Science
Explore the World Around You
Study science at Kirkwood to explore scientific methodology. Here, you'll make observations, collect data, and conduct experiments to investigate our natural world.
Science courses at Kirkwood provide a strong foundation that can make a life-changing difference in your chosen career path. You'll learn from dedicated faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, gaining hands-on experience in the classroom, the lab, and other unique environments.
As technology capabilities continue to grow, the need for scientists in a variety of fields is on a rise, which creates a very rewarding career future for you. Kirkwood can help you explore your career options by providing exciting experiences in and out of the classroom to help you find the best path.
If you're planning to transfer to a four-year program, you'll work very closely with advisors in our Advising and Transfer Center. They'll make sure you have everything completed for a seamless transfer.
Our advisors help take the guesswork and confusion out of the process, ensuring you meet Kirkwood’s graduation requirements, as well as the admission requirements and transferability of courses to your transfer school.
At Kirkwood, transferring and earning a degree in the sciences couldn’t be more rewarding or more affordable.
Kirkwood is the affordable option! We have more than $3 million in scholarships available every year — and it's just one easy application.
Studying science can be a gateway into many fields including biology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, genetics, geology, agronomy, forensics, teaching, and environmental science.
Science is also a great start for those wanting to pursue a professional career such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and physical therapy.
There are many exciting career choices and paths within the sciences, and earning a degree in science prepares you for a highly diverse and competitive job market. All science majors learn core critical thinking and statistical skills, as well as the universal process of the scientific method.
Resources:
LSAMP IINSPIRE Program
The Iowa Illinois Nebraska STEM Partnership for Innovation in Research and Education (IINSPIRE) project is part of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program. LSAMP is a National Science Foundation (NSF) alliance among sixteen two-year and four-year colleges and universities working together to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the Midwest.
The purpose of the Science, Tehcnology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) club is to stimulate and encourage a strong interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Members benefit from leadership, networking, and community opportunities that apply their knowledge through STEM-related activities.
Explore Science Disciplines
The study of life! Study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. There are many, many sub-disciplines of biology including but not limited to: molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, botany, ecology, epidemiology, agronomy, zoology, immunology, entomology, microbiology, virology, mycology, parasitology, and physiology.
Sample Biology Coursework
BIO-112 General Biology I (4)
Serves as an introductory course for biology, science, and health science majors. Covers principles of cellular biology, elementary biochemistry, energy functions, cell division, DNA/RNA, genetics, and evolution theory. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: BIO-110 or CHM-165; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Besides taking a prerequisite course, proficiency may be demonstrated by a passing score on the Biology Readiness Exam. Contact the Test Center for details.
BIO-113 General Biology II (4)
Serves as an introductory course for biology, science and health science majors. Covers principles of organismal biology, ecology, the evolution and diversity of the Bacteria, Archaea, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia, followed by a comprehensive study of ecology. Includes plant anatomy and physiology, and animal systems including, but not limited to, nervous, circulatory, reproductive and immune systems. This course is intended for STEM majors. One year of high school Biology and Chemistry is strongly recommended. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0); Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
BIO-151 Nutrition (3)
Demonstrates the relationship between sound nutrition and good health. Explores energy requirements, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, metabolism, physical exercise, dieting, weight problems, evaluation of nutritional claims, vegetarianism, and proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
Introduces the structure and function of the human body. Emphasizes organization at the cellular and tissue level, and selected organ systems. Reinforces concepts through laboratory activities in computer simulations, dissection, and/or human specimens. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: None; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; One year of recent high school biology/chemistry with a grade of B or higher strongly recommended, or completion of Basic Biological Concepts or other college-level biology course.
BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
Continues the study of human organ systems. Reinforces concepts through laboratory activities in computer simulations, dissection, and/or human specimens. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: BIO-168; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
BIO-186 Microbiology (4)
Surveys bacteria, viruses, and fungi through their growth characteristics, morphology, and pathogenicity. Introduces immunology and explores epidemiology and diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria. Emphasizes culturing, identification, aseptic technique, and basic immunological assays in the laboratory. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: None; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
BIO-195 Human Evolution (3)
Explores biological evolution of the human species, including primate comparisons and prehistoric culture. Examines the development of evolutionary theory, natural selection, principles of inheritance, mechanisms of evolution, human biological diversity and adaptation, the behavioral and ecological diversity of nonhuman primates, and the human fossil and archaeological records. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
BIO-924 Honors Project (1)
Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. Course may be taken more than once. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires approval of supervising professor and dean.
BIO-928 Independent Study (1)
Provides readings, papers and basic research or other projects under the individual guidance of a staff member. Credits: 1, Hours: (0/2/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires permission of instructor and dean.
Chemistry is the study of all types of matter and the energy necessary to modify or transform them. Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” since it applies to fields of health, medicine, biology, physics, engineering, and materials. With applications from cooking to the next type of semi-conductor technology, chemistry underlies many of the advances in modern life!
Sample Chemistry Courses
CHM-110 Introduction to Chemistry (3)
Explores atoms, molecules, and how chemical reactions behave by practicing scientific measurements and using fundamental natural laws. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Prereq/coreq: MAT-052 or MAT-772; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A. The lab is optional.
CHM-111 Introduction to Chemistry Lab (1)
Accompanies CHM-110 as a laboratory. Credits: 1, Hours: (0/2/0/0), Coreq: CHM-110; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
CHM-132 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry (4)
Introduces structure, nomenclature and reactions in organic chemistry as well as the study of life processes including carbohydrate, protein, lipid, nucleic acid metabolism and the interrelationships involved. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: CHM-110 or CHM-165; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
CHM-165 General Chemistry I (4)
Studies the basic principles of inorganic chemistry with emphasis on such concepts as measurements and problem solving, chemical reactions and equations, stoichiometry, atomic structure and nuclear models, periodicity, chemical bonding, kinetic molecular theory and gas laws, and the structure and properties of matter. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: MAT-102, MAT-138 or MAT-708; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; CHM-110 or one year high school chemistry highly recommended.
CHM-175 General Chemistry II (4)
Continues General Chemistry I. Studies colligative properties along with thermodynamics and kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, acids, bases, and complex ions. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: CHM-165; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
CHM-262 Organic Chemistry I (4.5)
Introduces the theory and practice of organic chemistry with emphasis on the chemistry of functional groups. Emphasizes nomenclature, stereoisomerism, chemical bonding, reaction mechanisms, the characterization of hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, and alcohols. Teaches appropriate organic chemistry separation, isolation, and synthetic techniques through laboratory experiments. Credits: 4.5, Hours: (3/3/0/0), Prereq: CHM-175; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
CHM-272 Organic Chemistry II (4.5)
Continues the study of ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines and biologically important fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Stresses qualitative organic analysis and spectroscopic methods. Credits: 4.5, Hours: (3/3/0/0), Prereq: CHM-262; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
CHM-924 Honors Project (1)
Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires permission of instructor and dean.
CHM-928 Independent Study (1-1.5)
Provides readings, papers and basic research or other projects under the individual guidance of a staff member. Credits: 1-1.5, Hours: (0/2-3/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires permission of instructor and dean.
Study the millions of interactions between humans and the world around them, both living and non-living, and how those interactions impact one another.
Sample Environmental Science Courses
ENV-115 Environmental Science (3)
Examines environmental issues from a scientific perspective. Topics examined include ecosystems, energy, global warming, ozone depletion, air pollution, water resources, population growth, and biodiversity. Students are required to analyze environmental problems and draw conclusions. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
ENV-924 Honors Project (1)
Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires approval of supervising professor and dean.
ENV-928 Independent Study (0.5)
Provides students an opportunity to further their studies in environmental science. After consultation with instructor, readings, papers, and basic research or other projects may be assigned. Credits: 0.5, Hours: (0.5/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; College-level biology or environmental science course or permission of instructor.
Forensic science has become a highly developed discipline and focuses on the recognition, identification and evaluation of physical evidence. It draws on many of the other branches of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Forensic science has become an essential part of the judicial system as it produces information relevant to the criminal and legal evidence.
Sample Forensic Science Classes
SCI-120 Forensic Science (3)
Explores forensic science and its impact on science, society and the criminal justice system. Focuses on basic concepts in selected areas of chemistry, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and anatomy and physiology. This course is designed to educate liberal arts students about basic sciences, and the realities and limitations of scientific methods when applied specifically to criminal investigation. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
Explore how natural forces shape our planet and our universe! For examples, physical scientists study the forces that create the Earth’s weather patterns or plate tectonics that cause earthquakes and volcanoes. Astronomists study beyond Earth, learning about the sun, moons, planets, stars, galaxies, and more!
Sample Physical Science Courses
PHS-170 Physical Geology (3)
Explores how natural forces shape our planet and how geology is tied together through the theory of plate tectonics. Covers common earth materials, history of the Earth, geological resources, and geologic hazards. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Either Physical Geology (PHS-170) or Environmental Geology (PHS-175) will satisfy three hours of science core requirements. However, both cannot be counted toward meeting core. If both courses are taken, the second will count as an elective.
PHS-171 Physical Geology Lab (1)
Designed to be taken with PHS-170. Credits: 1, Hours: (0/2/0/0), Coreq: PHS-170; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHS-175 Environmental Geology (3)
Examines the effects of geological processes and geohazards on human life and activities. Explores common earth materials, volcanoes, earthquakes, flooding, water pollution, mining, and climate change. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Either Physical Geology (PHS-170) or Environmental Geology (PHS-175) will satisfy three hours of science core requirements. However, both cannot be counted toward meeting core. If both courses are taken, the second will count as an elective.
PHS-176 Environmental Geology Laboratory (1)
Designed to be taken with PHS-175 Credits: 1, Hours: (0/2/0/0), Coreq: PHS-175; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHS-180 Evolution of the Earth (3)
Considers interdisciplinary principles, techniques and methods essential to the interpretation of the geological history of the earth. Examines the development of plate tectonics and continental drift through geological time and the progression and evolution of life from Pre-Cambrian time to present time. Credits: 3, Hours: (3/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHS-181 Evolution of the Earth Lab (1)
Designed to be taken with PHS-180. Credits: 1, Hours: (0/2/0/0), Coreq: PHS-180; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHS-928 Independent Study (1)
Provides readings, papers, field or basic research projects for independent work in the geological sciences. Students study under the individual guidance of a staff member. Credits: 1, Hours: (0/2/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires permission of instructor and dean.
Understand matter and energy, and how they interact. The study of physics can include mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms.
Sample Physics Courses
PHY-120 Introductory Physics (3)
Provides basic work with scientific reasoning and fundamental concepts in classical and modern physics. Provides opportunities for measurements and application of concepts in a lab setting. Recommended for students planning to take College or Classical Physics, as well as all liberal arts students desiring an introductory course. Credits: 3, Hours: (2/2/0/0), Prereq: MAT-102 or MAT-707; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHY-162 College Physics I (4)
Emphasizes introductory physics concepts and methods of scientific reasoning. The first semester of this sequence treats the structure and properties of matter, descriptions of motion, Newton's Laws, conservation laws, rotational motion, fluid statics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Designed primarily for students interested in Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Forestry or Pre-Teacher education programs and those who seek to meet science requirements in their professional programs. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: MAT-102 or MAT-708; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHY-172 College Physics II (4)
Continues College Physics I and includes static and current electricity, electromagnetism, wave motion, optics, atomic and nuclear physics. Applications to the life sciences are integrated with material throughout the semester. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0), Prereq: PHY-162; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHY-212 Classical Physics I (5)
Introduces physics using calculus-level mathematics. Designed for students in Engineering, Mathematics and Physics. The first semester of this sequence covers the topics of vectors, linear and rotational kinematics, statics, dynamics, and oscillatory and wave motion. Credits: 5, Hours: (4/2/0/0), Prereq: MAT-210; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHY-222 Classical Physics II (5)
Continues Classical Physics I. Includes the topics of thermodynamics, static and current electricity, electromagnetism, geometric and wave optics, and a brief introduction to modern physics. Credits: 5, Hours: (4/2/0/0), Prereq: MAT-216, PHY-212; Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A
PHY-924 Honors Project (1)
Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. May be taken more than once. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0), Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Requires approval of supervising professor and dean.
“When I walk into a building on campus at Kirkwood, I know there are always resources that will help me with anything I need. The professors and students are kind and caring whenever you need help.”
Liz Schultz,
North Liberty, Iowa