Revision Date:
Wednesday, May 03, 2023
Science, Engineering & Math Pathway
Join like-minded students with a passion for exploration, research, and innovation. Study gene expression in a lab, manage electrical systems, design buildings, or chart the stars. While the possibilities are limitless, you begin by choosing our Science, Engineering, and Math Pathway.
South Puget Sound Community College prepares recipients of the Associate in Science-Transfer Degree to:
- Communicate effectively
- Think logically and critically
- Evaluate and process quantitative and symbolic data
- Understand themselves in relation to others in a multicultural world
- Understand ethical responsibilities and consequences
Quarter Plan
Note: Students are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits to attain the AS-1 degree. Students should work with their career and educational planner to plan out any additional electives or remaining credits.
Search Schedule
Students have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, ESL, High School+, and Basic Computer Skills.
AMATH097
7cr
Accelerated Intermediate Algebra
Accelerated class that gives students the opportunity to complete MATH 092, MATH 096, and MATH 097 in one quarter. Introduces the study of linear equations and polynomials, including equation of a line, systems of linear equations, properties of exponents, operations on polynomials, factoring, and solving factorable quadratic equations. Students should take this course if they plan to pursue a pathway that requires MATH 099 (STEM) or MATH 147 (Business) or if they plan to transfer to a university that requires MATH 097 for admission. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 092 or ABE 065 or appropriate placement.
Choose One:
ENGL090
5cr
Integrated Reading and Writing I
Introduces students to college-level reading and writing. Focuses on reading strategies, critical thinking, and writing unified paragraphs. ENGL 090 classes are combined with ENGL 095 classes, and students who demonstrate ENGL 095 proficiency may earn ENGL 095 credit. Prerequisite: ABE 055 or ESL 066 or qualifying placement.
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ENGL095
5cr
Integrated Reading and Writing II
Prepares students for entry into college-level writing courses. Focuses on reading analytically, thinking critically, and writing coherent, well-supported texts. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.
CCS101
3cr
Pathways to Success
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners. Prerequisite: None.
AMATH141
8cr
Accelerated Precalculus I
Accelerated class that gives students the opportunity to complete MATH 098, MATH 099, and MATH& 141 in one quarter. Covers power, exponential, and logarithmic functions and analytic geometry. Students who plan to pursue a Science, Engineering, or Math (SEM) pathway should take this course. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or a 'C' or better in MATH 097 or equivalent.
Fees: $12.00 Natural/Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One:
ENGL098
5cr
Transitional English Composition
Introduces strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. English 098 classes are combined with English 101 classes, and students who demonstrate English 101 proficiency may earn ENGL& 101 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a 'C' or better in ENGL 095.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
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ENGL&101
5cr
English Composition I
Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
CHEM&139
5cr
General Chemistry Prep
Introduces fundamentals of inorganic chemistry and problem solving strategies as preparation for the general chemistry sequence (CHEM& 161 and further studies in chemistry). Emphasis is on reaction equations, calculations, and development of symbolic and particulate concepts that are applied to quantitative reasoning in chemistry. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of MATH 099 with a 'C' or better.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
MATH&142
5cr
Precalculus II
Covers trigonometric, polynomial, and rational functions and their applications.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
CHEM&161
5cr
General Chemistry w/Lab I
Introduces general chemistry concepts, including bonding types, chemical nomenclature, basic atomic structure, stoichiometry, reaction prediction, thermochemistry, gas laws, and quantum mechanical concepts. First course of a three quarter series for engineering, biological science, physical science, pre-med, pre-dental, and math majors.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One Social Science (5cr)
Recommended:
ANTH&100
5cr
Survey of Anthropology
Surveys past and present human biological, cultural and linguistic variation and evolution. Incorporates an overview of the anthropological subfields: Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology and Linguistic Anthropology. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science Course Fee
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ANTH&104
5cr
World Prehistory
Surveys human prehistory, from the origin of humans through the emergence of early civilizations, providing a foundation for understanding modern human societies. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science Course Fee
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BUS&101
5cr
Introduction to Business
Introduces current concepts and structures of American business. Covers the functions of business: forms of ownership, management, marketing, production, finance, and the economy.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science & Business Course Fee
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ECON&201
5cr
Micro Economics
Develops a framework for understanding the fundamentals of price theory by applying practical applications of microeconomic analysis and general equilibrium models. Includes the analysis of government intervention in a free market and explores concepts in market welfare.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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ECON&202
5cr
Macro Economics
Introduces fundamental models of macroeconomics and illustrates macro principles through U.S. experience in the global economy.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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HIST&126
5cr
World Civilization I
Examines world societies from human origin through the Ancient World to the rise of the first empires. Emphasizes societal interactions in the global theater, ideological and technological developments, and transitions of various cultures from pre-history to approximately 200ce. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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HIST&127
5cr
World Civilization II
Examines world societies from roughly the Post-Classical era through the rise of the empires and the eve of the Age of Revolutions. Emphasizes societal interactions in the global theater, ideological and technological developments, and transitions of various cultures from approximately 200ce to Early Modern period of the mid-18th century. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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HIST&128
5cr
World Civilization III
Examines world societies from roughly the 18th century to the present. Emphasizes societal interactions in the global theater, ideological and technological developments, and transitions of various cultures. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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HIST&214
5cr
Pacific Northwest History: Diversity
Surveys the political, cultural, economic, and social development of the American Northwest with special emphasis on Washington State. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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POLS&202
5cr
American Government
Examines the American Constitution, the evolution of the American system and the structure of the national government. Provides an overview of political culture, parties, elections, and interest group activities with special emphasis on current problems and issues. ENGL&101 recommended. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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POLS&203
5cr
International Relations
Introduces key concepts related to international relations. Examines the nature of security, states, conflict, diplomacy, economic development, and human rights.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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PSYC203
5cr
Human Sexuality
A socio-psychological approach to the study of human sexuality and sexual behavior; physiological, psychological and sociological components of human sexuality and sexual behavior throughout life, from birth through old age; specific problem areas such as sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted disease and sexual deviations or variances.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
MATH&151
5cr
Calculus I
Covers differential calculus of single-variable functions.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
CHEM&162
5cr
General Chemistry W/Lab II
Introduces general chemistry concepts including electronic structure, periodicity, bonding theory, molecular shapes, introduction to organic chemistry, structure of solids, properties of liquids, phase transitions, colligative properties, and kinetics. Second course of a three-quarter series for engineering, biological science, physical science, pre-med, pre-dental, and math majors.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One
BIOL&211
5cr
Majors Cellular
Introduces cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics in appropriate depth for science majors and students in pre-professional programs. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 139 or CHEM& 161 recommended. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
PHYS&114
5cr
General Physics I w/Lab
Introduces fundamental principles and applications of motion, gravitation, and energy. This is the first in the non-engineering physics sequence. Prerequisite: MATH 099 with a 'C' or better or instructor's permission.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee; $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee
Note: PHYS& 114/115/116 sequence starts in fall quarter. BIOL& 211/212/213 sequence starts in fall and winter.
MATH&152
5cr
Calculus II
Covers integral calculus of single-variable functions. Prerequisite: MATH& 151 with a 'C' or better.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
CHEM&163
5cr
General Chemistry W/Lab III
Covers acid and base theory, equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Completes the general chemistry sequence for science, engineering, pre-med, pre-dental, and math majors.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One
BIOL&212
5cr
Majors Animal
Introduces diversity of major animal groups including anatomy, physiology, development, evolution and ecology. Appropriate for science majors and students in pre-professional programs.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
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PHYS&115
5cr
General Physics II w/Lab
Introduces fundamental principles and applications of physics relating to fluid statics and dynamics, heat and thermodynamics, oscillations and waves.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee; $35.00 Natural Science Course Lab Fee
Choose One
MATH&153
5cr
Calculus III
Covers advanced calculus topics including infinite series, Taylor polynomials, Taylor series representation of functions and calculus in polar coordinates and in parametric equations. Continuation of MATH& 152.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
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MATH&146
5cr
Introduction to Statistics
Covers basic probability, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
Choose One
BIOL&213
5cr
Majors Plant
Introduces diversity of major plant and fungus groups including structure, evolution, and ecology. Appropriate for science majors and students in pre-professional programs.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
PHYS&116
5cr
General Physics III w/Lab
Introduces fundamental principles and applications of physics relating to electricity and magnetism, light, and optics.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee; $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee
Choose One Additional Science
Recommended:
ASTR&100
5cr
Survey of Astronomy
Covers the origin, characteristics, and evolution of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and universe. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural & Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
ASTR&115
5cr
Stars, Galaxies, & Cosmos
Introduces the origin, structure, scale, and evolution of the universe with emphasis on star classification and life cycles, galaxy structure and formation, and cosmological theories. Laboratory projects include night sky observations and analysis of stars and galaxies based on catalog and photographic data. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural & Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BIOL&100
5cr
Survey of Biology
Introduces major biological principles and processes. Topics are chosen from all areas of biology, including ecology, physiology, and cell biology. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural & Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BIOL&175
5cr
Human Biology W/Lab
Covers elementary anatomy and physiology of the human body. Appropriate for non-majors (not for Nursing or Biology majors). Core requirement for the Medical Assisting program. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $35 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BIOL180
5cr
Introduction to Marine Biology
Introduces students to the marine environment including principles of marine biology. Explores the interrelatedness of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the sea and the organisms that live in it. Also discusses the human impact on the ocean. Field trip(s) required. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BOT101
5cr
Introduction to Botany
Provides an overview of plant science, emphasizing plant form and function, life processes, diversity, genetics, propagation and biotechnology, and ecology.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
CHEM&131
5cr
Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry
Continues the general, organic, and biochemistry series for nursing and allied health majors. Focuses on general structure, function, properties, and chemical reactions of major organic and biochemical compounds.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
-OR-
ENVS&100
5cr
Survey of Environmental Science
Explores the workings of planet Earth in terms of living organisms and non-living resources, including roles that human activities play in the world around us. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
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NUTR&101
5cr
Nutrition
Surveys the nutritional needs for individuals ranging from infants to adults. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of nutrition. Particularly suitable for health occupation students. Prior high school chemistry or biology course or equivalent strongly recommended. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
-OR-
OCEA&101
5cr
Introduction to Oceanography W/Lab
Introduces oceanic processes including the physical, chemical, geological, biological and climatological. Labs include both field and laboratory experiences.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee; $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee
Choose One Humanities (5cr)
Recommended:
ART120
5cr
Beginning Drawing
Introduces the basic elements and principles of observational drawing, using traditional and experimental media. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities Course Fee; $65.00 Art Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&230
5cr
Small Group Communication: Diversity
Introduces small group communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes used when people enter diverse organizational contexts or interact in professional and everyday life small groups. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&111
5cr
Introduction to Literature
Introduces the literary genres of poetry, prose fiction, and drama. Teaches foundational vocabulary and analytical strategies used when reading literature and writing critical interpretations.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
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ENGL&244
5cr
American Literature I
Surveys American literature from its beginnings to 1865 through the exploration of literary, cultural, political, and social histories as they impact the growth and emergence of American society, identity, and literature.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
FRCH&121
5cr
French I
Introduces the four basic skills of the French language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Studies the language within its cultural context. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
PHIL103
5cr
Science, Technology, and Human Values
Explores the nature of scientific thinking and technology, and an assessment of their impact on human life and values. Includes the role of the role of theory and explanation in science and the effect of specific technologies on our understanding of the person, nature, and value.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
PHIL&120
5cr
Symbolic Logic
Introduces the principles of deductive inference with a focus on proofs in both sentence logic and predicate logic with quantifiers. Includes a study of semantic methods for testing validity.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
SPAN&121
5cr
Spanish I
Introduces the four basic skills of the Spanish language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Studies the language within its cultural context. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
Choose One Humanities or Social Science / Diversity (5cr)
Recommended:
ANTH&206
5cr
Cultural Anthropology: Diversity
Surveys the diversity of human cultural systems and the forces and effects of globalization. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science Course Fee
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CMST&210
5cr
Interpersonal Communication: Diversity
Focuses on understanding and developing interpersonal communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy one-on-one relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Examines how diverse communication styles can impact relationships. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
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CMST240
5cr
Intercultural Communication: Diversity
Introduces intercultural communication theories and concepts with applications. Explores the communication processes when people enter new cultural context or interact with people who have different cultural identities.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
HUM121
5cr
Multicultural America: Diversity
Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an 'American' identity. Analyzes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity.
Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
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SOC&201
5cr
Social Problems: Diversity
Uses sociological perspectives to examine social issues and solutions, including racism, gender discrimination, economic inequality, and other contemporary public controversies.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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SOC205
5cr
Sociology of Race and Ethnicity: Diversity
Explores the concepts of race and ethnicity through a sociological lens. Examines race and ethnicity as an organizing principle of identity, interactions and social institutions with focus on social structures, inequalities, and power.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
SOC225
5cr
Sociology of the Family: Diversity
Focuses on a sociological approach to the social institution of the family including historical, multi-cultural and contemporary theoretical perspectives. Examines the micro (interpersonal) and macro (societal) approaches in studying the family.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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SOC235
5cr
Sociology of Gender: Diversity
Focuses on the social construction of gender and gender inequalities. Examines gender as an organizing principle of identity, interactions, and social institutions. Other topics include media, family, culture, relationships, health, and intersectionality with race and social class.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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SOC255
5cr
Globalization: Diversity
Introduces cultural, economic, and political globalization from a sociological perspective, including the institutions, processes, and controversies that make up global society.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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SOC275
5cr
Sociology of Sexuality: Diversity
Focuses on the social construction and regulation of sexuality. Examines diverse sexualities as they relate to individual and group identities, interactions, institutions, inequality, and intersectionality.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
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SOC285
5cr
Food and Society: Diversity
Focuses on a sociological and cultural understanding of food, and the social and cultural processes that shape how food is produced, consumed and distributed. Explores food as identity, entertainment, health, and social justice.
Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
Choose One Elective (2-5cr)
Recommended:
ASTR&100
5cr
Survey of Astronomy
Covers the origin, characteristics, and evolution of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and universe. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural & Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
ASTR&115
5cr
Stars, Galaxies, & Cosmos
Introduces the origin, structure, scale, and evolution of the universe with emphasis on star classification and life cycles, galaxy structure and formation, and cosmological theories. Laboratory projects include night sky observations and analysis of stars and galaxies based on catalog and photographic data. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural & Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BIOL&100
5cr
Survey of Biology
Introduces major biological principles and processes. Topics are chosen from all areas of biology, including ecology, physiology, and cell biology. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural & Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BIOL&175
5cr
Human Biology W/Lab
Covers elementary anatomy and physiology of the human body. Appropriate for non-majors (not for Nursing or Biology majors). Core requirement for the Medical Assisting program. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $35 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BIOL180
5cr
Introduction to Marine Biology
Introduces students to the marine environment including principles of marine biology. Explores the interrelatedness of the physical, chemical, and biological components of the sea and the organisms that live in it. Also discusses the human impact on the ocean. Field trip(s) required. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
BOT101
5cr
Introduction to Botany
Provides an overview of plant science, emphasizing plant form and function, life processes, diversity, genetics, propagation and biotechnology, and ecology.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural and Applied Sciences Course Fee
-OR-
CHEM&131
5cr
Introduction to Organic/Biochemistry
Continues the general, organic, and biochemistry series for nursing and allied health majors. Focuses on general structure, function, properties, and chemical reactions of major organic and biochemical compounds.
Fees: $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee; $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
-OR-
ENVS&100
5cr
Survey of Environmental Science
Explores the workings of planet Earth in terms of living organisms and non-living resources, including roles that human activities play in the world around us. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
-OR-
NUTR&101
5cr
Nutrition
Surveys the nutritional needs for individuals ranging from infants to adults. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles of nutrition. Particularly suitable for health occupation students. Prior high school chemistry or biology course or equivalent strongly recommended. Prerequisite: None.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee
-OR-
OCEA&101
5cr
Introduction to Oceanography W/Lab
Introduces oceanic processes including the physical, chemical, geological, biological and climatological. Labs include both field and laboratory experiences.
Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee; $35.00 Natural Science Lab Fee