Associate Degree in Science -­ Physical Science

Take an Earth Science class and explore the dynamic processes that shape the planet Earth and its atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to engage in interactive courses through hands-on activities and field trips in an on-campus or online environment. Whether you're satisfying your general education requirements or considering a career in science, we invite you to choose the Earth Science course that interests you.

Why study Earth Science?

Exciting and fulfilling careers await those who study earth science. Students interested in the atmospheric sciences can choose from specialties within the disciplines of meteorology and climatology, such as agricultural meteorology, forecasting for a governmental agency or private company, or climatological research. Students interested in the geological sciences can look forward to careers in a wide variety of disciplines related to geology and the environment, including seismology, hydrogeology, environmental geology, or oil and gas exploration.

At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty - never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.

Offering more than 100 Associates Degree and Certificate programs, Parkland College is well known for its small class sizes, state­-of-the-art facilities, inclusive learning environment, and personable faculty. Parkland boasts the largest international student body of any 2-­year college in the state of Illinois, with more than 300 students representing more than 40 countries.

The Associate Degree offers an ideal and inexpensive doorway for international students wanting to enter the American education system. Having worked to perfect their English language skills through the English as a Second Language (ESL) program or earned two years­ worth of transferable credits, many of Parkland’s international students then transfer on to 4­ year universities (2+2 transfer) around the United States, where they continue their educations, earning Baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

Parkland College faculty are well accustomed to the challenges faced by international students who are experienced in dealing with them. Parkland strives to enhance global awareness and multiculturalism through education and faculty welcome the perspective brought by international students in their classes.

Why Choose Parkland College

• Small class sizes and a personalized education
• Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program for non­-English speakers
• Complete two years and transfer credits to a 4­ year university
• In the same city as the University of Illinois, a top research university
• Around ½ the yearly cost of 4 ­year universities
• A diverse international student population, more than 300 international students
• Faculty focus on global awareness and multiculturalism
• Stand out!

The Earth Sciences at Parkland College explore the dynamic processes that shape planet Earth and its atmosphere. Students have the opportunity to engage in interactive courses through hands-­on activities and field trips in an on­-campus or online environment. Our two popular courses, Introduction to Weather (ESC101) and Introduction to Physical Geology (ESC102) satisfy the general education core requirement for physical science and provide a solid introductory foundation for those considering a science major. If you’re interested in learning more about the earth’s atmosphere and the atmospheric conditions that create our weather, then Introduction to Weather (ESC101) is for you.

Highlights of lab activities include interpretation of weather data and maps, gathering and interpreting current weather data with hand-­held data loggers, and a trip to the Illinois State Water Survey to learn about weather instruments and historical weather events in Illinois. The course also examines severe weather events, the impacts of these events on individuals and society, and safety precautions. If you’re interested in exploring the fascinating, dynamic processes that have shaped our earth since its formation, then Introduction to Physical Geology (ESC102) is for you.

Highlights of lab activities include a trip to a local stream to examine stream processes, gathering and interpreting stream velocity and water quality data with hand-­held data loggers, identification of minerals, rocks, and fossils, and interpretation of real-world earthquake data. The course also examines geologic hazards associated with volcanoes, landslides, earthquakes, etc., the impacts of these events on individuals and society, and safety precautions. An optional field trip is offered each semester to enhance classroom learning. Exciting and fulfilling careers await those who major in the Earth Sciences.

Students interested in the atmosphere sciences can choose from specialties within the disciplines of meteorology and climatology. A few examples include agricultural meteorology, forecasting for a governmental agency or private company, or climatological research. Students interested in the geological sciences can look forward to exciting careers in a wide variety of disciplines related to geology and the environment.

A few examples include seismology, oil and gas exploration, hydrogeology, or environmental geology.

Courses

• CHE 101 General Chemistry I
• CHE 102 General Chemistry II
• PHY 121 General Physics
• PHY 122 General Physics II
• PHY 141 Mechanics
• PHY 142 Electricity and Magnetism
• PHY 143 Moderns Physics
• ESC 101 Introduction to Weather
• ESC 102 Introduction to Physical Geology
• CHE 203 Organic Chemistry I
• CHE 204 Organic Chemistry Lab I
• CHE 205 Organic Chemistry II
• CHE 206 Organic Chemistry Lab II