LCCC Catalog 2022-2023 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
LCCC Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Physical Science, AS


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The Physical Science program prepares students for careers in a dynamic spectrum of fields, including but not limited to chemistry and geoscience. Recent advancements have led to expanded employment opportunities for scientists in a field of physical science. Students who complete this program achieve an Associate of Science degree with anticipated transfer to a four-year university. Students interested in a physical science field may choose to follow the curriculum outlined in this program as recommended by their Pathway Advisor. Through the Physical Science program, students have the opportunity to explore a range of physical science fields and can participate in research on our campus.

Contact Information

Contact information is available on the Physical Science program website.

Map your individual academic plan of courses with your Pathway Advisor.

If students choose to transition to another program within the STEM Pathway, they should be particularly aware of the choice points that indicate when a decision to branch off into another program must be made to ensure credits and time are not lost.

Coursework common to all degrees within this pathway is indicated by CAC, Common Academic Coursework, in the program map. 

Competencies


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Apply scientific principles to solve problems.
  2. Evaluate primary scientific or technical literature.
  3. Examine the role science plays in historical or contemporary contexts.
  4. Communicate scientific information.
  5. Explain ethical scientific behavior.

First Semester


Choice Points


  • See Program Comments below regarding Math course options if students place higher than MATH 1400 .

Course Requirements


Milestones


  • Completion MATH 1400  or higher as a prerequisite for other courses.

Semester Total: 14 Credits


Second Semester


Choice Points


  • See Program Comments below regarding Math course options if students place higher than MATH 1405 .
  • Students should consult with their Advising Team before choosing STAT 2050 , GEOL 1100 , or GEOL 1200 .

Milestones


  • Completion ENGL 1010  as a prerequisite for other courses.

Semester Total: 14 Credits


Third Semester (Summer)


Course Requirements


Semester Total: 6 Credits


Fourth Semester


Choice Points


  • Students interested in Chemistry should take CHEM 2420 .
  • Students interested in Geoscience should take STAT 2050 .

Course Requirements


Milestones


  • Completion of the LCCC general education core and eligible for the Interstate Passport.

Semester Total: 15 Credits


Fifth Semester


Choice Points


  • Students interested in chemistry should choose course Combination 1.
  • Students interested in geosciences should choose course Combination 2.
  • Students may choose to take Scientific Research I in addition to the required courses, if it falls within the credit and time constraints.

Course Requirements


Milestones


  • Completion of Physical Science, AS.

Semester Total: 13-15 Credits


Program Credit Hour Total: 62-68 Credits


Program Comments

The Physical Science program may take longer than two years for students whose initial math course is not Calculus I due to the prerequisites of the math courses. Students should enroll in the highest-level math course for which they qualify. Starting in a course above MATH 1400  will reduce the credit hours needed to complete this degree, and not require a summer semester. Students should work closely with their Advising Team.

The information below is intended to be a guide, and does not guarantee regional job placement, job availability, or a specific wage after completion of the program. Some careers in or related to Physical Science will require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Typical job titles for graduates with a degree in Physical Sciences include work in quality control, technical sales & marketing, or research & development in a wide-variety of fields (such as engineering, pharmaceuticals, and new-product development). Many chemists work in lab-related settings, but employment is also available in education, consulting, publishing and other fields.

Additional information on careers in Physical Science is available through Career Coach.

Transfer Information

The Physical Science program is well suited for transfer to a Bachelor of Science program. LCCC courses may transfer to institutions in addition to those with formal articulation agreements. Students are strongly encouraged to determine the degree requirements and transfer policy of the specific college/university and program to which they plan to transfer.

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