The OASIS First-Year Seminar is specifically designed to help undeclared students make a smooth transition to college, identify programs of interest, and be successful at UMass. The curriculum covers the process of declaring a major (self-assessment, career & majors exploration), as well as time management, essential skills and how to navigate UMass requirements, opportunities, resources and procedures. OASIS instructors also serve as the student's academic advisor for the semester; students will be required to meet with them, and complete in- and out-of-class assignments.

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Survey with emphasis on the successful design of insects and their innovative features. Aspects of insect biology, including communication, defense, feeding, and mating behaviors. Social behavior with a focus on termite, ant, and honey bee societies. Beneficial uses of insects such as silk and pollination, and negative interactions with humans, including disease vectors, parasites, and crop pests. (Gen.Ed. BS) Formerly ENTOMOL 126.

Course covers watershed-scale and ecosystem-based approaches to natural resources conservation and environmental decisions. Students will learn various approaches and fundamental concepts for integrating biological, physical, hydrological, and socioeconomics with a trans-disciplinary perspective.

Description not available at this time

Using the understanding gained from previous coursework in pathology, entomology, dendrology, soil science and professional knowledge from work experience in the green industry, students will explore proper techniques and procedures relative to the identification of plant health-related concerns, proper sample submission to lab facilities and plant health care policy and decision-making.

Introduction to the principles of ecology, including structure and dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Applications of ecological principles to current problems in natural resource management and conservation. Restricted to majors in the Department of Natural Resources Conservation. (Gen.Ed. BS)

Restoration ecology is the returning of damaged ecosystems or particular properties of a desired state of ecological health. For purposes of this course, this field can be divided into four topics: 1) remediation of damaged sites where no return to original conditions is possible (e.g. strip-mined sites), 2) restoration of missing natural processes (fire, flood cycles, etc.), 3) return of missing native species or protection of declining native species, and 4) elimination or management of damaging invasive species.

In this course we will cover aspects of arboricultural practice - including pruning, cabling, rigging, and tree risk assessment - in great depth. We will reference arboricultural standards, best management practices, and the primary scientific literature to gain a mechanical perspective. We will also introduce basic research methods related to investigating the mechanical aspects of arboricultural practice.

This course provides a professional opportunity to gain inventory experience. Students in interdisciplinary teams generate/analyze resource inventory data and provide a professional-grade report to a community or conservation organization.