Associate of Science in Environmental Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS)

Program Overview

The Environmental Science Associate of Science program at Seattle Central College equips students with a strong foundation in environmental science through interdisciplinary skills, scientific inquiry, and hands-on experience. Graduates are prepared for careers in the environmental field or transfer to four-year institutions to pursue advanced studies in environmental science. The program balances theoretical understanding with practical applications, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities in environmental science and related fields.

Program Outline

Environmental Science - Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS)

Degree Overview:

This program equips students to pursue environmental science careers or transfer to four-year institutions with a strong foundation in the field. Students develop interdisciplinary skills, apply scientific inquiry, and tackle environmental issues with critical thinking. The curriculum balances theoretical understanding with hands-on experience through lab sessions.

Outline:

The program consists of 45 required quarter credits spread across 6 quarters.

• Quarter 1:
• Introduction to Environmental Science (5 credits): Covers principles governing the environment and human interaction, emphasizing sustainable practices.
• English Composition I (5 credits): Develops writing and analytical skills through various texts.
• Introduction to Statistics (5 credits): Covers descriptive methods, probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences.
• Orientation to College Success (3 credits): Facilitates adjustment to college life, including goal-setting and study skills.
• Quarter 2:
• Precalculus I (5 credits): Covers polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and topics in analytic geometry and trigonometry.
• Two individuals/cultures/societies courses (5 credits) chosen from offered options.
• One visual, literary, and performing arts course (5 credits) chosen from offered options.
• Quarter 3:
• One course chosen from Introduction to Physical Geology or Introduction to Oceanography with Lab (5 credits): Explores Earth's physical properties and processes or basic fields of ocean science.
• Precalculus II (5 credits): Continues exploring functions and applies them to topics in analytic geometry and trigonometry.
• One individuals/cultures/societies course (5 credits) chosen from offered options.
• Quarter 4:
• Majors Cellular Biology (5 credits): Introduces cell structure and function with a focus on biological processes relevant to advanced study in various science fields.
• Calculus I (5 credits): Introduces limits, differential and integral calculus, with applications.
• Quarter 5:
• Majors Animal (5 credits): Examines animal diversity, physiology, organ systems, and evolution within an evolutionary framework.
• General Chemistry with Lab II (6 credits): Continues exploring chemical concepts and focuses on thermodynamics, redox reactions, and electrochemistry.
• Calculus II (5 credits): Delves deeper into integration, series, vector geometry, multivariable calculus, and applications.
• Quarter 6:
• Majors Plant (5 credits): Explores diversity, ecology, and evolution of plants, including life cycles, reproduction, physiology, and ecosystem concepts.
• General Chemistry with Lab III (6 credits): Covers kinetics, equilibrium systems, qualitative analysis, and basics of organic chemistry.
• One course chosen from Public Speaking, Introduction to Communication, or Composition II (5 credits): Develops communication and writing skills.

Assessment:

Assessment methods and criteria are likely course-specific.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue various career paths in the environmental field, including:

• Environmental Scientist
• Marine Biologist
• Environmental Education Officer
• Environmental Engineer
• Nature Conservation Officer
• Recycling Officer
• Sustainability Consultant
• Waste Management Officer
• Water Quality Scientist
• Environmental Lawyer
• Environmental Consultant

Other:

• Completion of the program opens doors to both career and continued study options.
• Graduates can participate in research, education, health and safety, non-profit, sustainable development, sustainable business, technology, and government sectors.
• The program also prepares students for the junior level in an Environmental Science program at a four-year college or university.