The Natural Sciences Department consists of the Biology Unit and the Physical Sciences Unit. The former offers courses in general biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, and microbiology. The latter offers courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and environmental sciences. Students are offered opportunities to do research in Independent Studies classes in biology, chemistry and physics.

The Biology and Physical Sciences Units offer courses for liberal arts students and for liberal arts and sciences students who intend to continue study in the natural and physical sciences as well as the medical fields. In addition, courses are offered for career-oriented programs in the allied health areas, such as radiologic technology, dental hygiene, and nursing.

Liberal Arts students pursuing the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree must complete eight (8) credits in the Natural Sciences Department in one of the following sequences: Principles of Biology, and Plants & Society (BIO 110-111 and BIO 120-121); or Principles of Biology, and Organismic Biology (BIO 110-111 and BIO 130-131); General Biology (BIO 210 and BIO 220); Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 230 and BIO 240); General Chemistry (CHE 210 and CHE 220); Physics (PHY 110/120 or PHY 210 and PHY 220); Environmental Sciences (ENV 110-111 and ENV 120-122).

Some Biology and Environmental Science courses are offered in either English or Spanish.

Liberal Arts and Sciences students planning to enter professions in the sciences or in health (medical) related fields should follow the sequence described in the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. This program of study provides students with the foundation in math and science needed to transfer to senior colleges, where they can continue their studies. This program is designed for students planning to pursue careers in such fields as Medicine, Dentistry, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, and Optometry or a career in the biological or physical sciences such as science research.

The program requires a minimum of 60 credits and must include the specified number of credits in the areas indicated below. Students are expected to complete two sequences of sciences courses which can be General Biology (BIO 210 and BIO 220); Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 230 and BIO 240); General Chemistry (CHE 210 and CHE 220); and Physics (PHY 210 and PHY 220) as well as a number of credits in science major elective courses. Students interested in this program of study should contact the Natural Sciences Department for information regarding credit distribution, options and transfer to senior colleges.

The department also provides the student with pre-clinical course work to allow the student to move into clinical course work to prepare for a job with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Biology

The Biology Unit offers courses in introductory and advanced biology.

Students can earn credits in biology courses by satisfactorily completing all examinations and laboratory work. Laboratory participation is mandatory.

Courses offered primarily for Allied Health Programs

BIO 230 Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO 240 Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO 310 Microbiology

Other courses offered are:

BIO 260 Introduction to Genetics
BIO 299 Independent Studies in Biology

Physical Sciences

The Physical Sciences Unit offers courses in chemistry, physics and environmental sciences.

Students can earn credits in physical sciences unit courses by satisfactorily completing all examinations and laboratory work. Laboratory participation is mandatory.

Courses offered primarily for Allied Health Programs

CHE 105 Introduction to General Chemistry
CHE 110 Introduction to Chemistry
CHE 120 Principles of Organic Chemistry

Courses offered primarily for the Digital Music Program

PHY 105 Physics of Sound

Other courses offered are:

CHE 299 Independent Studies in Chemistry
PHY 299 Independent Studies in Physics
CHE 310 Organic Chemistry I
CHE 312 Organic Chemistry I Lab
CHE 320 Organic Chemistry II
CHE 322 Organic Chemistry II Lab
EAS 106 Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Department: Natural Sciences