Environmental Science/Ecology
8 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ESEC A100 Introduction to Environmental Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENVS 100
The physical and biological components of the environment, their interrelationships, and the human population influence on these components. Physical, biological, and political means of reversing environmental deterioration will be considered as well as conservation and management of natural resources. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major and for students in Environmental Science or other natural sciences. Field trip may be required. Enrollment Limitation: ESEC A100H; students who complete ESEC A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for ESEC A100H.
ESEC A100H Introduction to Environmental Science Honors
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ENVS 100
The physical and biological components of the environment, their interrelationships, and the human population influence on these components. Physical, biological, and political means of reversing environmental deterioration will be considered as well as conservation and management of natural resources. Suitable as a general education elective for the non-science major and for students in Environmental Science or other natural sciences. Field trip may be required. Enrollment Limitation: ESEC A100; students who complete ESEC A100H may not enroll in or receive credit for ESEC A100.
ESEC A110 Island Ecology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Formerly: ECOL A110. Islands are used as the platform to discuss Ecology, Evolution, Speciation, Biogeography, Geology, and Human History as it relates to islands. This course focuses on California's Channel Islands and also covers the Hawaiian Islands, the Galapagos Islands, and many others. Field trip is required.
ESEC A121 Marine Intertidal Ecology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Ecology of the marine intertidal environment of Southern California. This is a field oriented laboratory experience for non-majors. Enrollment Limitation: MRSC A121; students who complete ESEC A121 may not enroll in or receive credit for MRSC A121.
ESEC A124 Ecology of the Gray Whale
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Ecology and natural history of the California Gray Whale and the Orange County Whale Watch program. Completion qualifies students as docents on whale watching boats. Field trip required. Enrollment Limitation: MRSC A124; students who complete ESEC A124 may not enroll in or receive credit for MRSC A124.
ESEC A140 Mediterranean Biome Ecology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Mediterranean Biome includes chaparral and coastal sage scrub in North America, mallee scrub in Australia, mattoral in South America, fynbos in Africa, and maquis in Europe. This course surveys this biome through an investigative approach. Field trips are required.
ESEC A141 Desert Ecology
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Deserts cover 20% of the Earth and provide wildlife habitat, as well as, economic and recreational value. This course will provide students an opportunity to learn and assess the ecological processes in various deserts on Earth including the deserts of Southwestern United States and Mexico. Field trips are required.
ESEC A199 Special Topics in Environmental Science/Ecology
- Units
- 0.5-3
- Hours
- 9-36 lecture hours; 0-54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for students wishing to explore some aspect of environmental science and/or ecology in greater depth. It may involve a combination of lecture, independent study, lab work, or field trips. When field trips are involved, there may be a cost associated, personal transportation, and/or a valid passport for international travel.