Course Descriptions

Core Requirements

GIS 102 Exploring GIS Spatial Technology (3)
An introductory course to motivate and encourage students to explore and learn how to use GIS Spatial Technology (GST) in any discipline. Students will explore the uses of GST software (GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing) and methods for applying GIS technolgy to the students's field of interest.Exploration involves navigating through GST spatial technology software, including Arc Explorer, ArcCatalog and Arcmap;and to see pratical applications such as analysis of the causes of natural disasters e.g. wildfire, tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and homeland security. An exciting course for everyone interested in learning and exploring 21st centurey spatial thinking technology. Explores the GIS profession, types of jobs in the field, required skills, and GIS programs offered at GRCC and four-year institutions

GIS 177 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS WORK EXPERIENCE (1-12)
Offers students an opportunity to work full or part-time in jobs directly related to their programs and interests. Students may receive a salary or volunteer. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in COOP 171 and instructors permission.

GIS 178 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS WORK EXPERIENCE (1-12)
Offers students an opportunity to work full or part-time in jobs directly related to their programs and interests. Students may receive a salary or volunteer. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in COOP 171 and instructors permission.

GIS 179 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS WORK EXPERIENCE (1-12)
Offers students an opportunity to work full or part-time in jobs directly related to their programs and interests. Students may receive a salary or volunteer. PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in COOP 171 and instructors permission.

194 SPECIAL TOPICS- GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (1-5)
Permits students to pursue a special GIS topic, under the guidance of an instructor. Possible topics include applying various GIS course operations to specific regional databases, analyzing the data, making inferences, and producing mapped data; collecting local or regional data, analyzing the data and producing conclusions; doing a library and computer search of published materials on a specific topic and designing a database system to incorporate that data and expand the area of research. PREREQUISITE: Instructor's permission.

GIS 121 Introduction to GIS (5)
Provides an overview of ArcGIS tools and three principle GIS software components: ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox. Provides hands-on experience with ArcGIS tools and functionality. Provides experience working with various data models including shapefiles, coverages, geodatabases, and grids. Students will create, manage, analyze, display georeferenced data. Emphasizes the value of effective communication through the use of georeferenced datasets and finished maps

GIS 141 Spatial Statistics (3)
Covers the basic concepts of spatial statistics and the tools available in the core of ArcGIS software.The course content covers differences between a-spatial and spatial statistics, and explains specific methods that use distance, space, and spatial relationship.Also, explanins ways of measuring spatial processes, spatial distributions of features, and means to determine if any data has any spatial patterns (random, clustered or dispersed) using the ArcGIS spatial statistics tools to assist desicion-makers in visualizing results and understanding the concepts of data relationships and make decisions with a higher level of confidence.

GIS 202 GIS Fundamentals and Theory (5)
Introduces students to GIS principles and theory, including vector and raster data models and analysis, coordinate systems, geometric transformation, spatial data editing, data exploration, terrain mapping and analysis, viewshed and watershed analysis, and Geocoding and Dynamic Segmentation. This course provides concepts and practice of GIS. Students will identify a spatial problem, then design and implement an analysis project to address the problem. Emphasizes effective communication through the use of Georeferenced datasets and finished maps.

220 GIS Modules Analyst (5)
Covers several ArcGIS modules within ArcGIS software programs which add analytical and display capabilities to ArcGIS. Students will learn to use Network Analyst, 3D Analyst, Spatial Analyst using Model builder, and ArcScan. Students will also learn how to publish data using ArcReader and Publisher modules.

250 Data and Spatial Database Design (5)
An overview of the structure and capabilities of the basic principles and methods for designing and building geodatabases. Students will explore the basic principles of database design using the relational database model as a central focus. Students will also learn how to build topology and how to edit feature classes that participate in a topology to maintain data feature spatial integrity. Students will use ArcMap topology tools to construct geodatabases which include behavioral topology rules for spatial features. Students will also produce a comprehensive spatial database supporting a research project in natural resources, conservation, urban planning, or other relevant research interests

255 Introduction to GIS Programming (5)
Introduces three GIS programming approaches: ArcInfo command line GIS programming language Arc Marco Language (AML); ArcObject; and Python language. Students learn to apply principles of object oriented programming to GIS application. Focuses on course content of interest to students who are interested in software development. Students learn to write script to add functions to ArcGIS along with tools/buttons to call these functions and learn to write and debug scripts for ArcGIS

260 Cartography-Based Geographic Information System (5)
Introduces the principles and techniques of GIS cartography. Reviews fundamental mapping concepts of map design using GIS technology. Students will apply concepts of map scale, projection, and coordinate systems. Also covers principles of thematic map design for different purposes and audiences. Students will learn new ArcGIS cartography tools and modules, including Maplex, to aid in understanding principles of thematic map design for different purposes and audiences. Students will get hands-on experience using ArcGIS symbols labeling, and annotation to make maps and to export maps into different formats.

270 GIS in the Field (5)
Focuses on ArcPad ESRI software, GPS tools and Survey Analyst modules to collect, create, edit, maintain attribute/spatial information and utilize GIS maps while in the field. Students will learn how to transfer information between office and field and how to create and digitize new features using survey data. Student learning focuses on developing skills working on research projects in natural resources, conservation, urban planning, national security, government agencies, private sectors, and non-profit organizations.

GIS 291 GIS Project Planning (2)
Assists students in developing specific skills in project planning. Students will search and select a topic of interest for the final GIS project for implementation in GIS 292. Encourages students to communicate with the GIS community to find a real-world project which students will do individually or in a group. Students will learn how to plan a project using time management and project scheduling techniques common to the industry. All students will submit a written proposal for the student's GIS project plan, which will be completed in GIS 292.

GIS 292 GIS Project (5)
Continuation of GIS 291. Students will learn how to use project planning and how to implement a project plan to completion. Students will choose a specialty area of GIS for class project work and submit a complete written project. Possible specialties include: natural resources/conservation, urban planning, national security, utilities, real estate, criminal justice or other areas of interest. Students will apply knowledge learned throughout the GRCC GIS program to accomplish the final capstone project in GIS 292. If an appropriate opportunity exists, students may be able to address real-world projects through internship in government, private sector, or non-profit organizations.

299 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-5)
Allows and Encourages students under the guidance of an instructor to study and develop independently in area of interest in GIS applications or a special topic area of GIS when specific area of interest is not offered within the GIS curriculum. Course contents to be developed in conference between the student and instructor. Students meet on a tutorial basis with the instructor.

Additional Program Requirements

BUS E-185 INTRODUCTION TO MICROSOFT ACCESS (5)
Provides students with introductory Microsoft Access database training, specifically storage of data in a logical manner for later retrieval and use in the business environment. PREREQUISITE: BUS E 100 or instructors permission.

D T-110 INTRODUCTION TO AUTOCAD (4)
Introductory course to Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) using the AutoCAD software. Instruction will focus on learning the commands necessary for creating, editing, and dimensioning 2-D drawing. Methods for creating documents that are accurate and accomplished in a timely manner will be discussed. File management techniques using Windows Explorer will be emphasized.

GEOG-120 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (5)
A macroenvironmental study of the character, location and origins of different types of physical phenomena such as landforms, weather, climate, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and their relationship to humans. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree.

NATRS-117 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY USES AND GROUND BASED MAPPING (2)
Study and use of maps and aerial photographs to interpret vegetation and landforms, measure distance and direction, and navigate. Aviation students will become proficient in identifying ground development through the use of aerial photography. Survey of remote sensing technologies and GPS systems, which are used in GIS and Aviation. Course not intended for Natural Resources majors. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100 and any 100-level MATH; or concurrent enrollment.

NATRS 172 Computer Applications Overview (3)
Topics include data location collection techniques, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), hand-held data recorders, Excel uses, development of forestry databases, PowerPoint skills, map preparation using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, cost analysis techniques, and development of an employment portfolio. For Natural Resources students. RECOMMENDED: NATRS 100 be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: BUS E 100; or instructor's permission

NATRS-270 STREAM AND WETLAND ECOLOGY (5)
Students will gain an understanding of stream, pond, and wetland ecology. Stream and wetland dynamics, associated plant and animal ecology, streamflow hydraulics, and Washington Forest Practices Regulations will be studied. Measurements and sampling will be conducted within ponds, streams, and wetlands with follow-up analysis and reports. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100 and NATRS 172 or instructor's permission.

NATRS-290 INTERNSHIP SEMINAR (1) For career-oriented natural resources students as a sequential course to NATRS 294, Natural Resources Internship. Business letters, resumes, and applications are completed; interviewing skills and internship procedures are studied. Mock interviews and actual interviews for spring internships are conducted. PREREQUISITE: Instructors permission. This is a pass/no credit course.

Related Instructions Requirements

COMM-101 BASIC SPEECH COMMUNICATION (5)
A beginning level course that will help students develop confidence in addressing audiences in community and professional settings. Students examine interpersonal variables that affect communication, compose and deliver speeches, and evaluate student presentations. Washington State Common Course Number: CMST& 220 Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 110 or ENGL 102

COMM-110 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (5)
For students who wish to gain greater insight into communication that occurs in more personal relationships in order to better understand and control their own communication behavior and thus more effectively manage their interpersonal relationships. Satisfies a humanities/fine arts/English requirement for AA degree.

ENGL-102 PRACTICAL COLLEGE WRITING (5)
Teaches critical reading and clear, effective, practical college writing. Readings are keyed to professional and technical topics. Writing assignments reflect actual work products, including letters, memoranda, surveys, reports, evaluations, and proposals. PREREQUISITE: ENGL 081 or eligible for READ 104 or instructors permission.

ENGL-110 COLLEGE WRITING (5)
A composition course designed to teach critical reading and clear, purposeful, and effective writing. Writing tasks are related to course readings and prepare students for writing assignments in other college classes. PREREQUISITE: COMPASS placement or ENGL 100, and college level reading skills or READ 104. Satisfies a basic skill requirement for AA degree.

ENGL-113 RESEARCH WRITING: SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & BUSINESS (5)
A composition course with readings designed to teach research-based written communication in the sciences, engineering, and business. It continues to develop the basic reading and writing skills taught in ENGL110, but its major emphasis is on the development of academic research and professional writing skills. Students will engage in critical thinking throughout the course, which will include the analysis, interpretation, evaluation, documentation, and synthesis of multiple sources and evidence. PREREQUISITE: ENGL 110. Satisfies a basic skill requirement for AA degree.

MATH-102 PRE-CALCULUS 1 (5)
Study of linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their applications; algebraic combinations of functions; composition of functions; inverse functions; transformations. Graphing calculator required. PREREQUISITE: Either MATH 097 or 117T with a grade of 2.0 or higher; or appropriate placement or instructors permission. Satisfies a quantitative skills or a natural science requirement for AA degree.

MATH-116T TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS 2 (5)
Study of right and oblique triangles, trigonometric functions of any angle, radian measure, vectors, circles, linear and angular velocity, trigonometric identities, and complex numbers and their applications to technical fields. For technical students only. PREREQUISITE: MATH 085with a grade of 2.0 or higher; or appropriate placement score; or instructor's permission.

MATH-156 FINITE MATHEMATICS-BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE (5)
Study of graphs and solutions of linear equations, systems of equations, matrices, linear inequalities and linear programming, the simplex method, exponential and logarithmic functions, financial formulas, sets and set notation, permutations, and combinations. Many problems and examples are drawn from the fields of business, economics, and social science. A graphing calculator is required. PREREQUISITE: MATH 097 with a grade of 2.0 or higher; or appropriate placement score; or instructor's permission. Satisfies a quantitative skills or a natural science requirement for AA degree.

NATRS 290 INTERNSHIP SEMINAR (1)
For career-oriented natural resources students as a sequential course to NATRS 294, Natural Resources Internship. Business letters, resumes, and applications are completed; interviewing skills and internship procedures are studied. Mock interviews and actual interviews for spring internships are conducted. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.

Electives

ANTHR-100 INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY (5)
Provides a basic understanding of the four sub-fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and socio-cultural anthropology. Units of study include the concept of evolution, the concept of culture, human biological and cultural origins, primate behavior, pre-history, language acquisition, and cultural development. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree.

ANTHR-203 PRINCIPLES OF ARCHAEOLOGY (5)
An introduction to the techniques, methods and goals of archaeological research, including excavation and dating of archaeological materials and general problems encountered in explaining archaeological phenomena. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree.

ART-109 BEGINNING DESIGN (5)
Introduction to the visual elements of design and the fundamental principles of visual organization. Class will utilize computers and traditional materials. Through visual problem solving, students will strengthen their compositional skills while obtaining a better understanding of the visual world and the vocabulary with which to discuss it. Satisfies a humanities/fine arts/English requirement for AA degree.

ART-110 INTERMEDIATE DESIGN & COLOR (5)
Continues the study of two-dimensional design through the exploration of color. Color relationships, theories, application in various media, and the expressive impact of color will be studied. The computer will be utilized as the primary media in visual problem solving. PREREQUISITE: ART 109 or instructor's permission. Satisfies a humanities/fine arts/English requirement for AA degree.

ART-120 INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN (5)
An introduction to the principles of visual communication for both print (publication) and Web (the Internet). Utilizing the computer, explore graphic design concepts through the study of color, form, typography, and composition. Integrating language and communicating ideas through text and imagery. PREREQUISITE: ART 109 or concurrent enrollment. Satisfies a humanities/fine arts/English requirement for AA degree.

AVIA-123 AVIATION WEATHER (5)
Covers theory of weather processes and interpretation of weather reports and charts. Special aviation-related topics such as high-altitude weather, arctic weather and tropical weather are covered. Students gain a fundamental knowledge of weather observation and forecasting techniques and instruments. Includes special aviation problems such as windshear and micro-burst detection. Terminal Aerodrome Forecast/Aviation Routine Weather.

AVIA-209 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT PLANNING & ETOPS (5)
Air carrier flight planning to points outside the United States. Federal Aviation Regulations (Part 121) and International Civil Aviation Organization regulations (ICAO). Flight planning practice using ICAO forms. Extended two-engine overwater operation procedures (ETOPs). Routing, fuel, equipment and weather requirements. PREREQUISITE: AVIA 208 or concurrent enrollment; or instructors permission.

BEHSC-103 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS (5)
Assists students in increasing their effectiveness in interacting with other people. Focuses on learning skills in relationship building, maintaining relationships, and developing relationships in transition. Communication, conflict resolution and anger management skills will be presented in a lecture/discussion format.

DT-125 CIVIL DRAFTING 1 (5)
An introduction to civil drafting, symbols, terminology, and standards. Includes development of an engineering drawing from survey notes to its inclusion into a set of construction plans or an engineering report. PREREQUISITE: D T 100 and 101 or (D T 101.1 and 101.2).

ECON-100 ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS (5)
General survey course stressing basic principles of economic analysis and their applications to current problems and social issues. Intended primarily for students not majoring in business or economics and not intending to take ECON 200. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree.

ENV S_204 NATURAL SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT (5)
The interaction of physical and biological systems in the environment. Examines the scientific principles that are involved in modern environmental problems. Scientific topics will include energy, climate, soils, water, and the dynamics of plants and animal populations and the communities they form. For students wishing to obtain a broad picture of human activities and their relationship to basic processes of ecosystems. This course does not meet the lab requirement. PREREQUISITE: ENGL110 or eligible for ENGL 110 and MATH 097 with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Satisfies a natural science requirement for AA degree.

G E-142 C++ PROGRAMMING (5)
C++ programming language applied to engineering problems. The student organizes and writes C++ language computer programs to obtain the solutions to assigned problems. Engineering design competencies in teamwork, information gathering, problem definition, idea generation, evaluation and decision making, implementation, and communication are integrated in this course. PREREQUISITE: MATH 104. Satisfies a natural science requirement for AA degree. Cross-listed with C SCI 142.

GEOG-100 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY (5)
Survey of elements, major concepts, and methods of the field of geography. Topics include weather, climate, soils, wild vegetation, settlement, population, agricultural systems, and other selected topics. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL-101 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (5)
Survey of the physical systems that give the Earth its form. Emphasizes the dynamic nature of interior and exterior processes and their relevance to humans. Laboratory class with field trips. Satisfies a natural science or lab science requirement for AA degree.

GEOL-200 GEOLOGY OF NATIONAL PARKS (5)
An investigation of the geology of national parks of the United States and Canada. The primary emphasis will be on the geology of the western park. PREREQUISITE: GEOL 101. Satisfies a natural science requirement for AA degree.

IT-102 PROGRAM DESIGN (5)
Provides students with a solid background in logic for resolving problems while developing structured program logic and design techniques of an event-driven language, MS Visual Basic. The programmer will learn how to work with a visual interface while acquiring important programming skills such as creating projects with loops, decisions, and data management. PREREQUISITE: IT 101, 110 and; and MATH 097 or eligible for MATH 102.

IT-121 INTRODUCTION TO HTML (5)
The student will learn the most important topics of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), from the basics of creating Web Pages with graphics and links using tables, and controlling page layout with frames, to more advanced topics, including cascading style sheets, programming with JavaScript and JavaScript objects and events, creating a multimedia Web Page with forms. PREREQUISITE: IT 101 or IT 120.

IT-201 FUNDAMENTAL DATABASE DESIGN (5)
Helps students accomplish useful tasks in the real world through the use of a database management system (DBMS) such as Access 2000 and/or Oracle. The student learns the de-facto industry standard query language (SQL) in order to create and maintain the database and database objects, such as tables, forms, reports, queries, macros, modules, and web pages. Students gain proficiency with the System Development Life Cycle techniques in order to develop the right business application. Students learn about the various modeling techniques such as Enhanced Entity Relationship Diagrams (EER) and the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to identify entities, stakeholders, and processes of the business. The Student expands the skills through hands-on exercises demonstrating actual business scenarios. RECOMMENDED: BUS E 184 for students who have little or no database experience. PREREQUISITE: BUS E 266

IT-220 ADVANCED VISUAL BASIC (5)
Provides students with a solid foundation for developing applications within the context of a business setting using visual basic programming language. The students make use of the rules of logic learned in the previous course and an assortment of VB functionalities to create efficient, user friendly and powerful IC applications. PREREQUISITE: IT 102.

IT-265 STRUCTURED QUERY LANGUAGE (SQL) (5)
Provides hands-on experience in creating a database using the structured query language. (SQL), which is the standard de-facto database language used in mid and large size corporations. The student will demonstrate the ability to derive physical database design, develop logical data models, manage and maintain databases, provides database security and use integrity constraints to control data entry. The student will learn important concepts and terminology associated with relational databases. PREREQUISITE: IT 201; and IT 235 or concurrent enrollment.

IT-270 ADVANCED DATABASE APPLICATION WITH VBA (5)
Students create powerful and dynamic real-world programs through the use of Visual Basic for applications (VBA). The robust features provided by VBA are achieved through the combination of Access, Excel, and Visual Basic in one single business application. PREREQUISITE: IT 102 and 201.

NATRS-100 INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL RESOURCES (5)
Study of natural resources at an introductory level outdoors and in a classroom setting. Natural resources careers will be explored. Concepts of systems, biomes, forest biology, tree physiology, forest ecology, silviculture, water resources, fish and wildlife management, and fire ecology will be introduced. Forest history, forest policy, and forest ownership will be studied. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100 and NATRS 172 or concurrent enrollment; or instructors permission.

NATRS-161 WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT (5)
Study the management of wildlife and wildlife habitats to encourage incidence and diversity of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Students will develop field wildlife research projects to aid management skills. Students will visit, observe, and participate in actual projects, which give the students the opportunity to see Pacific Northwest wildlife in its ever-changing environments within the growing research-based industry. PPREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100; and NATRS 172; or instructor's permission.

NATRS-180 NATURAL RESOURCES MEASUREMENT (5)
Application of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to the solution of tree measurement, surveying, mapping, and orienteering problems. A calculator with trigonometric functions and capability is required. PREREQUISITE: MATH 115T or equivalent with a grade of 1.0 or higher, or concurrent enrollment.

NATRS-181 FOREST NAVIGATION AND MAPPING (8)
The use of a compass and chain/tape, mapping, map reading, topography, orientation, area determination, triangulation, the U.S. survey system, notekeeping, field reporting, GPS (Global Positioning Systems), and pacing are learned. Extensive field exercises are used in individual, team, and group situations. Open and closed traverses of roads, trails, and areas will be conducted. PREREQUISITE: Completion of NATRS 180 with a grade of 1.0 or higher, or instructors permission.

NATRS-182 AIR PHOTO INTERPRETATION AND REMOTE SENSING (5)
Study and use of maps and aerial photographs to interpret vegetation and landforms, measure distance and direction, and to navigate. Survey of remote sensing technologies, GPS and GIS systems. Extensive field exercises are used. Basic tree measurements are conducted. The student will apply previously learned mathematical concepts and field skills. PREREQUISITE: NATRS 181 or concurrent enrollment.

NATRS-197 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3)
Students will learn skills needed to develop and manage wildland parks and recreational sites for private, state, and federal owners. Students will visit, observe, and participate in actual projects within the growing wildland recreational industry. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100 and NATRS 172; or instructors permission. Satisfies an activity requirement for AA degree.