Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
University Studies: Natural Sciences AA Degree
University Studies – 18 Unit Emphasis | SC Program: AA.1512
The Natural Sciences emphasis is designed to provide lower division major courses to transfer to a university and pursue baccalaureate degrees in life science and physical science areas.
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.
Apply Now
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.
CHEM 2A
GE
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.
Apply Now
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.
STAT C1000
GE
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.
Apply Now
Spring Semester, First 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.
Apply Now
ESCI 1
M
Lab
4
The Active Earth
ESCI 1
Note: Field trips may be required when there is an on-campus component.
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.
Apply Now
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.
BOT 1
M
Lab
4
General Botany
BOT 1
Advisory: BIOL 1 or BIOL 10 with a grade of C or higher
Note: This course includes required field trips that may extend past normal class times.
This Botany course is intended for science majors and covers comparative diversity, structure, and function of major plant and plant-like groups. Topics include plant development, morphology and physiology, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, and ethnobotany. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
Apply Now
Note: This course includes required field trips that may extend past normal class times.
This Botany course is intended for science majors and covers comparative diversity, structure, and function of major plant and plant-like groups. Topics include plant development, morphology and physiology, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, and ethnobotany. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalZOOL 1
M
Lab
4
General Zoology
ZOOL 1
This course focuses on the study of the major divisions of the animal kingdom with emphasis on the origin, adaptations, functions, and development.
Apply Now
CHEM 1A
Pre.
M
Lab
5
General Chemistry
CHEM 1A
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 for science and engineering majors which covers the nature of atoms, molecules, and ions; chemical reactions; precipitation, oxidation-reduction, and acid/base chemistry; stoichiometry; electronic structure; periodicity; chemical bonding and molecular structure; properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and an introduction to thermodynamics and solutions. The lecture and discussion portions of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course is for science and engineering majors which covers the nature of atoms, molecules, and ions; chemical reactions; precipitation, oxidation-reduction, and acid/base chemistry; stoichiometry; electronic structure; periodicity; chemical bonding and molecular structure; properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and an introduction to thermodynamics and solutions. The lecture and discussion portions of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Spring Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalBIOL 1
Pre.
M
Lab
4
Principles of Biology
BIOL 1
This is a biological science course emphasizing molecular and cellular organization, energetics of respiration and photosynthesis, and cell integration and development. Topics covered include general principles of heredity, evolution, speciation and ecology. This course is intended for majors in science.
Apply Now
CHEM 1B
Pre.
M
Lab
5
General Chemistry
CHEM 1B
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.
An introduction to chemical kinetics, nuclear chemistry, transition metals, and organic chemistry; along with continued, in-depth study of equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, acid-base and solution chemistry. The lecture and discussion portions of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
An introduction to chemical kinetics, nuclear chemistry, transition metals, and organic chemistry; along with continued, in-depth study of equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, acid-base and solution chemistry. The lecture and discussion portions 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:
Contact Us for More Information
Counseling & Student Services
Contact Info
Phone
(530) 242-7724
Fax
(530) 225-4652
Academic/Instructional Division Office
Phone
(530) 242-7560
Location
Main Redding Campus | 1023
Start Your Future at Shasta College
We are dedicated to helping you reach your educational and career goals. To begin your journey, apply for admissions today!