Ecosystem Science & Stewardship at CMC

What is ecosystem science?

Within any environment, living and nonliving things interact with each other. Together, they form an ecosystem. Ecosystem science is the study of inter-relationships among the living organisms, physical features, bio-chemical processes, natural phenomena, and human activities in ecological communities.

What does an ecosystem scientist do?

Ecosystem scientists use their expertise to solve problems on many levels. They may do field or lab work to collect and analyze data, investigating factors at play in a degraded ecosystem, predicting the effects of proposed actions, monitoring entire ecosystems, or they may study various phenomena of a single species. They use the information they gathered to describe current ecosystem health, predict future states of an ecosystem, and evaluate different management strategies to improve the health of an ecosystem.

Ecosystem scientists communicate their recommendations to private landowners, land management agencies, external clients, and policymakers, often including spatial analysis and maps made with geographic information systems (GIS).

Where does an ecosystem scientist work?

Many ecosystem scientists with a bachelor’s degree or higher work for non-profit, private, or governmental agencies, or in secondary or higher education. Job titles vary depending on education and experience; some examples include biological technician, ecologist, forester, soil conservationist, hydrologist, botanist, wildlife biologist, environmental consultant, or natural resource manager.

The Ecosystem Science & Stewardship Emphasis (AS) is offered at:

• Breckenridge: Mostly in-person
• Dillon: Mostly in-person
• Leadville: Mostly in-person
• Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs: Mostly in-person
• Steamboat Springs: Mostly in-person
• Vail Valley at Edwards: Mostly in-person

Program Learning Outcomes are what we expect each student will learn while earning a degree or certificate. Meeting these learning outcomes is how we assess our performance as a college. Our learning outcomes support both important career skills and future success as a student.

Upon completing the Ecosystem Science & Stewardship Emphasis (AS) program, CMC students will be able to:

1. Describe the components, structures, processes, and functions of diverse ecosystems.
2. Apply conceptual knowledge, field, and laboratory skills across the key areas of ecosystem science & management.
3. Demonstrate mastery in the use of appropriate technology, equipment, and methodology when collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting scientific data.
4. Demonstrate competency in working effectively as a member of a diverse team, both individually and collaboratively.
5. Demonstrate awareness of the ethical aspects and human dimensions of scientific research and ecosystem management.
6. Perform reflective thinking to enable self-awareness of personal attributes and meaningful demonstration of learning.