Natural Sciences and Physical
Education Department
Office: E-1043 Phone: (815) 729-9020, ext.
2420 Chair:
Michael Lee
Joliet Junior College's Natural Sciences and Physical Education
Department encompasses a wide range of
disciplines, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, fire science,
geography, physical education, physics, and robotics.
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.
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. The course is offered each
semester in the day and evening.
Biology
The Biology program serves a diverse population of students, including
biology majors, nursing majors, Allied Health students, and students
seeking to fulfill a laboratory science requirement. The biology
curriculum provides students with a foundation in biological concepts and
lab techniques, encourages students to apply the scientific process, and
increases student awareness of changes in technology and its effects on
the environment.
Chemistry
Besides the traditional areas of study, a chemistry background is central
to research in new areas of great potential for society. At JJC, students
can complete the first two years of their chemistry requirement for chemistry,
chemical engineering, science and pre-medical curricula. All chemistry
courses include lab experience in modern, well-equipped facilities.
Students get hands-on experience with instruments such as the FT-IR
spectrometer, gas chromatograph, UV-VIS spectrophotometer and using
computers for data acquisition and analysis.
Fire Science
JJC's Fire Science program combines the theory of fire science with a
liberal arts education. The scope of the program ranges from the
introductory level within fire services through the administrator 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.
Students who enroll in the program are eligible to complete an Associate
in Applied Science degree, a Certificate of Achievement, or a Certificate
of Completion.
Geography
Students can explore a wide range of specific topics related to geography
with a variety of courses. Students may 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 in simulations, data collection and analysis, spreadsheets and
graphing.
Robotics
JJC's Introduction to Robotics offers an overview of current robotic
technology and develops a framework for understanding robotic
applications, cost factors and individual robotic components. Lab includes
work on jointed-arm and SCARA-type robots.
