Associate in Applied Science - Wildlife/Fisheries

at MSM Group - Spokane Community College USA

Diesel/Heavy Duty mechanics repair and maintain trucks, busses, logging, mining, agricultural and construction equipment.  In addition, they maintain and repair diesel and gasoline engines, compressors and pumps.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand construction, function and fundamentals of heavy duty vehicle components.
• Diagnose mechanical and performance problems.
• Make decisions as to disposition of worn parts (usable, recondition or replace).
• Operate precision repair and diagnostic equipment (including electrical and diesel fuel systems).
• Weld (arc, acetylene, and wire feed).
• Read and interpret repair manuals.
• Appreciate the importance of good public relations with customers, employer and fellow employees.
• Understand basic shop operation.
• Utilize the theory of overhead and labor cost in relationship to profit.
• Comprehend the concept of apprenticeship and how it functions.

Mechanical Engineering Technology prepares students for advanced mechanical drafting and design using both CAD drafting and Solid Modeling techniques.  The course of study prepares students to work in engineering teams for large and small manufacturing firms, consulting engineering firms, testing, and research companies.

Students learn the design and manufacturing processes required for a product to be developed from the initial concept to final production.  Students not only learn to draft using CAD and Solid Modeling techniques, but also get "hands-on" practical experience in 3D Printing, engineering design projects, and by learning fabrication processes used in industry.  Coursework includes design and assembly techniques as well as shop practice techniques and shop safety.  The course of study includes advanced disciplines of engineering technology such as math, physics, electrical theory, manufacturing, project management, and/or optional studies as available in statics, the strength of materials, chemistry, etc.

Learning Outcomes

• Use the systems, symbols, language and mechanics of the drafting field.
• Skillfully apply computers and engineering office software for documentation, communication, design, and drafting.
• Identify, solve, and apply engineering calculations relevant to a full drafting and design project.
• Work productively in a team environment and/or as an independent drafter/designer when required.
• Work with the sense of responsibility and accuracy required in the field of engineering design and drafting.
• Develop individual and full sets of drafting projects including shop drawings, assembly drawings, schematics, and construction plans using 2-D CAD and 3-D CAD solid modeling.
• Create accurate solid model computer files to transfer to rapid prototypes, CNC use, shop drawings, or engineering designs.
• Identify and select appropriate materials and processing of materials used in industry for a design project.
• Demonstrate basic shop practices in woods, metals, plastics, and composites, including machining, fabrication/welding, assembly and testing for design prototypes.
• Demonstrate global awareness of the impact of efficiency, effectiveness, cost, and sustainability in design.
• Create, track, and maintain an engineering design project from inception through scheduling, drafting, prototyping, costing, and documentation.

This regionally respected American Bar Association (ABA) approved program consists of basic and specialty legal courses designed to prepare students for employment in the legal services field. The program offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) in Paralegal Studies, and Paralegal Certificate.

The AAS in Paralegal Studies is awarded after completion of 90-98 credits of required coursework. If full class loads are taken each quarter, the program requires 6-7 quarters to complete. The supervised legal work experience required for graduation or the internship must be approved by the program director. A grade of 2.0 or higher in each class (including prerequisites) is required for both the AAS degree and the certificate.

Students may enroll in the certificate program instead of the AAS program if the student is in the process of or has completed an Associate in Arts degree (AA), a bachelor's degree, or advanced degree from an accredited college and/or university.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of law and legal procedures through legal research, writing, document drafting, analysis of facts, interviewing and investigation.
• Develop skills in civil and criminal pretrial and trial practice, real estate, business, family law, commercial transactions and litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, intellectual property, estate planning, probate and other specialty areas.
• Develop technological and organizational skills, including categorizing and organizing documents, calendaring, assessing and prioritizing work; managing time; creating and maintaining databases; and using standard forms and checklists.
• Develop understanding of rules of professional and ethical conduct, competence, professionalism and client service.

The associate in applied science degree in Natural Resource Management prepares students to work in the forestry area. This program is conditionally accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Two additional options are available: Parks and Recreation or Wildlife Fisheries. The Parks and Recreation option prepares students for park maintenance and/or interpretive positions.  The Wildlife/Fisheries option prepares students to perform field sampling as well as habitat restoration work.

All students must complete an internship of at least 400 hours to complete the degree.  Second year: Student may remain in the main program which is forestry based, or they may select one of the two options for an AAS degree which requires a total of 105 credits.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify selected forest trees, shrubs, and forbs native to the Pacific Northwest.
• Use various instruments to measure the height, diameter and age of trees and apply this data to volume, site and growth determinations.
• Identify species and habitat needs of common northwest freshwater fish, birds and wildlife.
• Operate hand compasses, level, global positioning systems, and electronic instruments in determining slopes, turning angles, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
• Utilize maps and aerial photographs in the management of natural resources, including through the use of geographic information systems.
• Recognize common diseases and insect pests of forest trees and assess their damage.
• Use the computer as a tool for solving natural resources problems.
• Apply field techniques to sample, measure, and monitor wildlife, birds and fish species and their habitat.
• Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.
• Parks maintenance and equipment.
• Recognize and apply the various silvicultural systems and techniques used in ecosystem management.
• Understand concepts of ecology, conservation and management for fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
• Understand concepts involved in soil science including soil management, conservation, and use of soils in forestry and agriculture.
• Maintain and safely operate a chainsaw.
• Write technical reports and give presentations.

The Arboriculture program provides a study of ornamental trees; from selection and installation to irrigation, fertilization, pruning and care. Students learn how to identify, assess, diagnose and treat tree problems, as well as learn how to use the advanced arboriculture equipment and techniques. At the successful completion of the second year, passing all required coursework, the student will receive the associate in applied sciences degree.

The following is a typical student schedule. Individual student schedules may differ slightly depending on course availability. Courses may only be offered in the quarter indicated.  Outlined curriculum assumes students begin the program fall quarter and continue winter and spring quarters, with summer quarter off.  It is recommended that students work closely with the program advisor when planning classes.

Learning Outcomes
 Apply planting and maintenance practices to lawns, trees and shrubs during the course of a year.

• Apply concepts of landscape design, construction, and installation of residential and small commercial projects.
• Understand and apply the concepts of residential irrigation.
• Diagnose causes of plant problems (i.e. insect, disease, and abiotic problems) and suggest appropriate remedies.
• Understand and apply the principles of weed science to landscape weed management.
• Understand and apply the principles of business management and human relations to agribusiness management.

The Automotive Technology program prepares students for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations, and specialty shops which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program only in the first quarter. The one-year certificate requires completion of any three quarters of the Automotive Technology program and the four related classes identified in footnote 1. This flexible schedule also enables students to receive short-term certificates while pursuing their degree. Students must complete all courses with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe how an automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditions system works.
• Discuss the refrigerants used and their impact on the environment.
• Explain airflow management and sensors and actuators used.
• Comprehend the refrigerant recycle importance and effects on the environment.
• Discuss engine constructions, energy and power of an engine.
• Discuss compression ratio, torque and horsepower.
• Discuss synthetic engine oils and their advantages.
• Discuss hybrids engine precautions.
• Learn theory and principles of computerized engine controls, automotive exhaust emissions, and fuel injection and ignition systems.
• Working knowledge of the brake system and component identification.
• Basic knowledge of the diagnostic process of the brak system.
• Working knowledge of the suspension system and component identification.
• Working knowledge of the alignment equipment and basic adjustments.
• Principles of late model automatic transmissions, transaxles and sub-assemblies.
• Operation of automotive manual transmissions and transaxles, differential, transfer case, drive line, and constant velocity joints.

The Pharmacy Technician program trains students in all phases of the pharmacy field: drug products, calculations, dosages, dispensing techniques, inventory management, and Washington pharmacy law. Graduates will be prepared to work in both community and hospital pharmacy settings.

Each required course for graduation must be completed with a 2.0 grade or better before proceeding to the next quarter and must be maintained in all classes. The student may enroll in liberal arts either preceding or following the professional curriculum. For an associate in applied science degree, the student must complete 25 credit hours of required courses and 7 hours of department approved electives numbered 100 or above in addition to the one-year professional curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate accountability as a health care professional.
• Communicate effectively in a professional manner with members of the healthcare team.
• Able to solve math-oriented problems posed to the technician by a pharmacist.
• Practice principles of implementing physician orders in a pharmacy setting.
• Demonstrate standards of aseptic technique and safety in a pharmacy setting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal requirements involved in a pharmacy operation.
• Identify appropriate information regarding standard dosing, generic versus trade name and other drug information.
• Understand the role of the technician – the pharmacist/patient/tech interaction; i.e. confidentiality.

Basic and advanced procedures in food preparation are included in the two-year Culinary Arts program. A detailed study is made of the various cooking methods for meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, soups and sauces. Menu terminology and cooking terms are defined and illustrated. Students are given the opportunity to study management factors affecting food cost control, specifications and standards for foods, sanitation, kitchen planning, kitchen equipment, and personnel policies.

Learning Outcomes

• Prepare and serve food in a first class restaurant environment.
• Develop menus listing menu items for a food service operation.
• Practice safe and sanitary work habits in a first class restaurant establishment.
• Produce menu items accurately from standardized recipes.
• Order, purchase and store foods in a commercial kitchen facility.
• Inventory food products.
• Operate commercial kitchen machinery in a safe manner.
• Calculate the costs of a standardized recipe.
• Prepare fine desserts for a first class restaurant.
• Hire and supervise kitchen employees.

The Architectural Technology program prepares students to become CAD drafters for the building design industry. Students focus on gaining proficiency with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), 3–D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications utilizing principles of design, the design process, building codes and building materials as they relate to building projects. This program prepares the drafter to translate ideas, rough sketches, specifications, calculations and existing drawings into drawings used within each phase of the design and construction process.

The first year consists of developing residential building design drawings and documents used by architects and building design engineers. Students use the most commonly used software utilized in the building design industry to gain proficiency in 2–D and 3–D Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). In addition, the first year consists of manual drafting, orthographic projections, freehand sketching, presentation graphics (isometric and perspective pictorial drawing), light construction principles (materials and methods), use of drafting expressions, international residential codes and sustainability issues. Emphasis is placed on architectural construction documents, which include site plans, floor plans, roof plans, footing and foundation plans, framing plans, exterior elevations, building and wall sections, window and door schedules, stair design, interior elevations, details and plumbing, HVAC, electrical and lighting plans. Graphic representation using computer software is used in the production of documents of the common phrases of architectural design including programming, schematic design, design development and construction documents. Utilization of the above is finalized in the development of residential working drawings.

The second year consists of developing architectural working drawings using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) related to commercial building design. Class projects will be developed from a preliminary design utilizing drafting techniques, standards and practices of the profession, including office procedure knowledge, use of building materials; structural framing systems as used in the building industry and study of the International Building Code.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand fundamental architectural drafting concepts and methods.
• Describe and identify residential construction materials and methods of assembly.
• Demonstrate competencies in the development and output of residential construction documents.
• Investigate relevant components of the International Residential Code and apply.
• Distinguish the sequential steps of the design process and project delivery methods.
• Demonstrate competencies in the development and output of commercial construction documents.
• Recognize and classify commercial construction materials, structural systems and methods of assembly.
• Explore sustainable design systems and methods and determine possible integrations with architectural design concepts.

Echocardiography is an Allied Health profession specifically concerning the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and peripheral vascular disease. The technologist performs examinations at the request or direction of a physician. Through subjective sampling and/or recording, the technologist proceeds with the examination to create an easily definable foundation of data from which a correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be established for each patient.

The primary role of the cardiovascular sonographer is to obtain recordings of ultrasound images of the heart and related structures for the physician to interpret. The various types of ultrasound equipment require a highly skilled operator to obtain the imaging information or other data required. The cardiovascular sonographer must obtain appropriate clinical history, cardiac-related physical findings, and pertinent laboratory data in order to adapt the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiographic information.

Learning Outcomes

• Perform high quality noninvasive cardiovascular tests on patients, while tailoring the examinations to bring out abnormalities present. Develop skill in performing m-mode, two-dimensional and doppler echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance testing, ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and pacemaker reprogramming and monitoring.
• Quantitate, subjectively evaluate and interpret data collected to assist the physician in arriving at a diagnosis.
• Develop clinical understanding of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of the major adult and pediatric cardiac diseases and deformities.
• Communicate effectively in a professional manner with physicians, patients and members of health teams.