California State University, Dominguez Hills
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Interdisciplinary Studies requires the completion of an Area of Concentration that, unlike traditional majors, does not contain a list of required and elective courses other than the Introductory Course (IDS 300) and the Senior Seminar (IDS 490). Rather, students work with an Interdisciplinary Studies mentor to build their individual program of studies. Each of the Areas of Concentration provides a structural framework that defines the types and numbers of courses which may be chosen to develop the major. Appropriate courses may be chosen from departments throughout the university as well as from the Interdisciplinary Studies course offerings. Similarly, the minor is also designed for the individual student, using Interdisciplinary Studies and other appropriate courses.

The Biology Program at CSU Dominguez Hills is designed to provide students with intensive, progressive and balanced learning experiences in cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, population and community biology, and environmental science.
The Biology Department offers students seven programs from which to choose: 1) An undergraduate program which awards the Bachelor of Arts Degree; 2) Three undergraduate major options that award the Bachelor of Science Degree: a Cellular and Molecular Biology Option, an Ecology and Environmental Biology Option and a Microbiology Option; 3) Two minor programs: a General Minor and a Microbiology Minor; 4) A Biological Science Subject Matter Preparation Program for students pursuing a secondary teaching credential; 5) A graduate program which awards the Master of Science Degree.

Bachelor of Arts Geography and Bachelor of Science Earth Science Program Learning Outcomes:

Geographic Literacy:
Students will apply their knowledge of the world’s geography by interpreting topographic and thematic maps. They will demonstrate their ability to think geographically by analyzing geographic problems at a variety of scales.
Environmental Processes:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the utilization and distribution of key natural resources. This will include fundamental transport processes such as the hydrologic cycle, the rock cycle, and circulations through the world ocean and global atmosphere and their relationship to contemporary environmental issues.
Geotechniques:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of geotechniques such as GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics, and field maps. Students will apply spatial statistics and other forms of numerical analysis to interrogate existing and original geographical data sets.
Field Experience:
Students will apply field research techniques toward the completion of field mapping and other data collection exercises.
Written and Oral Communication:
Students will demonstrate their ability to describe research and to summarize research results in essays, written reports and oral presentations.
Group Activities:
Students will be able to work together in small groups to collect and analyze classroom/field data and they will demonstrate their ability to collaborate with other students to deliver research presentations.
Professional Preparation:
Students will hone research skills and work on research projects which reflect their command of the subject matter and its relevance to contemporary environmental issues, as well their command of geotechniques and their application. The research projects prepare students for graduate school and/or the workforce, and can be used as examples of the kinds of knowledge and expertise that they could bring to prospective employers.

Interdisciplinary Studies offers four minors, plus a Thematic Project, which may serve in lieu of a required minor. All minors require a minimum of 15 semester units, at least six units of which must be from Interdisciplinary Studies Courses, and at least 12 units of which must be upper division. Upon completion of an Interdisciplinary Studies Minor, students must develop a short essay that explains the thematic rationale used to develop the minor. Each student's minor is reviewed and approved by Interdisciplinary Studies core faculty prior to submission to meet graduation requirements.

At least three of the courses (9 units) used by the student to complete the minor must be taken after the student has chosen the minor and has been advised by an Interdisciplinary Studies mentor.

A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses used in Interdisciplinary Studies minors.

The Minor in Environmental Studies consists of a minimum of 15 semester units of courses which must form an integrated theme in Environmental Studies.

Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed for students who intend to become elementary and special education teachers or pursue related graduate work. Students will develop critical thinking skills, a comprehensive academic background, and communications skills as they study the areas of language and literature, math and science, history and social science, and visual and performing arts. Professional development courses provide early fieldwork opportunities, and support the transition to credential programs.