Science Department Courses
Please note that college course and program curriculum is a process of continual change. Every effort is made to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information below, but students should consult a counselor or the faculty chair for the most current details regarding course descriptions, course applicability to programs, and patterns of course offerings at each Cerro Coso Community College campus location. That a course does not showing a pattern of offerings does not mean it is not offered, only that it may be offered irregularly. Consult counseling or the faculty chair for more information.
Click on each course below for course details.
Course Descriptions
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course provides a biological survey for non-majors. Topics cover principles of organization, cell structure and function, metabolism, genetics, organ systems of plants and animals, ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. Approved for IGETC Area 5B, CSU GE Area B2, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This is an introductory course in biological science with laboratory experience for non-majors. The course illustrates the principles of organization, cell structure and function, genetics, metabolism, organ systems, reproduction (plant and animal), ecology, evolution, and animal behavior. The course is not open to students with credit in BIOL C101. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1
5.0 Units
Pre-requisite: ENGL C101 Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in this honors course
is limited to students enrolled in the associated course. Students will be required
to read and comprehend challenging materials and analyze in depth a chosen topic appropriate
for intensified study and must be able to maintain a minimum standard of coursework
at the honors level.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This is an introductory course in biological science with laboratory experience for non-majors. The course illustrates the principles of organization, cell structure and function, genetics, metabolism, organ systems, reproduction (plant and animal), ecology, evolution, and animal behavior. The course is not open to students with credit in BIOL C101. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
Prerequisite: MATH C055 Advisory: CHEM C101, ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This is an introductory course for students majoring in biological sciences and related subjects. The course covers principles of cell biology, metabolism, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and physiology. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
6.0 Units
Pre-requisite: ENGL C070, MATH C055 Advisory: CHEM C101 Limitation on Enrollment:
Acceptance to the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined
by the instructor.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
90 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This is an introductory course for students majoring in biological sciences and related subjects. The course covers principles of cell biology, metabolism, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and physiology. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
Prerequisite: ENGL C101, MATH C055
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course is for students majoring in biological sciences and related subjects. It covers organism diversity and examines the basic principles governing evolution of organisms and their interactions with the environment. The course sequence includes evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, anatomy and physiology of plants, ecology, and the major taxa of protists, fungi, plants, and animals. BIOL C111 is not a prerequisite of BIOL C112. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
6.0 Units
Prerequisite: ENGL C101, MATH C055. Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in this honors
course is limited to students enrolled in the associated course. Students will be
required to read and comprehend challenging materials and analyze in depth a chosen
topic appropriate for intensified study and be able to maintain a minimum standard
of coursework at the honors level.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
90 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course is for students majoring in biological sciences and related subjects. It covers organism diversity and examines the basic principles governing evolution of organisms and their interactions with the environment. The course sequence includes evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, anatomy and physiology of plants, ecology, and the major taxa of protists, fungi, plants, and animals. The honors class provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. BIOL C111 is not a prerequisite for this course. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This is an introductory anatomy and physiology course. Emphasis is on the structure and function of human cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Human development and heredity are also covered. Not open to students who have completed BIOL 125. Approved for IGETC Area 5B, CSU GE Area B2, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C101
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course is an introductory anatomy and physiology course for students in health career programs. Emphasis is on the structure and function of human cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Human development and heredity are also covered. The laboratory component provides a hands-on approach to learning anatomical structures and their physiology. Not open to students who have completed BIOL 121. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
3.0 Units
Prerequisite: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course explores environmental science with a focus on the scientific
method. It explores human interactions with the environment and their consequences
for living and nonliving systems. Topics include ecologic principles, environmental
resources and ways of protecting these resources. Critical evaluation of environmental
issues and problems is a focus of this course. Not open to students who have completed
BIOL C145. Approved for IGETC Area 5B, CSU GE Area B2, Local GE
Area 1.
4.0 Units
Prerequisite: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course explores environmental science with a focus on the scientific method. It explores human interactions with the environment and their consequences for living and non-living systems. Topics include ecologic principles, environmental resources and ways of protecting these resources. Critical evaluation of environmental issues and problems is a focus of this course. Lab, field and computer tools will be used to study the scientific method, experimental design, sampling methods, data gathering and analysis for hands-on experience of environmental sciences. Not open to students who have completed BIOL C141. Field trips required. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
C-ID: BIOL 110B Human Anatomy with Lab
Prerequisite: ENGL C101
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers the structural organization of the human body and includes the study of microscopic and gross anatomy of body organs and systems, including skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, and integumentary systems. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
C-ID: BIOL 120B Human Physiology with Lab
Prerequisite: ENGL C101. Advisory: BIOL C125, CHEM C101, MATH C055
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course provides students with an understanding of the function and regulation of the human body and physiological integration of the organ systems to maintain homeostasis. Course content includes neural and hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, as well as functions of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic and immune, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
Prerequisite: BIOL C255, ENGL C101. Advisory:CHEM C101
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/108 hours laboratory. This course offers an introduction to major topics and sub-disciplines in microbiology including microbial diversity and classification, microbial anatomy and physiology, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, medical microbiology and immunology, epidemiology and public health, and biotechnology. The course is designed for students interested in health careers. Approved for IGETC Area 5B & 5C, CSU GE Area B2 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Prerequisite: MATH C055
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers measurement and units in chemistry, properties of matter, the structure of the atom, inorganic compounds, organic compounds, the periodic table, calculations from balanced chemical equations, basic chemical bonding, the ideal gas law, properties of aqueous systems, solutions and other liquids. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
C-ID: CHEM 110 General Chemistry for Science Majors I, with Lab
Prerequisite: MATH C055
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers matter and measurement, atoms, molecules, ions, calculations with chemical formulas and equations, aqueous reactions and solution stoichiometry, thermochemistry, the electronic structure of atoms, periodic properties of the elements, concepts of chemical bonding, molecular geometry and bonding theories, the gaseous state, intermolecular forces in solids and liquids, modern materials, and properties of solutions. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM C111
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers modern materials, properties of solutions, kinetics, chemical and aqueous equilibrium, acids and bases, environmental chemistry, thermodynamics, electro- chemistry, nuclear chemistry, metallurgy, chemical trends in the periodic chart, coordination compounds, and organic chemistry. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
6.0 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM C111. Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance to the Honors Program
or eligibility for this honors course as determined by the instructor.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/108 hours laboratory. In this course students learn about modern materials, properties of solutions, kinetics, chemical and aqueous equilibrium, acids and bases, environmental chemistry, thermodynamics, electro-chemistry, nuclear chemistry, metallurgy, chemical trends in the periodic chart, coordination compounds, and bioorganic chemistry. The honors course provides more content in the form of advanced topics in chemistry and requires greater intensity and depth of study above and beyond that of the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
C-ID: CHEM 150 Organic Chemistry for Science Majors I, with Lab
C:ID: CHEM 160 S Organic Chemistry for Science Majors Sequence A
Prerequisite: CHEM C113 or CHEM C113H
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers structure and bonding, polar bonds, alkanes, cycloalkanes, stereochemistry, synthesis, structure and reactivity of alkenes, synthesis, structure and reactivity of alkynes, handedness in chemistry, synthesis, structure and reactivity of alkyl halides, carbocations, the concept of resonance, nucleophilic substitutions and eliminations, basic biochemistry, mass spectrometry, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet spectroscopy and aromaticity. This Organic Chemistry I course is taught according to standards developed by the American Chemical Society. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3.
5.0 Units
C-ID: CHEM C160 S Organic Chemistry for Science Majors Sequence A
Prerequisite: CHEM C221
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers the chemistry of aromatic compounds, alcohols, thiols, ethers, epoxides and sulfides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives, amino acids, proteins, amines, phenols, carbohydrates, lipids, heterocycles, polymers, and biological systems. Pericyclic carbonyl condensation, alpha substitution, and other reaction mechanisms are also covered. This Organic Chemistry II course is taught according to the standards developed by the American Chemical Society. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C and CSU GE Area B1 & B3.
6.0 Units
C-ID: CHEM C160 S Organic Chemistry for Science Majors Sequence A
Prerequisite: CHEM C221. Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in this honors course is limited to students enrolled in the associated course. Students will be required to read and comprehend challenging materials and analyze in depth a chosen topic appropriate for intensified study and be able to maintain a minimum standard of coursework at the honors level.
72 hours lecture/108 hours laboratory. In this course, students learn about the chemistry of aromatic compounds, alcohols, thiols, ethers, epoxides and sulfides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives, amino acids, proteins, amines, phenols, carbohydrates, lipids, heterocycles, polymers, and biological systems. Pericyclic carbonyl condensation, alpha substitution, and other reaction mechanisms are also covered. This Organic Chemistry II course is taught according to the standards developed by the American Chemical Society. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This lecture course covers the study of the Earth as an integrated system, including Earth-Sun relationships and motions, weather, climatic types and regions, ecosystems, soils, natural hazards, resource management, landforms, and the ocean. An emphasis is placed on understanding human-land relationships and examining current world problems from a geographical perspective. Not open to students who have completed GEOG C111. Approved for IGETC Area 5A, CSU GE Area B1, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This lecture and laboratory course covers the study of the Earth as an integrated system. Lecture topics include Earth-Sun relationships and motions, weather, climatic types and regions, ecosystems, soils, natural hazards, resource management, landforms, and the ocean. An emphasis is placed on understanding human-land relationships and examining current world problems from a geographical perspective. Meanwhile, laboratory provides practical experience in field techniques and supplemental exercises that enhance and reinforce topics covered in lecture. Not open to students who have completed GEOG C101. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
C-ID: GEOL 100 Physical Geology
Advisory: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers the study of the earth as an integrated system of hydrologic, tectonic, atmospheric, and human processes, including the origin and evolution of continents, mountains, earth materials, oceans, and life forms. It also covers geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, groundwater contamination, and global climate change. Laboratories are designed to complement and reinforce topics covered in the lecture and will apply geologic principles to local geologic and land use issues such as earthquake hazards, flash floods, and the evolution of landforms in eastern California. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
3.0 Units
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This lecture course covers the study of the Earth as an integrated system, including Earth surface processes, tectonics and mountain building, surface water and groundwater, Earth-Sun relationships and motions, weather, climatic types, soil types, natural hazards, resource management, landforms, and the ocean. An emphasis is placed on understanding geologic issues important to society. Not open to students who have completed PHSC C105. Approved for IGETC Area 5A, CSU GE Area B1, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This lecture and laboratory course covers the study of the Earth as an integrated system. Lecture topics include Earth surface processes, tectonics and mountain building, surface water and groundwater, Earth- Sun relationships and motions, weather, climatic types, soil types, natural hazards, resource management, landforms, and the ocean. An emphasis is placed on understanding geologic issues important to society. Meanwhile, laboratory provides practical experience in field methods and enhancement of lecture topics such as topographic map reading, air photo interpretation, soils, natural hazards, resource management, landforms, Earth-Sun relationships and motions, weather, climatic types and regions, ecosystems, and the ocean. Not open to students who have completed PHSC C101. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
3.0 Units
Prerequisite: MATH C055. Advisory: ENGL C040
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course covers conceptual topics in physics and chemistry, with applications to the earth sciences and astronomy, for the non-science major. Topics such as motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, atoms, chemistry and chemical reactions are covered. Not open to students who have completed PHSC C115. Approved for IGETC Area 5A, CSU GE Area B1, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Prerequisite: MATH C050. Advisory: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers conceptual topics in physics and chemistry, with applications to the earth sciences and astronomy, for the non-science major. Topics such as motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, atoms, chemistry and chemical reactions are covered. The laboratory portion of this course covers conceptual experiments in physics and chemistry, with applications to the earth sciences and astronomy. Experiments in motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, waves, atoms, chemistry and chemical reactions are performed. Not open to students who have completed PHSC 111. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
3.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C040, MATH C050
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This lecture course is a general survey of the physical Universe from the standpoint of modern astronomy. The course first introduces the methods and tools used in astronomy and then applies them to investigate the many scales of physical structure and phenomena in the Universe. Topics include Solar System scale objects, such as planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, stellar scale objects, such as stars, star clusters, and nebulae, galactic scale objects, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters, and finally the entire Universe itself. Not open to students who have completed PHSC C125. Approved for IGETC Area 5A, CSU GE Area B1, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
Advisory: ENGL C070, MATH C040
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This lecture and laboratory course is a general survey of the physical Universe from the standpoint of modern astronomy. The course first introduces the methods and tools used in astronomy and then applies them to investigate the many scales of physical structure and phenomena in the Universe. Topics include Solar System scale objects, such as planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, stellar scale objects, such as stars, star clusters, and nebulae, galactic scale objects, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters, and finally the entire Universe itself. The laboratory portion of this course covers optical principles, the use of telescopes and binoculars, the use of star charts and sky simulation software, and the observation of celestial objects and phenomena. Not open to students who have completed PHSC C121. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
3.0 Units
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This lecture course in introductory meteorology emphasizes meteorology's interdisciplinary physical science basis and methods. The course covers the following concepts: atmospheric composition and structure, solar-terrestrial relations, radiation, heat, temperature, air pressure, humidity, atmospheric stability, clouds and cloud systems, precipitation, wind and circulation, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes, weather analysis and forecasting, and climate. Approved for IGETC Area 5A, CSU GE Area B1, Local GE Area 1.
1.0 Unit
Co-requisite: PHSC C131
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours laboratory. This course provides laboratory experience that will make the topics covered in the Introductory Meteorology lecture more meaningful and realistic to the student. Interdisciplinary Physical Science concepts and methods are used to explain weather phenomena. Included in the course are measurement of basic weather parameters (such as temperature, pressure, wind, and humidity), weather map interpretation, data plotting and interpretation, instrument usage, and weather analysis and forecasting. Field activities emphasize the interaction between weather phenomena and human activity. Designed for the non-science major. Approved for CSU GE Area B3, Local GE Area 1.
4.0 Units
C-ID: GEOG 130 Introduction to Weather and Climate
Advisory: ENGL C070
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This lecture and laboratory course in introductory meteorology emphasizes meteorology's interdisciplinary physical science basis and methods. Concepts covered include atmospheric composition and structure, solar-terrestrial relations, radiation, heat, temperature, seasons, air pressure, humidity, atmospheric stability, clouds and cloud systems, precipitation, wind and circulation, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, weather analysis and forecasting, climate, and climate change. Approved for IGETC Areas 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
C-ID: PHYS 205 Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A
Prerequisite/Co-requisite: MATH C151
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
63 hours lecture/81 hours laboratory. This course covers the fundamental laws of nature governing the motion of bodies and their relation to external forces. Motion in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions is covered as well as energy, linear momentum, angular momentum, gravitation, fluids, oscillations, and simple harmonic motion. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
C-ID: PHYS 210 Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: B
Prerequisite: PHYS C111, MATH C152 or concurrent enrollment
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
63 hours lecture/81 hours laboratory. This course covers electromagnetic principles such as charge and matter, electric and magnetic fields, potential, capacitors, dielectric materials, resistance, current, AC and DC circuits, induction, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
5.0 Units
C-ID: PHYS 215 Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: C
Prerequisite: PHYS C113
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
63 hours lecture/81 hours laboratory. This course covers the laws governing wave motion, thermodynamics, optics, atomic physics, quantum physics, and other aspects of modern physics. Approved for IGETC Area 5A & 5C, CSU GE Area B1 & B3, Local GE Area 1.
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