Associate Degree for Transfer in Environmental Science
The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer Degree (AS-T in Environmental Science) introduces the concepts and principles upon which environmental knowledge is based including the biological, chemical, and physical concepts underlying scientific theory and application to environmental issues. Students will develop skills for critical/analytical thinking, perceptive reading/observation and interpretation to apply to environmental concerns affecting our everyday lives. The AS-T in Environmental Science provides students with a core curriculum to develop key skills for applying biological, physical, and chemical principles to the study of the environment and developing solutions to environmental problems.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Describe the impact of humankind on the environment from scientific, sociological, political, and economic viewpoints both locally and globally.
- Apply concepts and implement skills learned in the sciences, mathematics, and humanities to real-world environmental issues.
- Demonstrate an ability to examine scientific evidence demonstrating how human activities affect many ecosystems and recommend alternatives to present practices
| Required Courses (40-41 units) | Units | |
| BIO-60* | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology | 5 |
| CHE-1A*/ 1AH* | General Chemistry I/Honors | 5 |
| BIO-61* | Introduction to Organismal and Population Biology | 5 |
| OR | ||
| CHE-1B*/ 1BH* | General Chemistry II/Honors | 5 |
| Electives A | Choose from list A below | 14-15 |
| Electives B | Choose from list B below | 11 |
| Electives - List A (14-15 units) | Units | |
| BIO-19* | Environmental Science | 3 |
| GEG-1*/1H* | Physical Geography | 3 |
| AND | ||
| GEG-1L* | Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| OR | ||
| GEO-1 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| AND | ||
| GEO-1L | Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| MAT-12*/ 12H* | Statistics/Honors | 4 |
| OR | ||
| PSY/SOC-48* | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| AND | ||
| MAT-1A* | Calculus I | 4 |
| Electives - List B (11 units) | Units | |
| ECO-8*/8H* | Principles of Microeconomics/Honors | 3 |
| AND | Principles of Microeconomics/Honors | 3 |
| PHY-2A* + 2B* | General Physics I and II | 8 |
| OR | ||
| PHY-4A*+4B* | Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism | 8 |
*Courses may also be used to fulfill general education requirements for the IGETC for STEM pattern, please confer with a counselor.
Associate in Science for Transfer Degree
The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer degree will be awarded
upon completion of 60 California State University (CSU) transferable units including
the above major requirements and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
(IGETC) or California State University General Education (CSUGE) requirements and
with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. All courses in the major must be completed
with a grade of “C” or better (or a “P” if taken as Pass/No Pass).
IGETC for STEM
Students pursuing certain Associate Degrees for Transfer may be eligible to complete
IGETC for STEM, deferring two to three lower division GE courses until after transfer.
IGETC for STEM is applicable only to majors in which the Transfer Model Curriculum
explicitly indicates the availability of the option. At Riverside City College, currently
only ADT’s in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science allow IGETC for STEM.
“IGETC for STEM" certification as part of an Associate Degree for Transfer in Biology
would require that students complete the following courses before transfer:
- All courses in Areas 1, 2, and 5 of the traditional IGETC; and
- One course in Area 3A; and
- One course in Area 3B; and
- two courses in Area 4 from two different disciplines.
Complete the following courses after transfer:
- One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 3;*
- One remaining lower-division general education course in Area 4;* and
- One course in Area 6 for UC-bound students who have not satisfied it through proficiency.
* *These deferred lower division courses must be replaced with calculus and/or science courses required by the major before transfer.