The Natural Sciences Department encompasses the fields of biology, environmental science, chemistry, and physics. We provide a solid foundation to continue in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or any medical or engineering field. From pre-pharmacy, pre-med, or pre-engineering, we are a great place to start.
About Our Programs
Biology
Learn the foundation for understanding organisms, including their origin, evolution, characteristics, and interaction with their environment. Students examine biological processes at various levels of organizations such as molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological.
Chemistry
Learn a foundation for the field of chemistry through introductory inorganic and organic courses. Study includes atomic and molecular structures, orbital theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and chemical equations.
Physics
Physics promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills and explains how things work in our natural world. Data from the American Institute of Physics show that physics majors get among the highest scores in the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) of all the undergraduate majors.
Astronomy
Explore the mysteries of the universe, such as the birth and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and the formation of matter, to improve life and technology on Earth.
Careers
The Natural Sciences Department prepares students for careers in a variety of industries, including:
- Engineering fields (electrical, civil, mechanical, computer, aerospace, etc.).
- Fiber optics.
- Physics.
- Pharmacy.
- Radiology.
- Physical therapy.
- Nanotechnology.
- Aviation.
- Energy and renewable energy.
Physics and Astronomy Courses
Introductory Physics Series — Algebra-Based
PHY-1010 Introductory Physics I (with lab, Gen-End)
PHY-1020 Introductory Physics II (with lab)
General Physics Series — Calculus-Based*
PHY-1030 General Physics I (no lab, Gen-Ed)
PHY-1040 General Physics I Laboratory (lab course to accompany PHY-1030)
PHY-2030 General Physics II (with lab)
PHY-2040 General Physics III (with lab)
PHY-1570 Technical Physics (with lab, Gen-Ed)
PHY-1650 Conceptual Physics for Medical Imaging
Astronomy Courses
PSC-1010 Introduction to Astronomy or Honors PSC-1010H (Gen-Ed, no math prerequisite)
PSC-1020 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory (Gen-Ed, no math prerequisite)
PSC-1200 Exploring Chemistry and Physics Concepts (with lab, Gen-Ed)
PSC-1210 Exploring Earth and Space Science Concepts (with lab, Gen-Ed)
*This series is required for the Associate of Arts Engineering degree. It is also useful if you plan to transfer as a physics major.
Full-Time Faculty
Dr. James C. Hunt (Coordinator for all PSC/PHY courses)
301-546-0429 | huntjc@pgcc.edu
Professor Rocco Mennella
240-988-8576 | mennelrx@pgcc.edu
Dr. Neeharika Thakur
301-546-0605 | thakurnx@pgcc.edu
Contact Information
Dr. Thomas E. Snowden, Chair
Natural Sciences Department
Chesapeake Hall, Suite 100H
301-546-0420 | 301-546-7544
snowdete@pgcc.edu