Environmental Science, Associate in Science
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study that examines the role of humans on the Earth and provides students with an understanding of the application of biological, chemical, and physical sciences to environmental systems. The coursework examines the interrelated nature of environmental and social systems.
The Associate of Science in Environmental Science prepares students for transfer to a 4-year university or technical program for further study to prepare for a wide variety of careers.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the economic, social, and ecological perspectives of the major environmental issues.
- Identify and describe the essential physical, chemical, and biological components of the earth’s natural systems, and explain how they interact and function.
- Analyze and prioritize solutions to environmental issues based on sustainability, social justice, and ecological health.
- Apply scientific literacy, technological tools, and quantitative reasoning to communicate environmental concepts to diverse audiences.
Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Core | ||
BIOL 21 | Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms | 5 |
BIOL 22 | Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution | 5 |
BIOL 31 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
BIOL 32 | Environmental Science Laboratory | 1 |
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
Select one course from the following: | 3-5 | |
General Chemistry II | ||
Principles of Economics: Micro | ||
Physical Geology and Physical Geology Laboratory | ||
Introduction to Statistics | ||
Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Soc Sci/Business | ||
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | ||
Total Major Units | 22-24 | |
Additional Requirements | 36-38 | |
Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education or Cal-GETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
Total Units | 60 |
Please refer to the program requirements section of the Catalog for information about associate degree requirements and certificate requirements including Information Competency, and General Education requirements.
The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Units | |
ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
LIBR 50 | Introduction to Library and Research Skills | 1 |
STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics or Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Soc Sci/Business or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
BIOL 31 & BIOL 32 | Introduction to Environmental Science and Environmental Science Laboratory | 4 |
MPC GE Area 4 (ECON 4 Recommended) | 3 | |
Units | 15 | |
Spring | ||
MPC GE Area 1B (ENGL C1001 Recommended) | 3 | |
MPC GE Area 6 | 3 | |
Electives (CHEM 2 Recommended) | 4 | |
Electives (GEOL 2 and GEOL 2L, STAT C1000, MATH 18, or MATH 20A Recommended) | 4 | |
Units | 14 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
BIOL 22 | Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution | 5 |
CHEM 1A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
MPC GE Area 3 | 3 | |
MPC GE Area 7 | 3 | |
Units | 16 | |
Spring | ||
BIOL 21 | Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms | 5 |
Electives (CHEM 1B Recommended) | 5 | |
Electives (US-1 Course Recommended) | 3 | |
Electives (US-2 & 3 Course Recommended) | 2 | |
Units | 15 | |
Total Units | 60 |