduction To Natural Resource Conservation | 4 |
| BIO 141 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Agriculture | 4 |
| BIO 145 | Introduction to Field Biology | 4 |
| EAS 125 | Physical Geology of the Earth | 4 |
| EAS 126 | Weather and Climate | 4 |
| EGM 104 | Renewable Energy Sources | 4 |
Health Electives
| Credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO 101 | Introduction To Nutrition (formerly NUT101) | 3 |
| BIO 103 | Human Health And Disease | 3 |
| BIO 112 | Biology Of Cancer | 3 |
| BIO 230 | Nutrition, Health, And Sustainability | 3 |
| CHC 101 | Complementary Health Care | 3 |
| CHC 102 | Foundations of Yoga | 3 |
| CHC 108 | Transforming Stress | 3 |
| CHC 220 | Mind-Body-Spirit Connection | 3 |
| EXS 102 | Principles Of Anatomy And Kinesiology | 3 |
| EXS 201 | Exercise Science And Nutrition | 4 |
| PER 126 | Fitness And Wellness | 2 |
| PER 127 | Weight Management through Walking and Resistance Training | 2 |
| PER 130 | Health, Fitness, And Wellness | 3 |
See the natural resources general information for program competencies and technical standards.
Campus/format
Click here for information on the campus/format.
Helpful hints
Since the Natural Resources program is a rigorous curriculum in the sciences, students who have taken previous high school or college science courses or have a background in the sciences will be best prepared. Also, since the focus of the curriculum is on plant science, an interest in horticulture and plant biology is recommended.
Transfer options
For transfer options, please click here. It is recommended that you also consult with your academic advisor.
Special requirements
A 120-hour practicum is required. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.
Career options
For career options, please click here.
Earning potential
$24,900 to $53,800
Courses
NRD 220. Practicum In Natural Resources. 3-4 Credit.
The practicum experience allows students practice in a field specific to their interest and based upon strengths of the curriculum. The practicum, developed and defined in cooperation with faculty, department chair, the student, and the practicum supervisor, requires a 10-15 hours per week commitment above and beyond other required coursework. The practicum experience will be monitored with regular progress updates and then detailed and summarized by the student at the conclusion. Possible practicum experiences may include, but are not limited to, working within one of the agricultural, environmental, non¬profit, or regional planning agencies, private industries, cities/towns, or educational institutions in the surrounding region. Prerequisites: Permission of division dean and completion of most NRD/BIO program-related courses.
NRD 232. Global Environmental Issues (Capstone Course). 3 Credits.
This is a capstone course typically taken in the last semester before graduating after most or all of the NRD major courses have been successfully completed. This course is a study of environmental issues from both global and local perspectives. In this course students will research the major environmental issues taking into account the ecological principles, cultural impact, economic factors, and political controversies that shape each problem. Students will compare the environmental impact of these issues in Massachusetts and in a variety of countries, cultures, and ecosystems. As a capstone course, students will be expected to demonstrate mastery and integration of previous NRD major coursework, both in written assignments and class discussions. Prerequisites: Completion of all or most Natural Resources major courses and permission of division dean. Spring.