Summer 2026
NRES 374 - Field Herpetology
Learn through hands-on experiences how to do research on native reptile and amphibian species while in a natural Nebraska setting.
4 credit hour
When: June 7 to 26, 2026
Where: Cedar Point Biological Station
Course Description
- Learn to recognize and identify Nebraska amphibians, turtles and reptiles, and how to manage and conserve for them.
- Learn methods, techniques and standards to collect herpetofauna field data.
- Utilize critical thinking skills to propose conservation and management solutions.
- Build a sound understanding of the diversity and ecological significance of amphibians, turtles and reptiles.
- Build a background in herpetofauna morphology, physiology and ecological behavior.
Instructor
Enrollment & Housing
- Contact Jon Garbisch - jgarbisch2@unl.edu
Fall 2026
NRES 115 – Intro to Environmental Science
Building a foundation of environmental science knowledge_
4 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | Lecture: T/TH 12:30-1:45pm | Lab: T 2:00-4:50 pm
Where: Hardin Hall
Course Description
Want to learn more about environmental science?
Not sure what career options exist or how to prepare?
Want to build community within SNR and start establishing future career connections?
- Outcome one: Build a strong foundation in environmental science.
- Outcome two: Build knowledge essential for upper- level classes and your future career.
- Outcome three: Create a community of faculty and peers in SNR.
- Outcome four: Learn about career opportunities as well as opportunities for involvement in UNL and SNR.
Prerequisites
None
Instructor
NRES 208 – Climate Literacy in Natural Resources
3 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | MWF 9:00 - 9:50 pm
Where: 163 North Hardin Hall
Course Description
For students who want to learn about climate and its impacts on our natural resources. You will develop an understanding of the climate system and the interactions with the environment. It is a required class for the Environmental Science major and the Applied Climate Science minor.
- Outcome one: knowledge regarding the climate system and the issues of climate variability and change.
- Outcome two: knowledge of the six different spheres of the climate system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and anthroposphere.
- Outcome three: understanding of the key linkages between climate and natural resources.
Prerequisites
None
Instructor
NRES 255 – Soil Health and Environment
3 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | Monday 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: 024 South Hardin Hall
Cross Listing: SOIL 255
Hybrid Class: online classes, lab and field activities, tech visits
Course Description
This class aims to motivate students to develop a life-long interest in observing and studying soil health and ecosystems while equip them with the academic skill set to apply soil health principles to plant growth, natural resource management, building practices, and environmental sustainability.
- Understand soil health is the soil’s capacity to function as a vital, living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.
- Be able to assess the soil health status from different ecosystems (cropland, rangeland, forest, urban area, polluted areas, etc.).
Prerequisites
SOIL 153
Instructor
NRES 260 - Intro to Conservation Photography
3 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00 -12:15 pm
Where: 163 North Hardin Hall
Course Description
NRES260 is a hands-on course that will introduce you to photography in the field of conservation and natural resources. Students will learn
- the history and ethics of conservation photography
- photography tools and techniques
- how to build a conservation photography project that inspires understanding and perhaps even action
- post-processing
- field techniques
- various conservation storytelling mediums and platforms
Finish off the class with a well-developed photo-essay, presentation, and written story to add to your portfolio.
Prerequisites
An interest in photography, science, and conservation. Basic knowledge of DSLR and mirrorless camera is recommended but not required.
Instructor
NRES 370 - Applied Climatology
3 credit hour
When: MWF 11:00-11:50 am
Where: 163 North Hardin Hall
Course Description
For students who want to learn all about climate data, and to be able to use that data to identify and interpret the relationships between climate conditions and various human, economic, and ecological climate sensitive activities.
- Outcome one: proficiency with different strategies of climate analysis.
- Outcome two: knowledge of how stakeholders apply climate information to make timely decisions related to their climate sensitive activities.
- Outcome three: experience with climate related tools and products tailored toward potential stakeholder decisions.
Prerequisite
Junior standing or above
Instructor
NRES 810 - Landscape Ecology
3 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 - 10:45 am (Lecture and GIS-lab)
Cross Listings: HORT 812
Course Description
- From grasslands to woodlands and cornfields to cities, ecological processes and landscape patterns are linked to one another and human wellbeing. It is more important than ever to understand the ecology of landscape systems.
- View landscapes as systems
- Relate patterns and processes
- Learn spatial analysis techniques
- No prior GIS required
- No Prerequisites
Instructor
NRES 930 - Conservation Agriculture Systems
3 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | Tuesday & Thursday 12:30 - 1:45 pm
Where: Online || Asynchronous
Course Description
Develop in-depth knowledge and systematic evaluation skills needed to tackle modern agriculture production issues.
- Discover historical foundations, motivations, advances, and outcomes in agricultural systems across time
- Gain comprehensive, scholarly knowledge about system variability from external influences
- Learn scientific-based methods to sustain natural resources and manage food systems
- Examine ways social and civil issues influence the viability of production agriculture, food security, economic prosperity, environmental health, and cultural sovereignty
- Explore feasible opportunities and develop purposeful solutions to scenario-based problems
Prerequisites
Graduate Student Status and a contextual understanding on the ecology of managed landscapes.
Instructor
NRES 945 - Resilience Design in Agriculture
3 credit hours
When: Fall 2026 | Tuesday & Thursday 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Where: Online || Asynchronous
Course Description
Learn to design, or redesign, food systems to optimize resource use and enhance agroecosystem resilience in a changing climate.
- Explore land mitigation and adaptation methods that protect and conserve natural resources, regenerate ecosystems, reduce disaster risks, and promote value-added incentives to controlling waste and pollution
- Investigate ways production and consumption patterns affect social and environmental sustainability
- Examine economic concepts emphasizing aspects of circularity and solidarity
- Learn to apply transdisciplinary approaches to ecological solution development, including practices based in agroecology, permaculture, biosystems engineering, and conservation agriculture management
Prerequisites
Graduate Student Status and a contextual understanding on the ecology of managed landscapes.