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Associate in Applied Science - Water Science

The Water Science program is designed to prepare students for employment in water resources, including water and wastewater operations, hydrology, and water quality for local, state and federal agencies, and private industry.

Students completing the Water Science AAS degree can earn a BA or BS degree in Geosciences at Eastern Washington University in 2 years under a 2+2 direct transfer agreement.

Offered At

Spokane Community College

Start

Fall, Winter, Spring

Website

https://scc.spokane.edu/What-to-Study/The-Natural-World/Water-Resources-Management

Learning Outcomes

  1. Install, operate and maintain instruments used in stream gaging and discharge measurement.
  2. Collect samples, complete field surveys, analyze, and report water quality parameters in the field and laboratory using standard chemical, biological, physical, and field survey techniques commonly utilized in water resource studies.
  3. Collect, recognize and identify aquatic organisms from invertebrate insects to fish species, relating what is found to the habitat and aquatic ecosystem conditions.
  4. Install, operate, and maintain instruments used in collecting hydro-meteorological measurements.
  5. Set up monitoring plans and schedules to collect, measure, analyze and report ground water levels and water quality parameters.
  6. Be familiar with restoration practices used to improve fish habitat and water quality, including techniques to stabilize slopes, recover degraded lakes and stream courses.
  7. Utilize, interpret and analyze maps and aerial photographs in the characterization and management of water resources, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS).
  8. Operate a hand compass, level, global positioning systems (GPS) and electronic instruments in determining slopes, running traverses, locating ownership boundaries, and determining locations.
  9. Work safely in a variety of adverse conditions and environments.
  10. Have knowledge and understanding of Federal and State laws that pertain to water and the aquatic environment including a good working knowledge of water rights laws.
  11. Use the computer as a tool for solving water resources problems.
  12. Record, report, analyze and store data gathered according to established protocol.
  13. Write technical reports and give presentations.
  14. Demonstrate human relationship skills and professional behavior needed for successful job performance.

Typical Student Schedule

First Quarter

NATRS112
Natural Resources Mathematical Applications
5
NATRS120
Basic Computer Applications in Natural Resources
2
WATER128
Occupational Preparation and Experience
1
WATER131
Hydrologic Field Projects
1
1
WATER209
Water Quality
5
14

Second Quarter

ENGL&101
English Composition I
2
5
NATRS204
Maps and Aerial Photo Interpretation
5
WATER109
Introduction to Water Resources
5
WATER129
Occupational Preparation and Experience
1
WATER132
Hydrologic Field Projects
1
1
17

Third Quarter

ENVS&101
Intro to Env Science
5
ENVS 232
Applied Research in Hydrology
3
WATER135
Intro to Water and Wastewater
3
WATER205
Differential Leveling
3
WATER210
Hydrologic Measurement
3
17

Fourth Quarter

ENVS 220
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources
3
5
ENVS 226
Fisheries Techniques
4
ENVS 234
Applied Research in Water/Wastewater Operations
4
3
WATER208
Water Data and Records Analysis
3
WATER228
Occupational Preparation and Experience
1
16

Fifth Quarter

ENVS 233
Applied Research in Water Quality
4
3
NATRS221
Applications in Geographic Information Systems
4
WATER110
Hydrogeology
5
WATER229
Occupational Preparation and Experience
1
13

Sixth Quarter

ENVS 211
Weather and Climate
5
ENVS 231
Applied Research in Geographic Information Systems
4
3
WATER212
Water Law & Policy
5
13

90 credits are required for the Associate in Applied Science


1
Students are required to complete a minimum of 2 of the 6 hydrologic projects (WATER 131, 132, 133, 231, 232, 233)
2
May be substituted with WATER 120
3
Must be completed with a 2.0 or higher before advancing to NATRS 221.
4
Students are required to complete a total of 12 credits of Applied Research courses (ENVS 231, 232, 233, 234, 235)

Disclaimer: The college cannot guarantee courses will be offered in the quarters indicated. During the period this guide is in circulation, there may be curriculum revisions and program changes. Students are responsible for consulting the appropriate academic unit or adviser for more current and specific information. The information in this guide is subject to change and does not constitute an agreement between the college and the student.