2024-2025 College Catalog

Environmental Science

 

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The Environmental Science program is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary course of study that presents an overview of ecological issues from a scientific perspective. With a broad foundation across the natural sciences, the coursework examines the interrelated nature of environmental and social systems. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and tools to successfully use the scientific method while studying and solving environmental problems.

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Environmental Science, Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate through oral and written work knowledge of the physical, biological, and social sciences required to effectively address current environmental issues, and be prepared to pursue further study in an Environmental Science program (or related field of study) at the baccalaureate level. In addition, students will be proficient in the research, analytical, and communication skills necessary to present a critical analysis of the interplay between natural and social systems, the attitudes and behaviors that impact and affect the environment, and proposed solutions to the myriad environmental challenges facing the world today.

Area of Emphasis: (40 units)

Required Mathematics Courses: (13 units)

BIOL 10,Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology(4)
BIOL 22,Genetics and Molecular Biology(4)
BIOL 23,Organismal and Environmental Biology(5)

Required Chemistry Courses: (10 units)

CHEM 11,General Chemistry I(5)
CHEM 12,General Chemistry II(5)

Geology and/or Physics Courses; Select 1 of the following courses: (4 units minimum)

GEOL 4,Physical Geology with Lab(4)
PHYSCS 6,General Physics 1 with Lab(4)
PHYSCS 7,General Physics 2 with Lab(4)
PHYSCS 8,Calculus-based General Physics 1 with Lab(4)
PHYSCS 9,Calculus-based General Physics 2 with Lab(4)
PHYSCS 21,Mechanics with Lab(5)
PHYSCS 22,Electricity and Magnetism with Lab(5)

Required Mathematics Courses: (10 units)

MATH 7,Calculus 1(5)
MATH 8,Calculus 2(5)

Economics Courses; Select 1 of the following courses: (3 units)

ECON 1,Principles of Microeconomics(3)
ECON 2,Principles of Macroeconomics(3)
ECON 4,Environmental Economics  (same as ENVRN 4)(3)
ENVRN 4,Environmental Economics (same as ECON 4) (3)