AHC General Education- Category 1: Natural Science

An introductory course on the study of human evolution that explores the history of evolutionary thought, the biological basis of life, genetics, population biology, modern human variation, paleontology, primatology and hominid evolution. Important scientific and social issues that relate to biological anthropology will also be presented. Students are encouraged to concurrently enroll in Anthropology 110.

A hands-on laboratory class designed to complement the Anthropology 101 lecture class. This lab class explores the biological basis of human life from an evolutionary perspective through the study of genetics, human variation, human osteology, non-human primates, and hominin fossil remains.

A survey course introducing the general principles and fundamental facts of astronomy. Online homework may be required.

An introduction to the concepts of biology. Designed for majors in fields other than biological science, the course investigates the nature of science, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biodiversity. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 3 hours weekly.

Explores contemporary problems generated by human scientific, social and ethical interaction with the environment. Lectures examine the scope of present environmental problems, possible future impacts, and potential solutions. Topics include human impact on the environment, ecological controversies, ecosystem operation, water and energy perspectives, and values of wilderness preservation. Emphasis is on both local and global dimensions of the above topics.

An examination of the functional anatomy of the human organism. Lectures and laboratories investigate the microscopic and macroscopic structures of the major organ systems.

An introductory study of marine organisms and their interactions in marine ecosystems with an emphasis on the organisms and ecosystems of the Central California coast. Several field trips to the marine shore required. 

An introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry including the composition of matter, energy, and chemical reactions and their application to everyday living. Applications of chemistry in the areas of medicine, nuclear power, plastics, household products and society's effect on the environment will be emphasized. Intended for non-science majors. Not open to students who are enrolled in or have completed Chemistry 100, 105, or Chemistry 120.

An introductory course emphasizing the principles and practices of chemistry for the student having no prior background in chemistry. Not open to students currently enrolled in or who have received credit for CHEM 100. Lecture 3 hours weekly. Lab : 3 hours weekly.

This course covers the science of foods and the nutrients they contain, and of their actions within the body. Emphasis is placed on individual dietary needs, current nutrition and health issues, and application of evidence-based nutrition information. Students utilize computer software to analyze personal diet records and plan healthful meals.

An introduction to the earth's physical geography, addressing the origins, patterns and interconnections of weather/climate, water, landforms, living systems and human culture.

This course is design to provide supplemental exercises in topics covered in Physical Geography lecture. Lab experience will include map analysis and interpretation, weather prognostication, landform processes and evolution, tectonics, biogeography, and habitat analysis.

Physical Geology explores the processes that are shaping Earth today. It examines the formation of rocks and mineral resources, the volcanic and tectonic activity that accompany release of Earth's internal heat, and the sculpting of the planet's surface that occurs as air, water and ice move in response to gravity and energy from the Sun. Lab activities include identification of rocks and minerals, interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, and field studies of regional geologic features.

Historical Geology explores how Earth and the life it supports have changed through time. Geologic principles are used to reconstruct the planet's origin and the events that have modified the physical environment, whereas fossils are used to trace the history of life and discover how natural selection and environmental change have shaped living communities. Lab exercises include the identification of rocks and fossils, map interpretation, and field study of regional geologic history.

An introduction to the physical and biological aspects of the marine environment, including processes of heat transfer, tides, currents, waves, life in the marine ecosystem, geological processes of shorelines, deep sea geology, plate tectonics, and marine economic resources. Includes field trips to local Coastal areas.

An overview of the geologic features and history of California emphasizing an understanding of California's past and present plate tectonic setting, unique landscape features, resources and hazards.

A study of humankind's scientific, social, and ethical interactions with earth systems. Topics include earth processes, geologic hazards, the earth's renewable and non-renewable resources, and the earth's ability accept the products of human waste. This course is not open to students who have received credit for Environmental Studies 102.

Introduction to the basic principles of physical science and applications of these principles in everyday life. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: scientific method, measurements, force and motion, work and energy, heat, waves, fluids, electricity, atomic physics, matter, compounds, molecules, chemical reactions, and ions.

Introduction to the basic principles of astronomy and earth sciences and applications of these principles to everyday life. Topics include the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology, structure and formation of the earth, earth quakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, the atmosphere, the ocean, and weather.

An overview of the major areas of physics. Emphasis is on concepts, applications, and the consequences for modern life. An historical perspective on the development of physical theory and its impact on civilization is explored.

An introduction to viticulture including grape growing, biology, anatomy, history, distribution, propagation, varieties, wine types, climate, common diseases and pests. This course is not open to students who have received credit for AG 102.