Physical & Life Science

Students preparing for transfer to a four year college or university can choose from among a wide variety of offerings to meet their science general education requirements. Those planning to major in biology, chemistry, physics or physical sciences will find the necessary courses to complete the first two years of their curriculum at KC. KC also offers a variety of courses in health and physical education to meet a variety of educational, sports, and recreational requirements.

Physical & Life Science Programs

Health and Physical Education courses at KC are primarily designed to prepare students for careers in teaching physical education and/or health education, coaching or recreation.

Health Courses

HLTH 102: Human Health and Wellness

HLTH 103-106: Dept of Corrections First Aid Refresher courses

HLTH 107: Principles of Nutrition

HLTH 126: Emergency Med Serv First Responder Train

HLTH 128: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTH 184: Occupational Safety

HLTH 208: First Aid

Physical Education Courses

PHED 101: Physical Fitness

PHED 102: Physical Fitness II

PHED 112: Recreation and Physical Activity

PHED 128: Basic Weight Training

PHED 133: Intermediate Weight Training

PHED 136: Physical Fitness

PHED 214: Advanced Weight Training

PHED 245: Introduction to Coaching

PHED 250: Introduction to Physical Education

The Physical Education program offers a vast variety of courses in sports and recreation. Please contact the College at (618) 545-3000 or view the College Catalog for a full list of all the PHED courses available.
The Physical Science Department offers various courses to satisfy KC students' needs. Most of our courses satisfy the physical science requirements for various degrees here and at other institutions and are easily transferred. Many of our courses are designed for science majors who are planning to transfer to a four-year institution. Physical Sciences areas include Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics.

Physical Science Careers
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Oceanographer
- Solar Energy Engineer
- Mining Engineer
- Seismologist
- Agronomist
- Agricultural Scientist
- Teacher
- Environmental Engineer
- Techtonics
- Economic Geologist
- Soil Scientist
- Paleontologist
- Forest Ranger
- Park Naturalist
- Volcanologist
Physical Science courses include Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology, Geography, Physics, Physical Science, and Atmospheric Science.
Chemistry is the physical science concerned with matter's composition, structure, and properties and with the changes matter undergoes during chemical reactions. Chemistry students consider the behavior of atoms, molecules, crystals, and other aggregates of matter – in isolation or combination – and use the concepts of energy and entropy to understand the spontaneity of chemical processes. This discipline has a variety of jobs, from entry-level to levels requiring higher education. Chemistry gives us the idea of useful life skills and increased general knowledge of how chemicals are involved in everyday life.

Chemistry Careers
- Pharmacologist
- Pharmacist
- Chemical Engineer
- Quality Control Specialist
- Biochemist
- Product Tester
- Forensic Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Person
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Teacher
- Toxicologist
- Chemical Technician
- Water Purification Chemist
- Analytical Chemist
Chemistry Courses

CHEM 101: World of Chemistry

CHEM 103: General Chemistry

CHEM 104: General Chemistry

CHEM 111: Chemistry I (Inorganic Chemistry)

CHEM 112: Chemistry II (Physical & Analytical)

CHEM 208: Organic Chemistry I

CHEM 209: Organic Chemistry II

CHEM 210: Biochemistry
Physics deals with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the observable universe. Physics is concerned with all aspects of nature, covering the behavior of objects under the action of given forces and the nature and origin of gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces.

Physics Careers

Whether you want to explore space, time, matter, or the many other intriguing physical world elements, a physics degree can do wonders for your career path. Theoretical and experimental physicists are needed in research in many fields, including the education, automotive, and aerospace industries, defense, health care, energy, and IT. The median annual salary for a physicist is nearly $111,000.

You need a very strong head for numbers, a good grasp of scientific principles, and a keen interest in discoveries relating to the physical world at particle and/or cosmic levels.

Most careers in physics require a graduate or doctoral degree. A variety of careers are open to students with advanced degrees in Physics, including:
- Nuclear Engineer
- Atomic Physicist
- Medical Physicist
- Aerospace Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Geologist
- Architect
- Audio Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Teacher
Physics Courses

PHYS 101: Physics I

PHYS 102: Physics II

PHYS: 201: University Physics I

PSYS 202: University Physics II

PHYS 210: Electrical Circuit Analysis
Geography majors and minors find work in the following areas:
- Resource Management
- Geographic Information Systems
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Other Fields in Business, Education, Government, and Industry
Geography Classes

GEOG 101: Physical Geography

GEOG 103: Economic Geography

GEOG 104: World Geography
Life science is a multi-disciplinary major that deals with the studies of living organisms and life processes. The Life Science Department offers various courses to satisfy KC students' needs. Most of our courses satisfy life science requirements for various degrees here and at other institutions and are easily transferred. Several courses prepare students for pre-professional programs. Many of our courses are designed for biology majors planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

Life Science Careers
- Aquatic Biologist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Ecologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Forensic Scientist
- Geneticist
- Infection Control Specialist
- Laboratory Technician
- Marine Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Mortician
- Physiologist
- Public Health Specialist
- Teacher
- Veterinarian
- Wildlife Biologist
Life Sciences courses include Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Zoology, and Microbiology.

Discipline Student Learning Outcomes

Health/Physical Education

Recognize contemporary concepts in health education and effectively communicate those topics.

Physical Sciences

Apply scientific principles and critical scientific assessments within the physical science environment.

Chemistry

Communicate effectively about topics and concepts, including laboratory technology, in the physical science.
Analyze data, using mathematical computations, to form critical assessments.

Physics

Apply scientific principles and critical scientific assessments within the physical science and laboratory environment.
Integrate mathematical processes to form conclusions in the physical science environment.

Geography

Communicate effectively about topics and concepts in the physical science.
Utilize and demonstrate proper laboratory equipment use.
Analyze data and form critical assessments.
Demonstrate the ability to use mathematical processes and form conclusions.

Life Sciences

Apply scientific principles and demonstrate critical scientific assessments within the life science.
Communicate and collaborate effectively about contemporary life science topics.

Courses in this discipline align with the college’s General Education Student Learning Outcomes.