2024-2025 College Catalog

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Biological Sciences

See also “Aquaculture.” Coursework and study in the biological sciences provides a foundation for future employment in many of the fastest growing and emerging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields today. Students of biology are at the front lines of many of the most critical questions our society is facing in the 21st century and beyond, including addressing climate change, the biodiversity crisis, resource management and population growth, emerging/infectious diseases and public health. Students of biology become lab technicians, nurses, genetic counselors, physicians, environmental scientists, landscape architects, state and national park rangers, researchers in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, teachers and college professors. Logic and critical thinking skills developed as a student of biology are applicable to nearly every field and every discipline and provide a foundation for making informed personal, business and public policy decisions. Students must be present for the first session of biological science classes to be assured of admission to limited laboratory spaces. Students who wish to enroll in a Life Sciences course must demonstrate that they have met the prerequisites for the course prior to enrollment. Continuing students must complete prerequisite courses with a C or better. If currently enrolled in a prerequisite course at SMC at the time of enrollment, students will be admitted to subsequent courses based upon midterm placement results, but will be dropped if the prerequisite course is not completed with a C or better. Students who have successfully completed one or more prerequisite courses (earning a grade of C- or better in both the lecture and lab courses and an average of C (2.0) or better overall) at another institution may be able to verify having met the prerequisites by submitting a transcript and course description and course syllabus for the prerequisite courses.

Botany

Please see listing under “Biological Sciences.”

Business

Business Managers coordinate business activities in both private industry and public agencies. They are responsible for operations, maintenance, purchasing, planning, organizing, budgeting, and directing the work of the employees. Business executives are the higher-level management staff, directing the activities of the firm. They develop and administer policies to maximize profits. They also direct financial programs and develop policies aimed at maintaining good relations with the public, stockholders, employees, and customers.

Business – Noncredit

Chemistry

Chemists study the properties of matter and make qualitative and quantitative analysis of many substances. They conduct a variety of experiments and tests in laboratories to develop new knowledge or maintain control over the quality of existing products and procedures. Chemists may work in research and development, or production and quality control in the chemical manufacturing industry, and in education or government institutions. Students must be present at the first lab session of a chemistry course to be assured of admission to limited lab spaces. Students who wish to enroll in a chemistry course must demonstrate that they have met the prerequisites for the course prior to enrollment. Continuing students must complete prerequisite courses with a C or better. If currently enrolled in a prerequisite course at SMC at the time of enrollment, students will be admitted to subsequent courses based upon midterm placement results, but will be dropped if the prerequisite course is not completed with a C or better. Students who have successfully completed one or more prerequisite courses (earning a grade of C- or better in both the lecture and lab courses and an average of C (2.0) or better overall) at another institution may be able to verify having met the prerequisites by submitting a transcript and course description and course syllabus for the prerequisite courses.

Chinese

Most sections require the use of a computer with Internet access for class resources and/or to complete assignments.

Communication Studies

Communication Studies offers students courses that combine theory and application in many areas of the discipline. These courses encourage our students to apply conceptual material to daily interactions in a variety of communication contexts. In addition, our discipline provides a wide range of course offerings in the Communication Studies major. Oral Communication focuses on the skills and knowledge needed for creating effective and appropriate public communication skills. Courses include public speaking, oral interpretation of literature, persuasion, group communication, argumentation, and competitive speech and debate. Students completing courses in oral communication gain practical skills in researching, developing and presenting ideas and arguments in a variety of contexts preparing them for upper division, workplace, and personal presentations. Communication Theory focuses on human communication theory, especially as it relates to the interpersonal and/or group levels of communication. Courses in this area include interpersonal, group communication, intercultural communication, gender and communication, communication theory and research methodologies. Students completing courses in the communication theory area learn theoretical knowledge to prepare them for transfer into communication studies programs at the university and practical communication skills to improve their own interpersonal effectiveness.

Computer Information Systems

The Computer Information Systems (CIS) program includes courses in web authoring, desktop publishing, social media, Microsoft Office and Adobe applications. Students focusing on web applications attain the skills to professionally design, develop, and manage websites. The department also offers courses that lead to careers in social media. The office application courses prepare students for positions such as office managers who oversee a variety of administrative, clerical, and accounting functions necessary to efficiently run and maintain business information systems. The CIS program manages industry certification programs for Microsoft, QuickBooks, and Adobe products for students. Keyboarding skills of 25 words per minute or enrollment in OFTECH 1A or 9 are recommended for computer applications classes.

Computer Information Systems – Noncredit

Computer Science

The study of computer science leads to a variety of careers that require core skills such as programming, and data structures. In today’s world, cloud computing, security, and web development are key areas of interest in all industries. Additional areas of study include computer architecture, databases and networks. Computer science careers titles include programmer, software developer, systems analyst, database administrator, systems administrator among many others. Keyboarding skills of 25 words per minute or enrollment in OFTECH 1A or 9A are recommended for computer programming classes.

Cosmetology

Cosmetology is a career technical all-inclusive program that prepares students for a wide range of careers within the beauty industry. The curriculum offers a theoretical and practical component along with a hands-on approach to learning that includes up-to-date interactive demonstrations and training on clients in a salon setting. This prepares the students to possess the knowledge and skills for career opportunities in the beauty industry such as haircutting, hairstyling, colorist, chemical specialist, skin and nail spas, sales and entrepreneurship. Students are coached in the importance of professionalism and creativity in an experiential learning environment with motivated faculty. Upon completion of the courses, students are prepared to take and pass the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology exam to become a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician or manicurist. Courses may lead to an associate degree in cosmetology and/or a certificate of achievement. Students may attend the programs on a full or part time basis.

Counseling

Formerly listed as Human Development. The Counseling Department offers courses which assist students with student success strategies, learning and study skills, AA degree and transfer planning, career development and internships, conflict resolution skills and behavior management. Disabled Student Services offers several such courses and more which provide specialized information for disability-related concerns. Students may apply a maximum of 4 units of Counseling courses to the AA degree. The following courses are exempt from this unit limitation: Counseling 12, 20 and 30.

Counseling: Disabled Student Services

The Center for Student with Disabilities is a program designed to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to all programs and activities on campus. Our primary goal is to encourage and promote independence in students so they may achieve their full potential. We strive to provide the highest quality programs and services to our students with disabilities including a variety of classes to support their academic success.

Counseling: Disabled Student Services – Noncredit

Counseling: Noncredit