NATRS 270 - Stream and Wetland Ecology

Credits: 5
Students gain an understanding of stream, pond, and wetland ecology through classroom and field experiences. Students study stream and wetland dynamics, associated plant and animal ecology, streamflow hydraulics, and Washington Forest Practices Regulations in an applied field setting. Students conduct measurements and sampling within ponds, streams, and wetlands with follow-up analysis and reports.

Enrollment Requirement: ENGL& 101 and NATRS 172 with grades of 2.0 or higher; and instructor consent.

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

Discuss the importance of streams and wetlands in making natural resources management decisions.
Describe acceptable and legal land management practices, among different categories of riparian zones and water types.
Use laboratory equipment.
Measure, analyze, and report stream and wetland physiology, biological, and chemical parameters.
Demonstrate skills in punctuality, leadership, professional attitude, respect, and the use of word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
Demonstrate critical thinking, analysis, application and synthesis through the scientific method using logical development of primary scientific research and be able to defend their development of conclusions.

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.