Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science
Associate of Arts (AA) Liberal Arts & Sciences · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science AA courses emphasize the natural sciences, which examine the physical universe, its life forms and its natural phenomena. Courses in math emphasize the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on the development of the world’s civilizations.
Program Learning Outcome(s)
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply mathematical and scientific ideas to analyze real-world situations.
- Read, write, listen to, and speak about mathematical and scientific ideas with understanding.
- Use appropriate technology and/or tools to enhance their scientific thinking and understanding.
- Use scientific reasoning to solve problems or conduct research, and assess the reasonableness of their results.
Liberal Arts & Sciences: Mathematics and Science (AA): Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: Select at least 18 units from below with at least 6 units from Science and 3 units from Mathematics (18-21 units) | ||
| Mathematics | - | |
| MATH 1 | Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 2 | Calculus II | 5 |
| MATH 3 | Multivariable Calculus | 5 |
| MATH 5 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3.5 |
| MATH 7 | Elementary Linear Algebra | 3.5 |
| MATH 10 | Discrete Mathematical Structures | 4 |
| MATH 21 | Precalculus | 4 |
| MATH 27 | Number Systems for Educators | 3 |
| MATH 33 | Finite Mathematics | 4 |
| MATH 34 | Business Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 39 | Trigonometry | 4 |
| MATH 47 | Mathematics for Liberal Arts | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| Science | - | |
| ANTR 1 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTR 1L | Biological Anthropology Laboratory | 1 |
| ANTR 2L | Archaeology Field Laboratory | 1 |
| ANTR 13 | Introduction to Forensic Anthropology | 3 |
| ASTR 30L | Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory | 1 |
| ASTR 31 | Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System | 3 |
| ASTR 32 | Introduction to Astronomy: Stars and the Universe | 3 |
| BIO 1C | Cell and Molecular Biology | 5 |
| BIO 1R | Organismal Biology | 5 |
| BIO 7A | Human Anatomy | 5 |
| BIO 7B | Human Physiology | 5 |
| BIO 7C | Microbiology | 5 |
| BIO 10 | Introduction to the Science of Biology | 4 |
| BIO 20 | Contemporary Human Biology | 3 |
| BIO 30 | Introduction to College Biology | 4 |
| BIO 40 | Humans and the Environment | 3 |
| BIO 50 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 60 | Marine Biology | 4 |
| BIO 70 | Field Biology | 3 |
| CHEM 1A | General College Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | General College Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM 6 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 12A | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 12B | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| CHEM 30A | Introductory and Applied Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 30B | Introductory and Applied Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 31 | Introduction to College Chemistry | 4 |
| EVST 5 | Energy and Sustainability | 3 |
| EVST 5L | Energy and Sustainability Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 1 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 1L | Introduction to Physical Geography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOG 8 | Introduction to Atmospheric Science | 3 |
| GEOG 12 | Geography of California | 3 |
| GEOL 1 | Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 1L | Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 2 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL 5 | Environmental Geology: Hazards & Disasters | 3 |
| GEOL 7 | Environmental Geology: Resources, Use Impact & Pollution | 3 |
| GEOL 12 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL 12L | Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 13 | Introduction to Climate Science | 3 |
| GEOL 20 | Earth Science for Educators | 4 |
| PHYS 1A | General Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 1B | General Physics II | 5 |
| PHYS 1C | General Physics III | 5 |
| PHYS 1D | General Physics IV | 3 |
| PHYS 2A | Introduction to Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 2B | Introduction to Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 10 | Descriptive Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 10L | Descriptive Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PSYC 4 | Brain, Mind, and Behavior | 3 |
| Total Units in the Area of Emphasis | 18-21 | |
| Additional General Education and Elective Units | ||
| See the Las Positas College General Education (LPC-GE) pattern or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units must be degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal. | 39-42 | |
| Total | 60 | |