Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences AS
SUNY Jefferson
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Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences AS

Small group investigating rock formations
50% or more of this program can be completed online.

Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S.

  • Program Type: Transfer
  • Delivery: On-campus
  • Personal Interests: STEM fields, research, field study
  • Skill Building: Scientific method, research methods, geology, chemistry, physics
  • Career Options: Business and industry, government, education
  • Program Code: HEGIS 5649

Build your foundation for study and success in physics, chemistry, and more

Jefferson Community College’s Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. degree provides solid grounding in the basic science, mathematics, and liberal arts areas needed for a seamless transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice.

You’ll learn the principles of scientific investigation, use reasoning and data to solve complex scientific problems, and explore the natural environment. Your concentration in the physical sciences prepares for careers in chemistry, geology, physics, education, oceanography, mineralogy, and more.

Students pursuing this program should have completed three or four years of high school mathematics, two or three years of traditional science, and four years of English in high school.

This program offers:

  • Strong foundation for studies toward a bachelor’s degree
  • Math and science preparation for a variety of fields
  • Electives that match your scientific interests and career goals
  • Cost savings on general education and introductory math and sciences classes

Physical science degree prepares you for further study and career growth

A background in the physical sciences prepares you for careers in many fields, from research and education to applied science. Pursue chemistry, geology, environmental management, meteorology, engineering, oceanography, physics, and much more.

You’ll use the scientific method to research and investigate natural phenomena and may help save the environment, find a cure for cancer, or discover a new species of squid in the ocean’s depths.

Learn to conduct scientific research and experiments

When you complete Jefferson’s Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. degree you will be able to:

  • Recognize and apply components of the scientific method
  • Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and evaluate hypotheses
  • Apply scientific information to natural science concepts
  • Transfer with seven of the 10 SUNY General Education categories complete

 

Contact Enrollment Services for Application and Admissions Information

Jules Center 6-010 (ground level)
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2437, fax (315) 786-2349 or toll free (888) 435-6522

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday

 

Transfer to the bachelor’s program of your choice

Complete this program and choose from a wide range of transfer options, including SUNY universities and private colleges. Formal agreements with some institutions make transfer to specific programs especially smooth:

  • Clarkson University, Environmental & Occupational Health B.S.
  • Clarkson University, Environmental Science & Policy B.S.
  • Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Science, various programs
  • Paul Smith’s College
  • SUNY Alfred State College, Forensic Science Technology B.S.
  • SUNY Cobleskill, Agricultural Biotechnology B.S.
  • SUNY Cobleskill, Fermentation Science B.S.
  • SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  • SUNY Empire State College
  • SUNY Potsdam
  • SUNY Upstate Medical University

 

Focus on biological sciences

Students in Jefferson’s Natural Sciences A.S. program also can choose a concentration in Allied Health & Biological Sciences. Explore the biological sciences option.

 

“We used to teach straight bench chemistry, but now with the implementation of computers and other technology we need to learn how to use all of that before we can teach it. That keeps you busy, working with the most advanced technology available to make sure students are getting the best education.”John Penrose
Professor of Chemistry and Distinguished Professor

Degree requirements for Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S.

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Free Electives 3 Credit Hours
INT 111: College Foundations
(Graduation Requirement unless met by previous coursework)
 
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Math & Science Requirements (35 Credit Hours)
Mathematics and Science Requirements (35 credit hours) Credit Hours
CHE 131: General Chemistry 1 4
CHE 132: General Chemistry 2 4
MTH 174 Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 3
MTH 221 Calculus 1 4
MTH 222 Calculus 2 4
One of the following science sequences: 
PHY 131/132, CHE 211/212 or 
GEO 131/132
8
Science1 or Math1 Electives (2 courses) 8
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Computer Science Requirement (3 Credit Hours)
Computer Science Requirement (3 credit hours) Credit Hours
CIS 116 Introductory Programming 3
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. English Requirements (18 Credit Hours)
Liberal Arts Requirements (18 credit hours) Credit Hours
ENG 101: Research and Composition 3
ENG 102: Literature and Composition 3
Humanities Elective2 3
Humanities/Social Science Electives 6
Social Science Electives3 3
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Electives (7 Credit Hours)
Free Elective Requirements (7 credit hours) Credit Hours
Free Electives4 7
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Physical Education Requirements (1 Credit Hours)
Physical Education Requirement 1 Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours 64

 

Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Advising Notes
Advising Notes:  
1Restricted Elective courses in mathematics, laboratory sciences, and science are as follows:
Math:  MTH 174 and higher
Biology:  BIO 131 and higher
Chemistry:  CHE 131 and higher
Geology:  GEO 131 and higher
Physics:  PHY 131 and higher
Science:  SCI 199
 
2One course must be selected from either area of The Arts or World Languages in the SUNY General Education Course list.  
3Course must be selected from the SUNY General Education Course Listing for Diversity: Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice and one of the following SUNY General Education Course Listings: Social Science, US History and Civic Engagement, or World History and Global Awareness.  
4Courses tailored to the needs of the student, to be chosen in consultation with academic advisor. New students required to complete INT 111:College Foundations will complete 6 credits of free electives.  
Effective Fall 2018
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Math & Science Requirements (35 Credit Hours)
Mathematics and Science Requirements (35 credit hours) Credit Hours
CHE 131: General Chemistry 1 4
CHE 132: General Chemistry 2 4
MTH 185: Precalculus or higher (2 courses) 8
One of the following science sequences: 
PHY 131/132, CHE 211/212 or 
GEO 131/132
8
Science1 or Math1 Electives (3 courses) 11
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Computer Science Requirement (3 Credit Hours)
Computer Science Requirement (3 credit hours) Credit Hours
Computer Science Elective2 3
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. English Requirements (18 Credit Hours)
Liberal Arts Requirements (18 credit hours) Credit Hours
ENG 101: Research and Composition 3
ENG 102: Literature and Composition 3
Humanities Elective3 3
Humanities/Social Science Elective 3
Social Science Electives4 6
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Electives (7 Credit Hours)
Free Elective Requirements (7 credit hours) Credit Hours
Free Electives 7
Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Physical Education Requirements (1 Credit Hours)
Physical Education Requirement 1 Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours 64

 

Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S. Advising Notes
Advising Notes:  
1Restricted Elective courses in mathematics, laboratory sciences, and science are as follows:
Math:  MTH 174 and higher
Biology:  BIO 131 and higher
Chemistry:  CHE 131 and higher
Geology:  GEO 131 and higher
Physics:  PHY 131 and higher
Science:  SCI 199
 
2CIS 116:  Introductory Programming is strongly recommended for those intending to pursue a career in the physical sciences; however, CIS 110 or higher will be accepted.  
3One course must be selected from either area of The Arts or Foreign Language in the SUNY General Education Course list.  
4Courses must be Social Science electives selected from two different areas in the SUNY General Education Course Listing for Social Science, American History, Western Civilization, and Other World Civilizations.  

 

 

Program Contacts

Todd Vincent

Professor of Biology
tvincent@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2517

Scott Schaeffer

Associate Vice President 
STEM and Health Professions
sschaeffer@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2323