Course Syllabus

Course: NR 2825

Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Natural Resources
Title: Wilderness Navigation Safety Certification

Semester Approved: Spring 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2025
End Semester: Fall 2025

Catalog Description: Safety training in natural resources helps students obtain the necessary skills and certifications to help them be employable in the field and perform required duties safely. In this specific training, students will earn a Wilderness Safety Certification, which is earned by demonstrating basic map reading and navigational skills in the outdoors.

Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 1; Lab: 2

Prerequisites: NA

Corequisites: NA


Justification: One of the vital components of being employed in a natural resource related field is to have specific trainings in that field. This training is designed to help students get entry-level positions in multiple natural resource related fields. These jobs give them hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and help build their resumes for future employment.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Demonstrate knowledge in basic concepts of map reading, navigation, compasses, and GPS units. This will be assessed by classroom assignments and exams.

Demonstrate knowledge in different coordinate systems, including geographic, universal transverse mercator (UTM), and public land survey system (PLSS) This will be assessed by classroom assignments and exams.

Successfully navigate in the outdoors using compasses, topographic maps, and GPS units. This will be assessed by classroom assignments and field exams.


Content:
Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with exposure to the following concepts and learning experiences:
- How to access, read, and understand paper and digital maps
- Using GPS and compass to navigate in the outdoors
- Different coordinate systems, including geographic, universal transverse mercator (UTM), and public land survey system (PLSS)

Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed in the following ways:

Assignments 30 to 50%

Field Exams 30 to 50%

Written Exams 10 to 30%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No textbook or materials are required. Text and materials will be provided by the instructor.


Pedagogy Statement:
This class will be taught primarily through lecture and hands-on learning. Students will learn skills, then practice them with a group, and then be tested on those skills individually.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab

Maximum Class Size: 30
Optimum Class Size: 15