General Studies with Emphasis in Natural Science - Associate in Arts
The Associate in Arts Degree program in General Studies with Emphasis in Natural Science outlines a course of study that emphasizes breadth in the physical and life sciences. Students will learn to apply scientific methods to investigate both physical and biological aspects of the environment. Students completing this program will satisfy lower division science and general education requirements for CSU. Associate degrees require that students earn a “C” or better in all major or area of emphasis courses. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Employ the scientific method in the design, implementation, data collection, and analysis of experiments or observational studies.
- Practice current or industry-standard laboratory techniques and lab safety procedures.
- Explain scientific concepts and processes from levels ranging from biochemical to ecological.
Area of Emphasis Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Life Science Courses | 10 | |
| Minimum 10 units from the following: | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Plants and Human Welfare | ||
| Ecology: Connections of Life, Environment and Humans | ||
| Marine Biology | ||
| Wildlife Biology | ||
| Field Biology - Coastal California | ||
| Field Biology - Desert and Dunes | ||
| Field Biology - Forest and River Ecology | ||
| Field Biology - Volcanoes of California | ||
| Environmental Science * | ||
| Physical Science Courses | 8 | |
| Minimum 8 units from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Astronomy | ||
| Introductory Astronomy Lab | ||
| Fundamentals of Chemistry | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry | ||
| Environmental Science * | ||
| Descriptive Oceanography | ||
| Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics I | ||
- *
ENVIR 010 can satisfy either Life Science or Physical Science requirement, but can only be used once.
Total Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Area of Emphasis Requirements | 18 | |
| General Education Requirements 1 | 34 | |
| Electives (as needed to complete 60 units of AA applicable courses) | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
- 1
Some GE courses may be double-counted within the major and will reduce the number of units. General electives may be needed to reach 60 units. Please consult with a counselor to determine which courses are applicable.