Overview.
The Associate in Arts Degree program in General Studies with Emphasis in Natural Science outlines a course of study that emphasizes breadth in the physical and life sciences. Students will learn to apply scientific methods to investigate both physical and biological aspects of the environment. Students completing this program will satisfy lower division science and general education requirements for CSU. Students must complete each required area of emphasis course with a grade of ‘C’ or better to be awarded the degree.

Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply scientific method to solve practical problems in the sciences.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data.
- Properly and safely use common scientific laboratory and field equipment.
- Relate fundamental concepts and properties of matter and energy to biological and physical processes.
Required Courses
Area of Emphasis Requirements
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Select a minimum 10 units of Life Science courses: | 10 | |
General Biology | ||
Forensic Biology | ||
Plants and Human Welfare | ||
Ecology | ||
Marine Biology | ||
Wildlife Biology | ||
Field Biology | ||
Field Biology - Zion National Park | ||
Environmental Science 1 | ||
Select a minimum of 8 units of Physical Science courses: | 8 | |
Introduction to Astronomy | ||
Introductory Astronomy Lab | ||
Fundamentals of Chemistry | ||
Environmental Science 1 | ||
Descriptive Oceanography | ||
Algebra/Trigonometry-Based Physics I |
1 |
ENVIR 010 can satisfy either Life Science or Physical Science requirement, but can only be used once. |
Total Requirements
Course | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Area of Emphasis Requirements | 18 | |
Electives (AA applicable courses) | 2 | |
General Education Requirements | 39 | |
Physical Activity | 1 | |
Total Units | 60 |
What is a Program Map?
A program map is a suggested semester-by-semester plan to help you complete the courses required for a particular degree or certificate. It is based on the major sheet for the particular degree or certificate you are interested in. It includes courses required for the major, general education and any necessary electives.
A program map is a representation of the major sheet. It includes the specific specialty courses in a major, general education courses and any necessary electives.
What is a Major Sheet?
A major sheet includes a description of the program you are interested in, what you can expect to learn once you have completed the program (Program Learning Outcomes) and the specific specialty courses you will need to complete within a major.