Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) articulate what students are expected to learn while earning their degree. PSLOs reinforce important academic and professional skills and provide the college an opportunity to evaluate its performance in preparing students for future study or entry into the workforce.
Upon completing the Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science & Stewardship, successful students will be able to:
1. Ecosystems - Demonstrate broad conceptual understanding of the components and fundamental processes in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
a. Describe the structure, function, and composition of different ecosystems.
b. Explain ecosystem dynamics, interactions, feedback, and processes (e.g., nutrient cycling, energy transfer, and evolution)
c. Explain ecosystem responses to natural and human-induced disturbance and global change.
d. Describe spatial and temporal patterns in ecosystems.
2. Ecosystem Stewardship - Explain how the stewardship of ecosystems are administered and regulated by environmental policy and law.
a. Describe environmental laws, policies, planning, and assessment for public land and resources.
b. Relate ecosystem stewardship to conservation biology and ecological restoration goals, priorities and practice.
c. Apply current management practices and processes employed in natural resource conservation, restoration, and protection.
d. Demonstrate understanding of the role and importance of sociology, economics, and political science in ecosystem stewardship.
3. Methods of inquiry - Apply scientific methods and modes of inquiry, including an understanding of traditional ways of knowing, in ecosystem observations,
investigations, and management.
a. Demonstrate understanding of the philosophy of science and scientific and traditional ways of knowing.
b. Perform scientific investigations or inquiries.
c. Demonstrate proficiency in finding, reading, comprehending, and integrating primary scientific literature.
d. Evaluate contemporary issues, debates, and challenges relevant to ecosystem science.
4. Human dimension & ethics - Describe how and why human activities impact ecosystems and the importance of ethics in research and management.
a. Apply ethical principles to issues, decisions and professional practice.
b. Implement ethical practices in scientific research and ecosystem stewardship.
c. Relate principles of traditional knowledge to land management and stakeholder collaboration.
d. Describe trade-offs, threats, consequences, and opportunities associated with human activities that influence the trajectory of our planet.
5. Application & technical skills - Demonstrate technical skills, competencies, and knowledge needed to perform practical tasks in applied ecosystem science.
a. Show proficiency in ecological field methods and usage of standard field and laboratory instruments and equipment.
b. Use appropriate methodology, tools, and software when collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and cataloging scientific data.
c. Use technology, such as geographic information systems, or computer software, to assist in scientific inquiry, problem solving, and data
management.
d. Demonstrate competency in designing, proposing, implementing, and presenting scientific projects and research.
e. Perform research and writing across the curriculum.
6. Personal/non-technical skills - Demonstrate self-awareness and effective communication, collaborative, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills in the classroom and workplace environments.
a. Demonstrate effective communication with diverse audiences, stakeholders, and collaborators.
b. Apply reflective practice to improve learning and work performance.
c. Display problem-solving skills and techniques.
d. Display capacity to participate in research both independently and as a member of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
e. Recognize the importance of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and workplace environments.
