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Physical Science

Physical Science

Certificates

Certificate of Achievement

Sustainability Studies

Sustainability entails lifelong behaviors that ensure societal well-being and survival in the natural world. This certificate prepares students to make sustainability decisions regarding the physical, social, and economic environments in which they live. Students are strongly encouraged to work with a MiraCosta counselor to ensure that this pathway certificate is incorporated into their selected general education pattern. 

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

  • Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to analyze sustainability issues and evaluate the effect on physical, social, and economic environments.
Select one course:3
Earth and Space Science
Earth and Space Science (Honors)
Physical Geography
Introduction to Physical Science: Physics and Chemistry
Introduction to Climate Change
Introduction to Climate Change (Honors)
Select one combined lecture and lab course or a correlating lecture and lab course.3-4
Introductory Biology: Ecology and Environmental Biology
Introductory Biology: Ocean Ecology and Sustainability
and Introductory Biology: Ocean Ecology and Sustainability Lab
Soil Science
Complete the courses below.6
History of Western Architecture-A Sustainable Perspective
Environmental Sustainability and Society
Total Units12-13

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage at https://www.miracosta.edu/governance/courses-and-programs-committee/curriculum-management-system.html.

Courses

PHSN 106: Introduction to Physical Science: Physics and Chemistry

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ACE 150, ENGL 50, ESL 150, or eligibility determined by the English placement process.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the non-scientist to the fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. Physics topics include motion, force, work, energy, gravity, electricity, magnetism, light, and subatomic particles and forces. Chemistry topics include chemical and physical properties of elements and compounds, the periodic table, atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, and nuclear structure and processes. This course also teaches students how to analyze and solve problems using critical thinking and the scientific method. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: No credit if taken after college course in chemistry or physics.

PHSN 108: Introduction to Climate Change

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in PHSN 108H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall or Spring

This course explores the principles underlying the interdisciplinary and rapidly growing field of climate science and climate change. Topics include the Earth's climate system and climate history, the physics and chemistry of greenhouse gases, and evidence for climate change. The course investigates human influences on the climate system, including greenhouse gas emissions and potential impacts of climate change. It also considers various possible responses to climate change, including alternative energy production, policy responses, and adaptation. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for PHSN 108 or PHSN 108H.

PHSN 108H: Introduction to Climate Change (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in PHSN 108.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall or Spring

This course offers highly motivated students an enriched opportunity to explore the principles underlying the interdisciplinary and rapidly growing field of climate science and climate change. Topics include the Earth's climate system and climate history, the physics and chemistry of greenhouse gases, and evidence for climate change. The course investigates human influences on the climate system, including greenhouse gas emissions and potential impacts of climate change. Students investigate and evaluate various possible responses to climate change, including alternative energy production, policy responses, and adaptation. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for PHSN 108 or PHSN 108H.

PHSN 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

Campus Locations

MiraCosta Community Learning Center

1831 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92058
760.795.8710
888.201.8480
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MiraCosta Oceanside Campus Building

1 Barnard Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.757.2121
888.201.8480
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MiraCosta San Elijo Campus

3333 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007
760.944.4449
888.201.8480
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MiraCosta Technology Career Institute Building

2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760.795.6820
888.201.8480
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