The Associate in Arts Degree in General Studies Pattern 2 and 3 with an emphasis in Natural Sciences or Mathematics offers a broad interdisciplinary curriculum designed for both general and area of emphasis students who are interested in pursuing an associate degree.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree requirements are fulfilled by completing 60 degree-applicable units including the Moorpark College general education requirements and 18 units in the Natural Sciences or Mathematics area of emphasis. To ensure depth as well as breadth in the major, students must choose a minimum of 6 units from the same discipline within the 18 units in the emphasis.
The program goals align with the college’s mission: empowers learners from local, national, and global backgrounds to achieve their certificate, associate and baccalaureate degree, and transfer and career education goals.

Pattern 2 is intended for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year university in high-unit majors or when completion of the Cal-GETC Pattern is not appropriate or advisable. (See www.assist.org or a college counselor for guidance.) Independent or out-of-state universities may also fall in this category.

Pattern 3 is intended for students who are planning to transfer to a California public four-year university (UC or CSU) and wish to use the Cal-GETC fulfill their lower-division general education (GE) requirement.

Overview

The Natural Sciences or Mathematics area of emphasis examines the physical universe, its’ life forms and the measurement of natural phenomena. The courses are designed to develop students’ appreciation and understanding of the scientific method along with mathematical evaluation, and to encourage an understanding of the relationships between science/mathematics and other human activities. This emphasis enables the student to take courses that will satisfy lower division major preparation requirements for areas including but not limited to Allied Health, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geological Sciences, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Nursing, Physics, Pre-Medicine, and Radiology Technology.

To obtain an AA in General Studies with an area of emphasis in Natural Sciences or Mathematics, students must: 

1. Area of Emphasis - Complete the coursework from the Natural Sciences or Mathematics area of emphasis listed below, including:

• A minimum of 18 units with a grade of “C” or better (or a “P”) in each of the courses selected within the chosen area. 
• At least 6 of the 18 units required for the area of emphasis must be completed within a single discipline.

2.  General Education (GE) - Complete either Option A or B

     A) General Studies Pattern 2 - Select and complete courses from the general education pattern of a transfer institution to include, at a minimum, the following Title 5 requirements (21 units):

• Area 1A English Composition - one course (3 units)
• Area 1B Oral Communication and Critical Thinking - one course (3 units)
• Area 2 Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning - one course (3 units)
• Area 3 Arts and Humanities - one course (3 units)
• Area 4 Social and Behavioral Sciences - one course (3 units),
• Area 5 Natural Sciences - one course (3 units)
• Area 6 Ethnic Studies - one course (3 units)

     B) General Studies Pattern 3 - Complete the Cal-GETC pattern. Students who complete Cal-GETC need to apply for GE certification in the Counseling Office and may also be able to apply for a Certificate of Achievement.

3. Units - Satisfactorily complete at least 60 semester units of degree-applicable college coursework (General Studies Patterns 2 and 3 degrees require all 60 units to be CSU transferable units).

4. GPA - Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in degree-applicable college credit coursework.

5. Residency - Complete a minimum of 12 semester units within the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD).  

Natural Science or Mathematics

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• 1. Communication Competency
  a. Attend to and clearly express ideas in written, spoken, numerical, and artistic forms.
  b. Communicate effectively and logically.
  
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  2. Information Competency
  a. Evaluate multiple sources of information to apply it critically and appropriately
  b. Gather, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information.
  
• 3. Quantitative Competence
  a. Implement quantitative and qualitative models to make predictions, draw conclusions, and make decisions that are logical and feasible.
  b. Collect, organize, analyze, and process research data in a clear, synthesized format.
  
• 4. Analytic Inquiry Skills
  a. Distinguish the modes of inquiry and critique used in the natural, social, and behavioral sciences and the humanities.
  b. Explain the connections among the various disciplines.
  
• 5. Ethical Reasoning
  a. Apply ethical principles to personal, academic, professional and/or community issues.
  b. Work ethically and effectively with others.
  
• 6. Ability to Engage Diverse Perspectives
  a. Recognize the multitude of diversities in the physical and human environments and how these diversities impact the individual and society.
  b. Recognize the diversity of human experience, the role of the natural environment, and the relationship between the two.
  c. Describe and appreciate the role of culture and the arts in society and in one’s personal life.
  
• 7. Ability to Create
  a. Act purposefully in combining awareness, critical thinking, and communication skills with personal responsibility in order to originate, innovate, or build upon ideas.
  
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  8. Growth Orientation
  a. Apply the skills necessary for successful living in an ever-changing and global environment.
  b. Identify and adopt the concepts of personal health and fitness to enhance the quality of life.