Natural Resources and Environmental Science

Undergraduate Level/Lower-Division Courses

NRES 200 Environmental Science Seminar
Sem. 2. Class 1, cr. 1. Pass/not-pass grading option only.

An introductory and general inquiry about changes in environmental quality generated by human activities and careers in the environmental sciences.

NRES 230 Survey of Meteorology (EAS 221)
Sem. 1 and 2. Class 3, cr. 3.

An introductory course for both science and non-science students. A general study of the atmosphere, basic meteorological principles, and weather systems. Relationships of the changing atmosphere to climate, ozone depletion, and other contemporary issues.

NRES 255 Soil Science (AGRY 255)
Sem. 1 and 2. Class 1, rec. 1, lab. 3, cr. 3. Prerequisite: one year of college chemistry.

Differences in soils; soils genesis; physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils; relation of soils to problems of land use and pollution; soil management relative to tillage, erosion, drainage, moisture supply, temperature, aeration, fertility, and plant nutrition. Introduction to fertilizer chemistry and use.

NRES 280 Hazardous Waste Handling
Sem. 1 and 2. Class 2, cr. 2.

Presents a working knowledge of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response regulatory requirements. The course provides students with the information they need to protect themselves and others at the job site and gives students experience in making decisions, performing tasks, and using the equipment they will encounter in the environmental workplace. The course meets OSHA standards for the 40-hour HAZWOPER certification, 29CFR1910.120. Students successfully completing the course with a grade of C or better will receive the 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.

NRES 290 Introduction to Environmental Science (AGRY 290, EAS 113)
Sem. 2. Class 3, cr. 3.

An introduction to environmental science, including issues such as air and water pollution, toxic waste disposal, soil erosion, natural hazards, climate change, energy resources, and environmental planning. Includes extensive in-class discussion of case studies.

Undergraduate Level/Upper-Division Courses

NRES 305 Environmental Decision-Making
Sem. 2. Class 3, cr. 3.

This course will discuss alternative ways of looking at environmental problems and assist the student with incorporating good science into a decision-making framework.

NRES 400 Natural Resources and Environmental Science Study Abroad
Sem. 1 and 2. SS. Cr. 0-8. May be repeated for credit.

Utilized to record credits earned through participation in Purdue study abroad programs with cooperating foreign universities.

NRES 450 Soil Conservation and Water Management (AGRY 450 )
Sem. 1. Class 2, lab. 3, cr. 3. Prerequisite: NRES 255 or 270.

Principles of soil conservation with emphasis on control of soil erosion by wind and water; impact of soil management decisions on environment; soil-water-plant relations, includes agronomic aspects of water management for both irrigation and drainage.

NRES 497 Natural Resources and Environmental Science Seminar
Sem. 1. Class 1, cr. 1 (el. 7).

Weekly discussion on assigned topics in natural resources and environmental science, employment-related areas, and interviewing skills.

NRES 498 Individual Studies in Environmental Science
Sem. 1 and 2. SS. Cr. 1-3. Prerequisite: arrangements must be made with a Natural Resources and Environmental Science Program faculty member before registration.

An opportunity for upper-level undergraduates to focus their interests and knowledge on an environmentally related problem.

Dual Level/Undergraduate-Graduate

NRES 581 Ecological Impact Analysis (FNR 581)
Sem. 1. Class 2, lab. 3, cr. 3. Prerequisite: one course in statistics and one course in ecology. Offered in odd-numbered years.

An ecological approach to the management and use of natural resources. Students will evaluate environmental impact statements and analyze relative ecological benefits of alternative actions. Discussion of ecological information needed for environmental impact assessment.

NRES 585 Soils and Land Use (AGRY 585)
Sem. 2. Class 2, lab. 3, cr. 3. Prerequisite: a soils course or a geology course.

Soils as a resource in development planning; soil properties affecting land use; use of soil survey, aerial photos, topographic maps, and other resource data in land-use allocation; non-engineering aspects of site selection for various land uses, water conservation, waste disposal, and erosion control.

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