Northwest-Shoals’ Department of Natural Sciences offers courses in anatomy and physiology, general biology, microbiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical science, environmental science, general physics, and advanced physics.
Students working toward an associate’s degree and those preparing for transfer to a four-year college or university can choose from certain offerings to meet their science general education requirements.
At Northwest-Shoals we work hard to make sure that you graduate with an Associate Degree or Certificate and arrive at a university prepared to start Junior-level courses. The Department of Natural Sciences offers high quality science courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Physics to science and non-science majors through formal classroom instruction, laboratory exercises and directed study with the intent to prepare each student for advancement in their field of study.

Those planning to major in the chemical, physical or biological sciences will find the necessary courses to complete the first two years of their curriculum among the department’s offerings. This includes programs for those interested in the medically oriented professions such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The department supports a number of two-year technical programs at Northwest-Shoals including Nursing and Emergency Medical Technician.
Courses
Biology (BIO)
BIO101 Introduction to Biology I
Biology 101 is an introductory course designed for non-science majors. It includes physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through a study of the scientific method, biological organization, cellular structure, bioenergetics of a cell, cell reproduction, gene theory, inheritance, and evolution. A 120-minute laboratory per week is required.
BIO102 Introduction to Biology II
PREREQUISITE: BIO 101
Biology 102 is an introductory course designed for non-science majors. It includes evolutionary principles and relationships, environmental and ecological topics, phylogenetics and classification, and a survey of biodiversity. A 120-minute laboratory is required.
BIO103 Principles of Biology I
BIO 103 includes a Lecture portion and a Laboratory portion. Sections listed as BIO 103A are Lecture only, and must be accompanied by BIO 103L as a co-requisite.
Biology 103 is an introductory course for science and non-science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through a study of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Also included are the scientific method, basic principles of evolution, and an overview of the diversity of life with emphasis on viruses, prokaryotes, and protist. A 120 minute laboratory is required
BIO104 Principles of Biology II
PREREQUISITE: BIO 103 or BIO 103A.
This course is an introduction to the basic ecological and evolutionary relationships of plants and animals and a survey of plant and animal diversity including classification, morphology, physiology, and reproduction. A 180 minute laboratory is required.
BIO111 Human Biology
This course for the non-science major covers the basic structure and function of the human body. Laboratory is required. This course is offered upon sufficient enrollment, and is not a core transfer course.
BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
*BIO 103 is strongly recommended
Human Anatomy and Physiology I covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is an orientation of the human body, basic principles of chemistry, a study of cells and tissues, metabolism, joints, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and the senses. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology are featured in the laboratory experience. A 120 minute laboratory is required.
BIO202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
PREREQUISITE: BIO 201.
Human Anatomy and Physiology II covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is a study of basic nutrition, basic principles of water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, the endocrine, respiratory, digestive, excretory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology are featured in the laboratory experience. A 120 minute laboratory is required.
BIO220 General Microbiology
PREREQUISITE: BIO 103 or BIO 103A or BIO 201 (RECOMMENDED 4 SEMESTER HOURS OF CHEMISTRY).
This course includes historical perspectives, cell structure and function, microbial genetics, infectious diseases, immunology, distribution, physiology, culture, identification, classification, and disease control of microorganisms. The laboratory experience includes micro-techniques, distribution, culture, identification, and control. Two 120 minute laboratories are required.
BIO250 Directed Studies in Biology
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.
Availability of this course is dependent upon sufficient demand. See advisor for further information.
Chemistry (CHM)
CHM099 Developmental Chemistry
This course is designed for students with little or no background in chemistry. This preparatory course offers a detailed review of the mathematical base for chemistry, including formulas and equations, and covers basic chemical calculations of stoichiometry, gas laws and solutions. Laboratory techniques and safety are also included.
CHM104 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: MTH 116 or MTH 098 or equivalent math placement score.
This is a survey course of general chemistry for students who do not intend to major in science or engineering and may not be substituted for CHM 111. Lecture will emphasize the facts, principles, and theories of general chemistry including math operations, matter and energy, atomic structure, symbols and formulas, nomenclature, the periodic table, bonding concepts, equations, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, phases of matter, solutions, pH, and equilibrium reactions. Laboratory is required.
CHM105 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: CHM 104 or CHM 111.
This is a survey course of organic chemistry and biochemistry for students who do not intend to major in science or engineering. Topics will include basic nomenclature, classification of organic compounds, typical organic reactions, reactions involved in life processes, function of biomolecules, and the handling and disposal of organic compounds. Laboratory is required.
CHM111 College Chemistry I
PREREQUISITE: MTH 100 or equivalent math placement score.
This is the first course in a two-semester sequence designed for the science or engineering major who is expected to have a strong background in mathematics. Topics in this course include measurement, nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure, equations and reactions, basic concepts of thermochemistry, chemical and physical properties, bonding, molecular structure, gas laws, kinetic-molecular theory, condensed matter, solutions, colloids, and some descriptive chemistry topics. Laboratory is required.
CHM112 College Chemistry II
PREREQUISITE: CHM 111.
This is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed primarily for the science and engineering student who is expected to have a strong background in mathematics. Topics in this course include chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, ionic equilibria of weak electrolytes, solubility product principle, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction, nuclear chemistry, an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and selected topics in descriptive chemistry including the metals, nonmetals, semi-metals, coordination compounds, transition compounds, and posttransition compounds. Laboratory is required.
CHM221 Organic Chemistry I
PREREQUISITE: CHM 112.
This is the first course in a two-semester sequence. Topics in this course include nomenclature, structure, physical and chemical properties, synthesis, and typical reactions for aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic compounds with special emphasis on reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry. Laboratory is required and will include the synthesis and confirmation of representative organic compounds with emphasis on basic techniques.
CHM222 Organic Chemistry II
PREREQUISITE: CHM 221.
This is the second course in a two-semester sequence. Topics in this course include nomenclature, structure, physical and chemical properties, synthesis, and typical reactions for aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and biological compounds, polymers and their derivatives, with special emphasis on reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry. Laboratory is required and will include the synthesis and confirmation of representative organic compounds with emphasis on basic techniques.
CHM250 Directed Studies in Chemistry
PREREQUISITE: Divisional approval.
This course is designed for independent study in specific areas of chemistry chosen in consultation with a faculty member and carried out under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated three (3) times for credit. +Availability of this course is dependent upon sufficient demand. See advisor for further information.
Physical Science (PHS)
PHS111 Physical Science I
This course provides the non-technical student with an introduction to the basic principles of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Laboratory is required.
PHS112 Physical Science II
PREREQUISITE: MTH 098 or math placement score.
This course provides the non-technical student with an introduction to the basic principles of chemistry and physics. Laboratory is required. NOTE: PHS 112 may be taken before PHS 111.
PHS120 Environmental Science
This course is an interdisciplinary course designed to give the non-science major an introductory survey of the environment. The environment will be studied with an emphasis on topics such as air, soil, water, wild life, forestry, and solid waste pollution. Laboratory is required and will emphasize field studies and experimentation. Availability of this course is dependent upon sufficient demand. See advisor for further information.
Physics (PHY)
PHY115 Technical Physics
REREQUISITE: MTH 098.
PREREQUISITE: MTH 100 or MTH 103.
Technical physics is an algebra-based physics course designed to utilize modular concepts to include motion, forces, torque, work energy, heat, wave/sound, light and electricity. Results of physics education research and physics applications in the workplace are used to improve the student’s understanding of physics in technical areas. Upon completion, students will be able to define motion and describe specific module concepts; utilize microcomputers to generate motion diagrams; understand the nature of contact forces and distinguish passive forces; work cooperatively to set-up laboratory exercises; and demonstrate applications of module-specific concepts.
PHY120 Introduction to Physics
REREQUISITE: MTH 098.
This course provides an introduction to general physics for nonscience majors. Topics include fundamentals of mechanics, properties of matter, heat and temperature, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Laboratory is required. Offered upon sufficient enrollment.
PHY201 General Physics I – Trig Based
PREREQUISITE: MTH 113 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
This course is designed to cover general physics at a level that assumes previous exposure to college algebra and basic trigonometry. Specific topics include mechanics, properties of matter and energy, thermodynamics, and periodic motion. A laboratory is required.
PHY202 General Physics II – Trig Based
PREREQUISITE: PHY 201.
This course is designed to cover general physics using college algebra and basic trigonometry. Specific topics include wave motion, sound, light optics, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, and modern physics. Laboratory is required.
PHY205 Recitation in Physics I
This course will meet one hour weekly purely for problem solving. This course should be taken with PHY 201.
PHY206 Recitation in Physics II
This course will meet one hour weekly purely for problem solving. This course should be taken with PHY 202.
PHY213 General Physics with Calculus I
PREREQUISITE: MTH 125 or permission of the instructor.
This course provides a calculus-based treatment of the principle subdivisions of classical physics: mechanics and energy including Thermo-dynamics. Laboratory is required.
PHY214 General Physics with Calculus II
PREREQUISITE: PHY 213.
This course provides a calculus-based study in classical physics. Topics include simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity and magnetism. Laboratory is required.
PHY215 Recitation in Physics with Calculus I
This course will meet one hour weekly purely for problem solving. This course should be taken with PHY 213.
PHY216 Recitation in Physics with Calculus II
This course will meet one hour weekly purely for problem solving. This course should be taken with PHY 214.
PHY299 Directed Studies in Physics
Availability of this course is dependent upon sufficient demand. See advisor for further information.
Contact:
Dr. Heather Johnson
Instructor of Biology, Math & Science Division Chair
Phone: (256) 331-5326
Email: heatherj@nwscc.edu