1
EARTH SCIENCE—ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Earth Science program provides the opportunity for an interdisciplinary curriculum for students whose interests cross over into various areas of earth science. Students completing this
discipline build a strong foundation in several aspects of earth science, preparing them to continue in the field.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Robert Barminski at (831) 770-7056, [email protected], N-9
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Earth Science program, a student should be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
apply the scientific method to knowledge acquisition and transfer of information.
demonstrate proficiency in the areas of graphical presentation, oral communication and scientific writing.
examine the various Earth system components and their complex interaction through inquiry-based, interdisciplinary curricula in the physical sciences.
use observing systems, geospatial technology, computers, information processing and data analysis.
explain the significance of geological resources and their economic and sustainable value for long-term habitation of the planet by humans.
A minimum of 60.0 semester units with a grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all degree-applicable units. Only courses numbered 1-199 may apply toward the Associate
Degree. Courses listed below may have prerequisites that must be completed prior to enrolling. Consult a schedule of classes, college catalog, or a counselor for further information.

REQUIRED MAJOR COURSES
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Required Major Course
Course No.
GEL-1‡
GEL-6
AST-1
OCN-1
MET-1
CHM-1A
PHY-2A/2B
or
PHY-4A/4B/4C

RECOMMENDED MAJOR ELECTIVES (Select from list; none required)
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
Recommended Major Elective
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
Natural Sciences
Social & Behavioral Sciences (Select a minimum of 3 units from catalog
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Humanities (Select a minimum of 3 units from catalog GENERAL EDUCATION
REQUIREMENTS)
Ethnic Groups in the United States (Select a minimum of 3 units from catalog
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Language and Rationality (9 Units)
A. Written Composition
B. Communication and Analytical Thinking
Communication and Analytical Thinking (Select a minimum of 2 units
from catalog GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS)
Course No.
GEL-25
GEG-1
CHM-1B
MAT-3A
MAT-3B
MAT-3C
Course No.
GEL-1‡
Course Title
Physical Geology
History of the Earth
Introduction to Astronomy
Oceanography
Meteorology—Weather and Climate
General Chemistry I
College Physics I and II
or
General Physics/
4A: Mechanics
4B: Electricity and Magnetism
4C: Waves, Heat, Light and Modern Physics
SUBTOTAL UNITS (30.0-34.0)
Course Title
Environmental Geology
Introduction to Geography: Physical Elements
General Chemistry II
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
Course Title
Physical Geology
ENG-1A
MAT-25
College Composition and Reading
Pre-Calculus

General Education
Earth Science Required Major Courses and Restricted Major Electives
ELECTIVES (Courses Numbered 1–199) required when GE units plus Degree units total are fewer than 60.0
TOTAL UNITS
Units
4.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
5.0
8.0
or
12.0
Units
3.0
3.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Units
(4.0)
3.0
4.0
21.0
30.0-34.0
5.0-9.0
60.0
*Completion of MAT-123 or completion of any math in which MAT-123 is a prerequisite with a “C” or better.
‡These
courses also satisfy General Education Requirements.
TRANSFER STUDENTS: Completing the AS degree does not meet all the requirements for transfer. Students planning to transfer to a university should follow the requirements of the fouryear university. Information on course equivalencies and major preparation requirements for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems are available
online at www.assist.org. Please consult with a Hartnell College counselor to review transfer requirements.