Undergraduate Course Catalog 2006-2007

Thompson School of Applied Science

» http://www.unh.edu/thompson-school/

Director: Regina A. Smick-Attisano
Assistant Director: Cynthia Giguère

Introduction

The Thompson School of Applied Science, established in 1895, is a division of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture within the University offering the associate in applied science degree. The Thompson School of Applied Science offers 13 program specializations. They comprise a balance of professional, science-related, and general education courses in applied curriculums that prepare students to meet the specific demands of a technical or applied profession, continuing education, and the general demands of life.

The faculty at the Thompson School of Applied Science have significant work experience in industry and business; extensive and up-to-date knowledge of their specialties; ongoing contacts with practicing professionals; dedication to students and to excellence in education; and a commitment to practical, science-based education. They work closely with students, providing academic advising, career counseling, and special assistance when needed.

Located at the western edge of campus, the Thompson School's classrooms, laboratories, and working enterprises are designed for career-related experience under realistic conditions.

Barton Hall contains an animal science lab, a food preparation lab, a state-of-the-art grooming facility, several classrooms, and faculty offices.

Cole Hall includes a 150-seat lecture auditorium, a restaurant-style kitchen and dining area, a student study and lounge area, a computer laboratory, a computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory, a small classroom, and administrative offices.

Putnam Hall houses an architecture lab, a surveying and mapping lab, a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab, an agricultural mechanization shop, classrooms, and faculty offices.

Students enrolled in Restaurant Management gain practical experience in three campus restaurants: the UNH Dairy Bar; and Stacey's and the Balcony Bistro, both located in Cole Hall.

Forest Technology students use a sawmill facility near campus to integrate the process of harvesting trees from a managed forest with the production of quality forest products. Students assist in the management of the UNH woodlands (a Certified Tree Farm) by participating in mapping and inventory, and in reforestation and forest protection projects.

Horticultural Technology students have the use of the Thompson School horticultural facility, with glass and poly covered greenhouses, propagating facilities, refrigerated compartments, display gardens, and the campus arboretum.

Businessstudents focus on small-to-medium size enterprises and gain real world experience through internships and courses such as Applied Sales. The capstone course, Business Policy, is designed so students can create their own business to market a product and generate revenues used to support scholarships and special projects.

Whether the specialty is dairy, equine or small animals, students in Applied Animal Science utilize professional quality facilities on campus, such as the Dairy Center or Grooming Lab. The University's herd of Morgans, Thoroughbreds, and Warmbloods are ridden on nearby trails, and in the outside or indoor arenas during class sessions.

Civil Technology students access the state-of-the-art CAD (computer aided design) lab 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Along with the laboratory, they may also access a National Autodesk training facility in Cole Hall. These facilities are complemented by the use of GPS (global positioning system) surveying equipment used in the field.

Dietetic Technician students learn to assess dietary intakes and make nutrition recommendations using the most up-to-date nutrient analysis software. Outside the classroom, students make a positive impact on the lives of others through 450 hours of supervised practice that may include such activities as teaching nutrition to preschool children, providing nutrition education in a clinic for pregnant women, and promoting healthy eating to clients in a weight management program.

Students majoring in Community Leadershipgain enriching experiences working with organizations such as Families First, NH Housing Partnership, Red Cross, New Hampshire Public Television's station and on-campus groups. Students are involved with creating, operating and evaluating these service-learning activities.

Associate in Applied Science

To graduate with an associate in applied science degree, a student must complete specified coursework in general education, technical specialization, and general electives (defined below), with an overall grade-point average of no less than 2.00 (out of 4.00). In addition, students must earn the minimum number of total credits required for each specialization.

General Education

These are courses designed for personal and professional development with special emphasis on the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to understand computer technology, and to process quantitative data. In addition, they serve to acquaint the student with some of the major modes of thought necessary to understand oneself, others, society, and the environment.

In this area a student must complete:

one course in computer literacy;
one course in mathematics;
two to three courses in communications, to include COM 209, Expository Writing and Reading, plus elective(s);
two to three courses in social sciences, the arts, or the humanities, to include either SSCI 201 Human Relations, or SSCI 202 Social Issues, plus an elective.

Technical Specialization

These are courses designed to develop the necessary scientific knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience required for employment in a professional discipline. Each student must complete all technical courses specified in the selected program of study.

See the Program of Study sections for course requirements and descriptions.

General Electives

This component of the degree program allows the individual to pursue courses of personal or professional interest. In this area, a student may choose a number of courses in each program of study specified as electives. These may be chosen from courses offered by the Thompson School or from selected University undergraduate courses with adviser approval.