Academic Catalogs

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

  1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how the scientific method is used to explore topics in earth science and geology.
  2. Students will be able to apply earth science/geology concepts to better understand current issues of environmental and/or geologic concern.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate concept mastery.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

  1. UNIT REQUIREMENT60 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.
  2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
  3. 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.
  4. 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/A100HIntroduction to Astronomy3
ASTR A100L/A100MIntroduction to Astronomy Laboratory1
GEOL A105/A105HGeneral Geology3
GEOL A105L/A105MGeneral Geology Laboratory1
GEOL A185/A185HEvolution of the Earth3
GEOL A185L/A185MEvolution of the Earth Lab1
MRSC A100/A100HOceanography3
MRSC A100L/A100MOceanography Laboratory1
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 Units24
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Units60

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ASTR A100
Introduction to Astronomy
or Introduction to Astronomy Honors
3
ASTR A100L
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
 
 Units13-14
Semester 2
GEOL A105
General Geology
or General Geology Honors
3
GEOL A105L
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
 Units16-17
Summer
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units3
Year 2
Semester 1
MRSC A100
Oceanography
or Oceanography Honors
3
MRSC A100L
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
 Units14
Semester 2
GEOL A185
Evolution of the Earth
or Evolution of the Earth Honors
3
GEOL A185L
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
 Units14
 Total Units60-62