Associate of Science in Natural History
Program Overview
The Natural History program at SBCC provides a comprehensive overview of Earth's diverse life forms, their evolutionary relationships, and ecological principles. Students can specialize in areas such as aquatic biology, zoology, botany, ecology, and environmental biology through elective choices. The program prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions or careers in related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Natural History major is designed to provide a broad survey of the diversity of Earth’s life forms and their evolutionary and environmental relationships. By carefully choosing electives, a student may emphasize specialized areas for transfer, including aquatic biology, zoology, botany, ecology, and environmental biology.
Objectives:
- Articulate the principles of evolutionary theory, the history of its development, and the role that evolution plays in the continuity and diversity of life.
- Compare, contrast and illustrate the life histories of a wide variety of life forms representing the diversity of life.
- Examine the techniques for organizing biodiversity through nomenclature, taxonomy, systematics, and biological and ecological hierarchies.
- Evaluate the various fundamental ecological principles, from populations to communities and ecosystems, that determine the geographical distribution of life on Earth.
- Describe fundamental metabolic pathways, explain bioenergetics, and relate the interdependence of these pathways within an organism and between an organism and its environment.
- Collect data to test hypotheses using basic methods, instrumentation, and quantitative analytical skills used to conduct biological research and analyze, graphically present, and interpret these data.
- Produce original research reports and review papers in a standard scientific format based on laboratory, field experiments, and literature searches that include critical quantitative and qualitative evaluation of data to effectively communicate results, interpretations, and concepts.
Program Description:
To achieve an Associate in Arts Degree, a student must complete a minimum of sixty (60) units of work, which must fulfill General Education, SBCC, and department requirements. For complete information on General Education and SBCC requirements, see “General Education” and “Graduation and Transfer Requirements” in the Catalog Index.
Outline:
Course List:
| Code | Title | Units | |---|---|---| | BIOL 112 | Evolution and Adaptation | 3 | | BIOL 120 | Natural History | 4 | | BIOL 122 | Ecology | 3 | | BIOL 123 | Ecology Laboratory | 1 | | BIOL 140 | Principles of Biology | 3 | | BOT 121 | Plant Diversity 1 | 4 | | ZOOL 122 | Animal Diversity 2,3 | 3 |
Electives (6 units):
Students must complete 6 units of electives selected from the following:
- BIOL 110: Natural Science
- BIOL 126: Aquatic Ecosystems
- BIOL 141: Biology Laboratory
- BIOL 144: Biogeography
- BIOL 150: Biodiversity
- BIOL 172: Symbiosis
- CHEM 110: Survey of Chemistry
- ZOOL 110: Animal Physiology
- ZOOL 124: Insect Biology
- ZOOL 137: Ornithology
- ZOOL 140: Animal Behavior
Recommended Sequence:
Santa Barbara City College
Overview:
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is a community college located in Santa Barbara, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including transfer degrees, certificates, and non-credit courses. SBCC is known for its diverse student body and its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education.
Services Offered:
SBCC provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic advising:
Students can receive personalized guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Financial aid:
SBCC offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.Career services:
Students can access resources to help them with job searching, resume writing, and career planning.Student support services:
SBCC provides a range of support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and disability services.Library and learning resources:
SBCC has a well-equipped library and learning center with access to books, journals, computers, and other resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SBCC offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to get involved in:
Student clubs and organizations:
Students can join a variety of clubs and organizations based on their interests, such as academic, cultural, and recreational groups.Athletics:
SBCC has a competitive athletics program with teams in various sports.Campus events:
SBCC hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and performances.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable tuition:
SBCC offers a relatively low tuition rate compared to other colleges and universities.Transfer opportunities:
SBCC has strong transfer agreements with four-year universities, making it easy for students to continue their education after graduation.Small class sizes:
SBCC offers smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from instructors.Location:
SBCC is located in a beautiful and vibrant city with access to beaches, mountains, and cultural attractions.Academic Programs:
SBCC offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Theatre ArtsBusiness and Entrepreneurship:
Business Administration, EntrepreneurshipCulture, Society, and Human Behavior:
Anthropology, Chicano Studies, Communication, Economics, Global and International Studies, History, Law and Society, Political Science, Psychology, SociologyEnglish as a Second Language, Adult High School, GED:
ESL, Adult High School Diploma, GEDHealthcare, Wellness, and Public Service:
Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Social WorkIndustry and Applied Technologies:
Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Welding, Computer ScienceNature, Numbers, and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, EngineeringOther:
SBCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), which means that it serves a significant population of Hispanic students. The college is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
