Courses and Credit

A course is a planned study in a distinct subject area of a department. Each course has educational objectives which must be achieved in order to receive a final passing grade and to be awarded specified units. Each course has methods of evaluation to determine if the student has met the educational objectives, including written and oral assignments, problem-solving exercises, class and/or lab activities, quizzes, and examinations. Each course employs teaching techniques which can include lecture, individual student assistance, demonstrations, and discussions. All credit courses require a minimum of three hours of work per unit including class time per week.

Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)

The Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID) is a statewide numbering system independent from the course numbers assigned by local California community colleges. A C-ID number next to a course signals that participating California colleges and universities have determined that courses offered by other California community colleges are comparable in content and scope to courses offered on their own campuses, regardless of their unique titles or local course number.  Thus, if a course schedule or catalog lists a course with a C-ID number, the course may be accepted at another community college with the same C-ID designation.   The C-ID designation can be used to identify comparable courses at different community colleges. These courses will be used in the GE area of the college where the course was taken. However, students should always go to www.assist.org to confirm how each college’s course will be accepted at a particular four-year college or university for transfer credit.  

The C-ID numbering system is useful for students attending more than one community college and is applied to many of the transferable courses students need as preparation for transfer.  Because these course requirements may change and because courses may be modified and qualified for or deleted from the C-ID database, students should always check with a counselor to determine how C-ID designated courses fit into their educational plans for transfer.

To search for approved C-ID courses, visit the C-ID Website.  Counselors can always help students interpret or explain this information.

Career and Technical Courses

Career/technical courses are designed to provide education and experiences that give the student competency in the specific content of the course. The courses have been developed with the help of advisory committees representing business and industries reflective of the course content and program of study. In some cases career/technical courses may be transferable to other colleges and universities. The student should consult a counselor regarding the status of all career/technical course transfers.

A degree or certificate is awarded to students who have completed a selected sequence of courses leading toward a career/technical objective. Courses can be either required or elective with the units applied to fulfillment of the major.

Developmental Education, Academic Skills Courses

Special courses in English, mathematics, reading, and study skills are designed to assist students in developing the basic skills needed to successfully pursue educational or vocational goals. The student should consult a counselor about appropriate assessment.

Experimental Courses

An experimental course is offered with the intent to eventually make it part of the regular curriculum. Each experimental course is designated with the number 295 and may be followed by a letter.