Natural Science A.S. - Horticulture and Plant Science Option

*This is an overview of the program. The course sequencing is meant to serve as a guideline for your semester planning. Please note that the scheduling of courses, program sequencing and curriculum are subject to change.*

The Natural Science program is intended for students who plan to transfer in the areas of study listed below. The student can choose either the Horticulture and Plant Science, Life Science or the Physical Science option.

Horticulture and Plant Science Option

This program is designed for students who are interested in environmentally-responsible landscape, crop, and garden management. While some students may pursue the program of study for personal or professional enrichment or to obtain entry-level employment in horticulture or environmental restoration, the program is designed for students considering transfer to a 4-year college or university for a baccalaureate degree in horticulture, botany, crop science, environmental studies, or related areas. Electives allow students to choose courses that will fulfill the requirements of the 4-year college they plan to attend. Since such requirements vary, students should consult with an academic advisor to select appropriate courses.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• show proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving, making careful observations, formulating hypotheses, and collecting and interpreting scientific data.

• evaluate the social and environmental impacts of various land management practices, and discuss effective ecologically-sound strategies for managing landscapes, gardens or crops.

• demonstrate knowledge of the diversity, biology, culture, identity, and ecology of native, introduced, wild, and cultivated plant species.

• describe the role of both pest and beneficial insect populations in agricultural and ecological communities.

• Research and communicate about timely issues in plant ecology and environmentally-responsible horticultural and land management practices.

• recognize the importance of plants and healthy plant communities to other life forms on earth.

• develop effective work ethics through group laboratory activities.

• demonstrate effective oral and written communication, teamwork, information literacy, and college-level mathematical competence.

Students who plan to transfer are urged to consult an academic advisor or counselor to ensure that the courses they select meet LCCC requirements and those of the four-year college or university.

* Course offered fall semester only, every other year.

** Students should check with transfer college or university for most appropriate course.

*** Recommend General Education elective is BIO 112, 116, or 214.