The Honors Program offers enriching experiences to improve the quality of education for academically talented students who are striving for advanced academic achievement. Honors courses are more extensive and intensive in terms of research, depth of discussion, and material covered. They are designed to promote a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the material and the connectedness of disciplines while preparing students to excel later in advanced degree preparation. They offer additional opportunities for independent and focused study, and more individualized interdisciplinary, experimental, enhanced, and collaborative learning experiences. Students participate in advanced seminars and intensive research and course work. Students should be self-motivated and must have demonstrated superior academic achievement in either high school or college.
Victor Valley College is a member of the Honors Transfer Council of California. This membership can provide students with numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities, as well as possible transfer advantages to participating universities, such as UCLA, UCR, UCI, Whitman College, and many others.
For enrollment criteria or any other information contact the Honors Coordinator at (760) 245-4271, ext. 2691.
Honors Courses
BIOL 295AH Biological Research I (4.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore biological research for the first time will experience basic research techniques using the scientific method. During this course, the essential elements of research will be stressed, such as literature review, writing a research proposal and conducting an experiment. Undergraduate research helps students develop valuable skills, and provides an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge in the context of real world problems. .
Recommended Preparation: MATH 90 or higher
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
BIOL 295BH Biological Research II - Experimental Design (4.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore biological research will use various research techniques following the scientific method. During this course, many essential elements of research will be stressed, such as literature review, writing a research proposal and conducting an experiment. Undergraduate research helps students develop valuable skills, and provides an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge in the context of real world problems. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
BIOL 295CH Biological Research III - Research Design & Analysis (4.0 Units)
Construction of basic experimental designs based upon literature and data analyses. Students develop and participate in experimental designs of selected research projects including measurements, statistical analyses, and interpretation of data. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of laboratory skills.
Recommended Preparation: MATH 90 or higher
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
ENGL 101H Honors Composition and Reading (4.0 Units)
Principles and methods of expository writing. Analytical reading of source materials and writing of expository essays. Honors seminar will require more advanced resources and more complex assignments than ENGL 101.0.
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
HIST 117H Honors Us History to 1876 (3.0 Units)
American civilization, encompassing the Pre-Columbian American experience through the Civil War era. The class examines gender and race issues in light of nation building and American culture. Honors classes will take students further into the course material with additional reading, emphasis on research, and exploring historiographical frameworks used in interpreting history. (UC credit limitation).
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
HLTH 102H Honors Contemporary Problems in Personal and Community Health (3.0 Units)
This course focuses on the exploration of major health issues and behaviors in the various dimensions of health. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility for personal health and the promotion of informed, positive health behaviors. Topics include but are not limited to nutrition, exercise, weight control, mental health, stress management, violence, substance abuse, reproductive health, disease prevention, aging, healthcare, and environmental hazards, and safety. .
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
MATH 129AH Independent Study Honors-First Semester (1.0 Units)
This first semester honors independent study course is intended to be an in-depth study of advanced topics. The study will not duplicate existing curriculum; rather, it will be of an advanced nature.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
MATH 129BH Independent Study Honors-Second Semester (1.0 Units)
This second semester honors independent study course is intended to be an in-depth study of advanced topics. The study will not duplicate existing curriculum; rather, it will be of an advanced nature.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 129AH, Minimum grade C
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
MATH 129CH Independent Study Honors-Third Semester (1.0 Units)
This third semester honors independent study course is intended to be an in-depth study of advanced topics. The study will not duplicate existing curriculum; rather, it will be of an advanced nature.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 129BH, Minimum grade C
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
MATH 226H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (4.0 Units)
As an introduction to the calculus of single variables, students will develop the concept of limit; apply limits to functions to determine if they are continuous; find the derivative and determine integrals. Students will study the properties of the derivative and integral, their relationship to each other given by the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. The student will also learn to read and write simple proofs. UC credit limitation. C-ID MATH 210.
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
MATH 227H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculus II (4.0 Units)
The second course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable: integration; techniques of integration; infinite sequences and series; polar and parametric equations; applications of integration. In addition, the honors component will include reading proofs, writing complete proofs from sketches of proofs and applying techniques learned to real-life problems. (UC credit limitation). C-ID MATH 220.
Lecture Hours: 72.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
MATH 228H Honors Analytic Geometry and Calculs III (5.0 Units)
Vectors and the geometry of space, vector-valued functions, the calculus of function of several variables, multiple integration, Green's Theorem, divergence theorem, Stoke's Theorem, and applications. In addition the honors component will include reading proofs, writing complete proofs and applying techniques learned to real-life problems. (UC credit limitation).
Lecture Hours: 90.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU