Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Earth Sciences (AA)
The Earth Sciences degree includes many specialized disciplines such as Earth (Geologic), Atmospheric, Biologic, or Environmental Science.
Associate in arts | SC Program aa.1515
Earth History focuses on the geologic, biologic, oceanographic, and atmospheric history of Earth while relying on chemistry and physics to form a better understanding of our planet through time. Atmospheric Sciences focuses on interactions of the atmosphere with Earth’s surface (especially the influence of the oceans on weather and climate). Emphasis in this degree includes conservation sciences, environmental law and policy, systems ecology and marine ecology, watershed studies, archeology, and much more.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
Reading & Composition
ENGL 1A
This course is the transferable course in composition currently offered to qualified freshmen at practically all American colleges and universities. It presupposes that the students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. The course concentrates on developing effective writing and reading. A library research paper is required for successful completion of the course.
This composition class is also taught by Distance Learning. In these sections of ENGL 1A, students will be required to attend class lecture/discussion in a virtual on-line classroom instead of physically attending in a classroom. This will require participation through a text-only Internet connection utilizing a WebCT classroom. Minimum requirement: ability to access World Wide Web addresses. Students may access WebCT through any Internet ramp, including Personal Computer or Web T.V. connection or any Internet connection accessible through the local library, work, school, etc.
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HIST 17A
GE
3
United States History
HIST 17A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
MATH 14
GE
4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 17
M
Lab
3
Earth System Science
ESCI 17
Note: Required day field trips.
Earth is a dynamic planet, changing in response to natural processes within the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Modern science is now viewing the Earth system in its entirety, the sum of its parts, in an effort to understand how processes in one sphere impact those in another. This course stresses the inter-relationships of these systems and reviews natural cycles and positive and negative feedback pathways that operate over various time scales to affect global environmental change. The impact of civilization on the Earth system is also analyzed as the course considers pollution, over population, global warming, deforestation, desertification, resource depletion, and biologic extinctions along with solutions developed within sustainable concepts and practices. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Earth is a dynamic planet, changing in response to natural processes within the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Modern science is now viewing the Earth system in its entirety, the sum of its parts, in an effort to understand how processes in one sphere impact those in another. This course stresses the inter-relationships of these systems and reviews natural cycles and positive and negative feedback pathways that operate over various time scales to affect global environmental change. The impact of civilization on the Earth system is also analyzed as the course considers pollution, over population, global warming, deforestation, desertification, resource depletion, and biologic extinctions along with solutions developed within sustainable concepts and practices. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, First Year
17 Units TotalCMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. Subjects covered are audience analysis, choosing speech topics, finding and using supporting materials, arranging and outlining related points, essentials of speech delivery and evaluation. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays.
HLTH 1
GE
3
Health and Wellness
HLTH 1
This course focuses upon those elements of human behavior which influence the health status of both the individual and the community. Topics include personal fitness, nutrition, sexuality, sexually transmitted disease, drug dependence including alcohol and tobacco. Also included are topics dealing with lifestyle disease, especially cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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NHIS 65
M
1
Natural History of Patrick's Point
NHIS 65
Note: Students must provide their own camping gear and food. The college supplies and requires bus transportation for no additional cost.
A three day, two-night field trip to Patrick's Point State Park to familiarize students with the organisms and ecological interactions occurring in the various plant communities and intertidal zones. One pre-trip introductory lecture will be held.
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A three day, two-night field trip to Patrick's Point State Park to familiarize students with the organisms and ecological interactions occurring in the various plant communities and intertidal zones. One pre-trip introductory lecture will be held.
ESCI 1
M
Lab
4
Physical Geology
ESCI 1
Note: Required field trips.
An introduction to the physical processes that drive Earth as a dynamic planet. Both internal and external processes are considered as well as their inter-relationships. Discussion in the course will include Earth?s internal structure, plate tectonics, minerals and rocks and their origins, surface processes, geologic structures such as faulting and folding, metamorphism, sedimentation, soil formation, geologic time including radiometric methods, geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanism, mass wasting, flooding, and the vital nature of Earth materials to society. Laboratory activities will focus on the application of classroom concepts and will include mineral and rock identification, geologic structures, topographic and geologic map use, use of remote imagery, recognition of landforms, geologic time, seismology, and volcanism. Lecture and laboratory will consider geologically produced and influenced natural resources, their exploitation, and concepts centered about sustainable uses. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introduction to the physical processes that drive Earth as a dynamic planet. Both internal and external processes are considered as well as their inter-relationships. Discussion in the course will include Earth?s internal structure, plate tectonics, minerals and rocks and their origins, surface processes, geologic structures such as faulting and folding, metamorphism, sedimentation, soil formation, geologic time including radiometric methods, geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanism, mass wasting, flooding, and the vital nature of Earth materials to society. Laboratory activities will focus on the application of classroom concepts and will include mineral and rock identification, geologic structures, topographic and geologic map use, use of remote imagery, recognition of landforms, geologic time, seismology, and volcanism. Lecture and laboratory will consider geologically produced and influenced natural resources, their exploitation, and concepts centered about sustainable uses. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
BOT 1
M
Lab
4
General Botany
BOT 1
An introduction to the structure, physiology, reproduction, life cycles and taxonomic of major plant and plant-like groups.
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ESCI 37
M
1.5
Geology of the Northern Califonia Coast
ESCI 37
Note: Required field trip.
An introduction to the geologic processes which have shaped and continue to shape northern California's coastline. The course will culminate with a two-and-a-half day field trip along the coast. Lecture meetings will present basic concepts in geology as well as topics specific to northern California's coastline such as geologic hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, mass wasting events, and shore erosion, tidal processes, erosion and depositional processes, active mountain building, and geomorphology. Field trip exercises will also be conducted at various stops. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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ESCI 37L
M
Lab
0.5
The Northern California Coast Lab
ESCI 37L
Note: This course includes a three-day, overnight field trip.
This course accompanies ESCI 37 and represents laboratory and field activities associated with the northern California coast, inclusive of a three-day, overnight field trip along this stretch of coast. This course supports the goal of understanding the geology and geologic history of the north coast, as well as oceanographic and climatologic qualities as they converge to define habitats. Coastal sites demonstrate these relationships, and lab sessions prior to the trip will focus on the application of ESCI 37 concepts. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
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This course accompanies ESCI 37 and represents laboratory and field activities associated with the northern California coast, inclusive of a three-day, overnight field trip along this stretch of coast. This course supports the goal of understanding the geology and geologic history of the north coast, as well as oceanographic and climatologic qualities as they converge to define habitats. Coastal sites demonstrate these relationships, and lab sessions prior to the trip will focus on the application of ESCI 37 concepts. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalENGL 1C
GE
3
Critical Reasoning, Reading and Writing
ENGL 1C
Course focuses on critical thinking skills, close textual analysis, and expository and argumentative writing. Students apply critical thinking skills in reading non-fiction and fiction, and in writing essays of definition, cause/effect analysis, argumentation, refutation, and advocacy. Students will learn to use research strategies in analyzing others' ideas and supporting their own. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ART 4
GE
3
Ethnic Art of the World
ART 4
A survey course of the visual arts of Ethnic and Indian Cultures. Explored are the Eskimo, North West Coast, Pueblo, Apache, Navaho, Iroquois, Plains, Southeastern, California, Mexico, Peru, Africa, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, India, Japan, China, and Barbarians. Stress is given to the styles, motifs, symbols and meaning of the cultures by examining crafts, drawings, sculpture, woodcuts and paintings. This course designed for Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for Art History Concentration.
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HIST 3
GE
M
3
World Civilization: 1500 to Present
HIST 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher, or ESL 138 or ESL Placement Level 8.
A survey of the development of the major civilizations of the world from 1500 to the present. The focus in on the political, economic, social, intellectual and religious forces present in the rise of Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe from 1500 to the present day. The study of the dynamic interaction of peoples and cultures will give a multi-perspective view of world history. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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ESCI 6
GE
M
Lab
4
Ancient Life
ESCI 6
Note: Required day field trips.
This course is a survey of past life presented through geologic and biologic investigation. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and provides geologic background and evidence for the origination and evolution of life. Associated methodologies and concepts presented include geologic time and its measure, chemical and organic evolution, controls on evolution, cladistic analysis, ancient ecologic reconstruction, mass extinction and adaptive radiation, fossilization, and ancient geographic distributions of flora and fauna. Anatomical innovations that define major classes of organisms are traced through ancestor-descendant relationships. Laboratory exercises include processes of fossilization, fossil recognition, cladistic analysis, genetics, stratigraphy, reconstruction of ancient biologic communities, ancient geographic reconstruction through fossil information, functional morphology, mass extinction and adaptive radiation in the fossil record. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of past life presented through geologic and biologic investigation. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and provides geologic background and evidence for the origination and evolution of life. Associated methodologies and concepts presented include geologic time and its measure, chemical and organic evolution, controls on evolution, cladistic analysis, ancient ecologic reconstruction, mass extinction and adaptive radiation, fossilization, and ancient geographic distributions of flora and fauna. Anatomical innovations that define major classes of organisms are traced through ancestor-descendant relationships. Laboratory exercises include processes of fossilization, fossil recognition, cladistic analysis, genetics, stratigraphy, reconstruction of ancient biologic communities, ancient geographic reconstruction through fossil information, functional morphology, mass extinction and adaptive radiation in the fossil record. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 32
M
1.5
Geology of the Northern Sierras
ESCI 32
Note: Required field trip.
An introduction to the geologic processes that have shaped the northern Sierras into a geologically diverse setting. The course will culminate with a three-day field trip through the northern Sierras. Lecture meetings will present basic concepts in geology as well as topics specific to the northern Sierras such as continental growth, multiple mountain building and landscape development, glaciation and related geomorphology, and "mother-lode" economic geology. Field trip exercises will also be conducted at various stops. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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An introduction to the geologic processes that have shaped the northern Sierras into a geologically diverse setting. The course will culminate with a three-day field trip through the northern Sierras. Lecture meetings will present basic concepts in geology as well as topics specific to the northern Sierras such as continental growth, multiple mountain building and landscape development, glaciation and related geomorphology, and "mother-lode" economic geology. Field trip exercises will also be conducted at various stops. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning format.
ESCI 32L
M
Lab
0.5
The Northern Sierras Lab & Field Studies
ESCI 32L
Note: This course includes a three-day, overnight field trip.
This course accompanies ESCI 32 and represents laboratory and field activities associated with the northern Sierras, inclusive of a three-day, overnight field trip across this region. This course supports the goal of understanding the geology and geologic history of the northern section of the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as economic and climatologic qualities as they converge to produce important needed resources and Alpine, foothill and even wetland and desert habitats. Field sites demonstrate these relationships, and lab sessions prior to the trip will focus on the application of ESCI 32 concepts in preparation for the field trip. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
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This course accompanies ESCI 32 and represents laboratory and field activities associated with the northern Sierras, inclusive of a three-day, overnight field trip across this region. This course supports the goal of understanding the geology and geologic history of the northern section of the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as economic and climatologic qualities as they converge to produce important needed resources and Alpine, foothill and even wetland and desert habitats. Field sites demonstrate these relationships, and lab sessions prior to the trip will focus on the application of ESCI 32 concepts in preparation for the field trip. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUM 4
GE
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
GE
3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 35
1.5
Geology of Lassen Volcanic Park
ESCI 35
Note: Required field trip.
An introduction to the geology of Lassen Volcanic Park which will culminate with a two-and-a-half day field trip within and around the park. Lecture meetings will present basic concepts in geology needed to understand the geologic history of the park as well as outcrops visited during the field trip. Topics to be discussed include volcanic processes and features, volcanic and geothermal hazards, geothermal potential, glaciation and faulting. Field trip exercises will also be conducted at various stops. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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ESCI 35L
Lab
0.5
Lassen Volcan Nat'l Prk Lab & Field Stud
ESCI 35L
Note: Required overnight field trip.
This course accompanies ESCI 35 and represents laboratory and field activities associated with Lassen Volcanic National Park, inclusive of a three-day overnight field trip within and around the park. This course supports the goal of understanding the geologic and climatologic history and modern ecologic character of the park through site and outcrop exposures as they demonstrate volcanic processes, volcanic and geothermal features, past glaciation and glacial features, slide hazards, faulting, and typical seasonality experienced by the park as it drives ecology. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
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This course accompanies ESCI 35 and represents laboratory and field activities associated with Lassen Volcanic National Park, inclusive of a three-day overnight field trip within and around the park. This course supports the goal of understanding the geologic and climatologic history and modern ecologic character of the park through site and outcrop exposures as they demonstrate volcanic processes, volcanic and geothermal features, past glaciation and glacial features, slide hazards, faulting, and typical seasonality experienced by the park as it drives ecology. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
ESCI 2
M
Lab
4
Historical Geology
ESCI 2
Note: Required day and overnight field trips.
The study of Earth history as revealed in the rock record and the placement of varied geologic events through time. Discussion in this course will include the genesis of minerals and three rock types, principles of stratigraphy, geologic structures, organic evolution, relative and absolute geologic time, paleogeography, and mountain building episodes of North America with emphasis on the west coast. Plate tectonics and crustal evolution will provide a framework for the preceding. Laboratory exercises will include the description and classification of minerals and rocks; recognition of ancient metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary environments; recognition, occurrence, and geologic use of fossil organisms; application of stratigraphic principles; recognition of geologic structures; and the development and use of different types of geologic maps and cross sections.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
- Earth Sciences (AA) (PDF)
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