The Associate in Arts in General Studies Pattern II with an emphasis in Natural Sciences or Mathematics  is intended for students who are planning to transfer to a four-year university in high-unit majors or where completion of CSU GE-Breadth or IGETC is not appropriate or advisable. Independent or out-of-state universities may also fall in this category. See www.assist.org or a counselor for guidance.

The courses that fulfill the Natural Sciences or Mathematics area of emphasis will examine the physical universe, its’ life forms and natural phenomena. The courses are designed to develop students’ appreciation and understanding of the scientific method, and encourage an understanding of the relationships between science 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, Geography, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Nursing, Physics, and Pre-Medicine.

Students are required to:

1. Select and complete courses from the general education of a transfer institution to include, at a minimum, the following Title 5 requirements:
   1. Natural Sciences (3 units)
   2. Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
   3. Arts and Humanities (3 units)
   4. Language and Rationality – English Composition (3 units)
   5. Communication and Analytical Thinking (3 units)
   6. Three additional units from any of the above areas (3 units)
2. Complete local graduation requirements to include:
   1. Health Education (one course/no unit minimum): HED R101, R102, R103, R104, R105, R107, R113, R114, R115, R116; EMT R109, R169; FT R090; KIN R100
   2. Kinesiology (one course/no unit minimum): DANC R102A, R102B, R104A, R104B, R110A, R1110B, R112A, R112B; FT R073, any Kinesiology (KIN) activity course, or any Intercollegiate Athletics course (ICA)
   3. Ethnic/Gender Studies (a minimum of 3 units): ANTH R102, R102H, R105, R107, R114, R119; BRS R101, CHST R101, R102, R107, R108; ECE R107; ENGL R112, R124, R126, R129, R134; ETHS R107, R110, R114, R119, R134; GEOG R102; GLST R101; HED R103; HIST R107, R108, R109, R117, R124; PSY R110, R122; SJS R110, R120, R130; SOC R103, R108, R140: SPAN R232, R232H
3. Complete courses in the area of emphasis listed below.
   1. Complete 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. Complete a minimum of 6 of the 18 units within a single discipline.
4. Complete a minimum of 60 transferable units.
5. Complete competency requirements in Mathematics and English
6. Complete requirements in scholarship (2.0 minimum cumulative degree-applicable GPA)
7. Complete residency requirements. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 semester units must be completed in residence within the district.

Students will select a minimum of 18 units from the courses below, with a minimum of 6 units in a single discipline. For purposes of this degree, ANAT, BIOL, MICR, and PHSO are all considered to be within the single discipline of Biological Sciences.

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

• Utilize critical thinking skills in evaluating reports of scientific information regarding source, bias, and the scientific method.
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the scientific method
• Express an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities which may include recognizing components of scientific decision making and apply personal and social values within the process of decision making in scientific endeavors.
• Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze pertinent data.