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Natural and Physical Sciences Department

Two science students working together in a lab

Science is everywhere; physical, chemical and biological processes are happening all around us all the time. The Aims Natural and Physical Sciences Department strives to challenge students in ways that expand their curiosity, knowledge and skills. The department offers the first two years of college biology and chemistry, algebra- and calculus-based physics courses, geology courses and more. 

The science programs at Aims are designed to meet a variety of needs. Whether you are earning an associate degree in healthcare or emergency medical services, taking science electives or planning to transfer to a four-year institution, you'll be able to find the right science classes to meet your goals.

If you choose to earn a liberal arts degree with designation in one of the sciences, your courses will transfer to any participating four-year public Colorado school so you can pursue a bachelor's degree.

Aims offers science-based associate of science degrees with designation (transfer degrees) in the following subjects:

You can also take non-degree science courses in astronomy, environmental science and meteorology that can serve as either general education or elective course requirements toward another degree program.

Whatever your academic needs and goals, the Natural and Physical Science Department is here to support you on your educational journey at Aims. Read more about the specific science subject areas Aims offers below.

Strengthen Your Critical Thinking Skills and Gain Hands-On Scientific Lab Experience at Aims

Study the natural and physical sciences in a hands-on, supportive and modern learning environment at Aims.
Aims Degree Video - Natural and Physical Sciences

If you're curious about the natural world and want to pursue a bachelor's degree at a greatly reduced cost, explore earning a science degree at Aims. Earn an associate degree with designation in biology, chemistry, geology or physics and transfer as a junior to a four-year Colorado university.


Astronomy

astronomy

Astronomy is the study of the universe and the objects and phenomena within the universe. Astronomers study a variety of topics, including planets, moons, galaxies, black holes, supernovae, astrobiology and the origin and evolution of the universe. In Astronomy 101 you can expect to learn about telescopes, space exploration, planets, moons, extrasolar planets, asteroids, meteoroids, comets and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. If you want an informed perspective when looking at the night sky, astronomy may be for you.

Career Opportunities in Astronomy

Astronomy is an exciting and ever-changing science, with new technologies being developed that expand knowledge of the universe. Here are some examples of careers you can pursue by earning a bachelor's or higher degree in astronomy:

  • Observational Astronomy
  • Theoretical Astronomy
  • Planetary Astronomy
  • Cosmology
  • Research
  • Education
  • Science Writing

View Astronomy Courses in the Current Aims Catalog

Astronomy Faculty and Staff

The astronomy faculty and staff are passionate about this subject matter and equally invested in helping you meet your academic goals.

Headshot of Aims astronomy professor Shirley Davis

Shirley Davis

Part-Time Faculty, Astronomy and Physics
Bob Franz headshot

Bob Franz

Part-Time Faculty, Astronomy and Physics
Headshot of Aims Physics and Astronomy Professor Fana Mulu-Moore

Fana Mulu-Moore

Instructor, Astronomy and Physics

Biology

Biology studies life and all living organisms, including the structure, function, growth and evolution of those organisms. It includes several subdisciplines, such as cellular biology, anatomy, physiology, evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, ecology and microbiology. Aims offers several biology courses, including Science of Biology, General College Biology I and II, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and more. Check the schedule for current class offerings.

A group of biology students looking through microscopes in a lab class

Earn a Biology Associate Degree at Aims

Thanks to a statewide agreement, after earning a biology associate degree at Aims, you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior to earn your bachelor’s degree. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution offers substantial tuition savings.

Learn more about the biology liberal arts transfer degree

Biology Faculty and Staff

The Aims biology staff are passionate about their areas of expertise, and equally dedicated to supporting your success as a student. 

Headshot of Aims biology instructor Shahad Atlouba

Shahad Atlouba

Part-Time Faculty, Biology
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Kristina Ayers

Kristina Ayers

Instructor, Biology & Environmental Science
Headshot of Aims microbiology instructor Morgan Bland

Morgan Bland

Instructor, Microbiology
Aims anatomy and physiology instructor Jason Borchert headshot

Jason Borchert

Instructor, Anatomy and Physiology
Carole Brown Headshot

Carole Brown

Department Chair - Natural and Physical Sciences
Professor, Anatomy and Physiology
Photo of Bridget Fox

Bridget Fox

Lab Coordinator II, Natural Sciences
Lynne Fox-Parrish headshot

Lynne Fox-Parrish

Professor, Biology and Environmental Science
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Sharlene Haeger

Sharlene Haeger

Part-Time Faculty, Biology and Environmental Science
Headshot of Aims concurrent enrollment biology instructor Amanda Hollar

Amanda Hollar

Part-Time Faculty, Biology and Chemistry - Concurrent Enrollment
Headshot of Aims Natural Sciences Lab Coordinator Shaer Islam

Shaer Islam

Lab Coordinator I, Natural Sciences
Headshot of Emma Murray

Emma Murray

Professor, Biology
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Margaret O'Keefe

Margaret O'Keefe

Part-Time Faculty, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Oscar Ramirez

Oscar Ramirez

Part-Time Faculty: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Jaimie Robinson-Bergstralh

Jaimie Harrington

Part-Time Faculty, Biology
Raymond Romero headshot

Raymond Romero

Assistant Professor, Biology
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Emily Royse

Emily Royse

Part-Time Faculty, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology
Headshot of Aims biology and environmental science instructor Christina Seely

Christina Seely

Part-Time Faculty, Biology and Environmental Science

Chemistry

chemistry

Chemistry is a physical science that studies the composition, properties, behavior and transformations of matter. In chemistry, scientists investigate how atoms interact with each other and design molecules and materials with specific properties. 

Aims chemistry courses include Introduction to Chemistry, Chemistry in Context and General College Chemistry.

You can choose to take chemistry as a general education or elective course to earn most degrees at Aims, or you can choose to earn a chemistry associate degree that allows you to transfer to a four-year school to earn your bachelor's degree.

Learn More About Chemistry Courses at Aims

A row of students look into microscopes.

Earn a Chemistry Associate Degree at Aims

Thanks to a statewide agreement, after earning a chemistry associate degree at Aims you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior to earn your bachelor’s degree. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save considerable costs.

Learn more about the chemistry liberal arts transfer degree

Chemistry Faculty and Staff

Aims chemistry faculty set high expectations for your success to prepare you for the rigors of this discipline as it relates to any degree program. Faculty are equally invested in offering guidance and support to help you meet your goals. With smaller class sizes, you'll have ample opportunities to get one-on-one support and interact with your peers in the  classroom and lab.

Headshot, Matt Deselm

Matthew Deselm

Faculty, Chemistry
Christine Gaudinski

Christine Gaudinski

Professor, Chemistry
Headshot of Aims concurrent enrollment biology instructor Amanda Hollar

Amanda Hollar

Part-Time Faculty, Biology and Chemistry - Concurrent Enrollment
Headshot of Aims Assistant Chemistry Professor Carolyn Ikenouye

Carolyn Ikenouye

Associate Professor, Chemistry
Headshot of Aims chemistry instructor Kyle Kingsley

Kyle Kingsley

Part-Time Faculty: Chemistry
Headshot of Aims chemistry instructor Brian Schmidt

Brian Schmidt

Part-Time Faculty, Chemistry
Headshot of Aims chemistry instructor Carissa Sturgeon

Carissa Sturgeon

Part-Time Faculty, Chemistry

Geology

geology

Learn More About Geology Courses at Aims

Students in geology lab examining a rock sample

Earn a Geology Associate Degree at Aims

Thanks to a statewide agreement, after earning a geology associate degree at Aims, you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior to earn your bachelor’s degree. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save you substantial tuition costs.

Learn more about the geology liberal arts transfer degree

Geology Faculty and Staff

The geology faculty at Aims are as enthusiastic about this discipline as they are about teaching and helping students achieve their academic goals. They strive to instill a love of learning with rigorous instruction in geology fundamentals and scientific methods. 

Headshot of Adjunct Natural Sciences Instructor Pengfei Hou

Pengfei Hou

Part-Time Instructor, Geology
Aims geology instructor DeAnna Laurel headshot

DeAnna Laurel

Instructor, Geology and Environmental Science

Environmental Science

Environmental science uses concepts of ecology and the relationship between environmental problems and biological systems. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, chemistry, geology, energy, natural resources, pollution and environmental protection. In this discipline, scientists use a holistic approach to find solutions to environmental problems by analyzing how the foundations of natural sciences interconnect with the environment.

Careers in Environmental Science

Environmental Science is a very broad field of study that ranges from desk work to field work depending on the specialization you choose. With a wide range of environmental problems that need solutions and more great minds working on them. Here are some examples of careers you may pursue with a degree in Environmental Science. 

  • Environmental Scientist
  • Environmental Technician
  • Environmental consultant
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Natural resource manager
  • Environmental educator
  • Nature conservation officer
  • Environmental engineer
  • Ecologist
  • Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Science Faculty

The Environmental Science faculty and staff are eager to share their expertise and passion in the field and dedicated to help you succeed in your academic endeavours. 

Headshot of Aims biology instructor Kristina Ayers

Kristina Ayers

Instructor, Biology & Environmental Science
Lynne Fox-Parrish headshot

Lynne Fox-Parrish

Professor, Biology and Environmental Science
Headshot of Aims biology instructor Sharlene Haeger

Sharlene Haeger

Part-Time Faculty, Biology and Environmental Science
Headshot of Aims biology and environmental science instructor Christina Seely

Christina Seely

Part-Time Faculty, Biology and Environmental Science

Physics

physics

Physics is the study of how the world works on a fundamental level. Physicists work on a wide variety of topics, including classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, atomic physics, quantum mechanics, particle physics, general relativity, string theory, bio-physics, astrophysics and cosmology, and geophysics, to name a few. In an introductory physics class, you can expect to learn about many of these topics and will investigate various phenomena. If you have a curious mind, love a challenge, and enjoy math and science, physics may be for you. We offer classes in conceptual physics, algebra-based physics and calculus-based physics. Check the schedule for current class offerings.

Learn More About Physics Courses at Aims

A smiling student smiles while doing coursework

Earn a Physics Associate Degree at Aims

Thanks to a statewide agreement, after earning a physics associate degree at Aims you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior to earn your bachelor’s degree. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save you a considerable amount on tuition.

Learn more about the physics liberal arts transfer degree

Physics Faculty and Staff

The physics faculty at Aims are passionate about this subject and equally enthusiastic about helping students study it. They are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals and gain a thorough understanding of the material through rigorous instruction.

Headshot of Aims astronomy professor Shirley Davis

Shirley Davis

Part-Time Faculty, Astronomy and Physics
Bob Franz headshot

Bob Franz

Part-Time Faculty, Astronomy and Physics
Headshot of Aims Physics and Astronomy Professor Fana Mulu-Moore

Fana Mulu-Moore

Instructor, Astronomy and Physics

Public health

The public health field encompasses a wide variety of subjects, including anthropology, sociology, psychology, environmental science, biology and communications. Public health  assesses and addresses the health and safety needs of communities or specific community groups. Public health professionals can work on issues ranging from climate change, disease outbreak response and mitigation, environmental science, vaccination, gun violence, equitable access to healthcare, and more. 

Public health is a rapidly growing field with multiple potential career paths. Whether you want to work in public health communications, training, data gathering and analysis, and more, you can find a rewarding career applying training in biology, environmental sciences and related disciplines.

Students collaborating in a classroom while using a computer on the Aims Greeley campus

Earn a Public Health Associate Degree at Aims

Thanks to a statewide agreement between Colorado community colleges and universities, you can earn a public health associate degree at Aims and go on to transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior to earn your bachelor’s degree. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save substantial costs.

Learn more about the public health associate degree at Aims

Learn More About Public Health Classes at Aims

Aims Public Health Faculty

The public health faculty at Aims work to integrate your learning experience across the multiple disciplines available for this degree program, including psychology, sociology, biology and environmental science. Your instructors will help you sharpen critical thinking skills, apply the scientific method in complex scenarios, and communicate effectively to diverse audiences.

Headshot of Aims microbiology instructor Morgan Bland

Morgan Bland

Instructor, Microbiology
Dr. Selani Flores, professor of psychology at Aims

Selani Flores

Professor, Psychology
Lynne Fox-Parrish headshot

Lynne Fox-Parrish

Professor, Biology and Environmental Science
Headshot of Emma Murray

Emma Murray

Professor, Biology
Cerisa Reynolds Headshot

Cerisa Reynolds

Department Chair - Social Sciences
Professor, Anthropology
Raymond Romero headshot

Raymond Romero

Assistant Professor, Biology
Franci Rottini headshot

Francie Rottini

Professor, Psychology
Aims psychology instructor Arthur Jeremy Rottini headshot

Jeremy Rottini

Instructor, Psychology and World Religions
ShawnaLee Washam headshot

ShawnaLee Washam

Department Chair - WEBSA
Professor, Psychology