2017-2018 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    May 14, 2024  
2017-2018 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Psychology

  
  • PSYC& 100 General Psychology (5)


    GER-SS
    Scientific study of animal behavior and experience. Both biological and social basics of behavior are covered with emphasis on heredity, neurology, motivation, emotion, perception, cognition, learning and intelligence.
  
  • PSYC& 180 Human Sexuality (5)


    GER-SS
    Human sexual behavior covering the psychological, biological and sociological aspects of human sexuality.
  
  • PSYC 192 Career Development: Theory and Application (3)


    Rooted in psychological career development theories, students will study and apply theoretical approaches of self and career exploration. Additional application will include cognitive processes, adjustment theory and developmental factors that enable and affirm a decision-making process necessary to research, discern and identify career and/or vocational paths that are consistent with results. Career development theories will include personality, trait-factor, developmental and social family of origin. Class includes administration and professional interpretation of APA endorsed personality, values and interest assessments.
  
  • PSYC& 200 Lifespan Psychology (5)


    GER-SS
    Prereq: PSYC& 100 

    A lifespan study of human growth and development, providing a broad understanding of the human life cycle through contributions of psychology, anthropology, sociology, biology and medicine.
  
  • PSYC 201 Psychology of Personal Growth (5)


    GER-SS
    The study of personality, adjustment, love and relationships, self-actualization and the application of psychological principles to problems met by normal people in everyday life.
  
  • PSYC 210 Social Psychology (5)


    GER-SS
    Prereq: PSYC& 100  

    Social psychology surveys how people are affected by the world around them. Social influence includes obediency, conformity, and sales and negotiation strategies. Social relations includes stereotyping, love and liking. Social thinking includes identity, how we think about ourselves and how we explain the world.
  
  • PSYC 215 Group Experience (5)


    Prereq: PSYC& 100  or SSMH 100  or SSMH 170  or instructor permission.

    Small group theory and practice applicable to working with both in-patient and out-patient agency settings. Designed to further develop the student’s ability to lead counseling groups in the social service/mental health professions. Active listening, group dynamics and group theory in psychology.
  
  • PSYC& 220 Abnormal Psychology (5)


    GER-SS
    Prereq: PSYC& 100 

    A study of the history, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior.
  
  • PSYC 230 Intro to Personality (5)


    GER-SS
    Prereq: PSYC& 100 

    A survey of contemporary personality theory, assessment and change.

Reading

  
  • READ 099 Reading for College (5)


    Prereq: Placement assessment.
     

    Transition to college-level reading through developing a variety of reading skills for academic and career purposes as well as personal enrichment.

Russian

  
  • RUSS& 121 Russian I (5)


    GER-HM
    The first quarter of a first-year sequential course to give the student the ability to speak, read, write and understand Russian.
  
  • RUSS& 122 Russian II (5)


    GER-HM
    Prereq: RUSS& 121  or 1 year high school Russian or instructor permission.

    Continuation of RUSS& 121  stressing speaking, reading, writing and understanding Russian.
  
  • RUSS& 123 Russian III (5)


    GER-HM
    Prereq: RUSS& 122  or 2 years high school Russian or instructor permission.

    The third quarter of a first year sequential course to give the student the ability to speak, read, write and understand the Russian language and culture.

Social Service/Mental Health

  
  • SSMH 100 Introduction to Human Services (5)


    A survey of social service field history, philosophy, theory and exploration of career paths, values, education and skills needed.
  
  • SSMH 125 Observation and Intervention Skills (4)


    Behavioral observation and recording techniques, report formats, interview styles, basic behavior management and referral techniques.
  
  • SSMH 170 Mental Health Interviewing and Assessment (5)


    Prereq: SSMH 100  or instructor permission; SSMH 215  recommended.

    Introduction to helping skills and interpersonal communication, specifically basic communications, interviewing and assessment skills, as used in community mental health settings.
  
  • SSMH 185 Identity and Values in the Family (3)


    Exploration of the formation of identity, values and self-concept in a family context, including exploration of personal family history, cultural and attitudinal factors.
  
  • SSMH 201 Social Service-Mental Health Field Experience 1 (5)


    Prereq: Instructor permission and SSMH 100 , 101, SSMH 170  or SSMH 215 .

    A career-related work experience, under qualified supervision, introducing the student in application of professional and technical knowledge, values and skills as preparation for employment in the social service-mental health field. Completion of 120 hours of field work is required.
  
  • SSMH 202 Social Service-Mental Health Field Experience 2 (5)


    Prereq: Instructor permission and SSMH 100 , 101, SSMH 170  or SSMH 215 .

    A career-related work experience, under qualified supervision, introducing the student in application of professional and technical knowledge, values and skills as preparation for employment in the social service-mental health field. Completion of 120 hours of field work is required.
  
  • SSMH 203 Social Service-Mental Health Field Experience 3 (5)


    Prereq: Instructor permission and SSMH 100 , SSMH 170  or SSMH 215 .

    A career-related work experience, under qualified supervision, introducing the student in application of professional and technical knowledge, values and skills as preparation for employment in the social service-mental health field. Completion of 120 hours of field work is required.
  
  • SSMH 210 Self-Care for Caregivers (3)


    This course helps the professional care provider master personal self-care techniques. The student will learn to identify and plan strategies to cope with the multiple stresses inherent when giving care.
  
  • SSMH 215 Law and Ethics in Social Services (5)


    This course explores the legal and ethical issues in social services. Includes: counselor regulation, confidentiality, client rights, involuntary commitment, rights and responsibilities of mental health professionals, mandatory reporting, child welfare, case law and standards of conduct.
  
  • SSMH 230 Abuse in the Family (3)


    A course designed to familiarize students with problems of abuse in the family. Examines types of abuse, definitions, frequency, views of causation, as well as approaches to intervention and prevention.

Sociology

  
  • SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology (5)


    GER-SS
    An introduction to sociology, the study of society and human interaction. Includes, but is not limited to, the systematic, or scientific, study of social phenomena, developing one’s “sociological imagination,” and exploring human relationships within the context of today’s rapidly changing world.
  
  • SOC& 201 Social Problems (5)


    GER-SS
    A critical exploration of social problems using key sociological perspectives and research strategies. Includes exploration of cross-cultural and historical dimensions. Also looks into the influence of societies on the creation of social problems as well as the effects of social problems on these same societies and their social institutions.
  
  • SOC 211 Family and Intimate Relationships (5)


    GER-SS
    A sociological exploration of family, marriage and intimate relationships. The family is explored as a social institution shaped by cultural and historical factors. Topics surveyed include attraction, dating, love, commitment choices, parenting, communication, conflict and divorce. Students will learn about diverse forms of modern families and research findings on how to enhance family relationships.
  
  • SOC 212 Death, Dying and Bereavement (5)


    GER-SS
    A sociological exploration of death, dying and bereavement. Includes, but is not limited to, the study of our “death system;” practices of the funeral service industry; the role of the health care system; traumatic death; facing death; care of the dying; bereavement, grief and mourning; legal and ethical issues; practical matters; and belief in life after life.
  
  • SOC 220 Gender Roles in Society (5)


    GER-SS
    A sociological exploration of sex and gender in contemporary society, including an examination of the influences of biology and socialization. Also includes an exploration of the influence of sex and gender on self-concept and social opportunities. Explores historical and cross-cultural dimensions. Examines the influence of gender identity and sexual orientation on the lived experience of individuals.
  
  • SOC 235 Race and Ethnicity (5)


    GER-SS
    A sociological exploration of race and ethnicity in contemporary society. Course may include, but is not limited to, a survey of theories, problems, nature, and the dynamics of racism - power and inequality; prejudice and discrimination; racial and ethnic identity; stratification; segregation; and patterns of racial/ethnic relations.  Topics are examined conceptually and historically, using data from scientific, philosophical, sociopolitical, legal and cultural sources.

Spanish

  
  • SPAN& 121 Spanish I (5)


    GER-HM
    A first-year sequential course to give the student the ability to speak, read, write and understand Spanish.
  
  • SPAN& 122 Spanish II (5)


    GER-HM
    Prereq: SPAN& 121  grade of 2.0 or better, 1 year of high school Spanish plus placement in ENGL& 101 ; or instructor permission.

    Second quarter of first-year Spanish stressing speaking, reading, writing and understanding Spanish.
  
  • SPAN& 123 Spanish III (5)


    GER-HM
    Prereq: SPAN& 122  with a grade of 2.0 or better; or 2 years of high school Spanish plus placement in ENGL& 101 ; or instructor permission.

    A continuation of first-year Spanish stressing speaking, writing, reading and understanding Spanish.
  
  • SPAN& 221 Spanish IV (5)


    GER-HM
    Prereq: SPAN& 123  or 3 years of high school Spanish or instructor permission.

    Provides vocabulary building, grammar development and practice in oral and written communication through the study of various aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. Specific cultural topics will vary at instructor’s discretion.

Veterinary Technology

  
  • VT 100 Introduction to Veterinary Technology (2)


    Survey of the veterinary medical profession and the role of the technician within the profession.  Outlines job opportunities, ethics, husbandry terms for various species including breed identification, and common infectious diseases of dogs and cats.
  
  • VT 101 Animal Nursing I Lecture (2)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Discussion of the handling and restraint of small animals in medical nursing. Clinical applications of veterinary nursing care. Discussion of the administration of medication as related to nursing care of the hospitalized animal.
  
  • VT 102 Animal Nursing I Laboratory (2)


    Prereq: First year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    The handling and restraint of small animals in medical nursing. Administration of medication as related to nursing care of the hospitalized animal.
  
  • VT 104 Animal Nursing II (5)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Introduction to the preparation of the surgical patient, assisting the doctor in sterile surgery, pre- and post-operative care of the patient, performing basic dental prophylaxis.
  
  • VT 105 Animal Nursing III (3)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Basic care and treatment of exotic pet species with an overview of common medical problems and their management.
  
  • VT 107 Medical Dosage for Veterinary Technicians (2)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    A course designed to help the Veterinary Technology student determine accurate veterinary medicine dosage calculations and conversions.
  
  • VT 110 Ward Care Laboratory I (1)


    Prereq: First year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Practical experience in daily animal care for professional, stable and ward facilities. Procedures include cleaning and sanitizing of holding facilities, supplying proper nutrition, maintaining patient medical records and administering treatments.
  
  • VT 111 Ward Care Laboratory II (1)


    Prereq: First year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Practical experience in daily animal care for professional, stable and ward facilities. Procedures include cleaning and sanitizing of holding facilities, supplying proper nutrition, maintaining patient medical records and administering treatments.
  
  • VT 112 Ward Care Laboratory III (1)


    Prereq: First year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Practical experience in daily animal care for professional, stable and ward facilities. Procedures include cleaning and sanitizing of holding facilities, supplying proper nutrition, maintaining patient medical records and administering treatments.
  
  • VT 123 Large Animal Nursing (4)


    Prereq: First year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Large animal husbandry techniques and procedures for basic restraint and treatment of horses and food animals.
  
  • VT 125 Animal Anatomy and Physiology I (6)


    Prereq: First year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Study of animal body structure and function beginning with cellular components and including selected major body systems.
  
  • VT 126 Animal Anatomy and Physiology II (3)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Continuation of VT 125  to study animal body structure and function by including additional major body systems.
  
  • VT 150 Clinical Microbiology and Public Health (6)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Veterinary Technology course that introduces the student to microorganisms of clinical importance in veterinary medicine. Emphasis will be placed on zoonoses and public health as it applies to veterinary medicine and the veterinary technician.
  
  • VT 155 Nutrition and Complementary Therapies (2)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Overview of small animal nutrition with emphasis placed on therapeutic diets, age-related dietary needs and sound nutritional recommendations. Survey of common complementary therapies used in veterinary medicine with emphasis placed on different cultures and traditions, discerning fact from fiction and the veterinary technician’s role in complementary therapy practice.
  
  • VT 160 Applied Behavior Techniques I (2)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Introductory course in a series of three courses on canine and feline behavior. The student will work to socialize and train program dogs and cats while learning about common behavioral problems and solutions seen in the veterinary field.
  
  • VT 161 Applied Behavior Techniques II (1)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Continuing practical experience in canine and feline behavior. This is a second course in a three-course series. The student will apply techniques learned in VT 160  on topics such as common behavioral problems/solutions seen in the veterinary field. The student will work independently and in small groups to socialize and train program dogs and cats.
  
  • VT 162 Applied Behavior Techniques III (1)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Culminating course in practical experience in canine and feline behavior. This is the third course in a three-course series. The student will apply techniques learned in VT 160  and VT 161  on topics such as common behavioral problems and solutions seen in the veterinary field. The student will work independently and in small groups to socialize and train program dogs and cats.
  
  • VT 166 Hematology for Veterinary Technicians (4)


    Prereq: First-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Study of blood formation, including recognition of normal and abnormal blood cells from domestic and exotic animals, and accurate performance of Complete Blood Counts (CBC).
  
  • VT 215 Animal Hospital Office Procedures (2)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Veterinary Technology course offering a broad view of typical veterinary clinic office procedures. Emphasis placed on the role of a veterinary technician in various professional settings.
  
  • VT 222 Hematology for Veterinary Technicians (4)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Study of blood formation, including recognition of normal and abnormal blood cells from domestic and exotic animals, and accurate performance of the CBC.
  
  • VT 224 Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Principles (2)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Lecture course covering advanced laboratory principles and techniques in hematology, urinalysis, cytology, bacteriology and parasitology.
  
  • VT 230 Anesthesiology (4)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Small animal anesthesia techniques focusing on agents, administration and management of the anesthetized patient.
  
  • VT 233 Veterinary Clinical Practice (14)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Practical field experience with weekly seminar.
  
  • VT 240 Animal Diseases (3)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Lecture course covering the fundamentals of animal disease, including etiology, nursing care and laboratory procedures which apply to the particular disease syndrome.
  
  • VT 250 Radiology for Veterinary Technicians (3)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    A course emphasizing radiography focusing on basic machine structure, fundamental radiographic techniques, correct animal patient restraint and handling and achievement of technical quality. Includes a discussion of small animal, large animal and exotic animal techniques, plus an overview of alternative imaging technologies.
  
  • VT 251 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians (3)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Introduction to the pharmacology of commonly used drugs in veterinary medicine. Drugs are grouped by category based on their target organ systems. The indication, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and adverse effects of each drug are discussed.
  
  • VT 260 Emergency and Critical Care (3)


    Prereq: Second year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Overview of common small animal emergencies and the role the veterinary technician plays in the management of these patients.
  
  • VT 265 Clinical Techniques Laboratory (6)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Advanced laboratory principles and techniques for veterinary technicians.
  
  • VT 266 Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Parasitology (5)


    Prereq: Second-year standing in the Veterinary Technology program.

    Clinical laboratory course covering the most common diagnostic laboratory tests conducted in veterinary hospitals. Procedures discussed include fecal examination, urinalysis, blood chemistry test, cytology, infectious disease test and necropsy. Common animal parasites and their life cycles are covered in detail.
 

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