Math, Science and Technology Department

Bachelor of Science Degree in
Natural Resources

Natural Science and Natural Resources Philosophy Statemet

The Lakota have always held their land base to be sacred. The land is something that must be protected and managed wisely and effectively. Consequently, OLC has developed strong programs in the areas of Natural Science and Natural Resources. The Lakota perspective is a vital component of our natural science and natural resources programs. All students enrolled in these programs are required to take specific courses that incorporate traditional Lakota concepts concerning language, land, plants, and animals.

Our departmental philosophy is to provide opportunities for learning Natural Science and Natural Resources while incorporating practices that support traditional Lakota values. Students will have the prerequisite skill set, foundation and knowledge necessary to succeed in a graduate program or in an environmental career.

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources

Our Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources supports the growth of human resources on the Pine Ridge Reservation through academics, community service, and research with an emphasis on economic self-sufficiency and respect for cultural values. The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources focuses on the holistic management of the natural resources of the Pine Ridge reservation. The Natural Resources degree has four emphasis areas: agriculture, agri-business management, and earth science and conservation biology.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Bachelors of Science degree in Natural Science or Natural Resources students will:

Demonstrate broad-based theoretical and technological knowledge of environmental and resource sciences.
Demonstrate technical skills required in environmental measurement and monitoring within their emphasis area.
Recognize a resource management, conservation biology or earth science issues and design a study using appropriate field and data analysis techniques.
Use critical thinking skills and the scientific method in analyzing and responding to environmental and resource issues in conservation biology, earth science, or natural resources management.
Record and communicate conservation biology, earth science or natural resources information to colleagues within the scientific community.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and a knowledge base of the role of the natural world in tribal life, and develop an approach to environmental research and management that honors tribal cultural values.
Apply techniques in communication and conflict resolution to build strong environmental policies and support among tribal and non-tribal members.
Complete an individual research project or service-learning project related to an environmental or resource management issue.

Assessment:

The Math and Science department assesses student learning using a variety of assessment tools. These include:

Pre/Post testing in selected courses
Nationally normed exams (e.g. CAAP)
Undergraduate portfolios containing written reports in the form of term papers, and research / service learning projects