Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences AS
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
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
Suggested 4-Semester Pathway
The four-semester pathway is intended for the typical student. Always look at placement scores, AP, and previous college credits to ensure proper placement in the first and subsequent semesters.
Choose an emphasis:
| Chemistry Emphasis - Semester 1 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 101: Research and Composition | 3 |
| INT 111: College Foundations | 1 |
| CHE 131: General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
| MTH 221: Calculus 1 | 4 |
| PE Elective | 1 |
| Chemistry Emphasis - Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| CHE 132: General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| Math Sci Elective1 | 4 |
| MTH 222: Calculus 2 | 4 |
| Chemistry Emphasis - Semester 3 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CHE 211: Organic Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| Math Sci Elective1 | 4 |
| Humanities Elective2 | 3 |
| Free Elective4 | 3 |
| Social Science Elective3 | 3 |
| Chemistry Emphasis - Semester 4 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CIS 116: Introductory Programming | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
| CHE 212: Organic Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| Free Elective4 | 3 |
| Earth and Environmental Science Emphasis - Semester 1 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| INT 111: College Foundations | 1 |
| Free Elective4 (If needed, use for a prerequisite) | 3 |
| ENS 101: Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| CHE 131: General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| GEO 131: Physical Geology | 4 |
| Earth and Environmental Science Emphasis - Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| Free Elective4 | 3 |
| CHE 132: General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| GEO 132: Historical Geology | 4 |
| MTH 221: Calculus 1 | 4 |
| Earth and Environmental Science Emphasis - Semester 3 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Math Sci Elective (suggested: BIO 131: Principles of Biology 1: Cell and Molecular Biology, PHY 131: General Physics 1, or PHY 145: Science and Engineering Physics 3) | 4 |
| Humanities Elective2 (A/WL) | 3 |
| Social Science Elective3 (DEISJ & SS/US/WH) | 3 |
| MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
| MTH 222: Calculus 2 | 4 |
| Earth and Environmental Science Emphasis - Semester 4 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Math Sci Elective1 | 4 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
| CIS 116: Introductory Programming | 3 |
| PE Elective | 1 |
| Physics - Semester 1 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 101: Research and Composition | 3 |
| INT 111: College Foundations | 1 |
| CIS 116: Introductory Programming | 3 |
| CHE 131: General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
| MTH 221: Calculus 1 | 4 |
| PE Elective | 1 |
| Physics - Semester 2 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENG 102: Literature and Composition | 3 |
| CHE 132: General Chemistry 2 | 4 |
| PHY 143: Science and Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
| MTH 222: Calculus 2 | 4 |
| Physics - Semester 3 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHY 145: Science and Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
| MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1 | 3 |
| Free Elective4 (MTH 242: Differential Equations suggested) | 4 |
| Humanities Elective2 (A/WL) | 3 |
| Social Science Elective3 (DEISJ & SS/US/WH) | 3 |
| Physics - Semester 4 | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Math Sci Elective1: PHY 144: Science and Engineering Physics 2 | 4 |
| Math Sci Elective1 MTH 241: Calculus 3 | 4 |
| Free Elective4 (MTH 245: Linear Algebra suggested) | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Elective | 3 |
Lookup Course Description
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.
Degree requirements for Physical Science Concentration, Natural Sciences A.S.
| Free Electives | 3 Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| INT 111: College Foundations (Graduation Requirement unless met by previous coursework) |
| 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 |
| Computer Science Requirement (3 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CIS 116 Introductory Programming | 3 |
| 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 |
| Free Elective Requirements (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Free Electives4 | 7 |
| Physical Education Requirement | 1 Credit Hour |
|---|
Total Credit Hours 64
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Computer Science Requirement (3 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Elective2 | 3 |
| 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 |
| Free Elective Requirements (7 credit hours) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Free Electives | 7 |
| Physical Education Requirement | 1 Credit Hour |
|---|
Total Credit Hours 64
| 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
Mike Guga
Assistant Professor of Biology
mguga@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2347
Oliver Youst
Professor of Physics
oyoust@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2243
Donna Stevenson
Interim AVP for STEM, Health Professions, Business, & Hospitality & Tourism
dstevenson@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2323