Natural Resources

Degrees and Certificates

Natural Resources,
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degree

Program Learning Outcomes

Operate tools and equipment commonly used in the natural resources field work.

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Utilize maps, aerial photographs, and land survey abilities in the management of natural resources, including geographic information systems.

Problem Solving

Quantitative Reasoning

Qualitative Reasoning

Describe and apply concepts of ecology, conservation, and management for timber, fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Problem Solving

Quantitative Reasoning

Identify important plant and animal species for North Central Washington ecosystem.

Problem Solving

Qualitative Reasoning

Select and apply appropriate field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor timber, fish, and wildlife species and their habitat(s).

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Identify and model interpersonal skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.

Communication

Oral Expression

Demonstrate the ability to locate opportunities and prepare application materials for state and federal jobs in natural resources.

Communication

Oral Expression

Written Expression

Inquiry

Information Literacy

Describe biotic and abiotic processes, including human impacts that influence ecosystems and contribute to ecological change.

Communication

Written Expression

Problem Solving

Qualitative Reasoning

Objectively predict, assess, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate perspectives of diverse stakeholders regarding natural resource problems and issues.

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Quantitative Reasoning

Recognize the role of cultural diversity in resource management and describe the impact of the global distribution of people and wealth on resource use and valuation.

Inquiry

Research

Develop a foundation to continue their studies in Natural Resources and related fields.

Classes

ENVS 230: Intro to Fisheries Science and Management

Credits

An overview of fisheries science & management. Topics explored include careers available in fish management and propagation, identification of important northwest fishes, and an introduction to the lesser known and more interesting aspects of fish biology and behavior. Field trips will incorporate standard sampling & survey techniques.

ENVS 231: Introduction to Forest Resources

Credits

Focuses on the identification and inventory of forest natural resources including water, timber, flora, fauna and soils. Also includes study on how the interrelationships of these resources play in landscape ecosystems.

NATR 102: Maps and Navigation

Credits

Learn to navigate and read topographic maps, along with learning to use a hand compass, staff compass and aerial photography. Students will learn differential leveling, pacing, traversing, survey mapping, General Land Office survey methods, legal descriptions, bearing/azimuth survey and topographic interpretation-profiling. Transect survey plotting and sampling will be introduced.

NATR 108: Exploring Natural Resources

Credits

A panoramic view of ecosystems, current topics, primary organizations and professions in modern natural resources management. Lectures, discussions and extensive field activities survey this diverse industry. Use career assessment and planning tools, such as educational portfolio development, to create a strategy for your professional future.

NATR 112: Mathematical Applications for Natural Resources

Credits

Students will learn how to apply knowledge of basic algebra, trigonometry, and geometry to field applications in natural resources including land measurement, area determination, estimation, rounding, and calibration/unit conversion.

NATR 125: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

Credits

Introduces Geographical Information Science (GIS) concepts, technology and tools. Topics will include the input, management, manipulation, analysis and display of spatial data. ArcGIS software will be used to visualize real-world issues, discover patterns and communicate spatial information.

NATR 158: Employment Seminar

Credits

Seminar to prepare students for cooperative work experience in natural resources. Explores personal goals for career and related options available such as technician, seasonal, internship, or volunteer opportunities. Students will also develop a basic resume and explore interviewing techniques.

NATR 160: Introduction to Forest Health and Ecology

Credits

Exploration of the symbiotic relationship of forest health and forest ecology. The macro and micro ecosystem of the forest habitat will be explored to show the total inter-dependency of both systems.

NATR 196: Cooperative Work Experience

Credits

Intended to provide authentic experiences in the world of work by applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a working environment.

NATR 210: Natural Resource Portfolio and Final Project

Credits

Completion of student professional portfolio and final project. The portfolio contains course projects, work and educational experiences completed while pursuing an AST degree or certificate. Final project will be completed by a team of students and will contain culminating activities that demonstrate acquisition of natural resource program student learning outcomes.

NATR 220: Introduction to Wildland Fire Ecology

Credits

An overview of wildfire with an emphasis on local natural environments. Wildfire is presented in a historical and ecological context, and as physical force and agent for ecological change. Covers land management and social policy issues.

NATR 235: Society & Natural Resources

Credits

From personal to global levels, this course uses a systems approach to examine interaction of social, economic and ecological factors in natural resources management. Identify and explore the consequences of diverse natural resource philosophies and paradigms, and develop skills to direct, mitigate or change human impacts on natural systems.

NATR 240: Maps, Navigation, and Aerial Photos

Credits

Learn to read and use topographic maps, compasses, and aerial photography. Learn differential leveling, pacing, traversing, survey mapping, General Land Office survey methods, legal descriptions, bearing/azimuth survey and topographic interpretation-profiling. Introduction to transect survey plotting and sampling. Students will be trained in and perform transect surveys to determine resource health.

NATR 241: Intro to Watershed Science and Management

Credits

Watershed science and management are inherently multidisciplinary and involve a broad array of physical, biological and social sciences. A range of water resource management strategies are examined including structural/nonstructural, regulatory/non-regulatory and prevention/restoration approaches. Case studies and field trips will look at freshwater management issues at the local to national level.

NATR 242: Survey of Wildlife Populations

Credits

Identification of northwest wildlife and associated populations. Identification and habitat improvement through population surveys, forage/browse utilization, population dynamics and carrying capacities. Students will learn wildlife survey procedures and survey the associated conditions of required habitat for both large and small birds/mammals.

NATR 296: Cooperative Work Experience

Credits

Intended to provide authentic experiences in the world of work by applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a working environment.