Natural Science

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Natural Science Program is to promote the learning of science on our campus and in our community by: 1) Training and preparing science transfer students for success in upper division coursework and vocational students for success in their professional-technical programs, 2) Enriching the education of all students by teaching introductory science courses that focus on basic scientific principles, the process of science and investigative learning opportunities, 3) Serving as a science resource to the community, collaborating with community groups on science issues, and promoting science through public events and other opportunities.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

Upon successful completion of the Natural Sciences distribution requirements for the AAS Option A or B, or the Associate in Biology, or the Associate of Sciences degrees, students will:

  1. Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, RES).
  2. Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and distinguish between the scientific process and other human endeavors (COK, COM, CRT).
  3. Communicate the primary principles and processes underlying at least one natural system (for example: atoms and molecules, cells and organisms, the oceans and atmosphere, the solid earth, or the cosmos) (COK, COM, CRT).
  4. Perform and effectively communicate the results of scientific investigations, and explain how research is done in science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
  5. Demonstrate the safe and proper use of scientific instrumentation, measuring devices, chemical reagents, media, and/or other tools of science in a laboratory or field setting relevant to specific disciplines of science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).

Five Year Plan

NA

Assessment

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2015-16