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Catalog 2024-2025

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Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation

Associate in Science Degree

The goal of the Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation Associate degree (AS-Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation) is to educate students in diverse areas of ecological and environmental science in order to understand conservation of the biodiversity found in the natural world. Students receive a broad overview of topics such as ecological patterns, biodiversity, extinction, conservation, and evolution. The degree may exceed 60 units if students select higher unit courses. Through this associate degree, the student develops the ability to think logically, analyze data, apply critical thinking and scientific methodology, and develop problem-solving skills necessary for success in any field of study. The coursework exposes students to the stunning biological resources and deep interconnections of natural systems. This degree is designed for students who have a passionate interest in the natural world and who wish to pursue employment opportunities in natural resources within the parks, open space, and land management fields. These positions include field research assistants, open space technicians, park interpreters or maintainers, natural resource managers, and environmental advocates with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation degree can also be used for transfer to four-year universities with the appropriate course selection. Students have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Biology, Environmental Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Evolution and Ecology, Integrative Biology, Evolution, Ecology & Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Conservation, and Resource Studies. Career Options: Agricultural Biologist, Biochemist, Biologist, Botanist, Entomologist, Environmental Specialist, Fish and Game Technical Aide, Fish and Game Warden, Park Ranger, Conservation Science, Forester, Horticulturist, Habitat Restoration, Ecologist, Laboratory Technician, Marine Biologist, Citizen Science Coordinator, Climate Change Biology, Environmental Lawyer, Environmental outreach and education, Park Naturalist/Ranger, Research Assistant, Conservation Biologist/technician, Conservation Researcher, Trail Docent, Researcher, Scientific Illustrator, Educator, Technical/ Science Writer, Naturalist, Park Management, Veterinarian, Wildlife Biologist/consultant, Wildlife technician, Zoo Curator, Zoologist, Field Biologist, Nature Interpreter, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Technician, Environmental Policy and Management, Green Technology.

Major Core Requirements (14-21 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
Select one:
BIOL002
BIOL037
BIOL038

Environmental Biology
Evolution - Life on Earth
Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis and Conservation

3 units
3 units
3 units
BIOL012Introduction to Ecology and Wildlife4 units
Only one:
BIOL013
BIOL014

Natural History of California
California Plants and Animals

3 units
4 units
Students must take either BIOL 040 OR both BIOL 041 AND BIOL 042.
BIOL040
BIOL041
BIOL042

Organismal Biology
Principles of Animal Biology
Principles of Plant Biology

4 units
5 units
5 units

Major Electives List A: Select 2 courses different from above (6-9 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
BIOL002Environmental Biology3 units
Only one:
BIOL013
BIOL014

Natural History of California
California Plants and Animals

3 units
4 units
BIOL018Marine Biology4 units
BIOL024Bio in the News3 units
BIOL035Biology of Birds4 units
BIOL036Animal Behavior3 units
BIOL037Evolution - Life on Earth3 units
BIOL038Biodiversity and Extinction: Hotspots, Crisis and Conservation3 units
BIOL043Principles of Cell Biology5 units
BIOL055Biology of Sex3 units
Only one:
BIOL056
BIOL058

Ecology of the Sierra Nevada
Field Ecology

3 units
3 units
BIOL059Climate Change3 units

Major Electives List B: Select a minimum of 2 courses from below (one course may be from List A) (3-10 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
ANTH001Introduction to Physical Anthropology3 units
Only one:
ANTH003
ANTH003H

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Honors Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

3 units
3 units
ARCH060Green Building & Sustainable Design3 units
BIOL002LEnvironmental Biology Laboratory1 unit
Only one:
CHEM001A
CHEM001AH

General Chemistry
Honors General Chemistry

5 units
5 units
Only one:
CHEM001B
CHEM001BH

General Chemistry
Honors General Chemistry

5 units
5 units
CHEM012AOrganic Chemistry5 units
CHEM012BOrganic Chemistry5 units
CHEM030AFundamentals of Chemistry4 units
CHEM030BFundamentals of Chemistry3 units
COMM008Interpersonal Communication3 units
GEOG001Intro Physical Geography 3 units
GEOL001APhysical Geology4 units
GEOL015Geology of California3 units
GEOL020Field Geology2 units
GIST016AIntroduction to Geospatial Technology3 units
GIST016BMobile GIS3 units
HIST014History of the Native North Americans3 units
Only one:
MATH003A
MATH003AH

Calculus and Analytical Geometry
Honors Calculus and Analytical Geometry

5 units
5 units
Only one:
MATH010
MATH010H

Elementary Statistics
Honors Elementary Statistics

4 units
4 units
OCEA010Introduction to Oceanography4 units
PHIL003Introduction to Ethics3 units
PHIL017Logic & Critical Reasoning3 units
PHYS004AEngineering Physics - Mechanics5 units
PHYS004BEngineering Physics - Electricity and Magnetism5 units
PHYS004CEngineering Physics - Light, Heat, and Waves5 units
PMGT011Park Communications2 units
PMGT014Conservation of Our Natural Resources3 units
PMGT015BNatural and Cultural Resource Interpretation3 units
PMGT017Basic Horticulture for Parks3 units
Only one:
PSYC001
PSYC001H

General Psychology
Honors General Psychology

3 units
3 units
PSYC017Introduction to Social Psychology3 units
SOCI001Introduction to Sociology3 units
Only one:
SOCI002
SOCI002H

Social Problems
Honors Social Problems

3 units
3 units

Total Major Units: 23-40 units

To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:

  1. Achieve a grade of 鈥淐鈥 or better in the major requirements.
  2. Completion of 看片视频, CSU-Breadth, or IGETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor鈥檚 degree should complete the CSU-Breadth or IGETC General Education pattern.
  3. Complete additional degree applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method by applying it to a laboratory problem.
  • Evaluate and demonstrate ability to make informed decisions pertaining to the environment.
  • Apply proper use of laboratory equipment, techniques and/or technology commonly employed in the field of biology.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and/or observational skills by applying knowledge of biological principles and concepts to a novel problem.