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
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Same as ECOL A100, Human Ecology.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A100
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Environmental Science and Ecology
- Environmental Science, Associate in Arts Degree
- Environmental Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Environmental Science/Ecology (ESEC)
- Liberal Arts, Associate in Arts Degree
- Marine Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Sustainable Design, Certificate of Achievement
- Sustainable Design, Certificate of Achievement
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
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. Same as ECOL A100 - Human Ecology.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A100H
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 2 (California State University General Education)
- Associate Degree General Education 2023-2024: Option 3 (IGETC)
- Associate in Arts General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Associate in Science General Education 2023-2024: Option 1 (Orange Coast College General Education)
- Athletics, Certificate of Achievement
- Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Environmental Science and Ecology
- Environmental Science, Associate in Arts Degree
- Environmental Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Environmental Science/Ecology (ESEC)
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Same as ECOL A110, Island Ecology.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A110
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Same as MRSC A121 and ECOL A121. Students completing ESEC A121 or ECOL A121 may not receive credit for MRSC A121.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A121
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Same as MRSC A124 and ECOL A124. Students completing ESEC A124 or ECOL A124 may not receive credit for MRSC A124.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A124
- Environmental Science and Ecology
- Environmental Science, Associate in Arts Degree
- Environmental Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Environmental Science/Ecology (ESEC)
- Marine Mammal Field Studies and Conservation, Certificate of Achievement
- Marine Science
- Marine Science (MRSC)
- Marine Science, Associate in Science Degree
- Natural Science, Associate in Science Degree
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Same as ECOL A140 - Mediterranean Biome Ecology. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A140
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Same as ECOL A141 - Desert Ecology. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing ESEC A141
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
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. Same as ECOL A210, Environmental Science & Ecology. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.