Earth Science, Associate in Science Degree
Banner Code: 1_AS_ERTH
Control Number: 36517
Financial Aid Eligible
This Associate in Sciences Degree is designed to introduce the student to the multidisciplinary field of Earth Science. Students who complete this degree will be prepared for further study in Earth Science or related disciplines, for transfer to B.A./B.S. programs in Earth Science, or as preparation to teach Earth Science at a primary or secondary grade level . This degree requires a total of 24 units of which 16 units are in required courses. An additional 8 units must be chosen from the list of restricted electives.
Program Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the scientific method is used to explore topics in earth science and geology.
- Students will be able to apply earth science/geology concepts to better understand current issues of environmental and/or geologic concern.
- Students will be able to demonstrate concept mastery.
Associate in Science Degree Requirements
- UNIT REQUIREMENT - 60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
- MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
- MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
- GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
Core Courses | ||
ASTR A100/A100H | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
ASTR A100L/A100M | Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
GEOL A105/A105H | General Geology | 3 |
GEOL A105L/A105M | General Geology Laboratory | 1 |
GEOL A185/A185H | Evolution of the Earth | 3 |
GEOL A185L/A185M | Evolution of the Earth Lab | 1 |
MRSC A100/A100H | Oceanography | 3 |
MRSC A100L/A100M | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
Restricted Electives | ||
Select at least eight units of the following: | 8 | |
Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
Wetlands Ecology and Management | ||
California Geology | ||
Weather and Climate | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Colorado Plateau | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Cascade Range | ||
Geology of the Natural Parks and Monuments | ||
Geologic Field Studies - San Andreas Fault | ||
Introductory Field Geology | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Yosemite National Park | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Mojave Desert | ||
Geologic Field Studies - Hawaii Volcanology | ||
Environmental Geology | ||
Natural Disasters | ||
Introduction to Mineralogy | ||
Petrology | ||
Coastal Oceanography | ||
Coastal Oceanography Lab | ||
Program Major Units | 24 | |
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 | Varies | |
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirement | Varies | |
Total Units | 60 |
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Semester 1 | Units | |
ASTR A100 or ASTR A100H |
Introduction to Astronomy or Introduction to Astronomy Honors |
3 |
ASTR A100L or ASTR A100M |
Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory or Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory Honors |
1 |
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): | 3-4 | |
Intermediate Algebra (or higher) 1 or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra |
||
Units | 13-14 | |
Semester 2 | ||
GEOL A105 or GEOL A105H |
General Geology or General Geology Honors |
3 |
GEOL A105L or GEOL A105M |
General Geology Laboratory or General Geology Laboratory Honors |
1 |
OCC AS GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 2 | 3-4 | |
OCC AS GE AREA D- CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) | 6 | |
Units | 16-17 | |
Summer | ||
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) | 3 | |
Units | 3 | |
Year 2 | ||
Semester 1 | ||
MRSC A100 or MRSC A100H |
Oceanography or Oceanography Honors |
3 |
MRSC A100L or MRSC A100M |
Oceanography Laboratory or Oceanography Laboratory Honors |
1 |
OCC AS GE AREA C2- CHOOSE ONE | 3 | |
AS RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) - CHOOSE ONE 3 | 4 | |
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) | 3 | |
Units | 14 | |
Semester 2 | ||
GEOL A185 or GEOL A185H |
Evolution of the Earth or Evolution of the Earth Honors |
3 |
GEOL A185L or GEOL A185M |
Evolution of the Earth Lab or Evolution of the Earth Lab Honors |
1 |
AS RESTRICTED ELECTIVE (See Requirements) - CHOOSE ONE 3 | 4 | |
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4 | 6 | |
Units | 14 | |
Total Units | 60-62 |
1 | Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AS Math Requirement and OCC AS GE AREA A2 |
2 | OCC AS GE AREA A2 - Required if 100-level MATH will not be taken to meet Math competency. If MATH A100 or higher will be taken, then needs to take 3-4 degree applicable elective units |
3 | 8 units total required |
4 | VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS |