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Degrees & Courses

Bitterroot College Course Descriptions

Applied Arts and Sciences (AASC)

AASC 100 Introduction to the University Experience (3 credits)

Offered autumn. Exploring the transition to college; introduction to campus resources, academic policies and expectations; general education and advising; study skills and time management; critical thinking; exploring majors and career choices; campus diversity and personal development. Offered as an elective for incoming AA students.

AASC 10 Study and Learning Strategies (2 credits)


Accounting Courses (ACTG)

ACTG 100 Essentials of Accounting (4 credits)

Offered spring. Introduction to basic double-entry accounting. Emphasis on analyzing, journalizing, and posting transactions; trial balance, worksheet, financial statements, and adjusting/closing procedures, cash control and completing the accounting cycle.

ACTG 101 Accounting Procedures I (4 credits)

Offered autumn. Basic double-entry accounting. Emphasis on analyzing, journalizing, and posting transactions; trial balance, worksheet, financial statements, and adjusting/closing procedures, accounting systems, and cash control. Accepted as a substitute for UM-COT degrees requiring ACTG 100 Essentials of Accounting.

ACTG 102 Accounting Procedures II (4 credits)

Offered spring. Prereq., ACTG 101 with competency test score of 75% or better. Expansion of ACTG 101 including receivables, inventories, plant and intangible assets, and expanded liabilities. Includes partnerships, corporations, long-term liabilities, investments in debt and equity securities, and the statement of cash flow.


Allied Health Medical Support Courses (AHMS)

AHMS 270E Medical Law and Ethics (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Ethical decision-making tools for addressing common ethical issues in the health professions.


Anthropology Courses (ANTY)

ANTY 101H Introduction to Anthropology (3 credits)

Offered spring. A survey of anthropology which introduces the fundamental concepts, methods and perspectives of the field. The description and analysis of human culture, its growth and change. The nature and functions of social institutions.


Art Courses (ARTZ)

ARTZ 105A Visual Language - Drawing (3 credits)

Offered autumn and summer. An introduction to visual language, concepts, and studio practicum. Focus on basic skills development in rendering volume, pictorial depth, and figure/ground relationships. Research in historical and contemporary approaches to drawing.

ARTZ 106A Visual Language - 2-D Foundations (3 credits)

Offered spring. An introduction to the formal elements and principles of design, color theory, and predominant western and non-western historical styles. Emphasis on solving specific design problems.

ARTZ 108A Visual Language - 3-D Foundations (3 credits)

Offered autumn. Basic three-dimensional course for both general education and beginning art students. Prerequisite to beginning sculpture and beginning ceramics. Emphasis placed on conceptualization and formal development of the 3-D object in the areas of form, mass, scale, texture, space and color.


Business Courses (BGEN)

BGEN 103S Principles of Business (3 credits)

Offered autumn. Introduction to the world of business. Examines capitalism, the economic environment, the types of business organizations, management, marketing, production, labor, financing, and business/governmental relations.

BGEN 135T Business Law (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. An overview of law as it applies to business transactions. Topics include the nature and source of law; courts and procedure; contracts, sales, and employment; commercial paper; bailment's; property; business organizations; insurance; wills and estate planning; consumer and creditor protection; torts; criminal law; and agency law. Credit not allowed for both BGEN 135T and BADM 257.


Biology - General Courses (BIOB)

BIOB 101N/102N Discover Biology - Lecture and Lab (3 credits)

Offered every autumn and spring. Contemporary exploration of the organization and complexity of living organisms and the systems in which they live. The central question of biology - relationship between form and function, acquisition and use of energy, and continuity between generations will be addressed through lectures and laboratory investigations. Credit not allowed toward a major in biology. Degree credit not allowed for both BIOB 101N and BIOB 160N.

BIOB 160N Principles of Living Systems- Lecture and Lab (4 credits)

Offered every autumn. Unifying principles of biological structure-function relationships at different levels of organization and complexity. Consideration of reproduction, genetics, development, evolution, ecosystems, as well as the inter-relationships of the human species to the rest of life. Lab experiences illustrate biological principles underlying growth, reproduction, development, genetics and physiology. Degree credit not allowed for both BIOB 101N and 160N.


Biology - Human Courses (BIOH)

BIOH 108 Basic Anatomy (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Structures of the human body and their basic functions.

BIOH 201N/202N Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture & Lab (4 credits)

Offered autumn. Prereq., introductory science course or college-prep high school biology course recommended. Comprehensive knowledge of human form and function necessary for students preparing for health-related professions. Emphasis on structure, function and homeostatic regulation of body systems with presentation of basic concepts in chemistry and microbiology as they relate to human anatomy and physiology. Covers tissues through nervous system. Required integrated laboratory includes some dissection.

BIOH 211N/212N Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture & Lab (4 credits)

Offered spring. Prereq., BIOH 201N. Continuation of 201N. Comprehensive knowledge of human form and function necessary for students in health-related programs. Emphasis on structure function and homeostatic regulation of body systems with presentation of basic concepts in chemistry and microbiology as they relate to human anatomy and physiology. Covers endocrine through reproductive systems. Required integrated laboratory includes frequent dissection.


Biology - Organismal (BIOO)

BIOO 105N Introduction to Botany (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Introduction to the plant kingdom including anatomy, physiology and ecology.


Chemistry Courses (CHMY)

CHMY 121N Introduction to General Chemistry Lecture & Discussion (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. First semester of an introduction to general, inorganic, organic and biological chemistry.

CHMY 122 Introduction to General Chemistry Lab (1 credit)

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq. or coreq., CHMY 121N or equivalent. A laboratory course emphasizing inorganic chemistry, quantitative relations and synthesis of inorganic and organic compounds.


Communications Courses (COM)

COM 150S Interpersonal Communications (3 credits)

Offered spring. Focus on communicating and listening more clearly to improve personal and professional relationships. Topics include forms of communication, communication and identity, emotion, conflict, climates, gender, and cultural diversity.

COM 160A Oral Communications (3 credits)

Offered autumn and summer. Introduction to techniques for preparing and delivering effective presentations as well as constructive criticism.


Computer Application Courses (CAPP)

CAPP 120 Introduction to Computers (3 credits)

Offered autumn, spring, and summer. Introduction to computer terminology, hardware, and software, including wire/wireless communications and multimedia devices. Students utilize word processing, spread sheet, database, and presentation applications to create projects common to business and industry in a networked computing environment. Internet research, email usage, and keyboarding proficiency are integrated.

CAPP 154 MS Word (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Preparation of business forms, correspondence, mail merges, columnar projects, and reports using up-to-date software. Business related application projects, graphics, and printer operation are included.

CAPP 156 MS Excel (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., CAPP 120 and M 090 or M 095. Emphasis on the use of workbooks and sheets to solve business problems. Includes projects relating to data and graphs/charts.


Computer Science Courses (CSCI)

CSCI 105 Computer Fluency (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., CAPP 120 or demonstrated computing experience. Introduces the skills and concepts of information technology, both from practical and a more theoretical point of view. During lectures and interactive computer labs, students will explore a wide range of digital and information technologies, including common PC applications, networking, databases, privacy, and security.

CSCI 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., CAPP 120 or demonstrated computing experience. Problem solving and data modeling using computer productivity software. Emphasis using spreadsheets and databases for data analysis. Formal presentation of results.


Geology Courses (GEO)

GEO 101N Introduction to Physical Geology/Lecture (3 credits)

Offered autumn. General geology including the work of wind, flowing water, glacial ice, gravity, earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics in shaping the earth.

GEO 102N Introduction to Physical Geology/Lab (1 credit)

Offered autumn. Prereq. or coreq., any geoscience courses below GEO 130. A series of laboratory and field experiences designed around basic geologic processes and materials. Familiarization with common minerals, rocks, land forms, and structures. Intended to provide laboratory experience with any geoscience course below GEO 130.


Geography Courses (GPHY)

GPHY 111N Introduction to Physical Geography/Lecture (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., M 095 or above, or appropriate score on mathematics placement examination. Introduction to the earth's major natural environmental systems, their spatial distribution and interrelationships, including weather and climate, vegetation and ecosystems, soils, landforms, and earth-surface processes.

GPHY 121S Introduction to Human Geography (3 credits)

Offered spring. Introduction to Human Geography focuses upon the linkages between geography and society including analysis of regions, ethnic groups, urban landscapes, migration and population change, geopolitics, economics, and cultural differences


History (HSTA)

HSTA 102H/Y American History II (4 credits)

Offered spring. A comprehensive introductory history of the U.S. since 1877. Lecture-discussion.


Literature Courses (LIT)

LIT 110L Introduction to Literature (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Study of how readers make meaning of texts and how texts influence readers. Emphasis on interpreting literary texts: close reading, critical analysis and effective writing. Course counts as an approved writing course with respect to UM general education requirements.


Mathematics Courses (M)

M 65 Prealgebra (3 credits)

Offered autumn, spring, and summer. Prereq., appropriate placement score. Arithmetic and basic algebra skills needed for Introductory Algebra. Topics include integers and rational numbers, decimals and percentages with applications, ratios and proportions with applications, single variable linear equations with applications, introduction to graphing, exponents, factoring, and an introduction to polynomials. Credit does not count toward a certificate or degree. Credit does not count toward Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, or Baccalaureate degrees.

M 90 Introductory Algebra (3 credits)

Offered autumn, spring, and summer. Prereq., M 065 or appropriate placement score. Review of arithmetic principles of integers and rational numbers, linear equations in one or two unknowns, and operations with polynomials and rational expressions. Credit does not count toward an Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, or Baccalaureate degree.

M 95 Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 090 or appropriate placement score. Topics include linear equations and systems of linear equations, inequalities, applications and graphing; polynomials; rational expressions and equations; radicals, rational exponents and complex numbers; quadratic equations; introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions. Credit does not count toward Associate of Arts or Baccalaureate degrees.

M 105 Contemporary Math (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., M 090 (MAT 005) with a grade of B- or better, or M 095, or appropriate placement score. An introduction to mathematical ideas and their impact on society. Intended for students wishing to satisfy the general education mathematics requirement.

M 115 Probability and Linear Math (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 090 with a grade of B- or better, M 095, or appropriate placement score. Systems of linear equations and matrix algebra. Introduction to probability with emphasis on models and probabilistic reasoning. Examples of applications of the material in many fields.

M 121 College Algebra (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 095 or appropriate placement score. Intended to strengthen algebra skills. The study of functions and their inverses: polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.


Media Arts (MAR)

MAR 111A Fundamentals of Integrated Digital Art (3 credits)

A project-oriented editing and design course that focuses on artistic expression and its relationship to digital technology. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects, students will create audio/visual work in both the still image and time based mediums.


Philosophy Courses (PHL)

PHL 110E Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)

Offered spring. An examination of the Western vision of morality through the careful study of selected writings from Aristotle, Kant and Mill. Additional works in ethics may supplement primary readings.

PHL 112E Introduction to Ethics and the Environment (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. An introductory-level ethics course with a special interest in the natural environment. The course will (a) introduce students to the three classical traditions in ethics - virtue, Kantianism, and utilitarianism, (b) ground these theories in questions about the moral status of non-humans and our moral duties to non-humans, (c) include an applied section of the course that will cover animal welfare, biotechnology, and other current topics.


Political Science Courses (PSCI)

PSCI 210S/Y Introduction to American Government (3 credits)

Offered autumn. Constitutional principles, structures, and the political processes of the national government.


Psychology Courses (PSYX)

PSYX 100S Introduction to Psychology (4 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Introduction to the scientific study of behavior in humans and other animals. Accepted as a substitute for UM-COT degrees requiring PSYX 161S Fundamentals of Organizational Psychology.


Science Courses (SCN)

SCN 100N Issues in Biology (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. An introductory course for students with little science background. This course explores several issues relating to human biology such as cancer, drug abuse, population growth, and genetic engineering. Also includes discussions of fundamental biological concepts such as evolution, biodiversity, and basic cell and molecular biology.

SCN 175N Integrated Physical Science (3 credits)

Offered spring. Prereq., or coreq., M 090 or M 095. An introduction to the basic principles of physics, chemistry, environmental and earth sciences with emphasis on the scientific method and process (suitable for students with little science background).


Sociology (SOCI)

SOCI 101S Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Overview of the principles and concepts used in the study of human social interaction, groups, communities and societies.

SOCI 211S Introduction to Criminology (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Prereq., SOCI 101S (SOC 110S). A critical examination of crime in society: how crime is defined, the extent and distribution of crime, theoretical explanations of criminal behavior, and crime control efforts.


Spanish (SPNS)

SPNS 101 Elementary Spanish I (5 credits)

Offered autumn. Emphasis on oral communication, with development in all major skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

SPNS 102 Elementary Spanish II (5 credits)

Offered spring. Continuation of 101.


Statistics (STAT)

STAT 216 Introduction to Statistics/Lecture and Discussion (4 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 115 or consent of instr. Introduction to major ideas of statistical inference. Emphasis is on statistical reasoning and uses of statistics.


Writing Courses (WRIT)

WRIT 95 Developmental Writing (3 credits)

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., placement or referral by WRIT 101 instructor. Designed for students who need instruction and practice integrating critical thinking, reading and writing before entering the required first-year writing course. Credit does not count toward Associate of Arts or Baccalaureate degrees.

WRIT 101 College Writing (3 credits)

Offered autumn, spring, and summer. Prereq., WRIT 095 or passing score on placement test. Instruction and practice in both the expository writing and research process. Emphasis on the use of specific techniques of writing to develop style, unity, clarity, and force of ideas, and structure. Students are expected to write without major errors in sentence structure or mechanics.

WRIT 121 Introduction to Technical Writing (3 credits)

Offered intermittently. Course assumes a basic computer literacy. Passing score on placement test or consent of instructor. Introduction to technical writing situations with appropriate formats. Emphasis writing with document design and graphic placement introduced. Students are expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage.

Montana Western in Hamilton Course Descriptions

ED 144 Creating an Environment for Learning/Lecture (2 credits)

Offered autumn of even years. Explores the developmentally appropriate environment and its effect on the learner in the physical, cognitive, and social domains. It also deals with planning for learning: units, scheduling, transitions, lesson planning, children's safety, nutrition, and health.

ED 145 Creating an Environment for Learning/Lab (1 credit)

Offered autumn of even years. Designing and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom arrangements, learning centers, schedules, lesson plans, and transitions. $5 Course Fee.

ED 240 Positive Child Discipline/Lecture (2 credits)

Offered autumn of even years. Focuses on developing skills in using positive guidance techniques while enhancing children’s self-concept and developing children's pro-social skills.

ED 241 Positive Child Discipline/Lab (1 credit)

Offered autumn of even years. Demonstration of skills in using positive guidance, establishing a prosocial environment, and implementing lessons that enhance self-concept and social skills. $5 Course Fee.

ED 242 Meeting the Needs of Families/Lecture (2 credits)

Offered spring of odd years. Introduction of benefits, barriers, foundations, and techniques for encouraging parent-teacher partnerships. Students also explore family structures and dynamics, both functional and dysfunctional.

ED 243 Meeting the Needs of Families/Lab (1 credits)

Offered spring of odd years. Focus on developing and demonstrating skills that encourage parent-teacher partnerships including sharing information informally, making home visits, participating in parent/teacher conferences, and developing and implementing parent information and workshops. $5 Course Fee.

ED 320 Early Childhood Curriculum I/Lecture (2 credits)

Offered spring of odd years. Explores the developmentally appropriate environment and its effect on the learner in the physical, cognitive, and social domains. It also deals with planning for learning: units, scheduling, transitions, lesson planning, children's safety, nutrition, and health.

ED 321 Early Childhood Curriculum I/Lab (1 credits)

Offered spring of odd years. Implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and projects for young children, which include physical activity and education, literacy and language, and social studies. $5 Course Fee.

ED 324 Early Childhood Curriculum II/Lecture (2 credits)

Offered autumn of odd years. Focus will be on curriculum content and methods in the areas of mathematics, science, and the arts. Students will develop relevant and meaningful curriculum for young children with an emphasis on assessment and providing for the unique needs of each child.

ED 325 Early Childhood Curriculum/Lab (1 credits)

Offered autumn of odd years. Implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and projects for young children, which include science, mathematics, and the arts.

ED 344 Early Childhood Professional/Lecture (2 credits)

Offered autumn of odd years. This course focuses on the early childhood profession including awareness of value issues and ethical issues in working with children and their families, legal issues, issues of salary and status, staff relations, and the importance of becoming an advocate for upgrading the profession and improving the services for children. During this AAS capstone course, students complete a comprehensive oral interview, program portfolio, and engage in an advocacy project.

ED 345 Early Childhood Professional/Lab (1 credits)

Offered autumn of odd years. Students and the instructor will develop an individual training plan with goals and activities based upon the student’s demonstration of competence in working with young children. $5 Course Fee.

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