Program Overview

Natural Science (NASC) Program

The Natural Science (NASC) program offers a range of courses that explore the principles of physics, chemistry, geology, and environmental science.

Course Descriptions

• NASC 102: Physical Science: The Human Environment
  • Prerequisite: Completion of MATH 102 or Quantitative Reasoning
  • Surveys topics in physics and chemistry, with some problem solving using algebra
  • Lab included with three semester hour course
  • Must register for zero unit lab if registering for four semester hour course
  • Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
  • Semester Hours: 4
• NASC 199: Independent Study
  • Student-designed courses approved by a faculty member
  • Prior approval of goals, objectives, procedures, and assessment plan as directed in the Independent Study Manual is required
  • May be taken multiple times with a different topic for credit
  • Not challengeable
  • Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit
  • Semester Hours: 1-4
• NASC 201: General Geology
  • Prerequisite: Completion of CHEM 201
  • Introduces physical and historical geology
  • Composition of earth, geochemical and geophysical concepts, mountain building, degradation processes, and earth history
  • Lab included
  • Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
  • Semester Hours: 4
• NASC 303: Energy Issues
  • Introduces energy concepts, resources, technologies, planning, and related environmental and chemical topics
  • Includes heat and electricity, chemical production, solar energy, photochemical smog, water and waste treatment, recycling, greenhouse effect, and population
  • Also CHEM 303 and PHYS 303
  • Not challengeable
  • Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
  • Semester Hours: 4
• NASC 334F: Field Studies in Ornithology
  • Field study of birds of Southern California
  • Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
  • Semester Hours: 1
• NASC 399: Independent Study
  • Student-designed courses approved by a faculty member
  • Prior approval of goals, objectives, procedures, and assessment plan as directed in the Independent Study Manual is required
  • May be taken multiple times with a different topic for credit
  • Not challengeable
  • Grade Mode: Letter, Credit/No Credit, Audit
  • Semester Hours: 1-4

Program Structure

The NASC program offers a variety of courses that cater to different interests and academic goals. Students can choose from a range of courses, including physical science, geology, energy issues, and field studies in ornithology. The program also offers independent study options, allowing students to design their own courses with the approval of a faculty member.