Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Geosciences Technician (AS)
The Geosciences Technician degree provides the technical skills needed to enter the workforce with chosen emphasis in geologic hazards, weather, or coastal marine science.
Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1602
You will have the opportunity to develop reporting skills, learn about atmospheric and climatologic monitoring (forecasting), or gather experience in quantitative habitat evaluation, data analysis, and data interpretation. At least one chemistry and one physics course are recommended for this degree, as well as the completion of MATH 102 or higher.
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
16 Units TotalENGL C1000
GE
4
Academic Reading and Writing
ENGL C1000
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL C1000E is a recommended alternative to ENGL C1000.
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. An argumentative research essay is required for the successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. An argumentative research essay is required for the successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ART 4
GE
3
World Art
ART 4
This is a survey of the visual arts of diverse ethnic and indigenous cultures with an emphasis on both historic and contemporary art. Explored are the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Lectures are focused on the styles, motifs, symbols, rituals and traditions of the cultures by examining their crafts, drawings, sculpture, printmaking and paintings. This course is designed as a Humanities elective, recommended for Art Core Programs, and required for the Art History Concentration. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CHEM 2A
M
Lab
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 learning 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 learning format.
ESCI 1
M
Lab
4
The Active Earth
ESCI 1
Note: Required field trips.
This course is an introduction to the physical processes that drive Earth as a dynamic planet. Both internal and external processes are considered as well as their inter-relationships. Discussion in the course will include Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, minerals and rocks and their origins, surface processes, geologic structures such as faulting and folding, metamorphism, sedimentation, soil formation, geologic time including radiometric methods, geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanism, mass wasting, flooding, and the vital nature of Earth materials to society. Laboratory activities will focus on the application of classroom concepts and will include mineral and rock identification, geologic structures, topographic and geologic map use, use of remote imagery, recognition of landforms, geologic time, seismology, and volcanism. Lecture and laboratory will consider geologically produced and influenced natural resources, their exploitation, and concepts centered on sustainable uses. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the physical processes that drive Earth as a dynamic planet. Both internal and external processes are considered as well as their inter-relationships. Discussion in the course will include Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, minerals and rocks and their origins, surface processes, geologic structures such as faulting and folding, metamorphism, sedimentation, soil formation, geologic time including radiometric methods, geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanism, mass wasting, flooding, and the vital nature of Earth materials to society. Laboratory activities will focus on the application of classroom concepts and will include mineral and rock identification, geologic structures, topographic and geologic map use, use of remote imagery, recognition of landforms, geologic time, seismology, and volcanism. Lecture and laboratory will consider geologically produced and influenced natural resources, their exploitation, and concepts centered on sustainable uses. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalSTAT C1000
GE
M
4
Introduction to Statistics
STAT C1000
This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 1A
M
3
Physical Geography
GEOG 1A
This course investigates Earth's physical systems, their dynamic processes, and surface expressions. Topics include weather, climate, hydrology, tectonics, geomorphology, and the biosphere. Attention is given to spatial patterns and impacts of human activities. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 1AL
M
Lab
1
Physical Geography Lab
GEOG 1AL
This course investigates Earth's physical systems, through lab and field activities. Students will use maps, take measurements, and interpret physical phenomena in the lab. Students will observe, measure, and document landforms, hydrologic processes and ecosystems in the field. Data is gathered, displayed and interpreted from a range of sources. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ESCI 2
M
Lab
4
Earth: the History of Our Planet
ESCI 2
Advisory: GEOG 1A and GEOG 1AL, GEOG 7, NHIS 5, or NHIS 15 with a grade of C or higher
Notes:
1. Completion of any ESCI course, except ESCI 14/14L, OR any one of the listed advisory courses with a minimum grade of C is recommended.
2. Required day and overnight field trips.
Natural processes on Earth develop results specific to those processes. For example, the results of volcanism are unique to eruptions while rivers and flowing water form their own deposits, as do crashing waves along a shore. These signature results can be preserved in rocks, often with fossils included. The study of Earth's history is then revealed in rock successions as they collect through time. This course will define the origin of minerals, rocks and fossils in successions, described as stratigraphy and often formed in relation to mountain building episodes, in an effort to understand Earth through time. Supporting concepts include biologic evolution, geologic time, and paleogeographic relationships. Plate tectonics and crustal evolution will provide a base framework though with a North American focus and an emphasis on the west coast. Laboratory exercises will include the description and classification of minerals and rocks, the recognition of ancient metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary environments, the recognition, occurrence, and geologic use of fossil organisms, introduction to and application of stratigraphic principles, recognition of geologic structures, and the development and use of different types of geologic maps and cross sections.
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Notes:
1. Completion of any ESCI course, except ESCI 14/14L, OR any one of the listed advisory courses with a minimum grade of C is recommended.
2. Required day and overnight field trips.
Natural processes on Earth develop results specific to those processes. For example, the results of volcanism are unique to eruptions while rivers and flowing water form their own deposits, as do crashing waves along a shore. These signature results can be preserved in rocks, often with fossils included. The study of Earth's history is then revealed in rock successions as they collect through time. This course will define the origin of minerals, rocks and fossils in successions, described as stratigraphy and often formed in relation to mountain building episodes, in an effort to understand Earth through time. Supporting concepts include biologic evolution, geologic time, and paleogeographic relationships. Plate tectonics and crustal evolution will provide a base framework though with a North American focus and an emphasis on the west coast. Laboratory exercises will include the description and classification of minerals and rocks, the recognition of ancient metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary environments, the recognition, occurrence, and geologic use of fossil organisms, introduction to and application of stratigraphic principles, recognition of geologic structures, and the development and use of different types of geologic maps and cross sections.
ESCI 38
1.5
The Point Reyes National Seashore
ESCI 38
Note: Required overnight field trip.
An introduction to the geologic processes which have shaped and continue to shape the Point Reyes National Seashore. The course will culminate with a three day overnight field trip to the national seashore. Lecture meetings will present basic concepts in geology as well as topics specific to Point Reyes such as the San Andreas Fault system, geologic hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, and mass wasting events, tidal and estuarine processes, and the area geomorphology. Field trip exercises will also be conducted at various stops. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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An introduction to the geologic processes which have shaped and continue to shape the Point Reyes National Seashore. The course will culminate with a three day overnight field trip to the national seashore. Lecture meetings will present basic concepts in geology as well as topics specific to Point Reyes such as the San Andreas Fault system, geologic hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, and mass wasting events, tidal and estuarine processes, and the area geomorphology. Field trip exercises will also be conducted at various stops. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 38L
Lab
0.5
Point Reyes Nat'l Seashore Lab/Field Stu
ESCI 38L
Note: This course includes a three-day, overnight field trip.
This course accompanies the Point Reyes National Seashore lecture course and represents laboratory and field activities associated with the national seashore of the Marin Headlands region along the California coast, including a three-day, overnight field trip. This course explores the geology and geologic history of the Point Reyes National Seashore with a focus on faulting and seismicity as well as weather and climatologic qualities as driven by Pacific coastal waters. Coastal oceanographic processes ranging from wave impacts, currents, tidal regimes, and upwelling will be coupled to geologic features as they collectively define coastal habitats and the north reaches of the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary. Field sites within the national seashore demonstrate these relationships, and lab sessions before the trip will focus on applying lecture concepts. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
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This course accompanies the Point Reyes National Seashore lecture course and represents laboratory and field activities associated with the national seashore of the Marin Headlands region along the California coast, including a three-day, overnight field trip. This course explores the geology and geologic history of the Point Reyes National Seashore with a focus on faulting and seismicity as well as weather and climatologic qualities as driven by Pacific coastal waters. Coastal oceanographic processes ranging from wave impacts, currents, tidal regimes, and upwelling will be coupled to geologic features as they collectively define coastal habitats and the north reaches of the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary. Field sites within the national seashore demonstrate these relationships, and lab sessions before the trip will focus on applying lecture concepts. Field exercises will be conducted at various stops.
Fall Semester, Second Year
14 Units TotalCOMM C1000
GE
3
Introduction to Public Speaking
COMM C1000
In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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AGNR 50
M
4
Natural Resources Measurements
AGNR 50
Note: Several field trips to various locations will occur as feasible.
This course will help students develop an understanding of the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources on Private, State, and Federal lands. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other natural resources including water, range, and wildlife will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course will help students develop an understanding of the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources on Private, State, and Federal lands. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other natural resources including water, range, and wildlife will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 6
Lab
4
Ancient Life
ESCI 6
Note: Required day field trips.
This course is a survey of past life presented through geologic and biologic investigation. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and provides geologic background and evidence for the origination and evolution of life. Associated methodologies and concepts presented include geologic time and its measure, chemical and organic evolution, controls on evolution, cladistic analysis, ancient ecologic reconstruction, mass extinction and adaptive radiation, fossilization, and ancient geographic distributions of flora and fauna. Anatomical innovations that define major classes of organisms are traced through ancestor-descendant relationships. Laboratory exercises include processes of fossilization, fossil recognition, cladistic analysis, genetics, stratigraphy, reconstruction of ancient biologic communities, ancient geographic reconstruction through fossil information, functional morphology, mass extinction and adaptive radiation in the fossil record. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is a survey of past life presented through geologic and biologic investigation. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and provides geologic background and evidence for the origination and evolution of life. Associated methodologies and concepts presented include geologic time and its measure, chemical and organic evolution, controls on evolution, cladistic analysis, ancient ecologic reconstruction, mass extinction and adaptive radiation, fossilization, and ancient geographic distributions of flora and fauna. Anatomical innovations that define major classes of organisms are traced through ancestor-descendant relationships. Laboratory exercises include processes of fossilization, fossil recognition, cladistic analysis, genetics, stratigraphy, reconstruction of ancient biologic communities, ancient geographic reconstruction through fossil information, functional morphology, mass extinction and adaptive radiation in the fossil record. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 9
3
Map and Geospatial Principles
GEOG 9
This course is an introduction to maps, imagery, and geospatial technologies. Students will learn geographic techniques for data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Map principles along with types of maps and their applications are covered. Methodologies include map reading, use of imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and map creation. Recent trends such as crowd-mapping, drone image capture and Lidar are also investigated. 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: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course
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.
AGPS 25
GE
3
California Water
AGPS 25
This course is an interdisciplinary examination of California's complex water ecosystems, infrastructure, uses, management, and policies. The course examines both historical and current water use and policy with emphasis on the politics and conflict arising from water scarcity. Topics of water quality, wetlands, water law, measurement of water, water infrastructure, groundwater, conservation, and the multiple issues relating to water use will all be covered. Additionally, the course discusses the role of water in agricultural, urban, environmental, and political systems, including how water has influenced California development and history. This course may be offered in a distance education format. The role of water in agricultural, urban, environmental and political systems; and how water has influenced California development and history is discussed throughout the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 10
M
3
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in CIS 1 or demonstrated computer literacy.
This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course focuses on the ArcGIS software platform, employing both desktop and online products. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course focuses on the ArcGIS software platform, employing both desktop and online products. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 16
3
Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Other Geologic Hazards
ESCI 16
Note: Required field outings if 16L taken concurrently. Students may take ESCI 16 without enrollment in ESCI 16L, the matching laboratory science. However, to enroll in ESCI 16L, one must have completed ESCI 16 or be taking this course concurrently.
This course is an introduction to coastal oceanography, including coastal habitat evaluation of shore and near-shore ecosystems. Basic concepts in oceanography including chemical, physical, geologic, and biological realms, as related to coasts, with an emphasis on the inter-related nature of these topics, will serve as the main thread across the topics of the course. The course will develop oceanographic concepts associated with estuaries, tidal flats, sandy shores, rocky shores, and the shallow continental shelf. It will cover shore and near-shore island ecosystems and their evolution, inclusive of island reefs and lagoons, outer-shelf reef formation and ecology, and coastal management. Marine-produced and -influenced natural resources, their exploitation, sustainable uses, and conservation will round out the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to coastal oceanography, including coastal habitat evaluation of shore and near-shore ecosystems. Basic concepts in oceanography including chemical, physical, geologic, and biological realms, as related to coasts, with an emphasis on the inter-related nature of these topics, will serve as the main thread across the topics of the course. The course will develop oceanographic concepts associated with estuaries, tidal flats, sandy shores, rocky shores, and the shallow continental shelf. It will cover shore and near-shore island ecosystems and their evolution, inclusive of island reefs and lagoons, outer-shelf reef formation and ecology, and coastal management. Marine-produced and -influenced natural resources, their exploitation, sustainable uses, and conservation will round out the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 16L
Lab
1
Coastal Marine Sciences Laboratory
ESCI 16L
Note: Concurrent enrollment in ESCI 16 is preferred.
This course relies on concepts presented in ESCI 16 Coastal Marine Sciences as it provides practical application to concepts presented in that course. Laboratory work will include field explorations along coasts, including shore and near shore systems, representing the primary resources for lab work. Other activities will include charting and navigation, species identification, and habitat monitoring; this involves data collection techniques, analysis, and synthesis from coastal and near-shore sites. As with the Coastal marine Sciences lecture section, marine produced and influenced natural resources, their exploitation, and sustainable uses will be studied.
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This course relies on concepts presented in ESCI 16 Coastal Marine Sciences as it provides practical application to concepts presented in that course. Laboratory work will include field explorations along coasts, including shore and near shore systems, representing the primary resources for lab work. Other activities will include charting and navigation, species identification, and habitat monitoring; this involves data collection techniques, analysis, and synthesis from coastal and near-shore sites. As with the Coastal marine Sciences lecture section, marine produced and influenced natural resources, their exploitation, and sustainable uses will be studied.
AGPS 24
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.
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
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