General Studies: Natural Science Emphasis, Associate in Science

This degree provides an opportunity for students to earn an Associate in Science (AS) degree in a comprehensive area of study. It is intended for the student who is not currently preparing to transfer to a university. A minimum of 60 semester units must be completed with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in all degree-applicable units. Only courses numbered 1-299 may be applied toward this associate degree. Natural Sciences increase students’ awareness of the world of natural phenomena and the ability humans have to understand how the world functions by using the scientific methods to investigate and judge phenomena and humankind’s various roles in nature.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Analyze and evaluate complex issues or problems, draw reasoned conclusions and/or generate solutions, and effectively communicate their results.
  • Use the scientific method to investigate phenomena in the natural world and use concepts, experiments, and/or theory to explain them.

Associate in Science Degree Major Requirements

Required Core
Select 18 units from at least two disciplines of the following:18
Human Anatomy with Cadaver Lab
Human Biology
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Biological Anthropology Laboratory
Introduction to Astronomy
Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory
Principles of Biology
Marine Biology
Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics, and Organisms
Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
Applied Microbiology Lecture
Applied Microbiology Laboratory
Introduction to Genetics
Introduction to Environmental Science
Environmental Science Laboratory
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Fundamental Chemistry
Everyday Chemistry
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Introductory Chemistry for Health Sciences
Organic and Biological Chemistry for Health Sciences
The Science of Robotics
Physical Geology
Physical Geology Laboratory
Historical Geology
Historical Geology Lab
Earth Catastrophes and Disasters
Earth Ocean Climate: Introduction to Earth Science
Earth Ocean Climate: Introduction to Earth Science Lab
Soil Science and Management
Food Science
Food Science and Safety Laboratory
Introductory Oceanography
Introductory Oceanography Lab
General Physics I
General Physics II
Science and Engineering Physics I
Science and Engineering Physics II
Science and Engineering Physics III
Introduction to Physics
Integrated Physics and Chemistry
Human Physiology
Human Physiology Lab
Biological Psychology
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS18
Additional Requirements42
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.