Gerontology
Gerontology is a multidisciplinary study of the human aging process. It examines the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging as well as how an aging population affects contemporary society. Professionals work for community and human service organizations; retirement communities; federal, state, and local government agencies; educational and research institutions; and related organizations that work either directly or indirectly with aging adults.
Contact Information
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Chair: Steve Eso Dean: Nikki Schaper |
Department: Psychology Office: Building OC3100, 760.795.6871 |
Associate Degree
Degree programs include the completion of a general education (GE) pattern of courses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities gained as a result of completing general education, referred to as GE outcomes, can be viewed here .
Associate in Arts Degree
Gerontology
The Gerontology program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in gerontology. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to evaluate the differing needs of the elderly based on age, health, sex, race, ethnicity, and class.
| Required courses: | ||
| GERO 101 | Introduction to Aging | 3 |
| Part A: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 6 units of the following courses. | 6 | |
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Caregiving: Techniques for Working with the Frail Elderly | ||
| Intergenerational Issues | ||
| Internship Studies | ||
| Principles of Health | ||
| Certified Nursing Assistant | ||
| Nutrition and Aging | ||
| Psychology/Sociology of the Family | ||
| Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Part B: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 9 units from the following list, including any courses listed above not used for Part A. | 9 | |
| General Biology (Lecture and Lab) | ||
| General Biology and General Biology Laboratory | ||
| Human Physiology | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| General Psychology | ||
or PSYC 101H | General Psychology (Honors) | |
| Social Psychology | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science | ||
| Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | ||
| Comparative Cultures | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
Certificates
Certificate of Proficiency
Optimal Aging and Older Adulthood
This program provides a multidisciplinary study of the theories and factors related to optimal aging and improved functioning in older adulthood. The certificate emphasizes optimal aging, starting with young adulthood and continuing through older adulthood, in recognition that cognitive, social, and biological factors influence a person's longevity, healthcare requirements, and quality of life.
Program Student Learning Outcome Statement:
- Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to address several factors (e.g., physical health, mental health, exercise, nutrition, the normal aging process, etc.) affecting optimal aging and older adulthood functioning.
| Required courses: | ||
| GERO 101 | Introduction to Aging | 3 |
| Required Electives: | ||
| Part A (Choose one course): | 3 | |
| Exercise Prescription for Special Populations | ||
| Nutrition and Aging | ||
| Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Part B (Select a minimum of 6 units from the following list, including any courses listed above not used in Part A): | 6 | |
| Principles of Health | ||
| Stress Management | ||
| Techniques and Analysis of Fitness and Weight Training | ||
| Nutrition Today | ||
| Total Units | 12 | |
How to Read Course Descriptions
For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available at http://www.miracosta.edu/governance/coursesandprograms/courseoutlines.html.
Courses
GERO 101: Introduction to Aging
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1309.00)
Course Typically Offered: F, SP
This course introduces the interdisciplinary field of gerontology and the study of aging, with an emphasis on biology/physiology, psychology, and sociology. It emphasizes the impact of increased life expectancy and aging on individuals, families, and health care providers and systems. Topics include factors linked to gender, race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity as well as changes and challenges for social and public services, public policy, and the politics of aging. Gerontology is a growing field with practical applications in health care, fitness and wellness, social work, and social services.
GERO 130: Caregiving: Techniques for Working with the Frail Elderly
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1309.00)
Course Typically Offered: SP(ODD)
This course provides practical and theoretical information on age-related physical and cognitive changes and how to work with the elderly who are frail due to advanced age and/or chronic illness. It explores cultural diversity and its affect on caregiving, health consequences of caregiving, and available community resources. This course is specifically targeted for students interested in working in the field of aging or those who are caregivers for family members.
GERO 250: Intergenerational Issues
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1309.00)
Course Typically Offered: F
This course examines interpersonal relations between older adults and other age groups in the United States. It explores policies and related programs that impact intergenerational relationships and care-giving interactions. It highlights societal, cultural perspectives and issues and real-world outcomes.
GERO 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: TBA
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
GERO 296: Topics in Gerontology
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (2001.00)
Course Typically Offered: TBA
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Gerontology that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
