Native
Environmental
Science
Program
Handbook
(Spring 2010 Revised Version)
A Guide to the
AAS-NES and BS-NES Degree Programs
At Northwest Indian College
2009-2010
28
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
Introduction 2
What is Native Environmental Science? 2
How to Use This Handbook 2
Native Environmental Science Degree Programs at Northwest Indian College 3
Associate of Arts & Sciences in Native Environmental Science 3
Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science 4
1. Overview 4
The Two Options within the BS-NES Program 4
Environmental Science Option (ESO) 4
Interdisciplinary Concentration Option (ICO) 4
Key Elements of the BS-NES degree programs 5
2. Information Pertaining to Both Options 5
a. Advising of BS-NES Students 5
b. Taking Courses at Other Institutions 6
c. Internships 6
d. Learning Contracts 6
Learning Contracts for Existing Courses Required in the BS-NES 6
Learning Contracts for Individualized Learning in the BS-NES 7
e. Individualized Learning 7
Brief Summary of Individualized Learning Requirements 7
Individualized Learning Course Numbers 8
Individualized Learning Course Levels 8
How to Get Started Setting Up Individualized Learning Contracts 8
Instructions for the Development of Individualized Learning Contracts 9
Evaluation Methodology and Criteria for Individualized Learning 11
Responsibilities 11
Some Questions Related to Developing Your Individualized Learning Contracts 12
f. Thesis Project 13
Thesis Project Guidelines 13
The Thesis Project in the Environmental Science Option 15
The Thesis Project in the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option 15
g. Graduation Requirements, Procedures and Policies 16
3. Information Pertaining Specifically to Each Option within the BS-NES 18
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE OPTION 18
INTERDISCIPLINARY CONCENTRATION OPTION 21
List of Steps for Students Pursuing the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option 24
Designing an Interdisciplinary Concentration 25
Native Environmental Science Concentration Seminar (NESC 305) 25
The Concentration Proposal 26
a. Concentration Title 26
b. The Rationale 27
c. Selection of Courses 27
d. Individualized Learning and the Concentration Proposal 28
Service Learning in the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option 28
Changing Courses, Individualized Learning or Other Elements Within the Concentration 28
Filing the Concentration Proposal 29
The Concentration Committee 29
Concentration Committee Roles and Responsibilities 29
Changing Concentration Committee Membership 30
APPENDIX 1: Forms 32
Thesis Project Proposal and Agreement Form 33
Title of Thesis Project 33
Description of Thesis Project 33
Individualized Learning Contract Form for the BS-NES 34
Interdisciplinary Concentration Agreement and Final Approval for Graduation Form 38
PART 1: Interdisciplinary Concentration Agreement 38
PART 2: Final Approval for Graduation 40
Introduction
What is Native Environmental Science?
Native environmental science is the study of environmental science from a Native perspective. Environmental science involves ecology, the study of how plants, animals, and other living things interact with each other and the physical elements. Environmental science is also concerned with human effects on other living organisms and natural environments, such as pollution, loss of habitat, and climate change. Environmental scientists work for tribal, federal, state, and municipal natural resource agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit institutions, and in the private sector. They are involved in research, monitoring environmental conditions, regulating activities that have potential to harm the environment, managing environmental and natural resource programs, educating the public about environmental issues, and many other activities. People with a background in environmental sciences may also go on to pursue careers in law, government, environmental policy, or regional planning.
Native American perspectives bring a greater depth of understanding of the natural world and environmental issues to the study of environmental science. A common element of the philosophy and world view of many Native American tribes is a great respect for nature, and an understanding of people as a part of nature. Through living in close association with the natural world, Native American cultures have gained valuable knowledge and understanding of natural processes and the characteristics of plants and animals. The Native Environmental Science programs at Northwest Indian College give you an education in the environmental sciences, while including and honoring Native American knowledge and perspectives.
Northwest Indian College offers two degrees in Native Environmental Science: a two-year associate of arts and sciences degree that satisfies the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) requirements (see page 51 of the 2009-2011 NWIC Catalog), and a four-year baccalaureate degree with two distinct options or tracks.
How to Use This Handbook
For information about the AAS in Native Environmental Science, see page 3. For a general overview of the BS in Native Environmental Science including two options, see pages 4. For more detailed information about the BS-NES programs, first read the general section that applies to both options beginning on page 4, and then refer to the next sections which have information specific to each option. The section with information specific to the Environmental Science Option (ESO) begins on page 17, and the section with information specific to the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option (ICO) begins on page 20.
Native Environmental Science Degree Programs at Northwest Indian College
Associate of Arts & Sciences in Native Environmental Science
The Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Native Environmental Science (AAS-NES) provides a foundation in the sciences, Native American studies, and general education courses, as preparation for continuing toward the BS in Native Environmental Science program. The AAS-NES degree program satisfies the direct transfer degree requirements, and may be used to transfer to a bachelors' degree program at another college or university. Students completing the AAS in Native Environmental Science will be prepared to continue in the BS in Native Environmental Science degree program at the junior level with all prerequisites met.
NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS
CMPS 101 / Introduction to Computers, or above / 3HMDV 110 / Introduction to Successful Learning / 4
NASD 105A-C / Northwest Indian College Seminar (1 credit per quarter for 3 quarters) / 3
TOTAL NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS 10
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
ENGL 101 / English Composition I / 5ENGL 102 / English Composition II / 5
SPCH 105 / Introduction to Interpersonal Communications OR SPCH 120 / 4
MATH 102 / College Algebra, or Math 107 (meets Quantitative Skills requirement) / 5
Natural Science NASD Requirement: BIOL 104 or ENVS 201 (NS,NASD) / 5
Humanities Distribution (At least 5 credits must be coded NASD) / 15
Social Sciences Distribution (5 credits met in core) / 10
Natural Sciences Distribution (all credits met in core) / 0
Native American Studies (20 credits met in core) / 0
Electives / 8
TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 57
CORE NATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS
BIOL 101 / Introduction to Biology or BIOL 100, 111, 130, or 201* (NSL) / 5CHEM 111 / Inorganic Chemistry, or CHEM 121 (NSL) / 5
GEOL 101 / Introduction to Geology or GEOL 111 (NSL) / 5
NESC 293A-C / Native Environmental Science Seminar II (1 credit per quarter for 3 quarters) / 3
POLS 225 / History of Federal Indian Policy (SS, NASD) / 5
TOTAL CORE NATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS 23
Students wanting to pursue the Environmental Science option in the Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science program are encouraged to complete the following courses as part of elective choices:
CHEM 113 / Biochemistry (NSL) / 5Both MATH 107 Elementary Statistics I and MATH 102 College Algebra (QS) / 5
BIOL 202 / Plant Biology (NSL) / 5
BIOL 203 / Animal Biology (NSL) / 5
TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 90
Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science
1. Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science (BS-NES) Program is intended to meet the critical need for Native American environmental scientists and Tribal leaders who are well grounded in both culture and science. The BS-NES was designed with considerable input from Pacific Northwest Tribal elders, leaders, environmental managers, educators and students. This program is focused on the environmental sciences, with a basis in Native American culture, traditional ecological knowledge and western science. The strength of the program lies in its commitment to Tribal communities, hands-on learning, opportunities for internships, and connection with Tribal leaders and scientists.
The Two Options within the BS-NES Program
Students have the opportunity to choose one of two options within the BS-NES program, the Environmental Science Option or the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option. It is recommended that students consult with advisors and faculty and attend orientations before choosing between these two options.
Environmental Science Option (ESO)
The Environmental Science Option is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of biology or environmental science using both Western science and Native knowledge and ways of knowing. This track includes more required biology and environmental science courses than the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option, so students can be assured they are receiving a good preparation for a career or graduate studies in the environmental sciences. The Environmental Science Option requires completion of 90 credits of prerequisites, 34 credits of Native Environmental Science Core Requirements, 35 credits of required courses, and 21 elective credits. Students within the option complete an internship as well as a thesis project.
Interdisciplinary Concentration Option (ICO)
The Interdisciplinary Concentration Option allows students flexibility in designing a program that meets their own academic, professional and personal goals within the framework of the Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science degree program. Students also design a thesis project under the guidance of a Concentration Committee. The Interdisciplinary Concentration Option requires completion of 90 credits of prerequisites, 34 credits of Native Environmental Science Core Requirements, 5 credits of required courses, 30 credits of elective courses that already exist at NWIC or approved courses at Western Washington University or another college or university, plus 21 credits of individualized learning courses developed within the student’s concentration following the Native Environmental Sciences individualized learning course guidelines.
Key Elements of the BS-NES degree programs
Internships
As a student in either track of the BS-NES degree program, you will complete an internship. The internship is a work experience (paid or volunteer), where you will learn hands-on about an area of environmental science related to your professional interests. Internships are described in more detail on page 6.
Learning Contracts
There are two situations where you may enter into a Learning Contract course. First, Learning Contract courses may be offered when a course in the NWIC catalog is not available at a particular extended campus site or during the quarter when the student needs to take it. Second, Learning Contracts are used to implement Individualized Learning Courses, described below. Learning Contracts are described in more detail on pages 6-7.
Individualized Studies Courses
When you participate in an Individualized Studies course, you work with a faculty member, professional, or expert in a subject area to design your own learning experience. Individualized learning can take many forms, including academic study, relevant work experience, travel study projects, community service activities and other internships, volunteer work, and so on. Students in the ESO track can take up to 10 credits of Individualized learning courses, whereas students in the ICO track take a minimum of 21 elective credits of individualized learning courses. Individualized learning is described in more detail on pages 7-13.
Thesis Project
As a student in the BS-NES programs, you will engage in a thesis project during the last two quarters of your senior year. The thesis project is implemented during enrollment in two courses, NESC 499A and NESC 499B. Planning for the thesis project ideally should begin in consultation with your faculty advisor in your second or third year, prior to enrollment in NESC 499A and 499B. In the thesis project, you bring together what you have learned in your studies to create a product. The thesis project could take many forms, including a research project, a major paper, delivering a series of lectures or presentations, or developing and teaching a course. The Thesis Project is described in more detail on pages 13-15.
2. Information Pertaining to Both Options
a. Advising of BS-NES Students
For the first 45 credits of enrollment, Northwest Indian College students are advised by advisors in the Student Services Office. After this first year of coursework, students are placed with a faculty advisor in their field of study (the Faculty Advisor). For students who choose the BS-NES Interdisciplinary Concentration Option, the Faculty Advisor is also the chair of the student’s Concentration Committee. This committee plays an important secondary role in advising (for more detail, see page 27). The duties of the advisors include:
1) Performing regular quarterly advising (including signing enrollment forms),
2) Providing guidance regarding Internship in Native Environmental Science project(s) (and supervisor[s]), and
3) Providing guidance regarding the Thesis Project proposal.
b. Taking Courses at Other Institutions
Students who take courses elsewhere for credit in a Northwest Indian College program of study should be aware of the following:
· NWIC students wishing to take courses at other institutions (e.g., Western Washington University) should consult with their academic advisor(s) regarding whether such courses will apply to their NWIC program of study. Students who plan to pursue the Interdisciplinary Concentration Option in the BS-NES program are required to include all non-NWIC courses in their Concentration proposals (completed as part of NESC 305).
· NWIC students wishing to take courses at other institutions should contact the instructor(s) for such courses to help ensure that they may reserve a seat in the class, get registered and enrolled in time, and resolve any financial aid questions that may emerge.
· Students wishing to transfer credits into an NES program of study should consult with the Northwest Indian College Catalog and their academic advisors to help ensure they may receive those transfer credits.
c. Internships
At least one internship is required in the BS-NES: NESC 497, Internship in Native Environmental Science (for 5 credits). This may consist of an internship opportunity offered at Northwest Indian College or elsewhere. Students' faculty advisors must approve of NESC 497 projects and supervisors. The internship process is described in the Science Internship Handbook. Additional details are available from the NWIC Science Internship Coordinator Brian Compton (392-4321) upon request.