Watershed Science Technician - Courses
Notice: This program was terminated by Board of Education action on 5/17/17. Students who are working towards completion are urged to report to the Science office for more information prior to the end of Spring 2017 term for assistance, or your advisor.
See the current class schedule for current classes and course descriptions
GS 101 General Science (Nature of the Northwest)
Introduction to the geology, plants and animals in Central Oregon and along the Pacific coast. Students identify rocks, flora and fauna and look at the biodiversity between habitats on required field trips. Includes environmental issues and a scientific inquiry project.
GS 102 (WST 102) General Science: Introduction to Watershed Field Methods
Introduction to field data collection, including site sketching, photo documentation; measuring direction, length, area and slope; species counts and plant cover quantification. Students learn procedures for permanent plot installation and how to protect data integrity.
WST 205 Soils Fields Methods
Basic principles of experimental design, site and instrument selection for field research to study soil and slope physical and biological characteristics. Basic tools and data acquisition techniques are used in a variety of field settings. Field exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 206 Co-op Ed: Watershed Science Technician Seminar
Students will increase their understanding of industry expectations while developing job search tools and skills. Students will learn and practice presenting themselves to employers in a competent and professional manner in preparation for a cooperative education internship and, ultimately, a professional career.
WST 221 Invasive Species Field Methods
Practical field experience using standard protocols to collect data on invasive species and their mitigation in a variety of natural systems. Field exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 222 Threatened and Endangered Species Field Methods
Practical field experience in monitoring the status of threatened and endangered species and assessing strategies to mitigate their loss. Field research exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 223 Prairies to Woodlands Field Methods
Practical field experience in collecting data on the condition of prairies, savannas, woodlands, and forests. Emphasis is on species of concern including endangered, keystone, invasive, and indicator species. Field exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 224 Wetlands Field Methods
Practical field experience in monitoring biological, chemical and physical properties of wetlands. Includes plant communities and microbiology. Introduction to hydraulics and treatment efficiencies. Field exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 225 Riparian Field Methods
Prerequisite: ENVS 183 or instructor consent. Introduction to basic skills needed to determine the functional status of riparian systems. Vegetation identification. Habitat assessment of stream-side plants, animals and macro-invertebrates. Field exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 226 In-Stream Field Methods
Prerequisite: ENVS 183 or instructor consent. Introduction to protocols and procedures used in streams to measure stream and channel attributes, aquatic ecology and water quality. Emphasizes where, when and how to sample stream ecosystems. Field exercises on evenings and/or weekends combined with self-paced online learning.
WST 230 Watersheds and Hydrology
Physical hydrology of watersheds including the water cycle, water budgets, water yields and peak flows. Effects of surface erosion, stream temperatures, nutrient levels and human activities upon watershed health.
WST 234 Watershed Best Practices
Capstone experience applying sustainable approaches to watershed restoration and management to improve and maintain water integrity. Students combine watershed field skills and conceptual knowledge with emphasis on integrated, multidisciplinary methods and best practices.
WST 280 Co-op Ed: Watershed Science Technician
In this internship course, students gain watershed science-related work experience in businesses, government, non-profits and NGOs. Integrate classroom theory with practical experience in the professional world. Develop skills, explore career options and network with professionals and employers while earning college credit.