Academic Catalogs

Marine Science, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_MRSC

Control Number: 36732

Financial Aid Eligible


Upon completion of the requirements for the Associate in Science Degree in Marine Science, students will have a broad introduction to the academic study of marine science and will have a strong background for upper division work in marine science or related fields, such as earth and environmental sciences.

The Marine Science major requires completion of a minimum of 18 program major units, 12 of which are required core units. The additional 6 units must be taken from additional marine science courses and a list of restricted related electives. The department strongly recommends that all declared Marine Science majors work with counseling to select electives that will best prepare them for their intended transfer institution.

Program Outcomes

  1. Describe how the ocean influences and is influenced by terrestrial, atmospheric, geological and biological processes.
  2. Describe how the physical and chemical properties of water molecules affect the way that the ocean is structured and how the large scale movement of this water in waves, currents and tides influences oceanographic processes.
  3. Describe the diversity of life in the ocean.
  4. Identify how humans have influenced the ocean (chemically, physically and biologically) and explain the potential challenges associated with those changes.

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
MRSC A100/A100HOceanography3
MRSC A100L/A100MOceanography Laboratory1
MRSC A180Marine Biology3
MRSC A180LMarine Biology Lab1
MRSC A185Coastal Oceanography3
MRSC A185LCoastal Oceanography Lab1
Restricted Electives6
Marine Science - Select at least three and up to six units of the following:
Marine Intertidal Ecology
Ecology of the Gray Whale
Marine Aquarium Science
Ocean Conservation and Community Science
Husbandry of Aquatic Organisms
Aquarium Life Support Operation and Maintenance
Coastal Oceanography Lab
Marine Mammals
Marine Mammal Field Studies
Marine Research and Monitoring Techniques
Practical Experience in Aquarium Science and Management 1
Practical Experience in Aquarium Science and Management 2
Practical Experience in Aquarium Science and Management 3
Practical Experience in Aquarium Science and Management 4
Introduction to Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation
Survey of Marine Mammal Research and Techniques
MRSC A291/A291H
Directed Studies (as approved by the Marine Science department)
MRSC A292/A292H
Directed Studies (as approved by the Marine Science department)
Related Fields - Courses below may be used to fulfill up to three units of restricted elective requirement
Planetary Astronomy
Introduction to Biology for Majors 1: Cell and Molecular Biology
Zoology
and Zoology Lab
Introduction to Biology for Majors 2: Ecology, Evolution, Diversity, and Physiology
General Microbiology
Evolutionary Ecology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Introduction to Environmental Science
Island Ecology
Wetlands Ecology and Management
Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS
General Geology
General Geology Laboratory
Physical Geology
Weather and Climate
Introductory Field Geology
Environmental Geology
Evolution of the Earth
Evolution of the Earth Lab
Introduction to Ocean Sailing
Coastal Navigation
Boat Handling and Seamanship
Maritime Environment
Marine Policy and Conservation
Program Major Units18
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3Varies
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
MRSC A100
Oceanography
or Oceanography Honors
3
MRSC A100L
Oceanography Laboratory
or Oceanography Laboratory Honors
1
OCC AS GE AREA A1- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C2- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units13
Semester 2
MRSC A180 Marine Biology 3
MRSC A180L Marine Biology Lab 1
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 1 3-4
Intermediate Algebra
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
OCC AS GE AREA D- CHOOSE ONE 3
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 2
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 3
 Units15-16
Year 2
Semester 1
MRSC A185 Coastal Oceanography 3
MRSC A185L Coastal Oceanography Lab 1
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 4
OCC AS GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 3 3-4
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 5
 Units16-17
Semester 2
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 1
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4 15
 Units16
 Total Units60-62