Sustainability Science – Science Transfer A.S. Degree
With the planet projected to be home to 9 billion by the middle of the 21st century, an environmentally friendly way to support this population is required. Join the conversation with a degree in Sustainability. The degree will provide a broad foundation in the sciences so that students have a basic understanding of the scientific principles of sustainability and the fundamentals of the scientific approach to problem-solving. Through a rigorous academic program that integrates theory and hands-on practice, graduates will be prepared to transition seamlessly into a four-year Environmental Sustainability program.
Career Fields Include:
- Aquatic Biologist
- Biofuel Production Operator
- Director of Sustainability
- Ecotourism Guide
- Environmental Public Relations Specialist
- Landscape Architect
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Solar Engineer
- Sustainability Program Coordinator
- Watershed Manager
- Wetland Specialist
- Wind Energy Engineer
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : General Chemistry I - Lecture
Course Code : CHM-121
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : A theoretical treatment of principles and laws underlying atomic structure, chemical reactions, enthalpy changes, bonding and states of matter integrated with descriptive material and quantitative calculations.
Prerequisites :
Two years of high school algebra and geometry or MAT-014 and one year of high school chemistry or CHM-020
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 4
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : General Chemistry I - Lab
Course Code : CHM-125
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : Introduction to the general chemistry laboratory: includes the conduct of inorganic reactions and general laboratory techniques. An appreciation and understanding of safety and environmental aspects of the general chemistry laboratory is developed. General chemistry laboratory techniques such as separation and titration and inorganic multistep synthesis are carried out. A variety of chemical reactions are performed, redox reactions and titrations are carried out, a stock solution and a series of dilute solutions are prepared from the stock, the enthalpy of reaction using Hess’ Law is determined, and the MW of a volatile liquid is determined using the Ideal Gas Law.
Prerequisites :
Two years of high school algebra and geometry or MAT-014 and one year of high school chemistry or CHM-020
Co requisites :
CHM 121
- Credit : 1 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
- Lab Hours : 3
Short Title : Precalculus
Course Code : MAT-129
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description : Emphasis is on those topics from algebra and trigonometry that best prepare students for the first course in calculus. The areas of study are algebraic and transcendental functions and their graphs. Of special interest are polynomials, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Additional topics include vectors, polar coordinate systems, matrices and determinants. TI83/84 graphing calculator required.
Prerequisites :
Appropriate score on the College placement test and/or satisfactory score on the diagnostic examination, “C” or better in MAT-014 or departmental approval
- Credit : 4 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 4
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : Introduction to Sustainability
Course Code : SCI-120
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : This course is designed to introduce students to the topic of global sustainability. It will provide students with an awareness and understanding of global, environmental, sustainability concerns. The need for a course in sustainability has grown evident in recent years. This course will bring together the natural and social sciences to create a framework to provide the knowledge and strategies needed for a sustainable future.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test.
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description : Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : General Chemistry II - Lecture
Course Code : CHM-122
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : A continuation of CHM 121, concentrating on properties of liquids, solids and solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, properties of acids and bases, acid-base and solubility equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
Prerequisites :
CHM-121 with a grade of “C” or better
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 4
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : General Chemistry II - Lab
Course Code : CHM-126
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : The laboratory course associated with CHM 122, General Chemistry II. The labs are related to the lecture topics and are meant to reinforce them. Computers are used for data acquisition and data handling using Microsoft EXCEL.
Prerequisites :
CHM-121, CHM-125 with a grade of “C” or better
Co requisites :
CHM 122
- Credit : 1 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
- Lab Hours : 3
Short Title : Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Course Code : MAT-131
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description : Presents fundamental ideas of calculus such as the derivative, integral and their applications. Topics include fundamentals of analytic geometry. The first course in a sequence of calculus courses intended for the student interested in mathematics, engineering and the natural, physical and social sciences. TI83/84 graphing calculator required.
Prerequisites :
MAT-129, MAT-129A/MAT-129B or equivalent, or appropriate score on the College placement test or satisfactory score on the diagnostic examination, or departmental approval
- Credit : 4 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 4
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : Intermediate PC Applications with Programming
Course Code : CSC-106
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course emphasizes problem solving with programming using the Python programming language and problem solving with applications using Microsoft Excel. In addition to problem solving skills the course presents current technologies and their impacts on society. The course is designed for students who already possess familiarity with computer applications. It is recommended for students planning to transfer to an upper division college that has a computer programming requirement in its computer literacy course.
Prerequisites :
MAT-014 or appropriate score on the College placement test
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 1
- Lab Hours : 4
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : General Biology I
Course Code : BIO-123
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : A study of the basic principles and origins of life; the chemistry of living things; cell structure, function and reproduction; cell metabolic process including cellular respiration and photosynthesis; Mendelian genetics and modern genetics principles. Required for science transfer students in the biology option and biology pre-professional option and biotechnology.
Prerequisites :
One year of high school laboratory biology or BIO-010 and one year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-020 passed with a “C” or higher. Also, appropriate score on the College placement test or MAT-013.
- Credit : 4 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
Short Title : Global Environmental Issues
Course Code : SCI-219
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : Focuses on solid and hazardous wastes, toxicology, food, soils, energy and radiation. Includes laboratory and field trips. SCI 218 and SCI 219 are not sequential and may be taken in either order.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test and one year of high school laboratory science
- Credit : 4 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 2
Short Title : General Biology II
Course Code : BIO-124
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A survey of plant and animal taxonomy, anatomy and physiology; evolutionary theory and principles of ecology. Laboratory sessions include dissections.
Prerequisites :
BIO-123 with a grade of "C" or higher.
- Credit : 4 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
OR
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 0
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : Climatology
Course Code : SCI-258
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : This course provides an introduction to the study of climate. Processes that have an effect on the earth's climate are considered along with solar radiation. The interactions between the atmosphere and hydrosphere as determinants of climate are considered. Climate and feedback processes are included.
Prerequisites :
MAT-014 or appropriate score on the College placement test
- Credit : 3 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 4
- Lab Hours : 0
Short Title : Critical Issues in Air and Water Pollution
Course Code : SCI-218
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description : Basic topics include the values, attitudes and concepts necessary to understand and appreciate the interrelationships among people, their culture and their biophysical environment. Emphasis is on the air and water environment. Includes laboratory and field trips. SCI 218 and SCI 219 are not sequential and may be taken in either order.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test and one year of high school laboratory science
- Credit : 4 - 0
- Lecture Hours : 3
- Lab Hours : 2
Contact Information
Contact Name: Donna Howell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2592
Contact Email: dhowell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/natural-sciences/
Frequently Asked Questions
What will students learn if they study sustainability?
Upon completion of the program, students will gain insight into critical environmental factors effecting air, water, climate and ecosystems. In addition, students will develop an understanding of sustainable practices and identify how in society such practices can be successfully introduced.
Are there any requirements students must satisfy before taking courses in the major?
A passing score on the College’s mathematics placement test for both Algebra I and Algebra II or MAT-013 and MAT-014 is required for all Sustainability majors. In addition, a high school laboratory chemistry course with a minimum grade of “C” or CHM-020 and a high school laboratory biology course or BIO-010 with a minimum grade of “C” are also required.
Can Sustainability students transfer to four-year colleges and universities?
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all of the lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements with private institutions may provide similar transfer provisions. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
