Environmental Studies

This survey course covers ecological principles including ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Current environmental issues and controversies such as global warming, biodiversity and species extinction, habitat destruction, food and energy resources and pollution will be explored. Strategies for sustainable living will be emphasized.

MATH 50 or ACCTG 45/BUS 45 recommended

See the full list: SMC GE Area IV-B Course (opens in new window)

This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.

This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.

ECON 4 recommended

This introductory course will use an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with a broad perspective on environmental problems and solutions. Students will be introduced to the strategies used by scientists, economists, political analysts and other writers and researchers to investigate and analyze environmental and urban issues, human/nature relationships, natural and built environments, and environmental citizenship.

ECON 1 or ECON 2 recommended

See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Social Science: Group A" list below

GEOL 5 or GEOG 5 recommended

See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Earth Science" list below

ENGL 2 recommended

See the full list: SMC GE Area III Course (opens in new window)

BIOL 3 recommended

See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Ecology/Physical Science/Natural Science" list below

ANTHRO 2, GEOG 2, or PSYCH 1 recommended

See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Social Science: Group B" list below

if 4 unit science courses taken, this elective could be fewer units

POL SC 1 recommended

See the full list: SMC GE Area II-A Course (opens in new window)

This introduction to the life habits, interrelationships, and classification of both native and introduced plants. Provides practice in identifying species by means of keys, manuals, and charts. Emphasis is on the field study of southern California plant communities, both terrestrial and marine. Other geographic regions may be explored. Field trips are taken to any combination of botanical gardens, parks, nurseries and a number of natural settings, including nature reserves, as well as state and national parks. It is designed to be of special interest to future teachers and recreational leaders, as well as to majors in botany, general agriculture, landscape architecture, forestry, and wildlife management.

GIS are computer-based systems used to collect, store and analyze geographic information. This course will present the concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Topics include: Identification and acquisition of GIS data; Assessment of vector and raster data, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS will also be presented.

This course combines classroom and laboratory studies with actual field studies in geography. Field experiences are designed to apply basic geographic concepts and techniques in the study of diverse landscapes and the processes shaping them. Students will attend two 3-hour lecture classes and are required to attend two planned weekend field trips that include California coastal, mountain, and desert locations.

This course combines classroom and laboratory studies with actual field studies in geography. Field experiences are designed to apply basic geographic concepts and techniques in the study of diverse landscapes and the processes shaping them.

GIS are computer-based systems used to collect, store and analyze geographic information. This course will present the concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Topics include: Identification and acquisition of GIS data; Assessment of vector and raster data, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS will also be presented.

This general biology course is for transfer students who are not biology majors. Topics include basic molecular and cellular biology, genetics, the anatomy and physiology of plants, animals and humans, the diversity of life, evolution, and ecology. Current environmental issues and new developments in biological science are discussed. Laboratory experiences are integrated and stress scientific methodology and thinking. *Credit is allowed for one course from either Biology 3, 4, Botany 1. No UC credit given for Biology 3 if taken after Biology 21, 22 or 23.

This survey course of marine organisms and their relationships to their environment emphasizes intertidal and offshore life forms. Included is an investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans. This course is three hours each of lecture and laboratory work. *Total of four units credit for Biology 15 and Biology 15N is transferable.

This survey course of marine organisms and their relationships to their environment emphasizes intertidal and offshore life forms. Included are investigation of behavior, ecology, morphological and physiological adaptations and environmental relationship to humans. This course includes three hours of lecture per week. *Total of four units credit for Biology 15 and Biology 15N is transferable.

This is the first course of a three-course lecture and laboratory sequence for Biology majors, including Biology 21, 22, and 23. It describes how scientists approach the scientific method to generate scientific knowledge; studies the history, evidence, and mechanisms of evolution; identifies the chemistry of four classes of macromolecules; elucidates the cell principle including cell structure, function, and physiology; describes general energy metabolism; and illustrates the processes of growth and reproduction through mitosis, meiosis, development, and life cycles. Students are required to perform at least two experiments that require data collection, computer-based data management and graphing, and scientific analysis and interpretation of data. The course is designed to meet the needs of students transferring to upper division biology study.

This course provides an overview of photosynthetic organisms (the Plant Kingdom, photosynthetic Monerans and Protistans) and Fungi. Flowering plants are emphasized. Topics covered include a survey of botanical life forms, taxonomy, the structure, development and function of cells, stems, roots leaves, flowers, and seeds; chemistry, photosynthesis, respiration, plant physiology, Mendelian and molecular genetics, genetic engineering, evolution, and ecology. Scientific thinking skills will be developed in laboratory exercises. One or more labs are field trips to local natural areas or Plant society meetings.

This course fulfills the general education requirements for a laboratory science course. Students who successfully complete this course will understand basic chemical principles and how these principles relate to the Earth's natural systems and cycles, with emphasis on humanity's impact on Earth's natural environments. Students will gain a scientific understanding of the impact of human activity on natural systems and sustainability. Students will also learn common laboratory techniques, including the safe handling of chemicals and the proper use of laboratory equipment, as they analyze environmental problems and solutions. Course Note: This course does not fulfill the prerequisite for Chemistry 11.

Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.

This one-semester course is designed for students preparing for studies in nursing or related allied health professions. Topics include measurements, unit conversions, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions and equations, gases, solutions and acid/base chemistry. There will be a special emphasis on properties and reactions of organic and biologically relevant compounds. NOTE: This course is NOT equivalent to CHEM 10 and does NOT meet the prerequisite requirement for CHEM 11.

This course is an algebra- and trigonometry-based study of classical mechanics, including elastic properties of matter and thermodynamics.

This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of solids and liquids, elastic properties of matter, heat, and wave motion.

This course is similar to Physics 12 in content and difficulty level, but with a laboratory session added to enhance the learning experience. Physics 14 is designed for the student who is interested in a more conceptual and less mathematical approach to physics. It is a one semester survey course introducing the topics of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light and modern physics. The emphasis will be on developing conceptual understanding of the laws of nature through hands-on experiences, laboratory experiments, and computer interactions, in addition to lectures and demonstrations. Maximum credit for Physics 12 and 14 combined is 4 units. High school math recommended.

This general zoology course deals with the major animal groups from protists through vertebrates. Consideration is given to animal form, function, natural history, and behavior. Comparisons are made between groups and are used to stress the principles of evolution, classification, morphology, cell biology, organ system function, genetics, and ecology. Critical and scientific thinking skills are illustrated and developed. *Credit is allowed for one course from Biology 3, 4, Botany 1. *No UC credit for Zool 5 if taken after Biology 21, 22 or 23 and no credit for Biology 4 if taken after Zoology 5 or Botany 1.

This course surveys the distribution and relationships of environmental elements in our atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, including weather, climate, water resources, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, and wildlife. Focus is on the systems and cycles of our natural world, including the effects of the sun and moon on environmental processes, and the roles played by humans.

This course is a survey of earth’s atmosphere, with special reference to the causes and regional distribution of weather and climate. The nature and causes of winds, clouds, precipitation, severe storms, and global climate change is studied. Students will learn techniques of local weather observation and prediction.

This course surveys the distribution and relationships of environmental elements in our atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, including weather, climate, water resources, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, and wildlife. Focus is on the systems and cycles of our natural world, including the effects of the sun and moon on environmental processes, and the roles played by humans. Laboratory work emphasizes the practical application of concepts presented in lecture, introduces the student to some of the tools and methods used in Physical Geography, and may include field study opportunities. NOTE: Students may receive credit for either Geography 1 or 5, but not both.

This course illustrates geologic processes that have shaped and continue to shape Earth. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, hazards associated with volcanoes, earthquakes, and other geologic processes, geologic time, mountain building, fossil fuels and other geologic resources, processes that change landscapes, and climate change. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a greater awareness and understanding of their constantly changing environment.

This course is an introduction to geologic hazards and resources. The primary focus is geologic settings that produce regions with different types of geologic hazards, the specific hazards and mitigation techniques associated with those regions, and the formation and utilization of geologic resources. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and groundwater, fossil fuels, rock and mineral resources, and problems associated with resource use.

This course presents an introduction to geologic processes that have shaped the Earth. Lecture topics include formation of the Earth, plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, earthquakes, geologic structures, geologic time, coastal processes, and groundwater. Laboratory exercises expand this information by dealing with rock and mineral identification, topographic and geologic map interpretation, and the interpretation aerial photographs. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a good understanding of the processes that form major features on Earth.

This course provides the student with an understanding of the physical and geological aspect of oceanography. Lecture topics include the origin of the oceans, plate tectonics, seafloor topography, waves, beaches, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Completion of this course will give the student a greater knowledge of the fascinating and dynamic world of the oceans.

This course introduces students to the supply and demand model, the concept of elasticity, productivity and cost structures. Within the Supply and Demand framework, the class studies the impact of government intervention on markets. The class evaluates alternative market structures in terms of prices, efficiency, and the role of the government.

This course introduces students to measurement of economic aggregates, economic models, and economic policy. Measures of economic aggregates include: GDP, the unemployment rate, the GDP Deflator, and the Consumer Price Index. The Great Depression is used as an introduction to macroeconomic policy. The course covers the tools of fiscal and monetary policy and their impact on aggregate demand, prices, income and interest rates. Additionally, the course introduces students to following models: Classical, Keynesian, Monetarist, and Supply Side with their corresponding policy implications and recommendations.

This course emphasizes the application of economic theory to environmental issues and resource allocation. It evaluates the potential role of government in implementing environmental policy to solve issues related to market failure. It also explores the ecological approach to environmental issues, connecting economic systems with natural ecosystems. ECON 4 is the same course as ENVRN 4. Students may earn credit for one but not both.

This course emphasizes the application of economic theory to environmental issues and resource allocation. It evaluates the potential role of government in implementing environmental policy to solve issues related to market failure. It also explores the ecological approach to environmental issues, connecting economic systems with natural ecosystems. ECON 4 is the same course as ENVRN 4. Students may earn credit for one but not both.

This course surveys and analyzes the principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments. Students will use course concepts to situate themselves as citizens and political agents.

Cultural Anthropology is the study of human society and culture, analyzing both similarities and differences amongst cultural groups. This course will introduce students to important socio-cultural concepts used by cultural anthropologists including material culture, social organization, religion, kinship, ritual and symbolic systems, race, ethnicity, and language amongst others. Students will examine how cultural anthropologists understand the notion of culture in the study of human behavior in different regions of the world. The ethnographic method as a key methodology will be stressed throughout this course.

This course provides an introduction of the key topics concerning sustainability in business. In particular, an examination of business’ potential as a significant economic force to provide solutions to global environmental, social and economic challenges in the 21st century. The course will focus on how innovation can drive sustainable business activities.

This course surveys environmental history of the United States from earliest human migration to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with, and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as the economic, political, social, cultural, technological and global aspects of these patterns.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course surveys global environmental history from early human evolution to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include the diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as their economic, political, social, cultural, and technological aspects in the local, regional, and global context.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

This course is a study of humanity and its planetary home of distinctive places, spaces, landscapes, and environments. The course systematically considers geographic patterns, processes, and issues, beginning with the basic questions of Where? and Why There? Specific topics examined include human population change and migration; agriculture and food systems; urban-economic development; cultural and environmental change in an age of globalization, with specific attention paid to language, religion, ethnic identity, and biodiversity; and international geopolitics.

This course introduces students to the multi-disciplinary study of urban society and space. Cities are examined both as complex social-economic groupings of people, and as material landscapes of buildings, pathways, and public and private spaces. Attention is paid to what cities are and have been (the evolving urban experience of the past and present) as well as to ever-changing ideas about what cities should be (urban planning and design for the future). While the overall perspective of the course is global, its primary focus is on the cities of North America and, in particular, the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This emphasis is evident both in the classroom and in field trips or other assignments that ask students to apply classroom ideas to our local urban setting.

This course introduces Global Studies through a survey of the world’s major geographic regions. Students will encounter core concepts related to processes of global connection and change, while also developing basic geographic literacy in the distribution of human and natural features on Earth. Students will examine and discuss significant issues–cultural, social, political-economic, and environmental–impacting humanity today as both problem and possibility. In particular, this course considers the diverse localized impacts of globalization as a continuing story of peoples and places isolated and connected by imperial, colonial, and international systems of the past and present.

This course surveys the physical and human geography of California and the processes shaping its landscapes. Topics include natural features and resources, such as geology, climate, plants and animals, and hydrology. Historical and current trends in human population, migration, and settlement patterns are considered, including a review of the state's major cultural groups. Primary and advanced economic activities are examined within modern rural and urban settings. Emphasis is on the profound connections between these topics, on California's unequaled diversity and the rapid change that is transforming our people and its landscapes.

This course introduces Global Studies through a survey of the world’s major geographic regions. Students will encounter core concepts related to processes of global connection and change, while also developing basic geographic literacy in the distribution of human and natural features on Earth. Students will examine and discuss significant issues–cultural, social, political-economic, and environmental–impacting humanity today as both problem and possibility. In particular, this course considers the diverse localized impacts of globalization as a continuing story of peoples and places isolated and connected by imperial, colonial, and international systems of the past and present.

This course surveys environmental history of the United States from earliest human migration to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with, and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as the economic, political, social, cultural, technological and global aspects of these patterns.

This course surveys global environmental history from early human evolution to the present, focusing on the complex and consequential ways people have perceived, relied on, interacted with and been impacted by the natural world. Topics include the diverse patterns of interaction with land, water, plants, animals, and energy sources, as well as their economic, political, social, cultural, and technological aspects in the local, regional, and global context.

This course introduces the field of environmental ethics with an emphasis on global environmental problems and global citizenship. The conceptual foundations of environmental attitudes and values are examined through an historical survey of philosophies of nature and human/nature relations. Ethical theories are presented and used to analyze contemporary environmental problems, e.g. mistreatment of animals, pollution, climate change, species extinction, natural resource depletion, environmental racism etc. The ethical assumptions underlying various national and international responses to environmental problems will be analyzed and evaluated.

This course examines environmental politics. The political, economic, and social origins of environmental change and degradation are examined, as well as democratic, bureaucratic and market-based solutions to environmental problems advocated by environmental movements, interest groups and political parties. Arguments for best public policy responses to a range of environmental problems will be assessed and debated. The course offers a practical problem-solving approach focusing primarily on the relations between a range of contemporary political values and on what it means to take political responsibility for reducing the human impact on the earth.

This course is an introduction to the science and practice of psychology. It provides students with an overview of the core areas of the field and an introduction to the various ways in which psychologists conduct research as well as well-known theories and classic psychological studies. Course content includes biopsychology; states of consciousness; human development; learning and memory; intelligence; social and environmental influence; theories of personality; and psychological disorders.

This course will focus on the theory and application of psychological principles as they relate to the causes of, and potential solutions to, current global environmental problems. Modern ecological issues (such as global climate change, habitat-loss, etc.) have their historical origin in human behavior; this class will focus both on relevant causal behaviors, and on the mental mechanisms that give rise to such behavior. An evolutionary perspective will be employed to identify the pathways by which the clash of a “universal human nature” and the modern environment results in an “evolutionary mismatch.” Evolutionary models such as the “tragedy of the commons” will be elucidated with relevant and real world examples. In addition, the course will explore potential avenues to effectively reshape human kind’s social, technological and economic relationship with its environment. As such, a systems approach will be taken that considers the human as a part of, as well as an influence on, ecosystems. Cutting edge research will be integrated from different domains of psychology (cognitive, social, developmental and evolutionary, etc.) as well as related fields (genetics, behavioral economics, game-theory, anthropology, etc.) to comprehensively study the human-environment interaction.

This course introduces the study of society and human social interaction. Both macro and micro sociological theory are discussed, as well as methods of sociological inquiry, culture, socialization, deviance, social change and social stratification--particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students are highly encouraged to complete Sociology 1 prior to enrolling in other sociology courses.

By relying heavily on the instructional method of service-learning, this course introduces the study of society and human social interaction. Both macro and micro sociological theory are discussed, as well as methods of sociological inquiry, cultural development, the process of socialization, social structure, social stratification--particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender--and social change. Students are highly encouraged to complete Sociology 1 or 1s prior to enrolling in other sociology courses. This course requires students to engage in learning outside the classroom in conjunction with various community-based organizations.

This course involves a sociological analysis of social problems on the local, national, and international level. Critical inquiry and analysis are conducted into issues such as global inequality, environmental destruction, urban deterioration, economic and political power distribution, poverty, racism, sexism, and problems of work, family, education, drugs, and crime. Theoretical perspectives of sociology and current sociological research are explored.

By relying heavily on the instructional method of service-learning, this course involves a sociological analysis of contemporary social problems on the local, national, and international level. Critical inquiry and analysis is conducted into issues such as global inequality, environmental destruction, urban deterioration, economic and political power distribution, poverty, racism, sexism, and problems of work, family, education, drugs, and crime. Theoretical perspectives of sociology and current sociological research are explored. This course requires students to engage in learning outside the classroom in conjunction with various community-based organizations.

This course introduces students to the multi-disciplinary study of urban society and space. Cities are examined both as complex social-economic groupings of people, and as material landscapes of buildings, pathways, and public and private spaces. Attention is paid to what cities are and have been (the evolving urban experience of the past and present) as well as to ever-changing ideas about what cities should be (urban planning and design for the future). While the overall perspective of the course is global, its primary focus is on the cities of North America and, in particular, the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This emphasis is evident both in the classroom and in field trips or other assignments that ask students to apply classroom ideas to our local urban setting.