The Associate in Science in Natural Science is a transfer degree designed for students pursuing STEM-related educational and career goals. The courses are designed to prepare students to transfer into science programs at UH Mānoa, UH Hilo, and UH West O‘ahu.
The Associate in Science in Natural Science degree has four concentrations: Biological Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Information and Communication Technology.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Associate in Science in Natural Science, students will be able to:
- Analyze data effectively using the most currently available technology
- Communicate scientific ideas and principles clearly and effectively
- Analyze and apply fundamental mathematical, physical, and chemical concepts and techniques to scientific issues
- Apply fundamental concepts and techniques in their chosen field of study, such as biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, etc.
Graduation Requirements
The issuance of an AS degree requires that the student earn a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher for all courses applied towards the degree.
Foundation Requirements: Written Communication (FW)
Foundation Requirements: Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG)
Required: Six (6) credits from two different groups
Foundation Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning (FQ)
The requirement will be fulfilled by the MATH requirement in the concentration.
Diversification Requirements
Arts, Humanities and Literature (DA, DH, DL)
Required: Three (3) credits
Social Sciences (DS)
Required: Three (3) credits
Biological Sciences (DB)
Required for Physical Science, and Information and Communication Technology Concentrations: Three (3) credits
Elective Requirements: Natural Science Electives
Required for Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences Concentrations. Natural Science Electives are required in addition to the required Concentration courses (not required for Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology Concentrations).
Required: Six (6) credits of transfer-level Natural Sciences courses (DB, DP, DY) and/or any of the courses listed below:
Elective Requirements: General Electives
Transfer-level courses (100 and 200-level courses) in any field to achieve a total of 60 credits.
Biological Sciences Concentration (24-25 credits)
For students pursuing the Biological Sciences Concentration, CHEM 161 fulfills the DP (Physical Science Diversification) for the Biological or Physical Sciences Diversification Requirements. The total credits required (24-25) will depend on which of these courses you choose: BIOL 265/L or BIOL 275/L or CHEM 272/L or PHYS 151/L.
Engineering Concentration (31-34 credits)
The Engineering Concentration is designed for students entering into engineering fields.
Students pursuing the Engineering Concentration do not have a Biological and Physical Sciences Diversification Requirement.
Information and Computer Sciences Concentration (31-32 credits)
An Associate in Science in Natural Science with a Concentration in Information and Computer Sciences is a transfer degree designed for students interested in pursuing an academic study and career in fields related to computer science, including database design, website creation, and mobile applications.
Required for Physical Science, and Information and Communication Technology Concentrations: Three (3) credits
Physical Sciences Concentration (24-25 credits)
Students pursuing the Physical Sciences concentration must take at least one Biological Science course (DB) as the Biological Sciences Diversification Requirements.
NOTE: On the Physics options, choose the lab courses that correspond to your chosen lecture courses. Students must take six (6) credits from the Natural Science Elective section above.
Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) Concentration (25-27 credits)
The Associate in Science in Natural Sciences degree concentration in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) prepares students to transfer to four-year universities and colleges. This 60-credit program provides clear, explicit, and coherent pathways for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students to transfer into NREM related majors at baccalaureate institutions.The program provides curricula that focus on basic science and mathematics, as well as including social sciences. As they matriculate through the natural resources and environmental management curriculum, students are provided with advanced laboratory and field training, and mentoring experiences, including enriched undergraduate research opportunities. Targeted advising and appropriate course sequencing support the efficient transfer of students to four-year colleges with programs in natural resources and environmental management.