Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

General Education - Area B: Mathematics and Natural Sciences


A minimum of nine (9) units in mathematics and science at the lower division, distributed as follows:

B1 Physical Science (3 units)

This requirement, together with the B2 requirement, provides students with a coherent and broad-based coverage of the fundamental principles governing the natural world. Students will use experimentation, logical reasoning and mathematics to extend these principles to new situations and applications. They will learn the ways in which science influences and is influenced by societies in both the past and the present, and they will become empowered to communicate effectively to others about scientific principles and their application to real-world problems.

The following B1 courses are intended primarily for non-science majors:

CHEM 101 , CHEM 105 , CHEM 117   

GEOG 110 GEOG 210   

GES 100 , GES 101 , GES 105  

The following B1 courses are intended primarily for science majors:

CHEM 150 *
PHYS 101 *, PHYS 201 *

*Some science majors may require some of these courses as part of Preparation for the Major. Students are encouraged to check their majors for more detailed information.

Additionally, CHEM 101, which is a course to prepare students for CHEM 105 and CHEM 150, will count as a B1 course for those students who do not continue on to take either CHEM 105 or CHEM 150.

Check the Class Schedule or Degree Planner for the most up-to-date list of courses satisfying this requirement.

 

B2 Life Science (3 units)

This requirement, together with the B1 requirement, provides students with a coherent and broad-based coverage of the fundamental principles governing the natural world. Students will use experimentation, logical reasoning, and mathematics to extend these principles to new situations and applications. They will learn the ways in which science influences and is influenced by societies in both the past and the present, and they will become empowered to communicate effectively to others about scientific principles and their application to real-world problems.

The following B2 courses are intended primarily for non-science majors:

ANTH 240  

GES 102 GES 103  

The following B2 courses are intended primarily for science majors:

BIOL 104 , BIOL 105 , BIOL 211 *

*Some science majors may require this course as part of Preparation of the Major. Students are encouraged to check their majors for more detailed information.

The following B2 courses are restricted to Kinesiology and Nursing majors (including Pre-Kinesiology and Pre-Nursing):

BIOL 175 , BIOL 177  

Students who take and pass CHEM 150  and BIOL 210 , with a C or better, can petition the Biology Department and the General Education Committee for B2 credit.

Check the Class Schedule or Degree Planner for the most up-to-date list of courses satisfying this requirement..

 

B3 Laboratory

All students must take at least one General Education science course with a laboratory. The following courses satisfy either the B1 (Physical Science) or B2 (Life Science) requirements, and contain a laboratory experience that satisfies the B3 requirement:

BIOL 104 , BIOL 175 , BIOL 177 , BIOL 211  

CHEM 105L , CHEM 150L CHEM 117  

GEOG 110L  

GES 101 , GES 102 , GES 110  

PHYS 101 , PHYS 201  

Check the Class Schedule or Degree Planner for the most up-to-date list of courses satisfying this requirement.

 

B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (3 units)

Students will learn a variety of methods, such as the use of abstract symbols, numeric techniques, logical reasoning, and geometry. They will learn to use mathematical language and formal reasoning in a variety of diverse disciplines, using a broad range of examples. Students will gain historical perspective on the role which the mathematical approach has played in the development of human knowledge and of our understanding of the world. Area B4 courses shall include a prerequisite reflective only of the skills and knowledge required in the course.

CS 105 , CS 110 , CS 111 *
MATH 100 , MATH 101 , MATH 105 MATH 115 , MATH 125 , MATH 126 MATH 132 *, MATH 150 , MATH 160 *, MATH 200 ,  MATH 212  

Check the Class Schedule or Degree Planner for the most up-to-date list of courses satisfying this requirement.

* Applied physics, biochemistry, biotechnology, biological sciences, business administration, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and students with appropriate background in mathematics are encouraged to select from these courses. Students should consult with their advisor to determine which courses are appropriate for their degree program.