Undergraduate Course Catalog 2010-2011
Thompson School of Applied Science
» http://www.thompsonschool.unh.edu/
Director: Regina A. Smick-Attisano
Assistant Director: Deborah Pack (TSAS Admissions) , Cynthia Giguère
Introduction
The Thompson School of Applied Science, established in 1895, is a division of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture offering the associate in applied science degree and 14 program specializations. Curricula comprise a balance of professional, science-related, and general education courses that prepare students to meet the specific demands of a technical or applied profession, continuing education, and the general demands of life.
Thompson School of Applied Science Overview
Faculty members at the Thompson School 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 teaching; and a commitment to practical, science-based education. They work closely with students, providing academic advising, career counseling, and special assistance, even outside the classroom, 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, faculty offices, and a student lounge.
Cole Hall includes a 150-seat lecture auditorium, a commercial kitchen and dining area, a student study and lounge area, a computer laboratory (which serves as a GIS lab), a small classroom, and administrative offices.
Putnam Hall houses an architecture laboratory, a surveying and mapping laboratory, a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory, a computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory, an agricultural mechanization shop (welding, engines), forestry and multi-use classrooms, and staff and faculty offices.
More detailed information on our various program areas and specializations follow.
- Whether the specialty is dairy, equine, or small animals, students in Applied Animal Science utilize professional 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
- 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.
- 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 that features the latest software for surveying and mapping, and architectural and computer-aided design. GPS (Global Positioning System) software also is available. The Civil Technology suite of spaces provides a ready access to learning and development.
- 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, and on-campus groups. Students are involved with creating, operating, and evaluating these service-learning activities.
- Culinary Arts students are engaged in a carefully designed curriculum combining theory with more than 700 hours of practical application of culinary techniques in modern production kitchens located on UNH's campus. Students also are 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.
- Dietetic Technician students complete course work in food and nutrition sciences and general education. Students apply that they learn outside the classroom, making a positive impact on the lives of others through 450 hours of supervised practice, which includes activities such as working as part of a health care team to provide nutrition services to hospitalized patients, providing nutrition activities to preschool children at Headstart, or teaching food insecure individuals in Operation Frontline classes how to eat well on a limited budget.
- 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 (including GIS and GPS) 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 facilities (glass and poly covered greenhouses used for propagation and cultivation of a wide selection of ornamental plant material), refrigerated compartments, display gardens (public and private), the campus arboretum as well as a wide variety of landscaping tools and equipment. Students design, install and maintain landscaping components on the grounds of the University and with local organizations and homeowners in surrounding communities.
- Restaurant Management students receive a balance of management theory and practical experience. Operation of on-campus restaurants, special events, and functions offer students hands-on opportunities to gain confidence and experience. 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.
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 2.0. In addition, students must earn the minimum number of total credits required for each specialization, no fewer than 64.
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 (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 other selected University undergraduate courses with adviser and administrative approval.
