The Associate in Arts in General Studies Pattern I 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, physics, and psychology.

To obtain an AA in General Studies: Natural Sciences Pattern I, students must

1.  Complete the Moorpark College’s General Education requirements to include areas A-F.
2. Complete the required courses in the Area of Emphasis listed below to include
   1. A minimum of 18 units in the chosen area of emphasis with a grade of “C” or better (or a “P”) in each of the courses selected within the chosen area. 
   2. A minimum of 6 of the 18 units within a single discipline.
3. Satisfactorily complete at least 60 semester units of degree-applicable college coursework.
4. Demonstrate competency in reading, in written expression, and in mathematics. 
5. Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in degree-applicable college credit coursework.
6. Residency requirement - for students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 semester units must be completed in residence 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.  General Studies Patterns II and III are designed for transfer students.    

Natural Sciences Area of Emphasis

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.
  
• 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.
  
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  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.