Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Geosciences Technician (AS)
The Geosciences Technician degree provides the technical skills needed to enter the workforce with chosen emphasis in geologic hazards, weather, or coastal marine science.
Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1602
You will have the opportunity to develop reporting skills, learn about atmospheric and climatologic monitoring (forecasting), or gather experience in quantitative habitat evaluation, data analysis, and data interpretation. At least one chemistry and one physics course are recommended for this degree, as well as the completion of MATH 102 or higher.
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
16 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 2
GE
3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher
This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
CHEM 2A
M
Lab
5
Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM 2A
Note: Students must provide those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.
This course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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.
Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalHIST 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
M
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.
GEOG 1A
M
4
Physical Geography
GEOG 1A
This course explores Earth's physical systems, their dynamic processes, and surface expressions. Topics include weather, climate, hydrology, tectonics, geomorphology, and the biosphere. Attention is given to spatial patterns and impacts of human activities. Lab activities will explore scientific data, its collection, display, and interpretation, for a range of Earth processes and formations. Scientific method of inquiry is employed through the development, testing, and defense of hypotheses to explain observed phenomena. Physical properties of radiation, temperature, pressure, gases, humidity, flowing water, and rocks, will be observed, measured and interpreted.
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GEOG 1AL
M
Lab
1
Physical Geography Lab
GEOG 1AL
Corequisite: GEOG 1A This course explores Earth's physical systems, through lab and field activities. Scientific method of inquiry is employed to the interpretation of climate, landforms, water, and living communities. Scientific data will be collected, displayed, and interpreted, for a range of Earth processes and formations. Students will use map products to make observations, take geographic measurements, and interpret phenomena, Students will also interpret physical phenomena, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity as they relate to geographic location.
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AGNR 1
3
Introduction to Natural Resources
AGNR 1
An introduction to the integrated management of forests, soil, watershed, fish, and wildlife in the context of protection and restoration of watersheds and ecosystems. An emphasis will be placed on natural resources careers, policy and law, tools, techniques and practices, and management philosophies of public and private lands. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports.
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Fall Semester, Second Year
14 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.
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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AGNR 50
M
4
Natural Resources Measurements
AGNR 50
Note: Several field trips to various locations will occur as feasible.
This course is an introduction to the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources. Log scaling and aerial photo interpretation will also be discussed. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other forest products including water, range, wildlife and outdoor recreation will also be covered. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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This course is an introduction to the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources. Log scaling and aerial photo interpretation will also be discussed. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other forest products including water, range, wildlife and outdoor recreation will also be covered. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
GEOG 9
3
Map and Geospatial Principles
GEOG 9
This course is an introduction to maps, imagery, and geospatial technologies. Students will learn geographic techniques for data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Map principles along with types of maps and their applications are covered. Methodologies include map reading, use of imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and map creation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year
16 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.
AGPS 25
M
3
California Water
AGPS 25
This course is an interdisciplinary examination of California's water use and management with a historical emphasis on the politics and conflict arising from water scarcity. Topics of water quality, water law, measurement of water, evaluation of irrigation methods and systems, and issues relating to water use will all be covered. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ESCI 9
3
Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Other Geologic Hazards
ESCI 9
Note: Required field trips.
This introductory course considers geologic hazards and their impact on society in part through the utilization of case histories, many of which are from California. The course will focus on earthquakes and volcanism specifically considering the dynamics of these two phenomena. Other topics to be discussed include tsunami origination and development, types of mass wasting and their controlling factors and influences, and flooding. A portion of the course will also describe geologic hazards that are human influenced or caused, such as soil erosion, acid rain, ground-water contamination and ground subsidence. Engineering mitigation, hazard preparedness and remediation strategies complete the course. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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This introductory course considers geologic hazards and their impact on society in part through the utilization of case histories, many of which are from California. The course will focus on earthquakes and volcanism specifically considering the dynamics of these two phenomena. Other topics to be discussed include tsunami origination and development, types of mass wasting and their controlling factors and influences, and flooding. A portion of the course will also describe geologic hazards that are human influenced or caused, such as soil erosion, acid rain, ground-water contamination and ground subsidence. Engineering mitigation, hazard preparedness and remediation strategies complete the course. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
ESCI 15
Lab
4
Oceanography
ESCI 15
Note: Required overnight field trip.
Global ocean dynamics are part of an intricate system that influences world climate and both terrestrial and oceanic life. Basic principles and concepts are presented including ocean origins, ocean basin formation, seawater composition and characteristics, oceanic circulation, and the marine habitat providing a holistic view to the study of the oceans. Coastal processes such as waves and tides, erosion and deposition, and landforms are also considered. Laboratory activities will survey marine geology including plate tectonic and ocean basin topography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography such as circulation, waves and tides, and biological oceanography including marine organisms, marine ecosystems and nutrient flow. Lecture and laboratory will consider marine 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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Global ocean dynamics are part of an intricate system that influences world climate and both terrestrial and oceanic life. Basic principles and concepts are presented including ocean origins, ocean basin formation, seawater composition and characteristics, oceanic circulation, and the marine habitat providing a holistic view to the study of the oceans. Coastal processes such as waves and tides, erosion and deposition, and landforms are also considered. Laboratory activities will survey marine geology including plate tectonic and ocean basin topography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography such as circulation, waves and tides, and biological oceanography including marine organisms, marine ecosystems and nutrient flow. Lecture and laboratory will consider marine 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.
GEOG 10
3
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in CIS 1 or demonstrated computer literacy.
This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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).
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Fax
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