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Final General Science Program Review

Relevance Mission

1. The Mission of the General Science (GS) program is to meet the needs of students interested in liberal studies, life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, biology, human biology and chemistry. Students interested in majoring in Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry should select from the respective emphasis and consult with a counselor.

¶ a. Biology Emphasis provides students with the core science courses needed for

transfer to a four-year institution. Physics requirements for biology majors vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor. The Biology Emphasis is appropriate for students wishing to study further in the area of biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, ecology, entomology, genetics, health, immunology, medicine, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, oceanography, pharmacy, teaching, wildlife management, zoology, and related clinical fields

b. Human Biology Emphasis is appropriate for students planning on careers in allied health such as nursing, radiology, and physician’s assistant. Transfer requirements vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements.

c. Chemistry Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering with the first two years of their core chemistry classes. Physics and math requirements for transfer vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements.

d. Earth and Atmospheric Science Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in the physical/earth sciences with their core transfer science courses in geology, physical science, and atmospheric science. Physics, chemistry and math requirements for transfer vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements

e. Engineering and Physics Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in physics or engineering with the first two years of mathematics and physics. The chemistry requirement for transfer varies among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements

f. Levels of rigor and course outlines of record for all math and science classes are based upon a continuing review process. Guidelines for course topics and the need for hands-on laboratory experiments are set by the respective scientific societies (The American Chemical Society Guidelines for Accreditation as well as the American Chemical Society’s Standardized Organic Chemistry Examination).


Achievement Outcomes

a. Demonstrate preparation for upper division science courses at the appropriate institution. In particular, students should demonstrate a complete understanding of concepts of the scientific method related to liberal studies, life sciences, physical sciences, physics, earth sciences, biology, human biology, and chemistry.

b. Perform hands-on laboratory and/or field experiments of all science classes safely.

c. Demonstrate an understanding of the Scientific Method with 80% accuracy, including the experimental and empirical methodologies characteristic of science and the modern methods and tools used in scientific inquiry.

d. Demonstrate a general understanding of the nature of science, the methods applied in scientific investigations, and the value of those methods in developing a rigorous understanding of the physical world.

e. Demonstrate an ability to identify the difference between science and other fields of knowledge. Perform a critical analysis of a topic in order to determine science from pseudoscience.

Analysis: These outcomes have been analyzed and found to be consistent with related degrees at other institutions. Catalogue Description: The catalogue description was analyzed and found to be reasonable in terms of transferability and career applicability. Requirements: The General Sciences major consists of at least 18 units in the natural sciences. Several emphases have been designed in order to meet the needs of students interested in liberal studies, biology, human biology, earth sciences, physics, and chemistry. Liberal Studies: Select 18 units in the natural sciences which must include at least one laboratory or field experience course in each of the three categories. Laboratory and field experience courses are indicated by an asterisk (*). LIFE SCIENCES BIOL C101 Principals of Biology 3 Units BIOL C102* Introductory of Biology Laboratory 1 BIOL C105* Concepts of Biology 4 BIOL C111* General Biology I 5 BIOL C112* General Biology II 5 BIOL C121 Survey of Anatomy and Physiology 3 BIOL C122* Survey of Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 BIOL C141 The Human Environment 3 BIOL C142* The Human Environment - Laboratory 1 BIOL C251* Human Anatomy 4 BIOL C255* Human Physiology 4


PHYSICAL SCIENCES CHEM C101* Introduction to Chemistry 4 Units CHEM C111* General Inorganic Chemistry I 5 CHEM C113* General Inorganic Chemistry II 5 PHYS C111* Mechanics 5 PHYS C113* Electricity and Magnetism 5 PHYS C211* Waves, Heat, Optics and Modern Physics 5 MATHEMATICS MATH C151 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I 5 Units MATH C152 Analytic Geometry & Calculus II 5 MATH C251 Analytic Geometry & Calculus III 5 MATH C255 Ordinary Differential Equations 4 MATH C257 Linear Algebra 4 -¶

EARTH SCIENCES GEOG C101 Physical Geography Lecture 3 Units GEOL C111* Physical Geology 4 GEOL C121* Historical Geology 3 PHSC C101 General Earth Sciences 3 PHSC C102* General Earth Sciences Laboratory 1 PHSC C111 Concepts of Physical Science 3 PHSC C112* Concepts of Physical Science Laboratory 1 PHSC C121 Elementary Astronomy 3 PHSC C122 Elementary Astronomy Laboratory 1 PHSC C125 Astronomy 4 PHSC C141 Introduction to Oceanography 3 PHSC C143* Field and Laboratory Studies in Oceanography 1

Complete general education requirements as needed. Students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution and major in biology, human biology, or chemistry should select an emphasis from below and consult with a counselor.

Biology: The biology emphasis provides students with the core science courses needed for transfer to a four year institution. Physics requirements for biology majors can vary among institutions. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. Graduates with a biology emphasis are prepared for further studies which allow work in a variety of fields including: biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, ecology, entomology, genetics, health, immunology, medicine, molecular biology, oceanography, pharmacy, teaching, wildlife management, zoology and related clinical fields.

BIOL C111 5 units BIOL C112 5 units CHEM C111 5 units CHEM C113 5 units

Total 20 units


Human Biology: Prepares students planning on careers in the allied health field such as nursing, radiology, and physician’s assistant. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. BIOL C101 3 units BIOL C251 4 units BIOL C255 4 units BIOL C261 4 units CHEM C111 5 units or CHEM C122 5 Units or CHEM C220 4 Units Total 19-20 units Chemistry: Provides the students who are planning on majoring in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering at a 4-year university with the first 2-years of their core chemistry classes. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. CHEM C111 5 units Note students with a biology or chemistry emphases are strongly CHEM C113 5 units encouraged to contact their respective transfer institutions on the CHEM C221 5 units physics courses required for transfer. CHEM C223 5 units Total 20 units -¶ Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Earth and Atmospheric Science Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in the physical/earth sciences with their core consisting of geology, physical science and atmospheric science. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. PHSC C103 0.5 - 1 units PHSC C111 3 units PHSC C112 1 units GEOL C111 4 units GEOL C121 3 units GEOL C131 3 units PHSC C125 4 units or PHSC C131 3 units and PHSC C132 1 unit or PHSC C141 3 units and PHSC C142 1 unit -¶ Total 19 units


Engineering and Physics: Engineering and Physics Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in physics or engineering with the first two years of mathematics and physics. The math and chemistry requirements for transfer varies among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements PHYS C111 5 units PHYS C113 5 units PHYS C211 5 units MATH C251 5 units MATH C255 4 units Or Math C257 4 Units Total 24 Units Note: All Honors Courses of the above listed courses automatically fulfill the requirement for the respective degree specialization. A major issue is that it appears that the requirements are too much (too many units) for many students to achieve a GS degree within 2-3 years. This is at least in part due to the need for change in the General Education Program area (see suggested improvements). Furthermore, Cerro Coso Community College has been asked to develop an Engineering degree and it is suggested that the engineering degree be placed under the General Science Program (see suggested improvements)

Appropriateness Student Demand Data There were only two General Science (GS) degrees awarded in 2007, however around 30 students were eligible for some type of GS degree emphasis (see attached enrollment data of the capstone courses). For example in 2006, there were eight students who successfully completed Chemistry C223/C223H, but only 3 students received GS degrees and it is unclear whether theses students received the GS degree with Chemistry Emphasis. Unfortunately, there is no automatic way for students to obtain a GS degree; several hours of work with counseling are required to complete the paperwork for a GS degree. An Institutional Researcher and consultation with counseling is needed to resolve this issue. There is an increased demand for Physics classes as evidenced by at least 20 students wishing to enroll in PHYS C111. There are some indications that an engineering program may be appropriate as input from NAWCWD and other employers in our service area indicates. The increased enrollments in PHSC C125 and in GEOL C111 college-wide indicate the demand for 200-Level courses in Astronomy and Geology.


Similar Programs The Engineering Program is similar to the GS program. It is suggested that the Engineering Program be deleted and all Engineering degrees be granted as emphases under the GS degree. Some courses in the GS degree are applicable to the General Education degree.

Course Outlines of Record Many of the course outlines of record (CORs) have been updated in the past five years. All of the courses listed on the GS degree that fall under the Science Discipline are up-to-date; many of CORs are less than 3 years old. PHSC C143 COR is dated 1992; this course will either be updated or deleted in the next catalogue cycle. Transfer Documentation Most, if not all,of the courses offered in the GS degree are accepted for transfer within the UC and CSU system (source assist.org) as well as other Universities throughout the US (source: students who transferred out-of-state generally had their coursework transferred. Articulation agreements are attached as supporting documents. Some UC sites require minimum scores on standardized exams. Course Scheduling The new GS requirements have been included in the long term schedule. A draft long term schedule for the Science portion of the GS program was developed and this will ensure that students can obtain a GS degree within 2-3 years. Furthermore, the long term schedule will be discussed among the Faculty, Administration, Counseling, Site Directors and Student Representatives. The long term Schedule for IWV was finalized in 2007. The long term schedule for all sites will be finalized by the end of 2008. All classes on the long term schedule will be run barring only extreme circumstances, unless the classes are listed as tentative. 200 Level courses in Astronomy and Geology are planned within the next 4 semesters. Furthermore, long term policies on course scheduling at the KRV, SK, and ESCC sites are being developed. Methods of Delivery Some of the classes (PHSC C111 and PHSC C112) can be taken online. Most laboratory-based courses must be taken on-site. In particular, the professional societies in the fields of Geology, Biology, Astronomy, Physics, Physical Science, Geography, and Chemistry (web sites listed below) have very strict guidelines about hands-on laboratory work. Furthermore, transfer institutions will not accept certain courses (all lab courses in the Chemistry discipline for example) if the lab component is not hands-on. Virtual labs for the great majority of classes in the science discipline are meant to be used as additions and complements to hands-on work, and also must be used only after discussion with discipline area experts. Online versions of some classes and labs may be added, if they meet professional society and transfer institution guidelines for rigor and appropriateness. The following sites are used often by the Science Department as guidelines for course offerings.


The American Chemical Society: www.acs.org Geological Society of America: http://www.geosociety.org/ American Institute of Professional Geologists: http://www.aipg.org American Geological Institute : www.agiweb.org/ The American Society for Microbiology: http://www.asm.org/ American Association for the Advancement of Science: http://www.aaas.org/ Teaching Methodologies

The great majority of classes under the GS degree are of the traditional lecture/lab type. These methodologies are set by the respective transfer institutions and the professional societies that govern the specific disciplines.

Student Fees

None. The most appropriate classes for student fees are the science lab-based classes. Unfortunately, legal counsel has forbidden the collection of student lab fees.

Achievement of Program Learning Outcomes

Student Performance Data (See attached excel files)

Student performance data for the capstone classes (mostly 20- level) varies from 60% to 100%. Student retention also varies but is generally higher than 50% nation-wide average.

An institutional researcher is needed to pursue this issue in more detail.

Counseling/Institutional Researcher: there are many people completing the 200-level classes but few getting GS degrees. (See suggested improvements)

Achievement of Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Assessment methods for all PLOs were developed within the last 6 months.

a) Demonstrate preparation for upper division science courses at the appropriate institution. In particular, students should demonstrate a complete understanding of concepts of the scientific method related to liberal studies, life sciences, physical sciences, physics, earth sciences, biology, human biology and chemistry. Measured with an exam (standardized if possible) in the capstone class with 70% accuracy, and by informal follow-up survey.

b) Perform hands-on laboratory and/or field experiments of all science classes safely. Measured by direct observation during laboratory work using a rubric based upon guidelines published by the relevant professional societies.

c) Demonstrate an understanding of the Scientific Method with 80% accuracy, including the experimental and empirical methodologies characteristic of science and the modern methods and tools used in scientific inquiry. This will be assessed and scored by exams given in all science classes.


d) Demonstrate a general understanding of the nature of science, the methods applied in scientific investigations, and the value of those methods in developing a rigorous understanding of the physical world. Report/exams evaluated with a rubric, based upon professional society guidelines

e) Demonstrate an ability to identify the difference between science and other fields of knowledge. Perform a critical analysis of a topic in order to determine science from pseudoscience. Reports/exams evaluated with a rubric, based upon professional society guidelines

f)

Details for outcome a: Standardized Test: All students completing Chemistry C223 (Capstone Class for Chemistry Emphasis) will be given the most recent American Chemical Society’s Standardized Organic Chemistry Exam. Student scores will be compared to the national average. Exam results will be reviewed in detail to determine if there were any particular areas of concern. If this proves to be helpful, standardized tests in capstone classes for other disciplines. Standardized tests or other appropriate method will be applied to the capstone classes in other disciplines as appropriate. Informal Survey: 70% of all students graduating with a degree in General Science will be asked to keep in contact with the Science Department Chair and answer a brief survey about the preparation provided by the General Science Degree 18 months after graduating from Cerro Coso Community College Were you adequately prepared for lecture-based upper division courses?

Were you adequately prepared for laboratory-base upper division courses? Do you have any suggestions to help us improve preparation? Details for outcome c: Scientific Method All science classes will have one student learning outcome that indicates demonstration of understanding of the Scientific Method. All 100 Level Science Classes will include at least 3 questions on the Final Exam that specifically relate to understanding of the Scientific Method. There is some data available from the Chemistry courses.

PLO a): There were three students graduating with a GS degree with Chemistry Emphasis. In Chemistry C223 (Organic Chemistry II) these 4 students took the American Chemistry Society’s Standardized exam in Organic Chemistry (one student achieved a rare perfect score). 3 of the 4 students (75%) received scores in the 70th percentile or higher. The University of California Berkeley, one of the top schools in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, requires a score of 75th


percentile or higher in order for students to receive transfer credit for the Organic Chemistry I and II (a majority of transfer institutions only require the course outlines of record and the syllabi of Organic I and II to accept these courses for transfer credit). The assessment criterion of the 70th percentile might be too ambitious; however this criterion will remain at the 70th percentile until more data is collected. The exams were analyzed in regards to which questions were answered incorrectly. Although caution must be exercised given the small sample size, it appears that there were no systematic errors (for example all students answering all questions concerning nucelophilic substitution and elimination incorrectly). PLO c): For the past 2 semesters, students in the Chemistry C101 class were given a series of questions on exams throughout the semester that assessed the students’ understanding of the Scientific Method, including definition of Scientific Theory. The 20 students completing Chemistry C101 in the Fall of 2006 received an average of 81% on the questions The 29 students completing Chemistry C101 in the spring of 2007 received an average of 80% on the questions. Data will be continued to be collected. The assessment of this PLO will be incorporated into the non-majors biology courses in the fall of 2008.

In order to obtain more data and perform a detailed analysis of this data, an Institutional Researcher is needed. Data Plan Data from outcome b will be gathered in spring of 2009. 3b Laboratory Rubric All laboratory courses will be designed to best fit respective professional society guidelines. Where appropriate, students will be observed for proficiency, but not graded, in the following areas: Quantitative Methods (Measurement techniques) Spectroscopic Techniques (UV/Vis, Infrared) Microscopy Dissection Field Geology Techniques (Mineral Identification) In the fall of 2009: Number of degrees awarded (data from Institutional Researcher) Number of students eligible for GS degree (data from Institutional Researcher) Number of specialization degrees (data from Institutional Researcher)


Data for the assessment of the PLOs a through c will be gathered for courses in the Chemistry and Biology Disciplines (data from Institutional Researcher) There is no Institutional Researcher at Cerro Coso Community College. Progress in the data plan will be delayed until an Institutional Researcher is available.

Currency Curriculum Currency is decided among the science faculty and based upon discussion with scientific peers, and analysis of guidelines from respective professional societies. -¶ Current Staffing There are between 8-10 adjunct faculty teaching courses in the Science discipline. There are 4 full-time faculty teaching at the IWV, KRV, ONL and ESCC campuses. There is a need for a full-time BIOL faculty at the ESCC campuses to support the GS program the nursing program and to stabilize instructor availability. The need for this position was presented to the Academic Senate on October 25th 2007. The list of full time positions was not approved by the district. There is also some concern about the staffing of Math Faculty, who teach courses in this program and prerequisite courses to this program. Many of the full time math faculty are teaching at well above 1.6 load. The 2 vacant full-time math faculty positions need to be filled. There is a permanent laboratory manager employed at IWV. A teacher’s aide position for the Astronomy Classes was just recently approved and the hiring process has begun -¶ Facilities: The Chemistry Laboratory underwent a major rehabilitation in 2002-2003. The Chemistry and Physics labs at IWV are at or above the safety standards. However, the labs at IWV are too specialized; for example, the Chemistry Lab is only appropriate for the laboratory portion of Chemistry the Chemistry Lab is not appropriate for any other lab or lecture. The labs need to be modified so that each laboratory can hold a lecture and a lab of each discipline if necessary, especially in light of the development of the engineering program. In late 2009, the Science Laboratory at the IWV Campus will be completely renovated—however there is some pressure to reduce the number of laboratories to 2. It is critical that the IWV site maintain 3 working laboratories. There are 5 new Engineering classes (all with labs) being developed at this writing. There is also some discussion about the development of a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Labs at South Kern, Kern River Valley, Bishop and Mammoth are adequate for Geology, Earth Science, Physical Science and Geography. Some, but not all, of the safety issues (operational


fume hoods and hot water coming from the eyewashes and safety showers in Mammoth) at the Bishop and Mammoth campuses have just recently been fixed. The quality of Astronomical Observatory at IWV (currently valued at approximately $500,000) is better than that of most 4-year institutions. Equipment The physics lab will is in the process of obtaining completely new equipment, and is about 65% complete. While it is not necessary for the college to commit money for these purchases immediately, the Science Department requests that this equipment need be recognized. The astronomical observatory is very well equipped, albeit with the instructor’s private equipment and donations; more equipment has been made available via the educational partnership agreement with NAWC, which as just recently been signed. An obstacle to the ordering of equipment is the definition of “equipment” and “supplies”. Several equipment items could not be purchased because they were arbitrarily determined to be supplies and vice versa. However, it must be noted that the current administration is very supportive of equipment and supply requirements for Science courses; some much needed equipment was purchased. Cost of the Program: While four full time faculty, one part time lab manager, and several adjunct faculty support this program the program is considered to be cost effective since the facilities and equipment support other programs, as well as transfer students, and nursing students. The cost of the program is that capstone courses such as CHEM C223, PHYS C211 and BIOL C111/C112 need to be run at low enrollment. A teacher’s aide was recently approved for the astronomy class. This additional cost was recovered by increasing the section size from 20 to 24 for PHSC C125. Furthermore, all of the Science Lab based classes have supply budget requirements. However, it is difficult to obtain a true cost of the program without an institutional researcher.

Future Needs and Plans

-¶ Program Strengths There is a strong connection with NAWC via an educational partnership agreement. The astronomical observatory is better equipped than those of most major universities. There is also a strong collaboration between Science and other Departments. The Cerro Coso College service area encompasses one of the most stunning and accessible natural geological laboratories on Planet Earth. -¶ Improvements Needed The future success of the General Science Program and the gathering of more in depth and meaningful data rely solely on Cerro Coso Community College’s ability to regain an Institutional Researcher position.


The GS requirements need to be simplified as well in conjunction with the General Education Program Review. An entirely new and simplified set of requirements, including a specialized Engineering degree will be developed by the end of 2010. The Science Department will work closely with Counseling and the Math Department to achieve this goal. There is also some concern about the staffing of Math Faculty, who teach courses in this program and prerequisite courses to this program. Many of the full time math faculty are teaching at well above 1.6 load. The 2 vacant full-time math faculty positions need to be filled. The names of all students enrolled in capstone classes will be sent to counseling to determine degree eligibility.

Lab facilities at IWV will improve with the scheduled Science upgrade in 2009. A large 30 person lab is needed to handle large lab sections. It is critical to maintain 3 fully equipped laboratories.

In addition, lab equipment, such as compasses, maps, rock hammers, tape measures, drafting tables are desperately needed at the Ridgecrest, ESCC, KRV, and South Kern

A new full-time Biology instructor at ESCC is needed. Five-Year Plan Strategies and Timeline Coordinate with the administration of the hiring of an Institutional Researcher.

An entirely new and simplified set of requirements, including a specialized Engineering degree will be developed by the end of 2010. The Science Department will work closely with Counseling and the Math Department to achieve this goal. The 2 vacant full-time math faculty positions need to be filled.

Update Course Outlines of records continuously. In 2009, all course outlines of record will be less than 5 years old and include assessment strategies for all student learning outcomes.

Continuously consult with the respective professional societies, transfer institutions and scientific peers.

Train the new full time Biology Faculty (If hired)

Relation of the Five-Year Plan to the College Mission The Science department is in constant communication with employers and administration. The first two items in the 5-year plan are the result of direct input from the college.


Strategies for Achieving the Plan

The Science Department Chair will be ultimately responsible for the implementation of this plan and the Science Department’s Annual Unit Plan and for the review of this program and will work closely with faculty, staff and administration. However, an Institutional Researcher position at CCCC is required in order to for the strategy to have any chance of success.

-¶ Supporting Documents

Program course requirements (Attached)

Institutional research data on student demand (Need IR) Course outlines of all core courses; representative outlines of elective courses (on G

Drive)

Spreadsheet of articulation agreements (from Counseling) Institutional research data on student performance(Need IR)

Institutional research data on current staffing (Need IR)

Science Annual Unit Plan

Science Faculty (partial list): J. Stenger-Smith (IWV) Chemistry D. Miller (IWV, ONL, ESCC) Physical Science/Earth Science J. Bryant (IWV-ONL) Physical Science/Chemistry K. Richards-Dinger (IWV-ONL) Oceanography/Physical Science A. Shlanta (IWV) Astronomy/Meteorology I. Lyles (IWV, KRV) Earth Science/Engineering W. Blackburn (IWV) Physics J. Stanford (IWV) Physics S. Ghaleb (IWV) Physics


K. Pringle (IWV) Geology/Astronomy Mathematics Faculty: -¶ D. Bernsten R. Winston J. Slovacek Y. Chen (2 Full Time positions Vacant) Classified Staff: M. Mauldin, Instruction Office Specialist S. Crabtree, Scheduling Technician J. Schramm, Laboratory Manager Charles Morgan, Teacher’s Aide (Astronomy)

8/31/07 PROGRAM FORM

CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAM, DEGREE, CERTIFICATE, OR AWARD FORM

1. PROGRAM NAME: General Sciences

2. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: There are several emphases to the General Science Degree in order to meet the needs of students interested in liberal studies, life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, biology, human biology and chemistry. Students interested in Majoring in Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry should select from the respective emphasis and consult with a counselor.

A. Biology Emphasis provides students with the core science courses needed for transfer to a four-year institution. Physics requirements for biology majors vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor. The Biology Emphasis is appropriate for students wishing to study further in the area of biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, ecology, entomology, genetics, health, immunology, medicine, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, oceanography, pharmacy, teaching, wildlife management, zoology, and related clinical fields.

B. Human Biology Emphasis is appropriate for students planning on careers in allied health such as nursing, radiology, and physician’s assistant. Transfer requirements vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements.

C. Chemistry Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering with the first two years of their core chemistry classes. Physics and math requirements for transfer vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements.

D. Earth and Atmospheric Science Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in the physical/earth sciences with their core transfer science courses in geology, physical science, and atmospheric science. Physics, chemistry and math requirements for transfer vary among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements.

E. Engineering and Physics Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in physics or engineering with the first two years of mathematics and physics. The chemistry requirement for transfer varies among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements

F. Levels of rigor and course outlines of record for all math and science classes are based upon a continuing review process. Guidelines for course topics and the need for hands-on laboratory experiments are set by the respective scientific societies (The American Chemical Society Guidelines for Accreditation as well as the American Chemical Society’s Standardized Organic Chemistry Exam).

3. COURSES: The General Sciences major consists of at least 18 units in the natural sciences. Several emphases have been designed to meet the needs of students interested in liberal studies, biology, human biology, earth sciences, physics, and chemistry.

Liberal Studies: Select 18 units in the natural sciences which must include at least one laboratory or field experience course in each if the three categories. Laboratory and field experience courses are indicated by an asterisk (*).

LIFE SCIENCES BIOL C101 Principals of Biology 3 Units BIOL C102* Introductory Biology Lab 1 BIOL C105* Concepts of Biology 4 BIOL C111* General Biology I 5


BIOL C112* General Biology II 5 BIOL 121 Survey of Anatomy and Physiology 3 BIOL 122* Survey of Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 BIOL 141 The Human Environment 3 BIOL 142* The Human Environment-Laboratory 1 BIOL C251* Human Anatomy 4 BIOL C255* Human Physiology 4 PHYSICAL SCIENCES CHEM C101* Introductory Chemistry 4 Units CHEM C111* General Inorganic Chemistry I 5 CHEM C113* General Ino9rganic Chemistry II 5 PHYS C111* Mechanics 5 PHYS C113* Electricity and Magnetism 5 PHYS C211* Waves, Heat, Optics and Modern Physics 5 MATHEMATICS MATH C151 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I 5 Units MATH C152 Analytic Geometry & Calculus II 5 MATH C251 Analytic Geometry & Calculus III 5 MATH C255 Differential Equations 4 MATH C257 Linear Algebra 4 EARTH SCIENCES GEOG C101 Physical Geography 3 Units GEOL C111* Physical Geology 4 GEOL C113* Historical Geology 3 PHSC C101 General Earth Sciences 3 PHSC C102* Earth Science Laboratory 1 PHSC C111 Concepts of Physical Science 3 PHSC C112* Concepts of Physical Science Lab 1 PHSC C121 Astronomy Lecture 3 PHSC C122 Astronomy Laboratory 1 PHSC C125 Astronomy 4 PHSC C141 Introduction to Oceanography 3 PHSC C143* Field Studies in Oceanography 1 Complete general education requirements as needed. Students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution and major in biology, human biology, or chemistry should select an emphasis from below and consult with a counselor. Biology: The biology emphasis provides students with the core science courses needed for transfer to a four year institution. Physics requirements for biology majors can vary among institutions. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. Graduates with a biology emphasis are prepared for further studies which allow work in a variety of fields including: biochemistry, biotechnology, botany, ecology, entomology, genetics, health, immunology, medicine, molecular biology, oceanography, pharmacy, teaching, wildlife management, zoology and related clinical fields. BIOL 111 5 units BIOL 112 5 units CHEM 111 5 units CHEM 113 5 units Total 20 units


Human Biology: Prepares students planning on careers in the allied health field such as nursing, radiology, and physician’s assistant. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. BIOL 101 3 units BIOL 251 4 units BIOL 255 4 units BIOL 261 4 units CHEM 111 5 units or CHEM 122 4 Units or CHEM 220 4 Units Total 19-20 units Chemistry: Provides the students who are planning on majoring in chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering at a 4-year university with the first 2-years of their core chemistry classes. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. CHEM 111 5 units Note students with a biology or chemistry emphases are strongly CHEM 113 5 units encouraged to contact their respective transfer institutions on the CHEM 221 5 units physics courses required for transfer. CHEM 223 5 units Total 20 units Earth and Atmospheric Sciences: Earth and Atmospheric Science Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in the physical/earth sciences with their core consisting of geology, physical science and atmospheric science. Please check with a counselor concerning requirements for specific transfer institutions. PHSC C103 0.5-1 units PHSC C111 3 units PHSC C112 1 units GEOL C111 4 units GEOL C121 3 units GEOL C131 3 units PHSC C125 4 units or PHSC 131 3 units and PHSC 132 1 unit or PHSC 141 3 units and PHSC 142 1 unit Total 18-19 units Engineering and Physics: Engineering and Physics Emphasis provides students who are planning on majoring in physics or engineering with the first two years of mathematics and physics. The Math and Chemistry requirements for transfer varies among institutions and students should check with a counselor for the specific requirements PHYS C111 5 units PHYS C113 5 units PHYS C211 5 units MATH C251 4 units MATH C255 4 units Or Math C257 4 Units


Note: All Honors Courses of the above listed courses automatically fulfill the requirement for the respective degree specialization.

4. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENTS: Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to

a. Demonstrate preparation for upper division science courses at the appropriate institution. In particular, students should demonstrate a complete understanding of concepts of the scientific method related to liberal studies, life sciences, physical sciences, physics, earth sciences, biology, human biology and chemistry. Measured with an exam (standardized if possible) in the capstone class with 70% accuracy, and by informal follow-up survey.

b. Perform hands-on laboratory and/or field experiments of all science classes safely. Measured by direct observation during laboratory work using a rubric based upon guidelines published by the relevant professional societies.

c. Demonstrate an understanding of the Scientific Method with 80% accuracy, including the experimental and empirical methodologies characteristic of science and the modern methods and tools used in scientific inquiry. This will be assessed and scored by exams given in all science classes.

d. Demonstrate a general understanding of the nature of science, the methods applied in scientific investigations, and the value of those methods in developing a rigorous understanding of the physical world. Reports evaluated with a rubric, based upon professional society guidelines

e. Demonstrate an ability to identify the difference between science and other fields of knowledge. Perform a critical analysis of a topic in order to determine science from pseudoscience. Reports evaluated with a rubric, based upon professional society guidelines

Outcome Course a b c d e BIOL C101 x x x BIOL C102 x x x x BIOL C105 x x x x BIOL C111 x x x x x BIOL C112 x x x x x BIOL C121 x x x BIOL C122 x x x x BIOL C141 x x x BIOL C142 x x x x BIOL C251 x x x x x BIOL C255 x x x x x BIOL C261 x x x x x CHEM C101 x x x x x CHEM C111 x x x x x CHEM C113 x x x x x CHEM C122 x x x x x CHEM C220 x x x x x CHEM C221 x x x x x


CHEM C223 x x x x x GEOG C101 x x x x GEOL C111 x x x x x PHSC C101 x x x x PHSC C102 x x x x x PHSC C111 x x x x PHSC C112 x x x x x PHSC C121 x x x x PHSC C122 x x x x x PHSC C125 x x x x x PHSC C141 x x x x x PHSC C143 x x x x x PHYS C111 x x x x x PHYS C113 x x x x x PHYS C211 x x x x x MATH C151 x x x x MATH C152 x x x x MATH C251 x x x x MATH C255 x x x x MATH C257 x x x x


SIGNATURE PAGE PROGRAM NAME: Your signature verifies that you have reviewed and evaluated the program description, student learning outcomes, and course lists with other members of the review committee, including advisory committee, if applicable, and are satisfied that this program serves the College’s mission and meets the needs of students and the community. This form must be signed by the proposing instructor and at least two other full-time faculty members of disciplines approved to teach courses in the program, as listed under Course Discipline List in the course outlines. If two other full-time faculty members do not exist, signatures may be obtained from an adjunct instructor in the discipline or a full-time faculty member in a closely related field.

Proposing Instructor:

Print Name Signature Date Review Committee:

Print Name Signature Date

Print Name Signature Date

CIC Chair:

Print Name: Signature Date

Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs

Print Name: Signature Date

General Sciences Degree Program

The following process was followed during the review of the General Science Degree Program (GSD): 1) Update the following course outlines of record which are part of GSD BIOL C122 BIOL C251 BIOL C255 BIOL C261 GEOG C101 GEOL C111 GEOL C113 PHSC C101 PHSC C102 PHSC C111 PHSC C112 PHSC C121 PHSC C143 2) Communicate among members of the Science Department about Program

requirements and implement the appropriate changes. 3) Write a draft Program review document using Occupational Programs Review

Guidelines and other appropriate resources such as the Institutional Researcher, the College Catalogue, and survey of students who are completing the GSD

program. 4) Submit the Draft Program Review Document to the Curriculum and Instruction

Committee (CIC) for review and Comment. 5) Implement Changes suggested by CIC. 6) Submit Draft II Program Review Document to the Curriculum and Instruction

Committee (CIC) for review and Comment. 7) Implement Changes suggested by CIC. 8) Submit the Draft Program Review to the Chief Instructional Officer, and a

Member of Student Council or designee, and a member of the Classified Staff. It

is strongly recommended that the persons reviewing these documents have a strong science background.

7) Implement Appropriate Changes suggested. 8) Submit to CIC as an informational item. Any changes at this point should be only

to correct typographical errors. 9) Submit the Final Program Review Document to the Academic Senate for

Acceptance. 10) Distribute Copies of the Program Review Document to the Science Department

Chair, the CIC Chair and the Chief Instructional Officer and Present GSD Program to College Council. Electronic Copies shall be uploaded to the College Web site.

General Science Program Review

Presented to the Academic Senate

Cerro Coso Community College

April 24, 2008

General Outline

Relevance

Student Demand (Need Institutional Researcher)

Program Learning Outcomes

Currency

Future Needs (IR and 2 Math Positions)

Engineering Degree

Questions and Answers

Relevance

Transfer

Biology

Chemistry

Earth and Atmospheric Science

Physics

Engineering

Math

Math Prerequisites

Student Demand Data

Institutional Researcher Needed



May Increase as 2+2 Engineering is offered


Need to Fill 2 Full-Time Math Positions


Need to simplify degree process

Program Learning Outcomes

Standardized Tests from Professional Society ACS Organic Exam

Rubrics from Professional Society Importance of Hands-on lab work

Follow Up Survey (Where you prepared

Data Plan Need Institutional Researcher

Currency

Updates from Peers With few exceptions all CORs up-to-date Costs

Supply Budget Lab Manager Teacher Aide Astronomy Low enrollment capstone classes

Staffing Need 2 Full time Math positions filled Need Institutional Researcher

Facilities and Equipment Major Renovation planned start Summer 2008 Equipment for Physics and Geology (Supplies/Equipment) Site Labs appropriate for some but not all Science lab

classes

Future Needs and Plans

Strong Connection to NAWC and Communities



Need to simplify degree process

2+2 Engineering Program Proposed New Program

Addition to General Science Program

Engineering Degree

Mechanical and ElectricalCoordinated with High Schools,

NAWC, and CSU Fresno4 CORs for Final Review at CICWill require State Review

Questions?

Summary

Program Review Complete

Need Institutional Researcher Personal Comment: The work that was put into this

Program Review is wasted if we aren’t allowed to get

an IR.

Need 2 Full Time Math Positions Many classes have Math Prerequisites

General Overhaul of Program