Marine Science, Associate in Science Degree

Orange Coast College

Upon completion of the requirements for the Associate in Science Degree in Marine Science, students will have a broad introduction to the academic study of marine science and will have a strong background for upper division work in marine science or related fields, such as earth and environmental sciences. The Marine Science major requires completion of a minimum of 18 program major units, 12 of which are required core units. The additional 6 units must be taken from additional marine science courses and a list of restricted related electives. The department strongly recommends that all declared Marine Science majors work with counseling to select electives that will best prepare them for their intended transfer institution. Program Outcomes Describe how the ocean influences and is influenced by terrestrial, atmospheric, geological and biological processes. Describe how the physical and chemical properties of water molecules affect the way that the ocean is structured and how the large scale movement of this water in waves, currents and tides influences oceanographic processes. Describe the diversity of life in the ocean. Identify how humans have influenced the ocean (chemically, physically and biologically) and explain the potential challenges associated with those changes.