Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who should take this certificate?

A: These courses are intended for degree and non-degree seeking students and working professionals in the environmental sciences, environmental health sciences, earth sciences, natural sciences, life sciences, agricultural sciences, and environmental engineering areas. For degree seeking students, university credit earned for this course may be transferred to your home institution if you are not a local student.

Q: How is it taught?

A: These courses are available completely over the web. They are designed for a variety of learner types, though self motivation is key. Text, visual and audio interactive support is a part of the course whether in the classroom or over the Web. When the course is not in session, the archived lectures from the previous class are left on the site. Lectures and the supporting course information are updated annually. Some knowledge of using a web browser and e-mail is a plus.

Q: What if I am not a student at the University of Idaho?

A: These courses can be taken completely over the Web. If you are taking this course to fulfill or supplement curriculum requirements at your home university we can work with your institution to transfer credits. Working professionals or part-time students can register as a non-degree seeking student.

Q: How much does this certificate cost?

A: See the UI Fee Schedule. Note that out-of-state fees are waived for online courses.

Q: How do I do homework, exams and papers for these courses?

A: This is a digitally supported course. All students will submit homework, exams and papers electronically. All submissions can be printed out for your use.

Q: What should I expect from these courses? Are they different?

A: You will have a different experience in these courses than a typical university level course. If you are on campus, the differences will primarily be in the web resources and course support areas. If you are a distance student, you will be interacting with a variety of students via chat, email and the lectures. Although the course is paced for performance through a semester, you have some freedom on how and when you choose to do the work needed for success. This is especially important for working professionals and graduate students that require flexible course schedules or for those who travel for field research and conferences.

Q: How much time should I budget for these courses?
 
A: University courses typically require 2-3 hours of work per credit-hour. These are 3 credit-hour courses and you should expect to commit 6-9 hours per week to course effort for success. Graduate credit success may require additional effort depending on the study habits and skills of the student.

Q: Who do I contact if I have technical problems with the course web site?

A: First contact the Professor. They will then either answer some of your questions or forward your question on to the appropriate technical staff here at the University of Idaho, Moscow.

Q: Who do I contact if I have technical problems with my computer?

A: There are several options you may consider depending on the problem you are experiencing. If you have a system administrator who looks after your computer contact them first to see if they can be of assistance. If you are having internet connection problems contact your internet service provider. You may contact your Professor for the course you're taking if you think that your problem is related to the course Web site. Another option is to contact the University of Idaho Helpdesk: helpdesk@uidaho.edu.