Course Descriptions
Refer to the catalog 2019-2020 course descriptions to view the course descriptions listing, as well as award plans, for this academic year. To view previous catalogs course descriptions, as well as awards plans, refer to www.austincc.edu/catalog/past-catalogs.
To view discipline programs and course rubrics cross references, see the Cross Reference by Discipline Program and Cross Reference by Course Rubric sections in this catalog.
Course Descriptions Information
Course Numbering System
Austin Community College has adopted the Texas Common Course Number system, which facilitates the identification of courses that transfer among public institutions. Disciplines identify courses using a four-letter rubric and a four-character number (e.g. ENGL 1301).
Under the common course numbering system, the first digit indicates the level at which the course is typically taught (e.g. 1=freshman, 2=sophomore). The second number indicates credit-hour value and the third and fourth numbers indicate sequence of the course. Developmental courses, which are not transferable and therefore not part of the Texas Common Course Number system, have nevertheless adopted a four-character rubric.
The three figures in parentheses after the title of each course in the course descriptions listing indicate the number of semester credit hours for the course, the number of lecture hours each week and the number of laboratory or activity hours each week, respectively.
Course Entry Requirements
Most college-credit courses have one or more skill requirements in reading, writing, or mathematics. (For example, English Composition I requires proficiency in reading and writing.) Proficiency is determined by state-required Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test to determine college-readiness in reading, writing, and math. Proficiency (or exemption) may also be proved with an official transcript from another college. Students must meet proficiency (or exemption) requirements of all courses. Applicable skills requirements are indicated in the course descriptions. A legend of skills requirements is provided below.
Skills Requirement(s) Legend
A : Reading and Special Approval
B : Reading and Math
D : Reading, Math, and Special Approval
E : Reading and Writing
G : Reading, Writing, and Math
I : Reading, Writing, and Special Approval
J : Writing and Math
K : Writing and Special Approval
N : Math, Writing, and Special Approval
O : Reading, Writing, Math, and Special Approval
P : Special Approval
R : Reading
S : Math
Y : Math and Special Approval
Z : Writing
Other requirements, such as course prerequisites or instructional program approval, must also be met. Visit with an academic advisor, counselor, or faculty member for more information about course requirements and prerequisites.
Allied Health Sciences
In the health sciences areas, more complete or in-depth course descriptions are available from the individual programs.
The Allied Health Sciences (ALHS) program is dedicated to educational excellence. To that end, every effort has been made to develop and offer a diverse range of courses (HPRS) designed to meet student needs and facilitate student success. ALHS is an interdisciplinary program in health sciences whose main responsibility is providing prerequisite and corequisite courses for other Health Science degrees and certificate programs.
Additionally, the Allied Health Sciences Department participates in First Day Access, (FDA), Supplemental Instruction(SI), and the Health Science Academy (HSA) to meet the college’s mission, and to enhance student success. Every attempt, including technology based learning is used to enhance and strengthen the student’s education experiences.
A variety of courses in allied health specialties are offered for students who are: (1) seeking enrollment in ACC health science programs such as nursing, surgical and medical laboratory technology, emergency medical services (paramedicine), physical therapy, and pharmacy technician and several other health science programs; (2) co-enrolled in ACC health science programs; (3) transferring into health science programs at other institutions; (4) exploring health science careers; or (5) co-enrolled in public schools and either investigating health careers or planning to continue at ACC in a health science program. Courses are in medical terminology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and end of life issues. For more information, visit the Allied Health Sciences program website at sites.austincc.edu/health/alhs.
Honors
Honors courses are available in many discipline areas. For specific offerings, consult the Schedule of Classes. Additional information is available at sites.austincc.edu/honors or call 512-223-2171.
Course Types
The designated course type is provided at the end of each course description, except for ACC’s bachelor’s degree courses (course rubrics that begin with 3 and 4; e.g. NURS 3350) :
T—Transfer/Academic Courses: Designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for transfer among community colleges and state public four-year colleges and universities as freshman and sophomore general education courses. There is no guarantee, however, that a course which “transfers” will apply to a specific major or degree at a four-year college or university.
W—WECM Courses: Designed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as workforce education (technical) courses offered for credit or Continuing Education Units (CEU’s). WECM credit courses are designed to transfer among state community colleges, however, they are not designed to automatically transfer to public four-year college and universities. Continuing education courses do not transfer to semester hour programs or to other colleges.
D—Developmental Courses: Developmental courses offer a review of a specific academic skill to prepare students for college credit course work. Students can improve their academic success by taking the appropriate reading, writing or math course. Developmental courses do not count toward graduation and do not fulfill any degree requirements at Austin Community College.
C—Certificate Only Courses: Certificate courses/programs are designed for the person who is not planning to complete a college degree but wants to learn a marketable skill and secure immediate employment. These courses do not apply to any associate or higher degree program.