Natural Resources 600
Introduction to Graduate Studies in Natural Resources
Objectives. New graduate students in the Graduate Field of Natural Resources will:
- Enhance their ability to write research or project proposals
- Enhance their ability to give research presentations
- Develop professional relationships with each other
- Participate in the intellectual community in the Field of Natural Resources
Students in this course attend the Department of Natural Resources seminar each week, and then meet informally with the seminar speaker to discuss science, policy, conservation, and careers. They also review research and education proposals written by Natural Resources faculty, and develop a five-page proposal focusing on their own research interests. An experienced graduate student leads a session on "how to give a research ideas presentation," following which each seminar participant gives a practice presentation in preparation for the Natural Resources Graduate Student Association Symposium. The students also read and discuss a book that integrates environmental policy, science, and management. Through participating in the seminar, new graduate students start to develop professional relationships with their peers, which are important throughout their graduate program.