Your Curriculum
Natural Resources Technology: Forest Resources
Limited Entry
Associate of Applied Science Degree Program
Catalog Year 2013-2014*
*Information regarding the requirements for this Limited Entry program is available by accessing the Admissions to Limited & Restricted Entry Programs page.
MHCC Faculty Advisers:
Jason Pinkerton: 503-491-6941 Room AC 2593
Jason.Pinkerton@mhcc.edu
Joan DeYoung: 503-491-7322 - Room AC 2569
Joan.DeYoung@mhcc.edu
The Natural Resources Technology program, Forest Resources option, prepares students for positions of technical responsibility in natural resources management and research. Forest technicians serve in a wide variety of capacities and may work in such diverse areas as reforestation, mapping, vegetation inventory, outdoor recreation, timber appraisal, land surveying, harvesting, stream surveys, wildlife habitat enhancement and wildlife suppression. The Forest Resources option is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Outdoor labs are an integral part of the coursework. Students learn practical field techniques used while employed in local forests, parks and natural areas. The courses incorporate technologically advanced equipment and software into the field data collection and analysis. In addition, each student completes a cooperative work internship, which gives college credit for on-the-job work experience. Good physical condition and the willingness to work in all kinds of weather are important for those interested in outdoor field positions.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Perform relevant field tasks required of natural resource technicians
- Use a broad range of technological tools to research, document, map, measure, record and analyze data relevant to natural resources
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems
- Demonstrate knowledge of social influences on ecosystem management
- Demonstrate professional skills needed for successful job performance.
Students desiring to enter the Natural Resources Technology program are advised that admission is on a first-come, first-served basis after satisfactory completion of placement criteria. Application packets are available on our web site at www.mhcc.edu/LRadmissions. Once you have read the application packet, if you have questions about the admission process, please call 503-491-7256.
Selected courses may be transferred to several four-year institutions in appropriate bachelor degree programs. Check with the program adviser for current information.
| First Quarter (Fall) |
Credits |
| F111 |
Introduction to Natural Resources |
3 |
| F141 |
Tree and Shrub Identification |
3 |
| NR160 |
Wildland Fire |
3 |
| NR180 |
Career Development in Natural Resources1 |
1 |
| HPE285OL |
Wilderness Survival2,3 |
3 |
| MTH060 |
Beginning Algebra I4 |
4 |
| 17 |
| Second Quarter (Winter) |
| FT122 |
Forest Measurements I |
5 |
| FW251 |
Principles of Wildlife Conservation |
3 |
| BT210ZE_ |
Excel5 |
(1) |
| MTH065 |
Beginning Algebra II (or higher)6 |
4 |
| WR121 |
English Composition |
4 |
| 16-17 |
| Third Quarter (Spring) |
| FT221 |
Aerial Photo Interpretation and GPS |
4 |
| NR140 |
Introduction to Forest Soils |
2 |
| NR144 |
Forest Insects and Diseases |
3 |
| NR230 |
Forest Botany |
3 |
| MTH084 |
Applied Trigonometry with Modeling6 |
1 |
| 13 |
| Fourth Quarter (Fall) |
| F200 |
Introduction to Forest Surveying |
4 |
| FT240 |
Natural Resources Ecology |
4 |
| FT222 |
Forest Measurements II |
4 |
| WR227 |
Technical Report Writing |
4 |
| 16 |
| Fifth Quarter (Winter) |
| FT228 |
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
3 |
| NR212 |
Current Issues in Forest Resources |
1 |
| NR242 |
Watershed Processes |
3 |
| NR244 |
Applied Silviculture I: Reforestation |
3 |
| PSY101 |
Psychology of Human Relations |
3 |
| 13 |
| Sixth Quarter (Spring) |
| FT235 |
Outdoor Recreation |
3 |
| FW254 |
Aquatic Wildlife: Biology and Techniques or Related elective |
3-4 |
| NR238 |
Timber Harvesting and Products |
5 |
| NR246 |
Applied Silviculture II: Forest Stand Dynamics |
3 |
| WE280NR_ |
Cooperative Education Internship7 |
2 |
| 17 |
| |
Total Credits |
91-93 |
1 NR180 is taught as a three-day short course the week before fall term begins.
2 Students wishing to transfer may select HPE295.
3 Although HPE285OL is recommended, students who do not plan to transfer to a four-year school may also select any three credits of HE, PE or HPE.
4 Students placing into MTH065 are not required to take MTH060, but must replace MTH060 with another course to meet the 90 credits required for the AAS degree.
5Students are expected to use Excel spreadsheets in their NRT courses. Those unfamiliar with spreadsheets are advised to enroll in an Excel course.
6Students may not use demonstrated proficiency on the College Placement Test (CPT) to satisfy this requirement. Successful completion of MTH095, MTH111, MTH112 or MTH251 will replace both MTH065 and MTH084.
7 Cooperative Education students are encouraged to satisfy WE280NR_ during the summer between their first and second years
Related Electives
The related elective is intended to provide enrichment in an area of interest to the student. In selecting a related elective, students should consult with their advisor to determine which course will best meet their academic and professional goals.
Recommendations include :
NR101 Natural Resources Fundamentals (for SEED only)
NR130 Introductory Forest Botany (for SEED only)
NR260 Field Projects
Other recommendations also include a foreign language, and any courses with the following prefixes: ANTH, BA, BI, CH, CIS, FW, ET , G, GEO, NR, SP and SHS. See adviser for baccalaureate curriculum.
MHCC Program Web Link: www.mhcc.edu/programs
Transfer School's Web Link:
Oregon State University - www.cof.orst.edu
Humbolt State University - http://www.humboldt.edu/cnrs