Related Links

Iowa Central Catalog

Physical Sciences

People who pursue the study of physical science are interested in the processes that drive the world in which we live. If you are fascinated by the tremendous energy contained in a single atom, the power of a lightning bolt, the vast magnitude of the night sky or the surprising results of a chemical experiment, then a career in one of the physical sciences might be very satisfying to you. Iowa Central Community College offers a wide range of courses in the area of Physical Science.

The principal branches of physical science are physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science. Iowa Central has the general education courses Physical Science and Physical Science by Inquiry, which contain an introduction to these areas.

Physics

Physics deals with the fundamental properties of matter and energy. It is usually subdivided into the fields of mechanics, acoustics, heat, electricity, magnetism and optics. Iowa Central offers four courses in this area, including a two-course sequence in General Physics, which does not require calculus, and another two-course sequence in Physics, which does require calculus.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the composition and properties of matter and its transformations. The subdivisions of chemistry include analytical chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and chemical engineering. Iowa Central has seven chemistry courses starting with the beginning course Elementary Principles of Chemistry. This leads to a two- course sequence in Chemistry and another two-course sequence in Organic Chemistry. For applications in more specific fields, especially health related programs, the courses General Chemistry and Organic & Biological Chemistry are offered.

The Physical Science, Physics and Chemistry courses are often combinations of lectures and labs. The fundamental properties and laws of the physical world that are discussed in the lectures are studied further by hands-on activities in the labs. The use of computers and related technology is growing each year in both lectures and labs. Faculty members strive to update their courses to keep pace with new developments in science and experiment with a variety of teaching techniques to more fully involve the student in the learning process.

Physics Careers

• University Research and Training
• Engineering
• Industrial Laboratory Research
• Material Research

Chemistry Careers

• Forensic Chemist
• Water Quality Chemist
• Agricultural Chemist
• Quality Control Chemist

Suggested Program of Study

Instructors

Beth Collins	515-574-1244	collins@iowacentral.edu
Don Evers	515-574-1226	evers@iowacentral.edu
Dr. Anne Macek-Lachelt	515-574-1246	lachelt@iowacentral.edu
Steve Openshaw	515-574-1248	openshaw@iowacentral.edu