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Natural and Physical Sciences Division

The Natural and Physical Sciences Division (NPS) is a newly created division which was formerly a part of the Health and Sciences Division.  This new division is working to meet the PPCC mission of providing high quality educational opportunities to all with a focus on student success and community needs.

PPCC can provide you the kind of courses and advanced training you'll need to enter a variety of professions. Our offerings include Biology, Chemistry, Dietary Manager, Physics, Veterinary Assistant, Water Environmental Technology (formerly Water Quality Management), Zoo Keeping Technology, and more.

If you would like to learn more about the healthcare programs, please visit the Medical Sciences Division website.

What are some of PPCC's Natural and Physical Sciences programs?

For more information on other programs, continue to the end of listings.

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Biology

Associate of Science with Designation

Students who study Biology at PPCC often are in the Allied Health Track, while others transfer to universities and earn degrees in Biological Sciences. Students begin their Biology careers studying the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, and genetics. Students continue their education according to their specific track.

 

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Certified Dietary Manager

Certificate Program

Our Certified Dietary Manager training program provides accessible, quality education and training for students to become experts in foodservice management and food safety.

 

 

 

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Chemistry

Associate of Science with Designation

Chemistry is referred to as “the central science” because of its connection to all other scientific disciplines. A degree in chemistry will expose you to the facts and philosophy of chemistry and chemical science and prepare you to apply fundamental analytic and problem-solving skills across a wide range of situations.
 
 

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Geography

Associate of Arts with Designation

As a PPCC geography student, you will explore the earth’s surface features and climate as well as the ways humans are distributed and how they interact with their environment. This program delves into all aspects of the physical and cultural landscape.

 

 

 

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Geology

Associate of Science with Designation

The PPCC Geology program will take you outside the classroom for some world-class field work that delves into the forces that shaped our planet. Geologist study the earth. In Geology at PPCC our goal is for the student to completely prepare for transfer to a four-year university or college by providing them with a solid background in the first two years of Geology instruction.

 

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Outdoor Studies

Associates of Applied Science

As a PPCC student, your education will prepare you for employment in the Outdoor Recreation field by learning servant leadership and communication of environmental values; how to be an engaging and responsible leader and becoming an environmental steward. 

 

 

 

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Physics

Associate of Science with Designation

The physics program at PPCC provides students the prerequisites they need for the in-depth study of science and technology. You will study chemistry, develop an understanding of computer science, articulate ideas of classical physics, and learn the language of mathematics.
 
 
 

 

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Water Environmental Technology

Associate of Applied Science

This is formerly the WQM, Water Quality Management, program.  Water Environmental Technology instructors teach an in-depth understanding of the distribution, collection and treatment of water and wastewater. Water Environmental Technology incorporates classroom, field experiences, and group projects to help students prepare for work in water and wastewater treatment facilities.

 

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Zoo Keeping Technology

Associate of Applied Science
Certificates
 
Zoo Keeping Technology incorporates classwork and two required, hands-on internships to help students advance, learn, and prepare to work at zoos and other facilities nationwide.  Classes such as animal husbandry, exhibit and horticulture design, and zoonotic preventative medicine will give PPCC students the background necessary for a career in the animal care field.

 

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To learn more about the Natural and Physical Sciences Division departments, please visit our department pages. 

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Career Options

A wide variety of careers await you after you graduate Pikes Peak Community College with a degree or certificate from one of our NPS programs. For further information on specific career options, visit that Degrees and Certificates page.

  • Zoo Keeper
  • Pump station operator
  • Geochemist
  • Forest worker
  • Camp Director

Careers in Natural and Physical Sciences

Example Classes You Might Take

Focuses on basic chemistry and measurement, matter, chemical formulas, reactions and equations, stoichiometry. This course covers the development of atomic theory culminating in the use of quantum numbers to determine electron configurations of atoms and the relationship of electron configuration to chemical bond theory. The course includes gases, liquids, and solids and problem-solving skills are emphasized through laboratory experiments.
Examines the spatial distribution of environmental and societal phenomena in the world’s regions; environmental phenomena may include topography, climate, and natural resources; societal phenomena may include patterns of population and settlement, religion, ethnicity, language, and economic development. Analyzes the characteristics that define world regions and distinguish them from each other. Examines the relationships between physical environments and human societies. Examines globalization, emphasizing the geopolitical and economic relationships between more developed and less developed regions.
This course emphasizes the physiological, psychological and practical principles of survival. Survival equipment, wilderness improvising techniques, and wilderness dangers are included.
Introduces laboratory analyses done in the water industry. The course covers the functionality and use of analytical instruments for safely analyzing water samples for common parameters relevant to the water industry. Water chemistry topics are explored to explain the use and function of the instrumentation.
Provides a brief history of ethology, forms of animal communication, the sensory world of animals, programmed vs. learned behavior, navigation, and mating behaviors. Students will be given an in-depth look at how animal behavior is affected by a zoo environment and how to correct stereotypic behaviors that are often seen in captive animals.