Environmental Science, Associate in Science Degree
Banner Code: 1_AS_ENVS
Control Number: 42000
Financial Aid Eligible
Upon completion of the requirements for the Associate in Science Degree in Environmental Science, students will be prepared to transfer to CSU/UC and obtain a baccalaureate degree (or higher degree) in Environmental Science. This degree is also a pathway toward internships and/or entry-level opportunities within the field, e.g., field ecologist, geologist, and/or hydrologist. The Environmental Science major requires completion of a minimum of 43 major units, 36-40 of which are required core units. The additional 7-13 units must be taken from a list of restricted related electives from a variety of departments. The ESEC department strongly recommends that all declared Environmental Science majors get counseling to select electives that will best prepare them for their intended transfer institution as there is high variation in requirements among institutions and some of the courses listed, including core courses, have pre-requisites that will increase the number of units required to complete this degree. For students interested in an environmental law, policy or health monitoring emphasis in Environmental Science, they should consider an Associated in Applied Arts Degree in Environmental Science.
The department strongly recommends that all declared Environmental Science majors complete the following courses prior to transfer: Physics A120 (Algebra-based Physics: Mechanics) and Physics A185 (Algebra-based Physics: Electricity/Magnetism) or Physics A280 (Calculus-based Electricity and Magnetism) and Physics A285 (Calculus-based Modern Physics), and/or Chemistry A220 (Organic Chemistry). Check the requirements of the transferring institution.
Program Outcomes
- Describe the major biological, chemical, and physical components and processes within organisms and the environment.
- Describe historical and current human activities that negatively impact the environment (energy resources, urbanization, agricultural methods, etc) and how economics, social interactions, policies, and laws affect human activity within the environment.
- Develop the skills to research environmental topics, conduct and analyze experimental data, and communicate findings with their peers.
- Students who complete the degree will be prepared for admission to California State University/University of California schools in environmental science.
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ESEC A100/A100H | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| ECON A170/A170H | Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON A175/A175H | Macroeconomics | 3 |
| A Geology course with lab: | 4 | |
| Physical Geology | ||
| Or | ||
| General Geology 1 | ||
and | ||
| General Geology Laboratory | ||
| BIOL A180 | Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology | 4 |
| Select additional Biology course(s): | 4-8 | |
| Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology | ||
or the following group: | ||
| Zoology | ||
| Zoology Lab | ||
| Botany | ||
| Botany Lab | ||
| CHEM A180 | General Chemistry A | 5 |
| CHEM A185 | General Chemistry B | 5 |
| Select one Math course: | 4-5 | |
| Business Calculus | ||
| Calculus 1 | ||
| Calculus 1 and 2 Honors | ||
| Calculus 2 | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Restricted Electives | 7-13 | |
| Select 7-13 units from the following: | ||
| Island Ecology | ||
| Marine Intertidal Ecology | ||
| Ecology of the Gray Whale | ||
| Mediterranean Biome Ecology | ||
| Desert Ecology | ||
| Marine Mammals | ||
| Marine Mammal Field Studies | ||
| California Friendly Landscape | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Water Resources and Society | ||
| Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS | ||
| Nature of Birds | ||
| Total Major Units | 43 - 53 | |
| OCC AS General Education 2,3 | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 - 68 | |
- 1
Lecture and applicable lab course must both be taken to fulfill area credit.
- 2
Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- 3
Cal-GETC pattern (up to 334 units) maybe substituted.