Undergraduate Course Catalog 2008-2009

Thompson School of Applied Science

» http://www.thompsonschool.unh.edu/

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 and 14 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 entrance to 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 commercial kitchen and dining area, a student study and lounge area, a computer laboratory, a small classroom, and administrative offices.

Putnam Hall houses an architecture lab, a surveying and mapping lab, a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab, a computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory, an agricultural mechanization shop (welding, engines), classrooms, and faculty offices.

Students enrolled in Restaurant Management gain practical experience in two on-campus restaurants: Stacey's Buffet and the Balcony Bistro, both located in Cole Hall and operated during the academic year. A paid supervised internship of 400-600 hours is required over the summer between the first and second year of studies to provide students with industry experience.
Culinary Arts students are engaged in a carefully designed curriculum combining theory with more than 700 hours of practical application of culinary techniques in state-of-the-art production kitchens located on UNH's campus. Students are also required to complete a summer work experience of a minimum of 400 hours at a pre-approved establishment between their first and second years of study.
Forest Technology students integrate all aspects of forest management as they complete projects on more than 3,000 acres of University land. Using the school's sawmill and harvesting equipment, they contribute to the sustainable management of UNH lands. In the classroom and the forest they develop skills and techniques in boundary surveying, mapping, forest inventory, forest planning, reforestation, and forest land protection.
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.
Applied Business Management students enjoy the combination of academic and industry-based education and training in all aspects of managing and/or owning small- to medium-sized businesses and organizations. The N.H. Seacoast Area business community serves as our working laboratory for students who observe operations, conduct interviews, and perform a wide variety of business analyses with local merchants, entrepreneurs, and other community leaders.
Whether the specialty is dairy, equine, or small animals, students in Applied Animal Science utilize professional quality facilities both on and off campus. On-campus facilities include the Thomas P. Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center, UNH's equine facilities, and the Thompson School Grooming Shop. Our small animal care program partners with the New Hampshire SPCA.
Civil Technology students have a variety of classroom experiences ranging from an in-lab materials testing facility to two Civil Technology computer facilities with 24-hour, 7-day access featuring the latest software for surveying and mapping, architectural and computer-aided design. GPS (Global Positioning System) software is also available. The civil technology suite of spaces provides a ready access to learning and development.
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 Leadership gain enriching experiences working with organizations such as Families First, the N.H. Housing Partnership, the 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 (see the following section), 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 for a minimum of one credit hour;
one course in mathematics (minimum of three credit hours);
two to three courses in communications, to include COM 209, Expository Writing and Reading, plus elective(s) for a minimum of six credit hours;
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 (minimum of six credit hours).

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 following Programs 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.