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.
Required Core
BIOL 21Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Organisms5
BIOL 22Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution5
BIOL 31Introduction to Environmental Science3
BIOL 32Environmental Science Laboratory1
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry I5
Select one course from the following:3-5
General Chemistry II
Principles of Economics: Micro
Physical Geology
and Physical Geology Laboratory
Elementary Statistics
Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Soc Sci/Business
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
Total Major Units22-24
Additional Requirements36-38
Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units.
Total Units60

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, 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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
College Composition
or College Composition: Enhanced
3
LIBR 50 Introduction to Library and Research Skills 1
MATH 16
Elementary 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 D (ECON 4 Recommended) 3
 Units15
Spring
MPC GE Area F (US-2 & 3 Course Recommended) 3
Electives (CHEM 2 Recommended) 4
Electives (ENGL 2 Recommended) 3
Electives (GEOL 2 and GEOL 2L, MATH 16, MATH 18, or MATH 20A Recommended) 4
 Units14
Year 2
Fall
BIOL 22 Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution 5
CHEM 1A General Chemistry I 5
MPC GE Area C 3
Electives (SPCH 1 or SPCH 2 Recommended) 3
 Units16
Spring
BIOL 21 Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Organisms 5
Electives (CHEM 1B Recommended) 5
Electives (US-1 Course Recommended) 3
Electives 2
 Units15
 Total Units60