Joliet Junior College's Natural Sciences and Physical Education Department encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, emergency medical services, fire science technology, geography, geology, physical education, and physics.
Students can take advantage of the many unique learning opportunities JJC offers, from an on-campus planetarium to the prairie restoration project. Students receive hands-on learning experiences and lab time from professors who are extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, continually study updates in their fields, and earn accolades both on and off campus.
For more information contact John Griffis, Department Chair and Professor, by calling (815) 280-2536 or emailing jgriffis@jjc.edu.
Announcements
- View the Ecological Restoration Project Video call for volunteers.
Call Andy Neill for information at (815) 280-2632 about how you can help.
- You are invited to attend the public lecture titled "The Heavens as Iron, the Earth as Brass: A Brief History of Meteorites and their Impacts" by Dr. Mark Hammergren, from the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. This is being held on Wednesday, December 3rd in D-2001 at 6pm. Refreshments will be available at 5:45pm in D-2001. Admission is free.
Campus Resources
Astronomy
Students interested in astronomy may choose to explore the topic in Astronomy 101. The course is geared toward general students and requires no previous science or math courses. Topics range from ancient beliefs concerning stars to black holes in space.
Biology
The biology program serves a diverse population of students, including Biology majors, Nursing majors, students in Allied Health, and students seeking to fulfill a laboratory science requirement.
If you would like to learn about how to become an astronomer or an astrophysicist, then please contact the Natural Sciences Department at (815) 280-2420.
Chemistry
Chemistry focuses on matter, what substances are made of, their properties, how they act, and how they interact. Besides the traditional areas of study, a chemistry background is central to research in new areas of great potential for society.
Emergency Medical Services
The associate's degree program is designed to prepare individuals for a wide spectrum of EMS careers including the fire service, hospital emergency department technicians, physicians' offices and clinics, and EMS-training facilities.
Fire Science Technology
The Fire Science Technology program combines fire science theory with a liberal arts education. The programs range from the introductory level to the administrative officer level. It is coordinated with the Illinois State Fire Marshal Office and has the support of area mayors, city managers, and fire district trustees.
Geography
Students can explore a wide range of specific topics related to geography with the variety of courses JJC offers. Students may choose to study weather and climate or landforms for lab science credit, or they may investigate social science aspects by examining economic or cultural geography.
Physical Education
JJC's Physical Education program includes courses as basic as the Fitness Center to courses as detailed and specific as soccer coaching. The program also encompasses classes on first aid, the history of sports and wellness concepts, as well as many others.
Physics
All physics courses at JJC incorporate computer technology. Microcomputers are used extensively in simulations, data collection and analysis, and spreadsheets and graphing.