Academics

Assessment at NWC

Philosophy of General Education

An education prepares a student both for life and for making a living. It blends the practical application of knowledge with the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. When successful, education balances the sometimes contradictory claims of social service and individual ambition.

A good general education fosters freedom’s values and nurtures individual growth. It lays the foundation for further learning in a discipline or vocation, provides the tools to navigate change, and prepares one for life long learning.

The purpose of general education at Northwest College is to shape the development of students according to these values. Through our general education requirements, students:

prepare for their role as citizens of the United States,
learn to communicate successfully with others,
understand human experience and values,
apply the methods of science,
employ numeric problem solving skills,
explore cultural differences and global perspectives,
attain greater understanding of social structures, and
appreciate our culture’s creative representations.

Rationale for General Education Distribution Requirements

Select an academic area below for general information:

First Year Seminar

First Year Seminar courses, as part of Northwest College's First Year Experience program, are dedicated to successful student transition to college. First Year Seminars pave the way for college success through connecting students to campus areas and programs, providing academic advising, andproviding peer mentoring and/or success coaching. These courses empower students to succeed and help solve academic problems.

American & Wyoming Government

Wyoming Statute, Title 21, Chapter 9, Section 102, mandates that all public institutions “give instruction in the essentials of the United States constitution and the constitution of the state of Wyoming, including the study of and devotion to American institution and ideals,” and no student shall receive a post-secondary degree from a Wyoming institution of higher education without having been instructed in the above. An understanding of politics and government is fundamental to good citizenship and contributes to the foundation of scholarly knowledge expected of college graduates.

Students may fulfill this requirement in one of three ways:

POLS 1000 American and Wyoming Government (3) OR
HIST 1221 United States from 1865 (3) OR
a combination of HIST 1210 United States History I (3) and HIST 1250 History of Wyoming (3)

Communication

Effective communication is fundamental to academic success and pursuit of a career. Communication foregrounds the importance of creating messages in English and other languages that are appropriate for a given audience while considering purpose, context, and ethical implications. The emphasis is on written communication and oral communication (audience analysis, composition revision, editing, and documentation, delivery). Providing a foundation for effective communication is information literacy (locating, evaluating, and analyzing materials) to determine sources' accuracy and appropriateness for a given rhetorical situation.

Quantitative Reasoning

Important questions can often be answered through the analysis of quantitative information. The ability to understand, use, and interpret quantitative arguments improves the efficiency of such analysis. Northwest College strives to develop a mathematical skill set that aids in the problem-solving process and guides one to a solution.

Physical and Natural Science

Northwest College strives to develop a scientific skill set that assists in analyzing data to guide decisions and facilitates problem-solving in the physical and natural realms of the universe. Scientific reasoning includes the practice of recognizing a pertinent question or problem, identifying essential information to solve the question or problem, and using logical and valid reasoning to come to a solution.

Human Condition

The character and complexities of the human species, as well as its behaviors, whether as individuals or in their collectivities as a subject of importance to civil society and the world. The framework of that discussion now includes a range of tools, methods, and vocabularies across many disciplines that are legitimate and expected aspects of the manner in which an educated person contemplates these issues as a basis for evaluating individual and sociocultural structures and perspectives within and beyond one’s own community. More than ever, diverse worldviews inform the educated person as she or he re-examines those structures and perspectives to understand the individual as a component in that context.

Creativity

Creativity is a core human attribute that plays an important role in adaptability, interpersonal communication, inquiry, and innovation. The benefit of creativity to all disciplines is increased knowledge through broader understanding and the generation of new methods and ideas. Creativity can be realized through the processes of conceptions, research, problem-solving, understanding abstract/symbolic representations, and the act of production.

General Education Outcomes

First Year Seminar

Students will:

Take responsibility for their own education.
Access and utilize campus student resources.
Make use of a variety of computer programs and technology available to students for use.
Develop both an academic plan and a career plan.
Begin to develop a social connection with the institution.
Access and utilize a variety of online databases and academic information resources for their research needs.

U.S. and Wyoming Government

Students will:

Examine the formal and informal principles, processes, and structures of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions and political systems.
Analyze the historical development and cultural context of these constitutions and political systems.
Evaluate the roles of responsible citizens and the institutions by which they are governed.

Communication

Students will:

Describe the different purposes of written, oral, and digital messages and employ appropriate organizational strategies, including developing thesis statement and main ideas to meet the needs of specificaudiences.
Produce informative, analytical, and critical prose to respond to a particular task or audience.
Deliver prepared presentations in a natural, confident, and conversational manner, displaying nonverbal communication that is consistent with and supportive of the oral message.
Use the accepted conventions including spelling, grammar, organizational structure, punctuation, delivery and documentation in oral, written, and digital messages.
Find, analyze, evaluate, and document information appropriately using a variety of sources, including library resources.

Quantitative Reasoning

Students will:

Isolate a pertinent question or problem.
Use algebraic, numeric, or graphical representations to model the problem.
Identify appropriate problem-solving techniques.
Present convincing evidence to support a logical conclusion.

Physical and Natural Sciences

Students will:

Explain the principles of the scientificmethod.
Formulate and test ideas through analysis and interpretation of data.
Use scientific and quantitative logic to examine contemporary problems.
Use quantitative data analysis as the basis for making critical judgments and drawing conclusion.
Examine the impact of technology on science and society.

Human Condition

Students will:

Describe the concept of the individual as a factor in society.
Examine and explain differing human ideas, experiences, and perspectives and how those influence local and global societies, human behavior, and human social interactions.
Examine the role of diversity in human societies and how diversity impacts individual and global change.
Compare historical complexities and how those influence societies, politics, economics, social issues, and communications between groups of people.
Discuss how one’s own perspective can be altered by exposure to worldviews.

Creativity

Students will:

Utilize existing ideas, images, or works in original ways.
Produce individual or collaborative forms of expression (e.g. oral, written, musical, or artistic).
Recognize and discuss abstract and symbolic representation.
Demonstrate resourcefulness in the process of problem solving.
Develop relevant skills in the pursuit of aesthetic goals.

Program Outcomes

Accounting or Business Administration

Students will be able to recall or recognize information from courses required in the major.
Students will be able to use knowledge to achieve a specific purpose.
Students will be able to extract essential elements, relationships, or principles of a problem, theory, idea, etc.
Students will be able to combine & integrate ideas and information from a variety of sources to create an organized product.
Students will be able to identify the most desirable choice or action in a choice situation in terms of internal evidence and external criteria.

Aeronautics/Aviation

Demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a single and multi-engine commercial pilot certificate
Demonstrate sound Aeronautical Decision making (ADM) through employment of a systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances
Demonstrate adequate Crew Resource Management (CRM) including weather service, air traffic control, dispatch, maintenance, and cabin crew members
Demonstrate an awareness of career pathways for the aviation industry

Agriculture Business

Students will be able to research, understand and interpret economic news and trends using economic theory and apply them to agricultural operations.
Students will be able to apply economic and financial decision making tools to real life production scenarios.
Students will demonstrate a practical understanding of production agriculture.
Students will demonstrate the ability to productively participate as part of a team to research and communicate economic and production agriculture concepts.
Students will have the ability to communicate orally and in writing on agriculture issues.

Agriculture Education

Describe sound, sustainable agriculture production principles and practices
Identify the cultural, political and economic influences of agriculture
Exhibit competence in the application of technology
Demonstrate ability to interpret and evaluated quantitative data from research in agriculture

Agroecology

Describe the role of soil management in sustainable agricultural systems
Demonstrate the ability to collaborate in the collection and interpretation of data and the use of technology
Demonstrate competence in independent research and problem solving
Exhibit proficiency in evaluating and applying quantitative data from production agriculture

Allied Health

Apply the fundamentals of science utilized in health care careers.
Experience opportunities for allied health career exploration.
Demonstrate professional communications, behaviors, and critical thinking skills.
Apply medical terminology and health record documentation principles in health career related activities.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic health care economics and ethics expected within healthcare careers.

Animal Science

Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, on agriculture issues
Students will demonstrate the ability to productively participate as part of a team
Students will exhibit ability to research, analyze, and critically evaluate production agriculture issues

Anthropology

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major theoretical paradigms within Anthropology.
Demonstrate an understanding of the anthropological research process by utilizing methodological techniques to gather data, evaluating difference sources of evidence, and develop an argument for a chosen position on an issue in Anthropology that will be rational, factual, and persuasive.
Demonstrate knowledge of cultural diversity in a global society. Identify key research findings that help to explain the biological and ethnohistorical roots of diversity.
Demonstrate a comprehension of culture and be able to explain how it operates as an adaptive mechanism in human groups.

Archaeology Technology

Identify and understand the goals of archaeology Demonstrate knowledge ethics and laws of archaeological practice
Apply the methods, tools, and technical skills of archaeological research
Understand the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology
Gain a historical consciousness of humanity by identifying the major milestones of humankind

Art

Use media (tools, hands, materials, etc.) to produce artwork with a high level of craftsmanship
Incorporate design elements, structures, and functions into art and design projects
Demonstrate development of visual thinking and visual literacy
Recognize a variety of artworks and demonstrate a foundational understanding of art/design's relationship to history and culture
Critique the form and content of artworks through use of art/design terminology and concepts

Biology

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of biology.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills

Chemistry

Demonstrate an understanding of principles and theories of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, periodic law, ionic theory, behavior and properties of gases, liquids, and solids, oxidation-reduction, equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics, radioactivity and nuclear reactions.
Demonstrate proficiency in organic chemistry including nomenclature, structure, reactions, and reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and spectral analysis.
Apply mathematical foundations to solve chemical problems.
Evaluate and assess the uses of chemical applications and technologies.

Communication

Demonstrate the ability to analyze and evaluate theories of communication and applications of those theories.
Show proficiency in communicating orally in a public setting in front of a variety of audiences.
Illustrate the ability to interpret and evaluate public communication presented in a variety of media.
Illustrate proficiency in evaluating or assessing the uses of communication technologies.

Criminal Justice

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major schools of thought and theoretical paradigms used to study crime and criminality and which also generate research in the field of Criminal Justice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the research method process, the various data collection techniques available for conducting research in Criminal Justice, and demonstrate understanding of the primary crime collection methods that are available to track crime rates within our society.
Demonstrate an ability to apply criminal justice/criminological concepts and theories to real life applications that are present in the field of criminal justice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the historic origins, structure, and operation of the major agencies that comprise our American justice system.
Demonstrate an understanding of the laws, Constitutional requirements, and legally defined procedures that criminal justice professionals have to adhere to when practicing within the field of criminal justice.

Drafting Technology

The student shall demonstrate Drafting Technology theory and applications associated with the, Architectural, Civil, and Mechanical drafting fields.
The student shall understand, utilizing, High-Technology applications of Computer-Aided-Drafting, 3-D Printing, and Large Format Plotting to the fields of Architecture, Civil and Mechanical. The student shall utilize these applications within the content of each course listed under the Drafting Technology Program.
Students shall understand the practices in creating highly-accurate detailed drawings according to Drafting Industry Standards, which includes the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and standards and codes related to other engineering, technology and construction fields.
The student shall demonstrate the ability to create drawings electronically, (using the various Autodesk software packages), by obtained information from reading prints, attaining measurements and/or calculations.
The student shall demonstrate the ability to visualize accurately, fully-dimensioned 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, and Solid modeled drawings, and to perform reverse-engineering if necessary within each of the fields of study. (Architecture, Civil, and Mechanical).

Early Childhood Education

The student shall demonstrate knowledge of physical maturation, cognitive and language, and social/emotional development from pre-birth to approximately 8 years of age, including individual differences and the impact of early experiences. (WY Professional Teaching Standards I, II, III)
The Student shall demonstrate competence in articulating rationale for implementation of developmentally appropriate practices in the education of all children including techniques of informal and formal assessment and the process of evaluating early childhood program. (WPTS IV, V, IX, XXII)
The student shall demonstrate competence in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum through the facilitation of play and the design of appropriate learning environments to meet the needs of all young children. (WPTS XIII, IV, V, VII, VIII, XI)

Elementary Education

The student will be able to analyze and apply learning principles, knowledge or individual learner characteristics, and teaching strategies.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of cognitive, affective and motor development of children and adolescents as they relate to students’ intellectual, social and personal growth.
The student will communicate information using appropriate presentation techniques including oral communication, written materials and instructional technology.
The student will plan instruction based on knowledge of subject matter, students the community and state performance standards.
The student will demonstrate the ability to reflect on his/her professional commitment and responsibilities.

Emergency Medical Services, Paramedicine

Integrates comprehensive knowledge of EMS systems, the safety/well-being of the paramedic, and medical/legal and ethical issues which is intended to improve the health of EMS personnel, patients, and the community.
Integrates a complex depth and comprehensive breadth of knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of all human systems.
Integrates comprehensive anatomical and medical terminology and abbreviations into the written and oral communication with colleagues and other health care professionals.
Integrates comprehensive knowledge of pathophysiology of major human systems.
Integrates comprehensive knowledge of life span development.
Applies fundamental knowledge of principles of public health and epidemiology including public health emergencies, health promotion, and illness and injury prevention.
Integrates comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology to formulate a treatment plan intended to mitigate emergencies and improve the overall health of the patient.
Integrates complex knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into the assessment to develop and implement a treatment plan with the goal of assuring a patent airway, adequate mechanical ventilation, and respiration for patients of all ages.
Integrate scene and patient assessment findings with knowledge of epidemiology and pathophysiology to form a field impression. This includes developing a list of differential diagnoses through clinical reasoning to modify the assessment and formulate a treatment plan.
Integrates assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for a patient with a medical complaint.
Integrates comprehensive knowledge of causes and pathophysiology into the management of cardiac arrest and peri-arrest states. Integrates a comprehensive knowledge of the causes and pathophysiology into the management of shock, respiratory failure or arrest with an emphasis on early intervention to prevent arrest.
Integrates assessment findings with principles of epidemiology and pathophysiology to formulate a field impression to implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for an acutely injured patient.
Integrates assessment findings with principles of pathophysiology and knowledge of psychosocial needs to formulate a field impression and implement a comprehensive treatment/disposition plan for patients with special needs.
Knowledge of operational roles and responsibilities to ensure safe patient, public, and personnel safety.

Engineering

The student shall be able to describe physical phenomenon with precise engineering terms. Terms of familiarity should include: force, position, velocity, acceleration, tension, moments, mass, friction, impulse, linear and angular momentum, kinetic and potential energy.

The student shall use the principles of statics, dynamics and physics to predict forces and motion of structures and particles.

The student shall understand advanced math (calculus through differential equations) and be able to apply these skills to engineering problems. More specifically, the student shall:
- Be able to work with two and three dimensional vectors including dot and cross products
- Be able to work with integration and differentiation in two and three dimensions
- Be able to determine solutions to differential equations using a variety of techniques
- Be able to use computer techniques to make math problems easier

Equine Business Management

Demonstrate an understanding of basic equine business skills, terminology and skills for entry-level positions in the equine industry.
Demonstrate skills in the areas of written and oral communication, mathematics, and technology with emphasis on equine business duties.
Illustrate proficiency in identifying and solving problems related to equine health, safety and business practices.
Apply equine business theory to an equine business setting.

Equine Riding and Training with Emphasis on Riding

Recognize correct balance of a horse in motion while implementing a training plan and evaluating a horse at all three gaits.
Recognize and ride with a balanced position in a coachable manner.
Apply basic equine health knowledge when diagnosing the physical and mental health of the horse including unsoundness, lameness, diseases and illness.
Use safety when grooming, tacking up a horse for riding, handling on the ground and riding.

Equine Riding and Training with Emphasis on Training

Recognize correct balance of a horse in motion while implementing a training plan and evaluating a horse at all three gaits.
Recognize and ride with a balanced position in a coachable manner.
Apply basic equine health knowledge when diagnosing the physical and mental health of the horse including unsoundness, lameness, diseases and illness.
Use safety when grooming, tacking up a horse for riding, handling on the ground and riding.

Farm and Ranch Management

Students will be able to research, understand and interpret economic news and trends using economic theory and apply them to agricultural operations.
Student will be able to apply economic and financial decision making tools to real life production scenarios.
Students will demonstrate a practical understanding of production agriculture.
Students will demonstrate the ability to productively participate as part of a team to research and communicate economic and production agriculture concepts.
Students will have the ability to communicate orally and in writing on agriculture issues.

Graphic Design

Program-Specific Student-Learning Outcomes for AA in Graphic Design

Use media (tools, hands, materials, etc.) to produce artwork with a high level of craftsmanship
Incorporate design elements, structures, and functions into art and design projects
Demonstrate development of visual thinking and visual literacy
Recognize a variety of artworks and demonstrate a foundational understanding of art/design’s relationship to history and culture
Critique the form and content of artworks through use of art/design terminology and concepts

Program Specific Learning Outcomes for AAS in Graphic Design

Prepare students for entry-level positions in the graphics industry/profession
Demonstrate the ability to reproduce printed materials with quality and efficiency
Demonstrate the ability to plan, communicate, design and build efficient documents/files in software applications geared for the graphics discipline
Utilize proper terminology, techniques and procedures common to the graphics industry/profession
Demonstrate commitment to maintaining a strong work ethic

History

Students will acquire an understanding of the historical framework for the development of Western (and World) Civilizations and the United States.
Students will pursue a more in-depth study in aspects of Ancient Mediterranean, European, or American History as a foundation for transfer into junior level course work.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of multicultural perspectives and realities of history, including the contributions over many centuries of various races, nations, and faiths to the fabric of Western Civilization and the United States.
Students will acquire a sophisticated awareness of the relationships that develop through time between political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual, and religious factors, weaving into “patterns” and trends.
Students will learn the methods and techniques of research and analysis in the discipline of history, including the “social sciences” and “humanities” traditions as well as the “rules of evidence” employed in historical thinking and writing – all components of “critical thinking.”
Students will acquire a rudimentary sense of historiography – historical argumentation and debate – on key questions of professional research.
Students will develop communications skills to express historical perspectives, including writing and oral presentations of expression.

Mathematics

Students will:

Compute derivatives and use them in applications.
- In Math 2200 (calculus I), the focus is on derivatives of single variable functions.
- In Math 2205 (calculus II), the focus is on derivatives of transcendental functions.
- In Math 2210 (calculus III), the focus is on derivatives of multi-variable functions.
Compute integrals and use them in applications.
- In Math 2200 (calculus I), the focus is on integrals of single variable functions.
- In Math 2205 (calculus II), the focus is on special techniques of integration.
- In Math 2210 (calculus III), the focus is on integrals of multi-variable functions.
Use series to represent functions.
Model motion using vectors and perform calculus operations on them.
Create and analyze mathematical models.

Music

Demonstrate individual and group artistry on an instrument or voice.
Apply skills in music reading, sight reading, and the understanding of music theory.
Describe, analyze, and evaluate music, musical performances, and musical meanings considering the music’s design elements, historical, and cultural connections.
Understand the relationship among music, other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
Understand many kinds of music in relation to history and culture.
Improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
Develop understanding and use of music and computer technologies.

Music Technology

Apply concepts from physics and acoustics in practical situations to solve sound problems and/or achieve desired outcomes in both sound reinforcement and sound recording.
Demonstrate proficiency with sound reinforcement procedures including: microphone selection, mixing console signal flow and gain staging, metering, FOH and stage monitor mixing, system troubleshooting and assessment.
Demonstrate proficiency with various aspects of digital audio production. Including, the impact of sample rate and bit depth on the sonic image, dithering, Full Scale metering (dBFS), use of software effects plug-ins, software audio editing tools, and digital file management best practices.
Evaluate merits of recording outcomes with an understanding of the technical goals and aesthetic considerations appropriate for a given genre. Distinguish specific audio career paths and the steps needed to become successful profession in the audio industry.
Develop an understanding of the history and aesthetics of electronic music and demonstrate the effective use of both MIDI-based and non-MIDI hardware and software in the creation and production of electronic music.

Natural Resource Biology

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of natural resources biology.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

Nursing: Registered Nurse

Provide safe nursing care within the healthcare system.
Incorporate prior knowledge, current research, and clinical experience in decision-making.
Demonstrate leadership skills as part of an inter-professional team to promote desired outcomes.
Use effective communication and advocacy to provide individualized care.
Practice within the core values, principles, and standards of the nursing profession.
Utilize the nursing process and a broad knowledge base to maximize health.

Outdoor Education and Recreation Leadership

Evaluate a groups risk concerns for a specific activity to create a plan that will appropriately manage associated risks.
Apply appropriate leadership theories and techniques in various backcountry and outdoor education settings.
Develop an accurate budget to operate an outdoor program/activity ranging in length from one to four days.
Demonstrate professional competency in one or more outdoor skill areas such as rock climbing, backpacking, rafting/kayaking, rope courses, etc.

Photographic Communications

Demonstrate an understanding with applicable skills of traditional photographic techniques.
Demonstrate an understanding with applications of digital photography.
Illustrate the ability to use photographic studios to communicate commercial ideas.
Demonstrate an understanding and proficiency in using business practices in the field of photography.

Physical Education

Design and use a healthy lifestyle management plan.
Apply knowledge of growth, development, learning theory, and movement principles to program development and lesson planning.
Administer various assessments including Fitness, Strength, Motor and Academia.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic instructional strategies for athletic coaching.

Physics

Demonstrate an understanding of principles and theories of Physics. These including the following: Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, (primarily accomplished in PHYS 1110 and PHYS 1310), Electromagnetism, optics (primarily accomplished in PHYS 1120 and PHYS 1320), Special and general theories of relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, solid state physics and astrophysics (primarily accomplished in PHYS 2320)
Apply algebra and (n the case of PHYS 1310/20 and PHYS 2320) calculus, as well as graphical methods to solve physics problems.
Demonstrate the ability to do simple lab experiments that apply the principles learned in class (applicable only to PHYS 1110/20 and PHYS 1310/20)

Political Science

Students will learn fundamental principles of U.S. and Wyoming constitutions and governments.
Students will learn and be able to apply basic concepts and methods for analysis that are commonly used in Political Science.
Students will be able to analyze and evaluate evidence obtained from different sources and offered in support of political arguments.
Students will be able to develop an argument for a position on political issues that will be rational, factual, and persuasive.

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of biology and appropriate for the included pre-professional transfer programs.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

Pre-Optometry

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of biology and appropriate for the included pre-professional transfer programs.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

Pre-Pharmacy

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of biology and appropriate for the included pre-professional transfer programs.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

Pre-Physical Therapy

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of biology and appropriate for the included pre-professional transfer programs.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

Pre-Professional Sciences

Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological principles pertinent to the field of biology and appropriate for the included pre-professional transfer programs.
Demonstrate sound scientific reasoning and familiarity with basic scientific methodology and experimental procedures.
Be able to organize, analyze and interpret data.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.

Production Agriculture

Describe sound, sustainable agriculture production principles and practices
Identify the cultural, political and economic influences on agriculture in a global economy
Demonstrate ability in independent research and problem solving
Demonstrate basic animal and plant management techniques

Psychology

Demonstrate a familiarity with and understanding of the concepts and language used to describe and explain the human behaviors covered in the course.
Demonstrate introductory-level knowledge about the character and causes and effects of those behaviors examined in the course.
Demonstrate an introductory-level understanding of the several varied and most widely held perspectives and theories used by different “schools” of Psychologists to describe and explain many of the behaviors covered in the course.
Demonstrate an introductory-level ability to describe, interpret, and evaluate psychological research done by others.
Demonstrate an introductory-level ability to apply psychological methods and knowledge to analyzing and changing behavior.
Demonstrate an introductory-level ability to integrate diverse psychological concepts, theories, and research findings about human behaviors.
Demonstrate an introductory-level ability to design one’s own psychological research about human behavior.

Range Management

Describe sound, sustainable range ecosystem management principles and practices
Demonstrate the ability to collaborate in the collection and interpretation of data and the use of technology
Demonstrate competence in independent research and problem solving
Exhibit proficiency in evaluating and applying quantitative data from production agriculture

Secondary Education

The student will be able to analyze and apply learning principles, knowledge or individual learner characteristics, and teaching strategies.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of cognitive, affective and motor development of children and adolescents as they relate to students’ intellectual, social and personal growth.
The student will communicate information using appropriate presentation techniques including oral communication, written materials and instructional technology.
The student will plan instruction based on knowledge of subject matter, students the community and state performance standards.
The student will demonstrate the ability to reflect on his/her professional commitment and responsibilities.

Sociology

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major theoretical paradigms used to study social phenomena and generate research in the field of Sociology.
Demonstrate an understanding of the research method process, the various data collection techniques available for conducting research in Sociology, and gain an understanding of the ethical standards that guide research within the social sciences.
Demonstrate an ability to apply sociological concepts and theories to the real world and ultimately their everyday lives.
Demonstrate an understanding of the formation and operation of the major social institutions that exist within our society.
Demonstrate an understanding of the social groups that operate in our society and the impact they have on our development/socialization.

Spanish

Communicate in oral and written Spanish to provide and obtain information, express feelings, and exchange opinions
Interpret written texts and spoken Spanish
Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of language by comparing Spanish to their own language
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the culture studied and their own
Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between perspectives and the practices and products of the culture studied

Veterinary Assistant

Students will demonstrate ability to communicate animal health issues orally and in writing
Students will demonstrate ability to contribute to a team
Students will exhibit ability to research, analyze, and critically evaluate animal health issues

Welding Technology

Reach their full potential in the welding field
Achieve a complete understanding of welding symbols and print drawing and reading
Use the correct procedure in setting up equipment and the skills used in welding
Use TIG and MIG machines in both pipe and plate welding
Explain the physical aspect of different metals
Develop the cognitive and physical skills necessary to pass certification tests in both pipe and plate welding

Central Assessment Team (CAT)

Assumption

Accreditation is essential for Northwest College. Northwest College will be in the top category of accreditation.

Team Membership

Interested and committed faculty from across academic divisions.

Team function

Internal peer review for all-college, general education, and program-level assessment of student learning outcomes. Review and approve learning outcomes and proposals for assessment of learning outcomes at each level.
Clearing house for assessment of student learning data and analysis. Review data and analysis of all levels of assessment. Distribute results to stakeholders. Suggest or request action on results.
Plan professional development activities related to assessment.
Promote, support, and encourage assessment work among colleagues and across the college.

Institutional Research Office function as it relates to CAT

Warehouse assessment of student-learning data
Conduct analysis as requested
Prepare assessment of student learning reports for publication
Serve as internal consultant to programs and the Central Assessment Team

Curriculum Committee function as it relates to CAT

Review course requests for assessment plan
Work with Central Assessment Team in assessment of general education outcomes

Academic Advisory Council function as it relates to CAT

Support and encourage the work of the Central Assessment Team
Promote the importance and value of assessment of student learni
ng at all levels
Review reports from the Central Assessment Team and programs in considering priorities for resource allocation in the Action Resource Planning (ARP)

President’s Staff function as it relates to CAT

Review reports on assessment of student learning from the Central Assessment Team
Consider student-learning assessment evidence in resource allocation decisions