Academic Catalogs

Applied Ocean Science and Technology, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_AOST

Control Number: 41928

Financial Aid Eligible


Applied Ocean Science & Technology is an interdisciplinary field that requires a broad base of practical skills working in the field and laboratory. This applied degree is designed to strengthen and complement the background of students planning to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a marine-related science discipline. In addition, students will be qualified to hold positions in the workforce ranging from deckhands to naturalist and environmental education positions. They can assist with research and monitoring surveys.

The Applied Ocean Science & Technology major requires completion of a minimum of 28 to 30 program major units, 26 of which are required core units. A minimum of at least 2 additional specialization units must be taken from a list of restricted electives that will add to student’s technical background. The department strongly recommends that all declared Applied Ocean Science & Technology majors work with counseling to help prepare them for their intended transfer institution.

Program Outcomes

  1. Utilize scientific equipment and monitoring studies to illustrate the influence and interactions between the geologic, physical, chemical and biological processes and characteristics of the world ocean.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to safely operate a vessel and identify potential hazards when working on the water. 
  3. Demonstrate the ability to design, construct and maintain aquarium systems intended to support a variety of marine life. 
  4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of data collection methods and analysis as well as the role that monitoring programs contribute to our understanding of marine characteristics and processes.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Course Title Units
Required Courses
MARA A150Coastal Navigation3
MARA A152Boat Handling and Seamanship3
MARA A153Marine Basic Safety Training4
MARA A156Maritime Environment2
MRSC A100/A100HOceanography3
MRSC A100L/A100MOceanography Laboratory1
MRSC A120Marine Aquarium Science2
MRSC A140Aquarium Life Support Operation and Maintenance2
MRSC A190Marine Research and Monitoring Techniques3
GEOG A190Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS3
Restricted Electives - Select two-four units from the following:2-4
Python Programming I
Electronic Problem Solving
Robotics 1- Mechanics & Design
Technical Electronics
Emergency Medical Responder
Introduction to Engineering and Design
Programming and Problem-Solving in MATLAB
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Principles
Swimming Level 2
Vessel and Engine Maintenance
Professional Mariner Internship
and Professional Mariner Internship Lecture
Aquarium Water Quality
Marine Policy and Conservation
Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding
Total Major Units28-30
OCC AS General Education 1, 2up to 21
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE60
1

Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.

2

Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
MRSC A100
Oceanography 1
or Oceanography Honors
3
MRSC A100L
Oceanography Laboratory
or Oceanography Laboratory Honors
1
MARA A152 Boat Handling and Seamanship 3
OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units16
Semester 2
MRSC A120 Marine Aquarium Science 2
MRSC A190 Marine Research and Monitoring Techniques 3
MARA A153 Marine Basic Safety Training 4
OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE 3-5
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 2
 Units14-16
Year 2
Semester 1
MARA A150 Coastal Navigation 3
MARA A156 Maritime Environment 2
OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE 3
Restricted Elective (See requirements tab) 3 2-4
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 6-3
 Units16-15
Semester 2
MRSC A140 Aquarium Life Support Operation and Maintenance 2
GEOG A190 Digital Mapping: Introduction to GIS 3
OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 6
 Units14
 Total Units60-61
1

Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 5

2

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS

3

A restrictive elective course can be taken in Fall year 2 or Spring year 2.