Student Support A-Z
Programs of study (curricula) designate specific courses that must be taken to satisfy requirements. When elective courses are required as specified in curriculum guides, students may select from the following list of courses. Electives may be completed by selecting any of the following courses. Unless specifically indicated in your curriculum, the following electives will meet the requirements for CVCC associate degrees, certificates, diplomas and career studies certificates for the category of courses listed. Students may not use the same course to satisfy more than one curriculum requirement.
As requirements of four-year institutions may vary, students in the Associate of Arts and Sciences and the Associate of Science (transfer) programs should consult a CVCC counselor or academic advisor, transfer guides, and prospective four-year colleges and universities to select appropriate courses to meet transfer requirements.
*Note: Some of these courses have prerequisites.
Any of the following may satisfy this requirement at CVCC. If you plan to transfer, please consult with an advisor or prospective four-year institutions before selecting electives.
Click the course name to see when it's offered.
Explores fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molecular level to the ecological community with emphasis on general biological principles. Introduces the diversity of living organisms, their structure, function and evolution. Prerequisite: Competency in Math Essentials (MTE 1-3) and English (ENG 111) as demonstrated through the placement test, or by completing the required MTE or ENF/ENG units. Lecture 3 hours. Recitation and laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Integrates anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, organs, and systems of the human body. Integrates concepts of chemistry, physics, and pathology. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Studies the general characteristics of microorganisms. Emphasizes their relationships to individual and community health. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Examines morphology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and control of microorganisms. Emphasizes application of microbiological techniques to selected fields. Recommended for students transferring to four year colleges/universities. Prerequisites: CHM 111-112, BIO 101 and either BIO 102 or BIO 141. Lecture 3 hours. Recitation and laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Explores the principles of genetics ranging from classical Mendelian inheritance to the most recent advances in the biochemical nature and function of the gene. Includes experimental design and statistical analysis. Prerequisite BIO 101-102 or equivalent. Lecture 3 hours. Recitation and laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Emphasizes experimental and theoretical aspects of inorganic, organic, and biological chemistry. Discusses general chemistry concepts as they apply to issues within our society and environment. Designed for the non-science major. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Explores the fundamental laws, theories, and mathematical concepts of chemistry. Designed primarily for science and engineering majors. Requires a strong background in mathematics. Prerequisite: CHM 112 - CHM 111 (C or better). Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Introduces fundamental chemistry of carbon compounds, including structures, physical properties, syntheses, and typical reactions. Emphasizes reaction mechanisms. Prerequisites: CHM 241 - CHM 112: CHM 242 - CHM 241. Co-requisite CHM 243-244. Lecture 3 hours per week.
Is taken concurrently with CHM 241 and CHM 242. Laboratory 3 hours per week.
Explores fundamental components and interactions that make up the natural systems of the earth. Introduces the basic science concepts in the disciplines of biological, chemical, and earth sciences that are necessary to understand and address environmental issues. Topics covered include ecosystems and population ecology, environmental ethics and policy, biodiversity, and environmental health. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Explores fundamental components and interactions that make up the natural systems of the earth. Introduces the basic science concepts in the disciplines of biological, chemical, and earth sciences that are necessary to understand and address environmental issues. Topics covered include agriculture and nutrition, population dynamics, waste management, energy generation and conservation, meteorology and geology. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Introduces the composition and structure of the earth and modifying agents and processes. Investigates the formation of minerals and rocks, weathering, erosion, earthquakes, and crustal deformation. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Traces the evolution of the earth and life through time. Presents scientific theories of the origin of the earth and life and interprets rock and fossil record. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Examines the dynamics of the earth and its relation to the solar system. Applies the principles of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy in a multi-disciplinary science environment. Stresses the effects of geologic processes on the environment. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Studies the major and minor bodies of the solar system, stars and nebulae of the milky way, and extragalactic objects. Examines life and death of stars, origin of the universe, history of astronomy, and instruments and techniques of observation. Lecture 3 hours per week. Recitation and laboratory 3 hours per week. Total 6 hours per week.
Teaches fundamental principles of physics. Covers mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisites: MTH 161 or equivalent. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.
Teaches principles of classical and modern physics. Includes mechanics, wave phenomena, heat, electricity, magnetism, relativity, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: MTH 263 or equivalent or divisonal approval. Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 6 hours per week.