| Science Division |  |
Division Chair: Ms. Diane Beecroft
Office: Signal Peak Campus T-219
Phone: 520-494-5359
Email:diane.beecroft@centralaz.edu
Division Assistant: Ms. Devon Stuhr
Phone: 480-677-7711
Fax: 480-677-7758
Email:devon.stuhr@centralaz.edu
The Central Arizona College Science Department spans the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Astronomy, and Environmental Science. The department offers a wide range of courses in the natural sciences for degree completion, transfer to 4-year institutions and personal interest. Whether you dream of becoming a scientist, engineer, or health professional, or need to complete a degree requirement in another field of study, you'll find the right course to unlock the wonder and excitement of science.
Biological Sciences
The biological sciences at CAC include applied and basic biology concepts, including general biology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and human biology for allied health. Learn life skills and develop job skills. Skills, success, your future; these courses will help you attain your goals.
Life Sciences
Life science courses help students break down the barriers for understanding what life is, what life was in our past and what life might be in our future.
Making those connections will help our students understand their own role and responsibilities in society today.
Students will develop an integrated view of life from the perspective of both unity of life and diversity of life.
Human Biology
These courses encompass fundamental anatomy and physiology of the human body.
Basic biology, chemistry and biochemistry essential to human function are explored.
Microbiology can be useful for any of the biological sciences, as well as for Environmental science.
Environmental Science
These courses cover the natural environment, its changes over time, and human interactions with our environment.
Physical Sciences
The physical sciences at CAC include astronomy, chemistry, engineering, geology, and physics. Our courses also provide a good exercise program in critical thinking and problem solving. Even just one or two courses in the physical sciences will help you be more effective in reaching your future goals, because they give you the skills that employers want, even for non-science jobs.
Astronomy
Learn about the whole universe, from atoms to planets to galaxies and beyond. Hear the latest findings from NASA space missions. Our courses emphasize hands-on labs with binoculars, large and small telescopes, and cameras.
Spiral Galaxy M-51 taken with CAC's 24-inch telescope
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science that is centrally connected to all the others. It helps you to understand and have some control over every substance in the universe. Chemistry is behind everything any company makes and sells. It’s behind everything you buy, including the food you eat. Knowing some chemistry opens the door to understanding the human body, and is vital for nursing and medical careers.
Engineering
Engineering is a blend of multiple disciplines within the realm of Science and Mathematics. The difference between science and engineering is the difference between general and specific -- engineering focuses narrowly on one or several aspects of physics/chemistry/etc., and then standardizes the associated methodologies and mathematics in order to form a discipline.
Geology
These courses cover the Earth, its history, and its resources. Learn about energy sources present and future. Learn why scientists expect dramatically changing climate. Our courses use our extensive collection of rocks, minerals and fossils, and include field trips to some of Arizona’s dramatic geologic attractions.
Physics
Physics is the art of describing the behavior of matter and energy as it exists in space and time. In that process, we study many different types of forces and their ability to render change in physical systems.
Recommended Science Courses for Major Pathways
Please click on the following link for your area of interest, in pdf format:
Biology
Chemistry
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Medical
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Pharmacy (not Pharmacy tech)
Many science students find it helpful to bring a printout for their desired major with them whenever they talk with an academic advisor, or for registering for classes.
Alternatively, click on the following link for the same information in Excel format:
Pre-Biology
Pre-Chemistry
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Medical
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Pharmacy (not Pharmacy tech)
[Information regarding other health science careers (e.g., Pharmacy Technician, or radiology) is at the Health Careers Division site.]
Recommended Classes for Non-Science Majors
(Science Division Courses Satisfying AGEC Requirements)
The Science Division offers several courses that satisfy AGEC science needs. The following courses have few prerequisites beyond math and reading.
AST101 BIO100 BIO156 BIO160 CHM130
ENV101 GLG101 GLG102 GLG110 PHY100
Unique Features of the CAC Science Division
Astronomy Outreach
Central Arizona College owns a portable STARLAB inflatable observatory suitable for use at public schools and libraries. For information about these programs, contact Katy Wilkins.
Astronomy Public Viewing Nights
Each semester we open the Signal Peak observatory to the public for a free evening of stargazing. Visitors can look through the college’s large 14- and 24-inch reflecting telescopes at planets, nebulas and galaxies, with the guidance of our Astronomy Professor.
Biology Field Trips
Geology Field Trips
Our students have a great opportunity to sample Arizona’s varied geology. Destinations in recent years have included Colossal Cave, Kartchner Caverns, Biosphere 2, Picacho Peak, Sunset Crater, Casa Grande Mountain, the Mesa Museum, and the Grand Canyon.
Pre-Engineering Program
Hit the ground running at University by surveying the Engineering Professions and gaining proficiency in the Principles and Methods of Engineering Design. CAC students can gain broad exposure to the engineering profession through seminar-style classes led by engineering professionals working in industry and research. In addition to this, the Engineering Design course is designed to transfer to all three Arizona universities, giving our students an advantage at the entry-point to their engineering degree.
Pre-Pharmacy Club
Pre-pharmacy students have monthly meetings to share information about pharmacy schools and degrees and meeting with pharmacists, and other pharmacy representatives. Enroll at the following website: Pre-Pharmacy
Future Physicians of America Pre-Medical Students Club
The goal of Future Physicians of America is to aid those interested in the medical profession by facilitating volunteer work in the community and the hospital and aiding the members in accomplishing their dreams as future caregivers.