Natural Science and Mathematics Associate in Arts Degree Program

Program Overview

The Interdisciplinary Studies program with an emphasis in Natural Science and Mathematics provides a broad foundation in science and math for students pursuing further study or careers in life and physical sciences, health, engineering, and science technology. The program includes introductory science courses, mathematics competency, and advanced courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Students will develop skills in scientific inquiry, mathematical problem-solving, and critical evaluation of scientific information.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for students pursuing broad areas of study and exploration in an area of emphasis as described below. Option 1 enables students to complete the requirements for the Associate Degree. The Natural Science and Mathematics are a gateway to a very large number of occupations, many of which require specific coursework for transfer and/or admission to professional schools. In general, careers in the natural sciences require strong computational, communication, and analytical thinking skills. The degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Natural Science and Mathematics prepares students for further study and employment as life and physical scientists, health practitioners, engineers, and science technicians. Option 1: Cañada College Pattern Provides an opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which covers a broad area of study and is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university.

Objectives:

Use the scientific method to investigate scientific questions and critically evaluate and effectively communicate scientific data. Use symbolic, graphical, and numerical representation of mathematical ideas to address real-world problems. Critically evaluate scientific information and examine its significance and impact on society and the environment.

Outline:

Introductory Science Courses (minimum 9 units):

• Biology:
• Principles of Biology (4 units)
• Human Biology (3 units)
• Human Biology Laboratory (1 unit)
• Nutrition (3 units)
• Chemistry:
• Elementary Chemistry (4 units)
• General Chemistry I (5 units)
• Chemistry for Health Sciences (4 units)
• Physics:
• General Physics I (4 units)
• Physics with Calculus I (4 units)
• Other Sciences (up to 3 units):
• Biological Anthropology (3 units)
• Introduction to Astronomy (3 units)
• Astronomy Laboratory (1 unit)
• Introduction to Computer Science (4 units)
• Introduction to Programming: Python (3 units)
• Introduction to Engineering (3 units)
• Environmental Science (3 units)
• Physical Geography (3 units)
• Introduction to Geology (3 units)
• Geology Laboratory (1 unit)
• General Health Science (3 units)
• Women's Health Issues (3 units)
• Meteorology - Weather and Climate (3 units)
• Oceanography (3 units)
• Oceanography Lab (1 unit)

Mathematics Competency (minimum 3 units):

• Elementary Finite Mathematics (3 units)
• Analytical Trigonometry (4 units)
• Elementary Probability and Statistics (4 units)
• Path to Calculus (6 units)
• Business Calculus I (5 units)
• Analytical Geometry and Calculus I (5 units)

Advanced Courses (minimum 6 units):

• Biology:
• Biology of Organisms (5 units)
• Cell and Molecular Biology (5 units)
• General Microbiology (4 units)
• Human Anatomy (4 units)
• Human Physiology (5 units)
• Chemistry:
• General Chemistry II (5 units)
• Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
• Computer Science:
• Computer Architecture and Assembly Language (3 units)
• Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science (3 units)
• Mathematics:
• Analytical Geometry and Calculus II (5 units)
• Analytic Geometry and Calculus III (5 units)
• Physics:
• General Physics II (4 units)
• Physics with Calculus II (4 units)

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Life and physical scientists
• Health practitioners
• Engineers
• Science technicians