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Department of Physical Sciences

Science for Forensics, A.S.

The Science for Forensics AS degree is a jointly registered dual enrollment degree program with John Jay College of Criminal Justice and prepares students for transfer to their baccalaureate program. Scientific foundation and technical training are provided through courses in chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics, that focus on understanding fundamental laws, theories, and ideas, their application toward data analysis, and support of quantitative reasoning, scientific writing, and research.

Please see the College Catalog  for the year you started the major as a matriculant for the curriculum requirements that apply to you.

3 Credit(s) Hours: 3 hrs.

The most recent and important discoveries in the biological and physical sciences are presented, observed, discussed, and experimented with, to acquaint students with the world around them. Brain research, studies of aging, disease, fertility, immunity, and the origin of life are explored. Studies emphasize relations to mankind’s place in the universe, self-explorations and technological achievements.

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in “College Now” Program

Flexible Core: Scientific World (Group E)

3 Credit(s) Hours: 5 hrs.

Lecture and laboratory course on chemistry and physics topics with direct bearing on health services. Includes: mechanics, electricity, optics, atomic energy, radioactivity, atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical equations, behavior of gases, respiration and oxygen therapy, properties of liquids and solutions including hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, acids and bases, plus an introduction to organic and biochemistry and drug calculations.

Student must complete SCI 2500 Laboratory - Initial Student Safety Instruction & Certification prior to the first laboratory meeting. See Department of Physical Sciences website Chemistry Laboratory Safety section for information.

Prerequisite(s): Passed, exempt, or completed developmental course work for the CUNY Assessment Tests in Reading, Writing, and ACCUPLACER CUNY Assessment Test in Math. Open only to students in the Pre-Clinical Nursing Plan

3 Credit(s) Hours: 5 hrs. (1 hr. lecture, 4 hrs. laboratory)

Basic concepts in the physical sciences and their applications in today’s technologically advanced world are presented. The impact that modern technology has on our physical environment is examined. Selected topics include: pollution, ozone layer depletion, global climate change, pesticides and chemicals in food, energy sources (renewable and non-renewable), and medical and military applications of technology. Students will engage in science through application of the methods of science (e.g. empirical, experimental and scientific method). Students will develop the ability to formulate strong, logical, science-based arguments, evaluate and discuss environmental issues, and test hypotheses to improve problem solving skills.

Student must complete SCI 3700 Laboratory - Initial Student Safety Instruction & Certification prior to the first laboratory meeting. See Department of Physical Sciences website Chemistry Laboratory Safety section for information.

Prerequisite(s): CUNY English and Math Proficient or Department Permission

Required Core: Life and Physical Sciences

Flexible Core: Flexible Core: Scientific World (Group E)

3 Credit(s) Hours: 5 hrs. (1 hr. lecture, 4 hrs. laboratory)

An investigation of important topics that involve the state of the environment from a scientific perspective. This course will cover topics that include global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, chemical and industrial pollution, the impact of fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and treatment. The gathering, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific data. The measure of selected physical, chemical and geological properties that influence the structure and function of ecological systems. Selected standard techniques used to observe, sample and describe natural systems.

Student must complete SCI 5100 Laboratory - Initial Student Safety Instruction & Certification prior to the first laboratory meeting. See Department of Physical Sciences website Chemistry Laboratory Safety section for information.

Prerequisite(s): CUNY English and Math Proficient or Department Permission

Required Core: Life and Physical Sciences

Flexible Core: Flexible Core: Scientific World (Group E)

3 Credit(s) Hours: 5 hrs. (1 hr. lecture, 4 hrs. laboratory)

Learn and measure the physical and chemical properties that influence the structure and function of the chemical properties that influence the structure and function of nutritional systems. Gain experience with practical applications of nutritional science. Practice the gathering, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific data. Learn standard techniques used to observe, sample and describe natural systems

Student must complete SCI 7000 Laboratory - Initial Student Safety Instruction & Certification prior to the first laboratory meeting. See Department of Physical Sciences website Chemistry Laboratory Safety section for information.

Prerequisite(s): CUNY English and Math Proficient or Department Permission

Required Core: Life and Physical Sciences

1-3 Credit(s) Hours: 2-6 hrs. laboratory

Planning and carrying out an undergraduate research project under supervision of a faculty member including literature readings, laboratory work, conferences with faculty member, and presentation of research results.

Prerequisite(s): Department Permission

1-3 Credit(s) Hours: 2-6 hrs. laboratory

Planning and carrying out an undergraduate research project under supervision of a faculty member including literature readings, laboratory work, conferences with faculty member, and presentation of research results.

Prerequisite(s): Department Permission

1-3 Credit(s) Hours: 2-6 hrs. laboratory

Planning and carrying out an undergraduate research project under supervision of a faculty member including literature readings, laboratory work, conferences with faculty member, and presentation of research results.

Prerequisite(s): Department Permission

1-3 Credit(s) Hours: 2-6 hrs. laboratory

Planning and carrying out an undergraduate research project under supervision of a faculty member including literature readings, laboratory work, conferences with faculty member, and presentation of research results.

Prerequisite(s): Department Permission 

Degree Maps

College Algebra Placement

Semester
1

Semester
2

Session A
Session A
Course Crs Course Crs
ENG1200 3 ENG2400 3
CHM100* 0 CHM1200^ 4
CHM1100*^ 4 BIO1300^ 4
MAT9010 or  MAT9B0 or MAT900 (need a minimum grade of C) 3 Elective** 3
Session B
Session B
Course Crs Course Crs
Additional Math 1: MAT1400 (need a minimum grade of C) 3 Choose 1: Flexible Core Creative Expression 3
Semester Credits: 13 Semester Credits: 16

Semester
3

Semester
4

Session A
Session A
Course Crs Course Crs
CHM3100^ 5 CHM3200^ 5
PHY1300^ 4 PHY1400^ 4
BIO1400^ 4 Choose 1: Flexible Core U.S. Experiences in Its Diversity 3
Choose 1: Flexible Core World Cultures and Global Issues 3 Choose 1: Flexible Core Individuals and Society 3
Session B
Session B
Course Crs Course Crs
None   None  
Semester Credits: 16 Semester Credits: 15

Calculus Placement

Semester
1

Semester
2

Session A
Session A
Course Crs Course Crs
ENG1200 3 ENG2400 3
CHM100* 0 CHM1200^ 4
CHM1100^ 4 BIO1400^ 3
BIO1300^ 4 Additional Math 1: MAT1600 (need a minimum grade of C) 3
MAT1500 (need a minimum grade of C) 3    
Session B
Session B
Course Crs Course Crs
Choose 1: Flexible Core Individual and Society 3 Choose 1: Flexible Core Creative Expression 3
Semester Credits: 17 Semester Credits: 17

Semester
3

Semester
4

Session A
Session A
Course Crs Course Crs
CHM3100^ 5 CHM3200^ 5
PHY1300^ 4 PHY1400^ 4
Choose 1: Flexible Core World Cultures and Global Issues 3 Choose 1: Flexible Core U.S. Experiences in Its Diversity 3
    Elective 2
Session B
Session B
Course Crs Course Crs
None   None  
Semester Credits: 12 Semester Credits: 14

Important Notes:

  • *CHM100 – Based on the Chemistry Self-Assessment Test, students may test directly into CHM1100 and not be required to take CHM100. Chemistry Self-Assessment Test can be accessed through the Department of Physical Sciences website.
  • ^The Science for Forensics, AS degree is jointly registered dual enrollment degree program with John Jay College of Criminal Justice. A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above is required for the indicated Biology and Physical Science course..
  • **Students cannot enroll into MAT1500 – Calculus I without completing MAT1000 – College Trigonometry