Marine Science Technician Associate in Science

Rapid growth of the field of marine environmental management in Southern California brings demand for marine science technicians having the practical seamanship skills of navigation, vessel operation, marine systems and equipment maintenance, as well as scientific expertise. Flexibility in study areas of concentration allows for tailoring coursework to specific employment opportunities.

Classroom work in oceanographic disciplines is combined with seagoing laboratory experience aboard marine research vessels, both sail and power. The program is designed to develop a solid educational foundation so that graduates will be prepared to work closely with scientists, researchers, engineers, and marine survey and operations personnel as they endeavor to manage this enormous resource for the good of mankind.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Develop piloting and navigational skills required to properly navigate vessels in harbors, near shore, and open waters.
Perform advanced seamanship techniques using current technology and electronic navigational instruments.
Demonstrate spatial analysis of data and identify problems with acquisition and accuracy of data in marine ecological surveys.

Required Courses:

ENV 18 INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY 4 Units
or
BIO 19 MARINE BIOLOGY 4 Units *
or
MS 4 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COASTAL ECOLOGY 4 Units
MS 20 INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY 4 Units
Select from Restricted Electives 15 Units

Total Units for the Major: 23

Restricted Electives:

MST 201 MARLINSPIKE SEAMANSHIP 2 Units
MST 202 MARINE WEATHER 3 Units
MST 210 COASTAL NAVIGATION 3 Units
MST 211 CELESTIAL NAVIGATION 3 Units
MST 212 SAILING, SEAMANSHIP, AND BOATING SAFETY 3 Units
MST 214A INTERMEDIATE OCEAN SAILING 3 Units *
MST 214B ADVANCED CRUISING UNDER SAIL 3 Units *
MST 215 VESSEL COMMAND AND ORGANIZATION 3 Units *
MST 216 USCG MASTER LICENSE AND EXAMINATION PREPARATION COURSE 3 Units
MST 218 ELECTRONIC AIDS TO NAVIGATION 3 Units *
MST 219 MARINE ECOLOGICAL SURVEY/GIS 3 Units *

*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.

Associate in Science Degree

Completion of the certificate program and a minimum of 60 units including the general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 qualifies the student for the Associate in Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees

Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.

Suggested coursework not required for the major: CHEM 1A , CHEM 106 ; CIM 1 ; DR 100 ; PHYS 2A .