Science
Overview
CRC students may choose courses in the various disciplines of science to meet any of several objectives. Courses are designed to: Prepare students for transfer and continuation of studies at other colleges or universities (chemistry, biology, medicine, etc.); meet general education requirements for non-science majors; prepare students for immediate entry into a science-based technology career; and provide for career advancement and continuing education.
Many courses include hands-on practical experience and/or opportunities for work experience in local industry and business.
The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet his or her program, transfer, or general education requirements. The Counseling Center also has information regarding science requirements for transfer to other four-year institutions.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
Certificates
- Dean Banafsheh Amini
- Career and Academic Community Science, Math and Engineering
- Phone (916) 691-7204
- Email aminib2@crc.losrios.edu
Associate Degrees
A.S. in Environmental Studies & Sustainability
The Environmental Studies & Sustainability Associate of Science degree is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary program of study that presents a broad overview of ecological issues from a variety of perspectives in the natural, physical, and social sciences. The coursework examines the interplay between natural and social systems, and the ideological foundations of humankind's attitudes and behaviors with respect to their ever-changing environment. This program is designed to prepare students to research, analyze, and propose solutions to the myriad environmental challenges facing the world today.
This degree is designed to correlate with the lower division courses required to transfer into an Environmental Studies program at many four-year institutions as well as provide broad-based environmental education for transfer in related disciplines.
The disciplines of environmental studies and geography are complementary fields, both focused on aspects of human-environment interaction. This complementarity is reflected in the many 4-year institutions that house combined Geography and Environmental Study programs. Students interested in double-majoring in these two closely-related disciplines, and/or simultaneously earning a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems, are encouraged to examine the required coursework and plan their program of study accordingly.
Students should use PROJECT ASSIST (http://www.assist.org) to research lower division major requirements at the transfer institution of their choice and should also work with the program adviser and a counselor to determine the appropriate transfer coursework.
Students interested in pursuing an Environmental Science major should consult with science faculty and counselors to tailor the specific coursework necessary to transfer to the 4-year institution of their choice.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | ||
| GEOG 302 | Environmental Studies & Sustainability | 3 |
| BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | 3 |
| or BIOL 352 | Conservation Biology (3) | |
| ECON 306 | Environmental Economics | 3 |
| Field/Applied Courses: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| GEOG 391 | Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 392 | Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 393 | Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 394 | Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOL 390 | Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 331 | Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3) | |
| GEOG 335 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Applications (3) | |
| Natural Science/Ecology Courses: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| BIOL 300 | The Foundations of Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 307 | Biology of Organisms (4) | |
| BIOL 310 | General Biology (4) | |
| BIOL 400 | Principles of Biology (5) | |
| Chemistry Courses: | ||
| A minimum of 4 units from the following: | 4 | |
| CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 400 | General Chemistry I (5) | |
| Earth Science Courses: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOG 305 | Global Climate Change (3) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| Quantitative Courses: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | |
| STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| MATH 400 | Calculus I (5) | |
| Social Science Courses: | ||
| ECON 304 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes | 3 |
| Total Units: | 31 | |
The Environmental Studies & Sustainability Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- <b><i>PSLO-1: Articulate an understanding of the natural environment and human societies’ relationship to it. This includes the ability to:</i></b>
- 1. Communicate effectively about environmental issues and sustainability, correctly utilizing vocabulary while indicating a complex understanding of disciplines in the program.
- 2. Articulate an awareness of the relevance of environmental studies to the student’s life and wider community at both local and global scales.
- 3. Recognize the importance of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to solving environmental problems.<P ...>
- <b><i>PSLO-2: Evaluate and analyze environmental processes and human impacts on the natural environment. This includes the ability to:</i></b>
- 1. Use logical and quantitative reasoning to solve environmental problems.
- 2. Analyze critical environmental problems facing the world today.
- 3. Evaluate data and draw reasonable conclusions.
- 4. Utilize the scientific method.
- 5. Employ information-gathering tools to investigate environmental ideas.<P ...>
- <b><i>PSLO-3: Recognize the ethical dimensions of decisions and actions and engage in the ethical reasoning necessary to be a responsible local and global citizen. This includes the ability to:</i></b>
- 1. Recognize the ethical implications of research and the responsibility to use knowledge wisely.
- 2. Articulate the value of understanding environmental systems.<P ...>
- <b><i>PSLO-4: Transfer to a 4-year program and further prepare for employment in an environmental career.</i></b>
Career Information
Natural Resource Management; Forestry; Range Management; Park Ranger; Wildlife Biology; Agriculture; Soil and Water Conservation; Land Use Planning; Waste Management; Environmental Education; Environmental Policy And Planning; Environmental Law; Environmental Consulting; Environmental Lobbying; Environmental Planning; Environmental Protection; Environmental Compliance; Environmental Engineering; Air Quality Control; Landscape Architecture; Urban and Regional Planning; Alternative Energy Development; Risk Analysis; Contaminated Lands Reclamation; Research; Consulting
A.S. in General Science
Areas of Study include:
• Biological Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Physical Geography
• Geology
• Physics
Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.
Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Life Science with Lab : | ||
| A minimum of 4 units from the following: | 4 | |
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| and ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ANTH 480 | Honors Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| and ANTH 482 | Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 308 | Contemporary Biology (3) | |
| and BIOL 309 | Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 400 | Principles of Biology (5) | |
| BIOL 410 | Principles of Botany (5) | |
| BIOL 420 | Principles of Zoology (5) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | |
| HONOR 387 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1) | |
| and HONOR 386 | Biological Anthropology-Honors (3) | |
| Physical Science with Lab: | ||
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| ASTR 300 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) | |
| and ASTR 400 | Astronomy Laboratory (1) | |
| CHEM 300 | Beginning Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 306 | Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 309 | Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 400 | General Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 401 | General Chemistry II (5) | |
| CHEM 420 | Organic Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 421 | Organic Chemistry II (5) | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| and GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| and GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 305 | Earth Science (3) | |
| and GEOL 306 | Earth Science Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 310 | Historical Geology (3) | |
| and GEOL 311 | Historical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| ENGR 304 | How Things Work (3) | |
| PHYS 350 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 360 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 370 | Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5) | |
| PHYS 380 | Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5) | |
| PHYS 411 | Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4) | |
| PHYS 421 | Electricity and Magnetism (4) | |
| PHYS 431 | Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4) | |
| Additional Science Courses : | ||
| A minimum of 11 units from the following: | 111 | |
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ANTH 480 | Honors Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 482 | Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ASTR 300 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) | |
| ASTR 400 | Astronomy Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 308 | Contemporary Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 309 | Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 342 | The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3) | |
| BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 352 | Conservation Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 400 | Principles of Biology (5) | |
| BIOL 410 | Principles of Botany (5) | |
| BIOL 420 | Principles of Zoology (5) | |
| BIOL 430 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 431 | Anatomy and Physiology (5) | |
| BIOL 440 | General Microbiology (4) | |
| CHEM 300 | Beginning Chemistry (4) | |
| CHEM 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 306 | Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 309 | Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 400 | General Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 401 | General Chemistry II (5) | |
| CHEM 420 | Organic Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 421 | Organic Chemistry II (5) | |
| ENGR 304 | How Things Work (3) | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOG 305 | Global Climate Change (3) | |
| GEOG 306 | Weather and Climate (3) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 305 | Earth Science (3) | |
| GEOL 306 | Earth Science Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 310 | Historical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 311 | Historical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 330 | Introduction to Oceanography (3) | |
| GEOL 390 | Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4) | |
| HONOR 386 | Biological Anthropology-Honors (3) | |
| HONOR 387 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1) | |
| PHYS 310 | Conceptual Physics (3) | |
| PHYS 350 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 360 | General Physics (4) | |
| PHYS 370 | Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5) | |
| PHYS 380 | Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5) | |
| PHYS 411 | Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4) | |
| PHYS 421 | Electricity and Magnetism (4) | |
| PHYS 431 | Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
1Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.
The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
- solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
- accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
- recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)
A.S. in Geography
Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers study the relationships among geographic places, natural systems, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all these over space.
There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence – how people and their activities are distributed in space, how people use and perceive space, and how people create and sustain the places that make up Earth’s surface. Physical geographers study the physical elements and spatial processes that make up and shape the environment, including energy, air, water, weather, climate, landforms, soils, animals, plants, etc. Many human and physical geographers have skills in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Geographers also study the linkages between human activity and natural systems. Geographers were, in fact, among the first scientists to sound the alarm that human-induced changes to the environment were beginning to threaten the balance of life itself. Geographers today are active in the study of global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, groundwater pollution, flooding, and more.
The CRC Geography program offers courses that satisfy lower division General Education requirements in both the physical and social sciences. In addition, the program offers an Associate Degree in Geography that provides students with a solid foundation in geography as well as the standard prerequisites for upper-division coursework leading to the baccalaureate degree. Students may also earn a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students planning to transfer to a four-year school with a major in Geography should consult the lower division requirements at the university they plan to attend.
Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.
Highlights include:
* Comprehensive course offerings including a Physical Laboratory as well as specialized training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
* Program’s students have won top awards at state-level competitions annually since 1999
* Field study courses to Yosemite, Pt. Reyes, Monterey/Big Sur, Tahoe, and the Eastern Sierra
* Internships available with State of California, County of Sacramento, and Federal Land Management Agencies
* Three courses fulfill the CRC and CSU multicultural requirement
* Day, evening, and online sections
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Fall or Spring semester: | ||
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems | 31 |
| Fall or Spring semester (best if concurrent with GEOG 300): | ||
| GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| Fall or Spring semester: | ||
| GEOG 310 | Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes | 3 |
| Fall Semester: | ||
| GEOG 331 | Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3) | 3 |
| Check with departments for scheduled offering: | ||
| PSYC 330 | Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) | 3 - 4 |
| or STAT 300 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) | |
| or ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| Check with departments for scheduled offering: | ||
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
| ANTH 310 | Cultural Anthropology (3) | |
| BIOL 307 | Biology of Organisms (4) | |
| or BIOL 310 | General Biology (4) | |
| or BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | |
| ECON 302 | Principles of Macroeconomics (3) | |
| or ECON 304 | Principles of Microeconomics (3) | |
| GEOG 302 | Environmental Studies & Sustainability (3) | |
| GEOG 305 | Global Climate Change (3) | |
| GEOG 306 | Weather and Climate (3) | |
| GEOG 320 | World Regional Geography (3) | |
| GEOG 322 | Geography of California (3) | |
| GEOG 335 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Applications (3) | |
| GEOG 391 | Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 392 | Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 393 | Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOG 394 | Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOL 330 | Introduction to Oceanography (3) | |
| HIST 307 | History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3) | |
| or HIST 308 | History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3) | |
| or HIST 360 | History of African Civilizations (3) | |
| or HIST 370 | History of the Americas through the 19th Century Wars of Independence (3) | |
| or HIST 371 | History of the Americas from the 19th Century Wars of Independence to the Present (3) | |
| HUM 320 | Asian Humanities (3) | |
| or HUM 324 | Global Islam: Culture and Civilization (3) | |
| or HUM 332 | American Humanities (3) | |
| PHIL 352 | Introduction to World Religions (3) | |
| POLS 310 | Introduction to International Relations (3) | |
| SOC 300 | Introductory Sociology (3) | |
| Total Units: | 19 - 20 | |
1A minimum of 60 units is required for the A.S. degree which includes core courses, electives, and general education (GE) graduation requirements. Geography majors are encouraged to complete additional GE requirements from a list of suggested courses on file in the Geography Department and at the Counseling Center. Students should use PROJECT ASSIST (http://www.assist.org) to research lower division major requirements at the transfer institution of their choice and also work with a counselor to determine the most appropriate transfer coursework.
The Geography Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- <b>SLO#1: demonstrate understanding of the global natural and cultural environments and the geographic methods by which they are studied.</b>
- <b>SLO#2: compare and contrast the general biophysical and socio-cultural differences and similarities among world regions that operate through time and over space.</b>
- <b>SLO#3: evaluate and analyze critical geographic issues facing the world today.</b>
- <b>SLO#4: recognize the diversity of peoples, places, and events globally as well as within specific geographic regions.</b>
- <b>SLO#5: interpret maps and mapped data utilizing basic map elements, including scales, common coordinate systems, and map symbols.</b>
- <b>SLO#6: use a computer effectively to research, map and analyze geographic information.</b>
- <b>SLO#7: compare and contrast common geographic technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and the global positioning system (GPS).</b>
- <b>SLO#8: communicate geographic information effectively in oral, written, and graphic form.</b>
Career Information
Natural Resource Management; Environmental Conservation; International Development; Urban and Regional Planning; Education (K-12 through University); Tourism; Cartographer; Climatologist; Park Ranger; Transportation Specialist; Real Estate Analyst; International Business; Marketing Analyst; Land Surveyor; Research Scientist; Remote Sensing Specialist; Demographer; GIS Analyst; and many more (please contact the program for additional information). Some career options may require more than two years of college study.
Certificate of Achievement
Sustainability Certificate
This certificate advances student's understanding of the principles of sustainability and sustainable practices with respect to ecosystems, green buildings, business, agriculture, nutrition, natural resource management and conservation, waste management, energy, transportation systems, urban planning and design, and more. Theoretical and practical aspects of sustainability are explored including social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GEOG 302 | Environmental Studies & Sustainability | 3 |
| A minimum of 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| ARCH 332 | Design Awareness (3) | |
| ARCH 342 | Introduction to Green Buildings (3) | |
| BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 352 | Conservation Biology (3) | |
| CONST 143 | Solar Photovoltaic Systems (3) | |
| ECON 306 | Environmental Economics (3) | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| GEOG 305 | Global Climate Change (3) | |
| HORT 300 | Introduction to Horticulture (3) | |
| HORT 302 | Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) | |
| or PLTS 310 | Soils, Soil Management, and Plant Nutrition (3) | |
| HORT 313 | Sustainable Agriculture (3) | |
| NUTRI 303 | Plant-Based Nutrition (3) | |
| NUTRI 331 | Plant-Based Food Principles and Preparation (3) | |
| Total Units: | 12 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- PSLO#1: Communicate effectively about environmental issues and sustainability, utilizing correct vocabulary.
- PSLO#2: Articulate an awareness of the relevance of sustainability to the student’s life and wider community at both local and global scales.
- PSLO#3: Evaluate and analyze environmental problems facing the world today and propose sustainable solutions.
- PSLO#4: Employ information-gathering tools to investigate theoretical and practical aspects of sustainability in the context of energy consumption, transportation systems, food production, water resources, industry, the built environment, and socio-cultural institutions and practices.
Career Information
This certificate prepares students for entry-level sustainability consultant/technician positions in a variety of industries and settings, including private firms, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. Work opportunities for those pursuing additional coursework include positions in environmental economics, sustainable business practices, green building, natural resource management, food systems, energy, environmental justice, transportation, and urban planning.