Science

Program Description

A student interested in the AS in Science chooses one of four options: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Systems and Environmental Science, or Physics. Each option prepares students for transfer to a complementary four-year science program (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, etc.), teacher education program, pharmacy school, or engineering program (biomedical, chemical, environmental). Enrichment programs are offered to encourage students to continue their education beyond the bachelor’s degree by attending graduate or other professional programs (e.g., medical school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy programs).

Program Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the Science program requirements, students will be able to:
1. Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of a life or physical science.
2. Apply the scientific method to explore natural phenomena, including hypothesis development, observation, experimentation, measurement, data analysis, and data presentation.
3. Interpret and draw appropriate inferences from quantitative representation such as formulas, graphs, or tables and represent quantitative problems expressed in natural language in a mathematical format.
4. Use algebraic, numerical, graphical, or statistical methods to solve mathematical problems and to apply mathematical methods in a scientific field.

Learning Outcomes: Biology Option

Upon successful completion of the Biology option requirements, students will be able to:
1. Exhibit basic mastery of biological content such as the primary principles and processes underlying natural systems, such as atoms and molecules and cells and organisms.
2. Demonstrate basic scientific skills, evaluate information scientifically, and distinguish between the scientific method and other human endeavors.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles across a broad range of sub-disciplines in the biological sciences and evaluate the quality/credibility of information from various kinds of sources (academic, journalistic, popular media).
4. Apply the principles of math as they pertain to the study of biological sciences.

Option Coordinator: Dr. Charles Maliti

Learning Outcomes: Chemistry Option

Upon successful completion of the Chemistry option requirements, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate their knowledge in general, organic and analytical chemistry by identifying, analyzing, and solving the problems.
2. Interpret experimental outcomes, carry out organic syntheses, interpret instrumental analysis data and possess working knowledge of lab safety.
3. Write lab reports using the experimental data, perform computations, analyze graphs and utilize software programs such as “Chem Draw.”
4. Apply chemistry principles by participating with faculty on research projects, by gaining industrial experience through department administered internships, or by giving oral presentations at STEM conferences.
5. Gain experience in operating the following instrumentation: FT-IR, NMR, GC/MS, and HPLC, Ion Chromatograph, Spectrophotometer, UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, and 3D printers.

Option Coordinators: Dr. Soosairaj Therese and Dr. Sunej Hans

Learning Outcomes: Earth Systems and Environmental Science Option

Upon successful completion of the Earth Systems and Environmental Science option requirements, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of research and theory of plate tectonics.
2. Apply research skills to successfully classify rock samples or unknown chemicals.
3. Write an essay to clearly explain discipline-specific ideas. 

Option Coordinator: Dr. Sheldon Skaggs

Learning Outcomes: Physics Option

Upon successful completion of the Physics option requirements, students will be able to:
1. Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of Physics principles, including those in Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity, Fluid Dynamics, and Magnetism.
2. Students will show mastery of a variety of experimental techniques, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to use analytical and / or computational methods to solve Physics problems. 

Option Coordinator: Dr. Joseph Malinsky