NATRS 172 - Computer Applications Overview

Credits: 4
Provide hands-on learning with skills and technology that is applicable to a wide range of employers and natural resources disciplines. Introduces important vocabulary, concepts, and topics that will improve student use of specific software like Microsoft Office Suite, creation of data displays, and prepare students for training in geographic information systems (GIS). For Natural Resources students.

Enrollment Requirement: Instructor consent.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Utilize Microsoft Office Suite - Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access.
Create data displays including charts, graphs, tables.
Examine and explain different types of datasets.
Learn basic statistics as it applies to spreadsheets and data displays.
Differentiate between spreadsheets and databases.
Practice with multiple types of data collection tools and technology.
Explain principle concepts of geographic information systems.

Program Outcomes

Attain a job in the Natural Resources field.
Manage Forestland or Resources to attain positive outcomes.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communications between industry partners and cooperators.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.