Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
General Studies: Agriculture Trades AS Degree
General Studies – 18 Unit Emphasis | SC Program: AS.1496
The Agriculture emphasis allows students to explore all areas of agriculture, including animal science, agriculture business, horticulture, equine, sustainable agriculture, mechanized agriculture, natural resources, and viticulture.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of this course. This course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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AGAB 53
M
3
Introduction to Agri Business
AGAB 53
This course provides a basic understanding of the business and economics of the agricultural industry; an introduction to the economic aspects of agriculture and their implications to the agricultural producer, consumer, and the food system; and management principles encountered in the daily operations of an agricultural enterprise as they relate to the decision making process. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGAS 19
M
3
Principles of Animal Science
AGAS 19
This course is an introduction to the principles of animal science presented in terms of an animal's biological cycle of production. Topics will include basic nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and animal health relating to domestic farm animals. In addition to investigating modern production practices, the impact of animal agriculture upon mankind and the environment will also be considered. The weekly lab session will be devoted to investigating the basic management practices associated with each livestock species.
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AGMA 42
M
3
Farm Power and Machinery
AGMA 42
This class covers basic skill-level operation and maintenance of agricultural equipment including tractors, tillage, planting and harvesting machinery. Safe operational practices, proper machine and implement inspection and set-up, and basic operational skills will be covered. Precision agricultural technology, equipment management and field layout will be discussed. The lab activities will include the operation of machinery in the field laboratory. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AG 9A
M
1
Agriculture and Natural Resources Leadership I
AG 9A
Note: Required field trips.
The course is designed to develop leadership qualities in students. "Hands-on" techniques will be used to facilitate problem solving, cooperative work ethics, developing initiative, managing and organizing information, flexible thinking and effective questioning. Practical experience in conducting business as a group will be gained by participation.
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The course is designed to develop leadership qualities in students. "Hands-on" techniques will be used to facilitate problem solving, cooperative work ethics, developing initiative, managing and organizing information, flexible thinking and effective questioning. Practical experience in conducting business as a group will be gained by participation.
Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalMATH 14
GE
4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
HUM 4
GE
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
An examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetics and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGAB 54
M
3
Agriculture Economics
AGAB 54
This course includes an introduction to economic and business principles as they relate to resource management. The focus of the course will be to relate economic theories and basic economic concepts and principles to applied agri-business and resource management problem solving. Students will explore problems of agriculture, pricing and marketing, factors of production, and state and federal farm programs affecting farmer's economic position. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CHEM 2A
M
5
Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM 2A
Note: Students must provide those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.
This course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalCMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGMA 44
M
3
Intro to Construction Skills For Agriculture
AGMA 44
This course covers the basic construction skills related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental horticulture. Subjects covered will be mechanical drawing, design layout, arc welding, oxy/acetylene cutting and brazing, carpentry, electrification, small engine theory, concrete work structures, and project construction. Safety will be emphasized. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGPS 24
M
3
Soils
AGPS 24
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher; and one year of high school chemistry or equivalent.
Note: This class includes two Saturday field trips on classification, judging, and conservation of soils. The class is required for all agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture majors.
This class is an introductory course on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as it relates to agriculture and natural resources. Ecosystem relationship of soil use and management is emphasized. The effects of drainage, tillage, and irrigation on land use are discussed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Note: This class includes two Saturday field trips on classification, judging, and conservation of soils. The class is required for all agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture majors.
This class is an introductory course on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as it relates to agriculture and natural resources. Ecosystem relationship of soil use and management is emphasized. The effects of drainage, tillage, and irrigation on land use are discussed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGAS 30
M
3
Livestock Production
AGAS 30
This course is a study of the principles and practices of purebred and commercial swine, sheep, and beef cattle production throughout California, the United States, and the world. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of breeds, breeding principles, selection, nutrition, environmental management, health, marketing, and record keeping to ensure scientifically-based management decisions and consumer product acceptance.
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AGEH 33
M
3
Environmental Horticulture
AGEH 33
Environmental horticulture provides students with an understanding of how various aspects of the environment relate to plant growth and how human horticultural practices can influence the environment. This course explains the basic principles of botany and horticulture. Topics include plant structure, growth, physiology, and reproduction; climate, soil, and ecology; plant problems, including pests, diseases, and effects of pollution; plant genetics and human-manipulated plants; and the world food picture. This course is useful for plant scientists, horticulturists, and those seeking science credits, and is required for first-year Environmental Horticulture Majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ENGL 1C
Pre.
GE
3
Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing
ENGL 1C
This course focuses on critical thinking skills, close textual analysis, and expository and argumentative writing. Students apply critical thinking skills in reading non-fiction and fiction, and in writing essays of definition, cause/effect analysis, argumentation, refutation, and advocacy. Students will learn to use research strategies in analyzing others' ideas and supporting their own. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGPS 20
M
4
Plant Science
AGPS 20
Note: Field trips to local areas will be included.
This course offers an introduction to the biological principles of plant growth and development. Ecosystem relationships will be covered with particular emphasis on succession, water cycle, mineral cycle, and energy flow. In addition to investigating modern production and marketing practices of agronomic crops, the impact of commercial crop production upon mankind and the environment will be considered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course offers an introduction to the biological principles of plant growth and development. Ecosystem relationships will be covered with particular emphasis on succession, water cycle, mineral cycle, and energy flow. In addition to investigating modern production and marketing practices of agronomic crops, the impact of commercial crop production upon mankind and the environment will be considered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGAS 11
M
3
Livestock Feeding & Nutrition
AGAS 11
A study of the digestive physiology of farm animals and their utilization of the basic nutrients, feedstuffs, and feed additives. Common feeds in Northern California will be used to blend practical farm rations for beef, dairy, sheep, goats, swine, and horses. Time will be allotted to cost analysis of commercial feeds and least-cost computer ration programs.
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AGNR 52
M
3
Computers in Ag and Natural Resources
AGNR 52
This course introduces students to basic computer applications in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and related Career Technical Education majors. Students will gain basic computer literacy skills while learning to use examples of industry-specific software. Other topics will include file management, data manipulation, and use of software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will also be exposed to basic concepts and software related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
Earth & Environment Interest Area Counselors
Email
Contact Nickie McGarry
Department
Counseling & Student Services
Phone
(530) 242-7956
Location
Redding Main Campus | Room 137
Degree
M.S., National University
For Appointments
(530) 242-7724
Interest Areas Counseling
Earth & Environment, Industrial Technology
Email
Contact Haley Carter
Department
Counseling & Student Services
Phone
(530) 242-7724
Location
Redding Main Campus | Room 101
Degree
M.S., National University
For Appointments
(530) 242-7724
Academic/Instructional Division Office
Phone
(530) 242-7560
Location
Main Redding Campus | 1023
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