Science

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.

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>

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

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.

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)

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.

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>

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.

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.

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.