Academic Catalogs

Environmental Science and Ecology

The Environmental Science and Ecology Department offers students various courses to study how humans are impacting the environment and solutions towards sustainable living, the role of organisms in their environment, characteristics of various biomes, and field data collection techniques. 
 
Students who study Ecology may find additional information about taking courses to transfer in this major in the Biology Department and Marine Science Department.

Department Contact Information

Kelli Elliott
kelliott@occ.cccd.edu

Environmental Science and Ecology Department Website

ESEC A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Environmental Science  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
The physical and biological components of the environment, their interrelationships, and the human population influence on these components. Physical, biological, and political means of reversing environmental deterioration will be considered as well as conservation and management of natural resources. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major and for students in Environmental Science or other natural sciences. Field trip may be required. Enrollment Limitation: ESEC A100H; students who complete ESEC A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for ESEC A100H.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A100

ESEC A100H3 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Environmental Science Honors  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
The physical and biological components of the environment, their interrelationships, and the human population influence on these components. Physical, biological, and political means of reversing environmental deterioration will be considered as well as conservation and management of natural resources. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major and for students in Environmental Science or other natural sciences. Field trip may be required. Enrollment Limitation: ESEC A100; students who complete ESEC A100H may not enroll in or receive credit for ESEC A100.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A100H

ESEC A1103 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Island Ecology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Islands are used as the platform to discuss Ecology, Evolution, Speciation, Biogeography, Geology, and Human History as it relates to islands. This course focuses on California's Channel Islands and also covers the Hawaiian Islands, the Galapagos Islands, and many others. Field trip is required. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Formerly ECOL A110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A110

ESEC A1211 Unit (9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours)  
Marine Intertidal Ecology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Ecology of the marine intertidal environment of Southern California. This is a field oriented laboratory experience for non-majors. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Enrollment Limitation: MRSC A121; students who complete ESEC A121 may not enroll in or receive credit for MRSC A121.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A121

ESEC A1241 Unit (9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours)  
Ecology of the Gray Whale  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Ecology and natural history of the California Gray Whale and the Orange County Whale Watch program. Completion qualifies students as docents on whale watching boats. Field trip required. Graded or Pass/No Pass option. Enrollment Limitation: MRSC A124; students who complete ESEC A124 may not enroll in or receive credit for MRSC A124.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A124

ESEC A1401 Unit (9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours)  
Mediterranean Biome Ecology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
The Mediterranean Biome includes chaparral and coastal sage scrub in North America, mallee scrub in Australia, mattoral in South America, fynbos in Africa, and maquis in Europe. This course surveys this biome through an investigative approach. Field trips are required. Traded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A140

ESEC A1411 Unit (9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours)  
Desert Ecology  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Deserts cover 20% of the Earth and provide wildlife habitat, as well as, economic and recreational value. This course will provide students an opportunity to learn and assess the ecological processes in various deserts on Earth including the deserts of Southwestern United States and Mexico. Field trips are required. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A141

ESEC A2103 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Wetlands Ecology and Management  
Advisory: BIOL A100, BIOL A100H, ESEC A100, ESEC A100H, ESEC A101, GEOL A105, GEOL A105H, HORT A100, MRSC A100 or MRSC A100H.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course covers the biological, physical, chemical, and hydrological components of wetland ecosystems. Various types of wetland habitats are discussed including their ecological and economic value. Field-based assessments on wetland ecology are implemented throughout the course. Management practices are investigated including past and current methods, policies, restoration efforts and outcomes, and the effects of climate change on wetlands are examined. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A210