Courses in this area explore the scope and major concepts of scientific disciplines. In the sciences, the intent is to present the principles and concepts which form the foundations of living or non-living systems. The focus of all courses in Area 5 is on the presentation and evaluation of evidence and argument, the appreciation of the use/misuse of data, and the organization of information in quantitative, technological or other formal systems. Students are introduced to the principles and practices that underscore scientific inquiry (logic, precision, hypothesis generation and evaluation, experimentation and objectivity) and gain an understanding of the process by which new knowledge is created, organized, accessed, and synthesized. Students improve their reasoning skills (critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, analysis and synthesis), and apply information and technology to the understanding of complex and diverse problems in sciences. They become aware of the influence and significance of the sciences in world civilization.
Students must complete a minimum of three courses in Area D5 one course per Area. Three (3) units in area 5A; three (3) units in area 5B; and one (1) unit in area 5C – May be embedded in 5A or 5B course, as long as 7 units met for lower-division Subject Area 5. UDGE-5.
