Course Offerings
Credit Information
Definition of Credit
A credit, sometimes referred to as semester credit or semester hour, is related to time spent in class, study, preparation, laboratory, or field experience. One semester credit hour normally requires 45 hours of student work, or:
- 50 minutes in class each week for one semester (which assumes twice this amount of time studying and preparation outside the classroom), or
- two to three hours in laboratory each week for a semester, or
- the equivalent combinations of 1 and 2.
For workshops and short courses, credit is granted on the basis of one semester credit for 45 hours of scholarly activity.
Course Numbers
| Course Numbers | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 001 - 099 | Courses are non-transferrable and do not apply toward academic degrees. They may be required for some A.A.S. degrees. |
| 100 - 199 | Lower division courses primarily for freshman. |
| 200 - 299 | Lower division courses primarily for sophomores. |
| 300 - 399 | Upper division courses in select disciplines for undergraduates. |
Special Course Numbers
097- or 197- Special Topic
Semester length courses dealing with unique subject or timely topics conducted by qualified faculty or authorities in a particular field.
203 - Workshop
Certain courses that are of a short duration are typically called workshops. They are conducted by qualified NIC faculty members or other authorities in a particular field. Six credits maximum may be applied toward graduation. Instructor permission required.
290 - Internship
An off-campus experience directed by an on-site supervisor, but overseen by a faculty member designated to provide the student with an opportunity to observe and/or participate in a job-related activity that falls within the student's field of study. Six credits maximum may be applied toward graduation. Instructor permission required.
297 - Professional Development
Non-credit professional development courses for K-12 certified teachers offered at a set cost that may be taken by NIC faculty toward professional development workshop hours.
298 - Practicum
An out-of-classroom experience designed to give the student an opportunity to apply principles learned in academic course work to specific community-related or employment-related situations. Practicums are overseen by a faculty member. Eight credits maximum may be applied toward graduation. Instructor permission required.
299 - Independent Study
An individual study involving readying or a project that is offered on demand only. Six credit maximum may be applied toward graduation. Sophomore standing and instructor permission required.
Requisite Types
Co-requisite
A course that must be taken concurrently with another course or courses unless it was previously completed with a required minimum grade.
Pre-requisite
A requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in a course. This may include, but is not limited to: completion of other courses, sophomore standing, instructor permission, placement scores, or acceptance in certain programs.
Recommended
An identified course in which skill levels are established and will assure success completion. Recommendations should be carefully considered, but are not required.
Instructional Method Definitions
North Idaho College offers a variety of instructional methods for classes in order to meet our students needs. Below is a listing of the methods currently offered:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Lecture | Course sections taught face-to-face. |
| Lab | Course sections taught face-to-face with laboratory instruction. |
| Online | Course sections taught online with no set meeting times. |
| Online Flex | Course sections taught online with a combination of a set day and time per week for all students and the remaining content online with no set meeting time. |
| Online Plus | Course sections taught online with no set meeting times but will require proctored quizzes/exams. |
| Online Lecture | Course sections taught online at set days and times. |
| Online Lab | Course sections taught online with laboratory instruction at set days and times. |
| Hybrid | Course sections that combine face-to-face and online instruction. |
| Hybrid Flex | Course sections combining face-to-face instruction at set days and times with online instruction not at set days and times. |
| Hybrid Set | Course sections combining rotating face-to-face instruction at set days and times with online instruction at the same set days and times. |
| Lecture/Lab | Course sections taught face-to-face in which lecture and lab instruction are delivered at the same time. |
| Activity | Course sections where the instructional time is based on a physical activity. |
| Orientation | In combination with another method, used to orient a student to the course. Primarily used for activity classes. |
| Internship | Course sections held at outside organizations in order for students to gain experience in chosen career. |
| Practicum | Course sections which provide supervised application of previous coursework learned. |
| Directed Study | Course currently offered by the institution and held on a case-by-case basis. |
| Independent Study | Courses not currently offered by the institution. Arrangements on content and instructional methods are decided between the student and faculty. |
Directed and Independent Study Courses
Directed Studies
Courses in which the content is identical to courses outlined in the catalog. A student must demonstrate that the course is required for graduation or program purposes and that taking the course through directed study is the only option available to them. Directed study courses must be approved by the instructor, appropriate division chair, dean, and the Provost or their designee. Students may register for directed study classes during the add/drop period of the term or session.
Independent Studies
Courses, available in most academic disciplines, in which the course content, learning, and evaluative criteria are developed primarily by the student with the guidance of the instructor. Independent studies may include readings and a project and must be approved by the instructor, appropriate division chair, dean, and Provost or their designee. These courses are open to students who have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and have successfully completed 30 semester credits.
Students may not enroll in more than three credits of independent study per semester or six credits per year. Credits earned may not be used to fulfill associates degrees core requirements. Students may register for independent study classes during the add/drop period of the term or session.
For more information or to begin the enrollment process for a directed or independent study course, contact the appropriate division chair or senior administrative assistant.