General Studies Pattern 1: Natural Sciences

The Associate in Arts (AA) in General Studies Pattern I with an emphasis in Natural Sciences offers a broad interdisciplinary curriculum designed for both general and area of emphasis students who are interested in pursuing an associate degree. The curriculum encourages students to explore and discover the nature and common themes of the disciplines represented by an area of emphasis. General Studies Pattern 1 with an emphasis in Natural Sciences degree will help students explore and critically examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena that affect many aspects of life. The students will also: learn the roles of hypothesis, measurements, and analysis in the development of scientific theories; be able to formulate an empirical hypothesis, carry out an experiment, critically analyze the data, and arrive at critical, well-thought solutions to a problem by employing proven scientific methodologies, both quantitative and empirical; learn to write scientific laboratory reports and provide an effective oral presentation of scientific research findings. In addition, graduates of this program will understand the relationship between human activities and sciences and be able to apply natural sciences to improve their surroundings through introductory or integrative courses in anatomy, animal science, anthropology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, EATM, environmental studies, geography, geology, physiology, and physics. This Pattern provides an opportunity to earn an AA in General Studies. This degree covers a broad area of study and is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university or who may need to explore possibilities before committing themselves to a major. This Pattern provides an opportunity to earn an AA in General Studies. This degree covers a broad area of study and is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university or who may need to explore possibilities before committing themselves to a major. To obtain an AA in General Studies Pattern 1 with an emphasis in Natural Sciences degree, students must: 1. Complete Moorpark College's General Education requirements to include Areas 1 - 7. 2. Complete a minimum of 18 semester units in the Natural Science area of emphasis with a grade of “C” or better, or a "P" if the course is taken on a "Pass/No- Pass" (P/NP) basis (Title 5 § 55062). Six (6) of the 18 units must be within a single discipline. Even though a "P" is allowed, it is recommended that students complete all major coursework for a letter grade (A, B, or C). NOTE: Universities have limitations on the number of units that can be taken “Pass/No-Pass” and therefore it is strongly recommended that students take all major coursework for a letter grade. 3. Complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units. 4. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0. in all courses for the degree. 5. Meet the residency requirements. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 units must be completed within the district. NOTE: Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are advised that this curriculum may not adequately prepare them for transfer. The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) or the General Studies Patterns 2 and 3 are more appropriate for transfer students. Students should meet with a counselor to discuss the best option that meets their education goal.