The Department of Applied Arts and Sciences provides instruction in five disciplines: communication, mathematics, psychology, science, and writing. The courses from these disciplines are general education core classes for the Associate of Arts Degree (AA) and compose the general education core of Associate of Applied Science Degrees (AAS).
The Department of Applied Arts and Sciences oversees the Associate of Arts Degree. The Associate of Arts Degree is a general education transfer degree and does not include a major or minor course of study. To receive an Associate of Arts degree all students must successfully complete all the general education requirements as described by Montana Board of Regents policy 301.10, Appendix 1. Students preparing for specific baccalaureate degree majors may decide to choose specific general education courses that meet the requirements for a major. Students seeking the AA are not required to sit for the upper-division writing proficiency assessment (WPA). The minimum grade average for the 60 credits required for graduation is 2.00 for all courses taken on the traditional letter grade (A-F) basis. Courses in required general education areas must have a C- minimum.
Students may enter in the autumn or spring semester. Following is a suggested first year course of study. Courses numbered below 100 and courses with a "T" suffix on the course number do not count toward the 60 credit requirement or general education course requirements, but do count as financial aid credits.
Course Choices:
First Semester
Appropriate writing course-to be determined by writing placement score (3 cr)
Appropriate mathematics course-to be determined by mathematics placement score (3 cr)
Electives within the general education groups (9 cr)
Second Semester
Continue with writing course requirement (3 cr)
Continue with mathematics course requirement (3 cr)
Electives within the general education groups (9 cr)
Although the AA does not include a major or minor course of study, students may elect to choose classes in a specific area of interest. Advisors within the departments guide this process.
U = for undergraduate credit only. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
U 100 Introduction to the University Experience 3 cr. Offered autumn and Spring. 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.
U 167H Nature and Society 3 cr. Same as EVST 167H. Offered intermittently, autumn and spring. Prereq., WRIT 101 (ENEX 101). Foundations of environmental studies; explores the relationship between ideas about nature and the development of political and social ideas, institutions, and practices in primarily western (Euro-American) society. Course is an elective for students in the 2-year AA and AAS degree programs. Credit not allowed for both AASC 167H and EVST 167H.
U 195T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 196T Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 295T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 150S Interpersonal Communication 3 cr. Offered every term. 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. Credit not allowed for both COM 150S and COMM 110S.
U 160A Oral Communications 3 cr. Offered every term. Introduction to techniques for preparing and delivering effective presentations as well as constructive criticism. Credit not allowed for both COM 160A and COMM 111A.
U 195T Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 196T Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 217A Oral Interpretation of Literature 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Introduction to orally presenting literature to an audience. Focus is on analyzing and performing prose, drama, poetry, and children’s literature to express point of view.
U 242 Argumentation 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., COM 160A, or COMM 111A, or consent of instr. Focus on developing, presenting, evaluating, and responding to written and spoken arguments with an emphasis on critical decision-making. Credit not allowed for both COM 242 and COMM 242.
U 260S Survey of Children’s Communication 3 cr. Offered every semester. Focus on communication processes and contemporary communication environments of children and adolescents. Topics include language development and the brain, nonverbal communication development, media, contracting, bullying, and gender.
U 295T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 296T Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Literature (LIT)
U 110L (WTS 120L) Introduction to Literature 3 cr. Offered each term. 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.
U 120L (WTS 121L) Poetry 3 cr. Offered every term. An introduction to the techniques of reading and writing about poetry with emphasis on the lyric and other shorter forms. Credit not allowed for both ENLT 121L, WTS 121L, and LIT 120L.
U 065 (MAT 002D) Prealgebra 3 cr. Offered every term. 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.
U 090 (MAT 005D) Introductory Algebra 3cr. Offered every term. Prereq., M 065 (M 002D) 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.
U 095 (MAT100D) Intermediate Algebra 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 095 (MAT 005D) 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.
U 105 Contemporary Mathematics 3 cr. Offered every term. 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.
U 111 (MAT 110T) Technical Mathematics 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Designed to provide the mathematical background necessary for success in the industrial areas. Topics covered include percent, ratio proportion, formula evaluation, basic algebra and geometry concepts, trigonometry, measurement, statistics, and graphing. markdowns, inventory turnover, and other basic formulas. Credit does not count toward Associate of Arts or Baccalaureate degrees.
U 115 (MAT 117) Probability and Linear Math 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., M 090 (MAT 005D) with a grade of B- or better, M 095 (MAT 100D), 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.
U 121 (MAT 118) College Algebra 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 095 (MAT 100D) or appropriate placement score. Intended to strengthen algebra skills. The study of functions and their inverses: polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions.
U 122 (MAT 119) College Trigonometry 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 121 (MAT 118 or MATH 111) or appropriate placement score. Preparation for calculus based on college algebra. Review of functions and their inverses, exponential and logarithmic functions. Trigonometric functions and identities, polar coordinates and an optional topic such as conic sections or parametric functions.
U 151 (MAT 120) Precalculus 4 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 095 (MAT 100D) or appropriate placement score. Algebraic, trigonometric, exponential/ logarithmic functions of one real variable and their graphs. Inverse functions, complex numbers and polar coordinates. Conic sections.
U 162 (MAT 145) Applied Calculus 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., M 151 (MAT 120) or appropriate placement score. Introduction to differentiation and integration of elementary function. Introduction to ordinary differential equations. Emphasis is on applications in technical fields including electronics technology. Graphing calculators used.
U 191 (MAT 195T) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one time offerings of current topics.
U 192 (MAT 196T) Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 100S (PSY 100S) Introduction to Psychology 4 cr. Offered every term. Introduction to the scientific study of behavior in humans and other animals. Credit not allowed for both PSYC 100S, PSY 100S and PSYX 100S.
U 161S (PSY 110S) Fundamentals of Organizational Psychology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Foundation in the psychological processes that influence behavior of people in work settings.
U 191 (PSY 195T) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 192 (PSY 196T) Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 194T Seminar Work Attitudes 1 cr. Offered spring. Introduction to the working environment and the individual's responsibility to working relationships.
U 230S (PSY 201) Developmental Psychology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., PSYX 100S. The study of human physical, cognitive and psychosocial development throughout the life span. Content covers major theories, the influence of genetics, and the environment from a chronological aspect.
U 238 Adolescent Psychology 3 cr. Pre-req. PSYX 100S (PSY 100S) or PSYX 230S (PSY 201) or consent of instructor. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive developmental changes that occur during adolescence, as well as their relationships and cultural influences.
U 291 (PSY 295) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 292 (PSY 296) Independent Study Variable cr. Offered every term.
U 294 (PSY 294) Seminar/Workshop 1 cr. (R-3) Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr.; coreq., another psychology course. Taken in conjunction with another psychology course to provide additional content and discussion for honors students. Consent of the coreq. course.
U 298 (PSY 298) Internship Variable cr. (R-6) Offered every term. Prereq., consent of department. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the Program department.
U 095 Special Topics 1-6 cr. Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 100N Issues in Biology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. 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.
U 105N Montana Ecosystems 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. An introduction to the landscapes and ecosystem diversity of Montana, with an emphasis on exploring the dominant habitats of western Montana.
U 115 Anatomy 3 cr. Offered Intermittently. Structures of the human body and their basic functions.
U 120T Technical Physics I 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., M 095 (MAT 100 or MATH 100). Introduction to models, measurements, vectors, motion in a straight line, motion in a plane, Newton's laws of motion, application of Newton's laws, and circular motion and gravitation.
U 121T Technical Physics II 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SCN 120T. Introduction to work and energy, impulse and momentum, rotational motion, equilibrium of a rigid body, elasticity, heat, and thermodynamics.
U 150 Nutrition 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Nutritional needs throughout the life cycle and measures to assist in the meeting of those needs in health or stress/disease. It is recommended that students have an introductory science course and college composition.
U 175N Integrated Physical Science I 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., or coreq., M 090 (MAT 005D) ( M 095 (MATH 100) suggested). 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).
U 176 Integrated Physical Science II 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., or coreq., M095. An introduction to the basic principles of environmental and earth sciences, organic and biochemistry, the life sciences, and the theory of evolution. Course emphasizes the scientific method and process of science.
U 195T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 196T Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 201N Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr. Offered autumn and spring. 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.
U 202N Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., SCN 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.
U 220 Human Physiology 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., SCN 201N, 202N. In-depth exploration of principles and clinical consequences of the physiology of selected human organ systems. Building upon basic concepts covered in SCN 201N and 202N, students study membrane functions, neural physiology, endocrine and peripheral nervous system function and coordination, circulatory, respiratory, renal, and digestive physiology.
U 295T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 095 (WTS 100D) Developmental Writing 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., placement or referral by WRIT 101 (WTS 101) instructor. Designed for students who need instruction and practice integrating critical thinking, reading and writing before entering the required first-year writing course. Grading A-F or NC (no credit). Credit does not count toward Associate of Arts or Baccalaureate degrees.
U 101 (WTS 101) College Writing I 3 cr. Offered every term. 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. Grading A-F, or NC.
U 121 (WTS 115) Introduction to Technical Writing 3 cr. Offered every term. Course assumes a basic computer literacy. Appropriate 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.
U 184A (WTS 184A) Beginning Creative Writing: Multiple Genre 3 cr. Offered every term. Prereq., WRIT 101 (WTS 101 or ENEX 101) or consent of instr. Beginning writing workshop for student to explore genres of creative writing with opportunities for students to write, and revise using genre-specific writing techniques.
U 185A (WTS 185A) Beginning Creative Writing: Fiction 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., WRIT 101 (WTS 101 or ENEX 101) or consent of instr. This beginning writing workshop emphasizes the reading, discussion, and revision of students' short fiction. Students will be introduced to the technical elements of writing fiction. No prior experience in writing short fiction required.
U 186A (WTS 186A) Beginning Creative Writing: Poetry 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., WRIT 101 (WTS 101 or ENEX 101) or consent of instr. This beginning writing workshop focuses on the reading, discussion, and revision of students' poems. Students will study and use models of poetic techniques. No prior experience in writing poetry required.
U 191T ( WTS 195T) Special Topics Variable cr. (R-9) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 192T (WTS 196T) Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
U 221 (WTS 215) Intermediate Technical Writing 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., WRIT 121 (WTS 115), WRIT 101 (WTS 101 or ENEX 101), or consent of instr. Continuation of technical writing with emphasis on technical text including editing for technical content, graphic placement, and document design as seen through the eye of the audience. Current critical issues in technical writing are discussed.
U 240E (WTS 240E) Arguments and Contemporary Issues 3 cr. Offered every autumn and spring. Prereq., WRIT101. Writing-intensive course which examines perspectives on contemporary issues. Emphasis on analysis, evaluation, and synthesis; students construct arguments in response to issues raised in class.
U 291T (WTS 295T) Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 292T (WTS 296T) Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Registrar's Office
Lommasson Center 201
Phone: (406) 243-2995
Fax: (406) 243-4807
