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Concordia College Department Histories

Ivers

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Mathematics Present (2015-2016) 24 plain 2016-04-27T18:51:16-07:00
Department Description:
The math department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of a wide variety of fundamental mathematical concepts and the nature of mathematical proof
- Read mathematical literature and communicate mathematical ideas effectively both orally and in writing, using appropriate language, good notation, and sound mathematical reasoning
- Apply mathematical knowledge from one branch of mathematics to another as well as to other disciplines
- Use appropriate technology
- Have good problem-solving skills, including the ability to formulate problems, solve them and interpret solutions
- Understand the historical and cultural framework of mathematics and the relationship of mathematics to other sciences and to the needs of society in general
(Department description from the 2015-2016 Concordia course catalog)
Department Head:
Douglas R. Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science and Ph.D.
Other Faculty Includes:
- Nathan D. Axvig
- Daniel P. Biebighauser
- Gerald A. Heuer
- John C. Reber
- Andrew J. Talian
- William K. Tomhave
- Xueqi Zeng
Majors and Minors Offered:
- Major Mathematical Finance
- Major Mathematics
- Minor Mathematics
- Minor Data Analysis
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- MATH 102 Fundamental Concepts of Modern Mathematics
- MATH 105 Exploring Mathematics
- MATH 110 Precalculus
- MATH 121 Calculus
Classes are held in the Ivers Building.
Physics Present (2015-2016) 12 plain 2016-04-27T09:16:17-07:00
Department Description:
The Physics department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles governing the behavior of physical systems.
2. Apply scientific methodology to identify and solve appropriate physical problems.
3. Demonstrate competence in experimentation.
4. Effectively communicate knowledge of physics orally and in writing.
5. Connect the knowledge and skills gained in the study of physics to holistic concerns of meaningful citizenship, employment and personal development.
Department Head:

Heidi L. K. Manning currently heads the Physics department. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Ph.D.
Other Faculty:
- Thelma Berquo
- Donald Brummond (laboratory technician/instructor)
- Mark Gealy
- Luiz Manzoni Vieira
- Philip Voss
Majors and Minors Offered:
- Major in Physics
- Minor in Physics
- Science add-on endorsement for Elementary Education majors
- General Science add-on education endorsement, grades 5-8
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- PHYS 111 General College Physics
- PHYS 153 Science of Sound and Music
- PHYS 215 Physical Science
- PHYS 314 Classical Mechanics
- PHYS 327 Techniques for Experimental Physics
Classes are currently held in Ivers Science Center.

Fun Fact:
Students need the approval for their senior thesis paper by a majority of the full-time physics faculty in order to graduate with the physics major.
Psychology Present (2015-2016) 10 plain 2016-04-27T11:05:40-07:00
Department Description:
The psychology department prepares majors for graduate study in psychology, application in human service settings, or utilization of the concepts and methods from psychology in a variety of other careers. The curriculum is organized to ground students in the science of psychology while offering the flexibility to pursue individual interests. Beyond traditional course offerings, the department offers an animal laboratory experience, international study/travel experiences, Cooperative Education experiences and a variety of opportunities for collaborative research with faculty. (Quoted from the 2015-2016 course catalog)
Department Head:

Mona Ibrahim currently heads the psychology department. She has a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and a Ph.D.
Other Faculty:
- Albert Bartz (psychologist-in-residence)
- Susan Cordes-Green
- Mark Covey
- Mark Krejci
- Susan Larson
- Philip Lemaster
- Mikel Olson
- Darcie Sell
- Lisa Sethre-Hofstad
Majors and Minors Offered:
- Major in Psychology
- Minor in Psychology
- Minor in Neuroscience
- Major in Social Studies Education
- Add on endorsement preparation in Social Studies for Elementary Education Majors
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- PSYC 111 Introductory Psychology
- PSYC 212 Educational Psychology
- PSYC 319 Behavioral Neuroscience
- PSYC 324 Drugs and Behavior
- PSYC 347 Psychology and Religion
Classes are currently held in Ivers Science Center.

Fun Fact:
Students who are eligible can apply for membership in Psi Chi, the international honors society for undergraduate psychology majors.
Neuroscience Past 8 plain 2016-04-27T18:46:18-07:00
Department Description:
Neuroscience is a broad and diverse field at the frontier of science today. The goal of neuroscience is to understand how the brain and nervous system acquire, process, and integrate information from the environment and how this information brings about behavior of the organism. Neuroscience is truly an integrative discipline in which chemistry, biology, psychology, physics and mathematics all provide us with insight into how the nervous system functions from the basic molecular processes to the sophisticated behavior of higher organisms. The neuroscience program at Concordia is unique in its emphasis on the physical basis of Neuroscience, especially chemistry. The molecular level approach is integrated with the more traditional system wide and behavioral emphasis. The Neuroscience minor would therefore nicely complement any major in the above mentioned disciplines.
(Department description for the 2007 Concordia courses catalog)
Department Head:
Julie R. Mach earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D
Other Faculty:
- Kristen B. Diederich
- Susan J. Larson
- Mikel L. Olson
- Krystle D. Strand
- Darin J. Ulness
Majors and Minors Offered:
Only a Minor was offered in Neuroscience.
Sampling of courses Taught:
- Introduction to Neuroscience
- Physical Neuroscience
- PSYC 328 Human Neuropsychology
- Special Topics
- Neurobiology
Classes were most likely held in Jones and Ivers
Earth Science Past 8 plain 2016-04-25T10:23:07-07:00
Department Description:
There is no department description, for Earth Science wasn't established until (1980-1982)
Department Head:
Ronald L. Nellermoe who earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree.
Other Faculty:
- Robert J. Brummond
- Duane A. Dahlberg
- M. (Mac) McKinnie
Majors and Minors Offered:
Only a Minor was offered in Earth Science.
Sampling of courses Taught:
- Astronomy
- Weather, Climate, and Global Survival
- Geology
Classes were most likely held in Ivers and Jones

Fun Facts:
- Classes first appeared in 1976
Environmental Studies Past 7 plain 2016-04-27T18:02:35-07:00
Department Description:
The environmental studies program leads to a minor. It is designed to provide a foundation for understanding and appreciating environmental problems in their almost endless diversity. By its nature, this field contains a very wide spectrum of considerations ranging from the social and ethical to the scientific. Therefore the student may approach the program in different ways depending on his other interests and studies, but in any case it is strongly recommended that the student have some background in the natural sciences. The program is administered by a special committee of the faculty and each student seeking the minor is individually counselled by the committee or by its chairman, who is the official adviser for students in environmental studies. (Taken from the 1971-1972 Concordia College Course Catalog)
Department Head:
Dr. Duane Dahlberg led the Environmental Studies Department during its first few years on campus. He had his Ph.D.
Other Faculty:
- None at the time
Courses of Study Offered:
- Environmental Studies was offered as a Minor
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- Environmental Quality in the Lake Agassiz Region
- All other courses to complete the Minor Requirements were in the Chemistry, Economics, Geography Departments, and many more.
Classes were held in the Jones and Ivers Buildings.
Nursing Present (2015-2016) 6 plain 2016-04-27T17:55:23-07:00
Department Description:
The nursing program at Concordia College is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and maintains approval through the North Dakota and Minnesota Boards of Nursing. Upon successful completion of the program the student will attain a major in nursing, MN Public Health Nurse certification, and is eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam for the registered nurse (RN). NCLEX-RN pass rates of Concordia College graduates are available on the Minnesota and North Dakota Boards of Nursing websites. The purpose of the nursing program is to influence the health of the world by sending into society compassionate, thoughtful, and informed baccalaureate-prepared professionals dedicated to the vocation of nursing. The nursing curriculum prepares professional practitioners by providing a sound educational basis for continuing development, for graduate study in nursing, and for accepting professional and community responsibility. The nursing program serves as a resource for society through consultation, collaboration, political involvement, scholarship and clinical practice. (Taken from the 2015-2016 Concordia College Course Catalog)
Department Head:
Dr. Polly Kloster is the current head of the Nursing Department. She has received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D.
Other Faculty:
- Connie L. Peterson
- Jean C. Bokinskie
- Jack E. Rydell
- Jennifer L. DeJong
- Linda M. Scott
- Jane E. Indergaard
Courses of Study Offered:
- Major in Nursing
- Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- Client Concepts
- Family Nursing I & II
- Community Health Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Classes are currently held in the Ivers and Jones Buildings.
Nutrition & Dietetics Present (2015-2016) 6 plain 2016-04-27T17:57:36-07:00
Department Description:
The mission of the food/nutrition/dietetics program is to provide an educational environment consistent with the mission of Concordia College that will facilitate development of future professionals in careers related to food, nutrition and dietetics. The program seeks to:
• prepare graduates for a practice experience in a dietetic internship to become registered dietitians
• prepare graduates for participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• prepare graduates with experiences of a diverse and comprehensive nature to meet the knowledge requirements of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. (Taken from the 2015-2016 Concordia College Course Catalog)
Department Head:
Dr. Betty Larson is currently the Department Head of the Nutrition & Dietetics Department. She received her Doctorate of Education Degree.
Other Faculty:
- Linda James
- Meredith Wagner
Courses of Study Offered:
- Nutrition & Dietetics is offered as a Major or Minor
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- Environmental Nutrition
- Quantity Food Production
- Nutrition for the Lifecycle
- Institutional Management
Classes are currently held in the Ivers and Jones Buildings.
Management Information Systems Past 5 plain 2016-04-27T18:43:14-07:00
Department Description:
The goal of the program is to prepare students to understand hardware, programing language, software, and their applications to business. This program has been developed in response to industry needs for people who understand both computers and business. In in addition to technical skills, employers seek people who have good business and interpersonal skills. The strength of the program is its combination of the liberal arts, technology skills, and thorough grounding in the principals of the functional areas of business. (Course Description from 2003 Concordia course catalog)
Department Head:
No specific department head.
Majors and Minors Offered:
Only a Major concentration in MIS was offered.
Sampling of courses Taught:
- Software Applications for Business
- Introduction to Computer science
- Computer Networks
- Introduction to Database Management
Classes were most likely held in Ivers
Environmental Studies Present (2015-2016) 5 plain 2016-04-27T17:54:10-07:00
Department Description:
The environmental studies program equips students with an interdisciplinary framework for analyzing, assessing and responsibly engaging contemporary environmental issues and problems affecting earth systems and human societies across the world. Responding to the call to take care of creation, the program develops students who are ecologically literate citizens of the globe, able to understand and conduct science, to develop policy and to provide moral leadership based on an in-depth understanding of the complexity of contemporary environmental issues and concerns. (Taken from the 2015-2016 Concordia College Course Catalog)
Department Heads:
Dr. Hilda Koster & Dr. Michelle Marko currently co-chair the Environmental Studies Departments. Dr. Koster has received her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, and Master of Theology. Dr. Marko has received her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D.
Other Faculty:
- Laura Aldrich-Wolfe
- Corwin Aragon
- D. Bryan Bishop
- Gregory Carlson
- Kenneth Foster
- Stephen Grollman
- Gretchen Harvey
- Ross Hilgers
- Matthew Lindholm
- Jonathan Steinwand
Courses of Study Offered:
- Environmental Studies Major
- Environmental Studies Minor
- Concentrations Include:
  - Natural Sciences
  - Policy and Perspectives
  - Contract
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- Ecosystems and Human Influence
- Global Development Issues
- Environmental Ethics
Classes are held in the Jones and Ivers Buildings.
Nursing Past 5 plain 2016-04-27T17:54:57-07:00
Department Description:
The nursing program, planned for 1985-86 implementation, will be a four-year course of study leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be eligible to write the examination for licensure as a registered nurse.
The nursing major will prepare professional practitioners to provide nursing care to people of all ages in varying circumstances and settings. It is intended that the graduate will have a sound educational basis for continuing development, for graduate study in nursing and for accepting professional and civic responsibility.
The nursing major will focus on both the individual and family from pre-conception through old age. The curriculum will emphasize the assessment and maintenance of community health, and the treatment of health problems in a variety of healthcare settings. A further emphasis will be on humans as holistic beings continually interacting with their environment.
The clinical practicum will be held in a variety of settings, including homes, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other community agencies. (Taken from the 1985-1986 Concordia College Course Catalog)
Department Head:
Dr. Lois Nelson was the first chair of the Nursing Department. She received her Doctorate of Education.
Other Faculty:
- Janell Christenson
- Margie Hansen
- Vivian Holten
- Susan Johnson
- Karen Kristensen
- Marjorie McCullagh
- Connie Peterson
- Karen Radtke
- Florence Deaner
- Mary Gokey
- Martha Vorvick
Courses of Study Offered:
- Major in Nursing
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- Chemistry 127
- Biology 407
- Conceptual Foundations for Nursing and Health
- Nursing Practice in a Social Context I, II, and III
Classes were held in Ivers and Jones.
Nutrition & Dietetics Past 5 plain 2016-04-27T17:57:00-07:00
Department Description:
The mission of the food/nutrition/dietetics program is to provide an educational environment consistent with the mission of Concordia College that will facilitate development of future professionals in careers related to food, nutrition and dietetics. The program seeks to:
1. prepare graduates for a practice experience in dietetic internship or preprofessional practice program
2. prepare graduates for participation in the American Dietetics Association
3. prepare graduates with experiences of a diverse and comprehensive nature to meet the knowledge requirements of the American Dietetic Association. (Taken from the 2009-2010 Concordia College Course Catalog)
Department Head:
Dr. Betty Larson was the first department head of the Nutrition & Dietetics Program. She received her Doctorate of Education.
Other Faculty:
- Linda James
- Ellen Lutgen Johnson
- Barbara A. Ronningen Torgerson
Courses of Study Offered:
- Food/Nutrition/Dietetics was offered as a Major or Minor
Sampling of Courses Taught:
- Food Science
- Nutrition
- Clinical Experience
- Institutional Management
Nutrition and Dietetics Courses were held in the Ivers and Jones Buildings.