Science

Science is a joint program with Pitzer College and Scripps College.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes of the Joint Science Program

The Department has developed learning goals and outcomes for the three constituent majors of the department; more detailed goals and outcomes for the interdisciplinary programs are in progress or will be clarified as designated faculty are joining the department.

Joint Science Department Courses for Non-Majors

The natural science courses of the Joint Science Department, numbered in the 30’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 90’s, are laboratory science courses specifically designed for non-majors. To meet the general education requirement in science, students must complete one laboratory course in the biological sciences (biology at Joint Science) or one laboratory course in the physical sciences (astronomy, chemistry, or physics at Joint Science). Descriptions of the natural science courses can be found under the appropriate fields (astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics).

The natural science courses are designed to:

Elucidate the nature of science as a process for exploring and understanding the environment we live in, with particular attention given to understanding when it is appropriate to apply the scientific method to a problem and when it is not;
Involve principles of science that increase understanding of some of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, physics and/or biology and the manner in which these concepts interrelate;
Involve a college-level laboratory experience that provides practice in confronting problems that can be analyzed by the scientific method;
Provide experience in quantitative reasoning and relationships, including basic mathematical concepts, statistical relationships and work with computers; and
Explore applications of science and technology that increase understanding of the relationship between basic science and technology, and how that relationship has developed and introduce the complexities involved in the application of science and technology to meet societal needs.

Science Courses at the Other Claremont Colleges

Additional courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics are offered by Pomona College and Harvey Mudd College. Science majors interested in these courses are encouraged to discuss with their Joint Science faculty advisor whether these courses are appropriate for them. Course descriptions and prerequisites may be obtained from the Pomona College and Harvey Mudd College catalogs.

Pre-Health Professions

Students interested in entering medical school, dental, or veterinary school programs should complete the following courses:

BIOL 043L JS - Introductory Biology BIOL 043L JS - Introductory Biology -BIOL 044L JS - Introductory Biology BIOL 044L JS - Introductory Biology
CHEM 014L JS - Basic Principles of Chemistry -CHEM 015L JS - Basic Principles of Chemistry , or equivalent
PHYS 030L JS - General Physics -PHYS 031L JS - General Physics , or PHYS 033L JS - Principles of Physics -PHYS 034L JS - Principles of Physics
MATH 030 CM - Calculus I (should be taken before Physics), and another semester of calculus or statistics
CHEM 116L JS - Organic Chemistry -CHEM 117L JS - Organic Chemistry

Many programs also require or strongly recommend completion of the following courses:

For further details please contact Jill Jones, Pre-Health Professions Advisor at the Joint Science Department.

The Faculty

Joint Science Faculty: Armstrong (Biology convener), Black, Coleman, Copp (on leave, second semester), Edwalds-Gilbert, P. Ferree, Fucaloro, Gilman, Gould, Hansen (Dean), Hatcher-Skeers (Chemistry convener, first semester), Higdon, Landsberg (Physics convener), McFarlane (on leave, second semester), Milton, Morhardt, Naftilan, Poon, Preest, Purvis-Roberts (on leave, first semester; Chemistry convener, second semester),Tang, Thomson, Wenzel, Wiley,Williams, and Zanella.
Visiting Faculty: Benoit, Buchholz, Carson, E. Ferree, and Malisch.
Laboratory Lecturers: Davis, Dershem, Luft, and Schenk.