Natural Sciences Department

Physical Science

 

A.S. Degree • Suggested Curriculum

This program provides the foundation work for students planning to transfer to upper-division physical science programs or to teach physical science at the high school level. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Associate in Science Degree prior to transfer.

 

I. GENERAL EDUCATION CORE (39-40)

Area A: Communication (9 credits)

ENG 101 [C1 900] Composition I - with a grade of C or better (3)
ENG 102 [C1 901R] Composition II - with a grade of C or better (3)
COMM 101 [C2 900] Principles of Communication (3)

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)

Select three courses from the list for Area B on pages 50-52, with at
least one course from humanities and one course from fine arts.

Area C: Mathematics (5 credits)

MATH 171 [M1 900-1] Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5)

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)

PHYSC 112 [P9 900L] Earth Science (4)
One life science course from the list for Area D on pages 50-52. (3-4)

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits

Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list
for Area E on pages 50-52.

 

II.AREA OF CONCENTRATION/MAJOR FIELD (12)

Select courses from Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, or Physical Science:

ASTRO 101 Guide to the Universe (3)
ASTRO 104 The Solar System and Beyond (4)
GEOG 105 Introduction to Physical Geography (3)
GEOLO 101 Physical Geology (4)
METEO 150 Introduction to Meteorology (3)
PHYSC 111 Physical Science (4)

 

III. ELECTIVES (10-11)

Select any additional courses from the general education core courses listed above. Students planning to teach at the high school level should also refer to the recommended curriculum for Secondary Education for additional course choices.

 

Required A.S. Degree Program Total: 62 credits

 

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Geology

A.S. Degree • Suggested Curriculum

The physicist is concerned with theoretical scientific principles. Employment opportunities for engineers and physicists include theoretical research activities plus many other options. In the typical four-year curriculum, the first two years concentrate on the basic sciences including mathematics, chemistry and physics. The last two years emphasize advanced mathematics and science courses. Prairie State College offers courses applicable to the first two years of the curriculum, and will grant an Associate in Science degree to successful students.

 

I. GENERAL EDUCATION CORE (39-41)

Area A: Communication (9 credits)

ENG 101 [C1 900] Composition I - with a grade of C or better (3)
ENG 102 [C1 901R] Composition II - with a grade of C or better (3)
COMM 101 [C2 900] Principles of Communication (3)

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)

Select three courses from the list for Area B on pages 50-52, with at
least one course from humanities and one course from fine arts.

Area C: Mathematics (3-5 credits)

MATH 171 [M1 900-1] Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (9 credits)

PHYSI 210 [P2 900L] University Physics I (4) recommended
Select one life science from the list for Area D on pages 50-52 (3-4)

Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits

Select three courses in at least two different disciplines from the list
for Area E on pages 50-52.

 

II. AREA OF CONCENTRATION/MAJOR FIELD (17-19)

Select a minimum of 22-23 credits from the foundation courses listed below. Be aware that because of differences among schools in the number of credits for which various courses are offered, and the possible need for prerequisite courses, it may be difficult to complete an Associate in Science degree without taking more credits than will be accepted in transfer.

CHEM 110 [CHM 911] General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 130 [CHM 912] General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 203 [CHM 913] Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 204 [CHM 914] Organic Chemistry II (5)
MATH 172 [MTH 902] Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (5)
MATH 173 [MTH 903] Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (5)
PHYSI 220 [BIO 904] University Physics II (4)