Engineering &
Physical and Biological Sciences
Explore Engineering and Sciences
Program Options
The right science and engineering courses for you depend on your program, your transfer destination, and whether you need to fulfill a general education requirement or a specific prerequisite.
CCC offers courses across biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and engineering at levels ranging from introductory general education through the rigorous science sequences required for the AS degree and health science prerequisites.
Biology
Biology Life is complex, and biologists spend their careers working to understand it. From cellular processes to ecological systems, biology coursework at CCC builds the foundational knowledge that pre-medicine, environmental science, and life science programs at four-year universities require. It is also one of the most common science prerequisites for nursing and allied health programs.
Who this is for: Students completing AGEC Natural Sciences requirements; students planning to transfer into biology, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, environmental science, or allied health programs; students who need biology as a prerequisite for nursing or other health science programs.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the BIO prefix in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Biology Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Bachelor’s degrees in biology, ecology, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, environmental science, and allied health. Careers as a biologist, ecologist, biological technician, or with further education, physician, dentist, or other health professional.
Chemistry
Chemistry underlies nearly everything in the physical world, from the medications people take to the materials that make modern technology possible. Chemistry coursework builds the analytical and quantitative thinking that science, health, and engineering programs depend on, and is a required prerequisite for most health science and pre-medicine pathways.
Who this is for: Students completing AGEC Natural Sciences requirements; students planning to transfer into chemistry, biochemistry, pre-medicine, engineering, or environmental science programs; students who need chemistry as a prerequisite for nursing or allied health programs.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the CHM prefix in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Chemistry Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you with further education: Bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pre-medicine, and environmental science. Careers as a chemist, materials scientist, biochemist, biophysicist, or with further education, pharmacologist or toxicologist.
Physics
Physics asks the biggest questions about how the universe works and gives you the mathematical tools to answer them. It is the foundation of engineering, astronomy, and medical physics, and develops a level of quantitative reasoning that translates across almost every technical field.
Who this is for: Students completing AGEC Natural Sciences requirements; students planning to transfer into physics, engineering, astronomy, or pre-medicine programs; students who want to develop strong quantitative and analytical reasoning skills.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the PHY prefix in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Physics Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Bachelor’s degrees in physics, engineering, astronomy, and pre-medicine. Careers as a physicist, astronomer, medical physicist, or with further education, engineer or researcher.
Geology
Few places in the country offer a more compelling classroom for geology than Northern Arizona. The Grand Canyon alone represents nearly two billion years of earth history. Geology coursework develops your understanding of earth systems, natural resources, and environmental processes, and prepares you for careers that sit at the intersection of science, conservation, and land management.
Who this is for: Students completing AGEC Natural Sciences requirements; students planning to transfer into geology, earth science, environmental science, or natural resource management programs; students interested in the landscape, natural history, and environmental systems of the Colorado Plateau and beyond.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the GLG prefix in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Geology Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Bachelor’s degrees in geology, earth science, environmental science, and natural resource management. Careers as a geoscientist, hydrologist, environmental scientist, park ranger, or conservation scientist.
Environmental Science
Environmental science draws on biology, chemistry, geology, and ecology to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from water quality and land use to climate adaptation and conservation. In Northern Arizona, where environmental issues intersect with public lands, tribal sovereignty, and regional water systems, this field has particular relevance and urgency.
Who this is for: Students completing AGEC Natural Sciences requirements; students planning to transfer into environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or sustainability programs; students who want to understand and address environmental challenges at the local, regional, and global scale.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the ENV prefix in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Environmental Science Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you with future education: Bachelor’s degrees in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, sustainability, and natural resource management. Careers as an environmental scientist, conservation scientist, forester, or sustainability coordinator.
Engineering
Engineering applies scientific and mathematical principles to design solutions to real-world problems, from bridges and buildings to electrical systems and software. Engineering coursework at CCC provides the foundational principles and mathematical applications that engineering bachelor’s programs at Arizona’s public universities expect students to have before transferring.
Who this is for: Students planning to transfer into civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, or other engineering programs at a four-year university; students who want to build the mathematical and scientific foundation that engineering programs require.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the EGR prefix in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Engineering Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you with future education: Bachelor’s degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, environmental, and other engineering disciplines. Careers as a civil engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, chemical engineer, or engineering technician.
What Will I Learn?
Science and engineering courses at CCC help you develop the analytical thinking, research skills, and technical knowledge needed to succeed in further study and a wide range of careers. Coursework may cover:
- Scientific inquiry, observation, and experimental design
- Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Laboratory skills and field research techniques
- Mathematical applications in science
- Environmental and ecological systems
- The physical and chemical properties of matter and energy
- Earth’s geological history, processes, and natural resources
- The diversity, structure, and function of living organisms
- Engineering design process, problem-solving, and teamwork
- Programming for science and engineering applications
Program at a glance
Course Delivery: In-person at most CCC campuses; some courses available online
AGEC Requirement: Two natural sciences courses required for most degrees, at least one with a lab component
Other Program Prerequisites: Specific science courses are required prerequisites for nursing, allied health, and pre-health programs. Check your program requirements before registering.
AS Degree Requirement: One matched two-course science sequence chosen from biology, chemistry, physics, or geology
Financial Aid Eligible: Yes, for all credit-bearing science and engineering courses
The Associate of Science (AS) Degree
The AS degree is designed for students planning to transfer into majors with mathematics and science requirements, including mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, geology and physics. It combines a full general education core with a degree-specific math and science sequence that prepares you to enter a four-year program as a competitive transfer student.
Transfer Options
Most science and engineering careers require a bachelor’s degree at minimum, which is why CCC’s transfer-focused science pathway is designed to get you there efficiently and affordably. The skills you develop through science and engineering coursework can prepare you for further study and careers across many fields.
All CCC science courses transfer to NAU, ASU, and the University of Arizona as AGEC Natural Sciences credit. The AS degree and AGEC-Science Certificate are specifically designed to maximize transfer credit for students entering science-intensive bachelor’s programs. CCC has established agreements with Arizona’s public universities, so the credits you earn here are recognized when you transfer.
Career Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know which science course to start with?
The right starting point depends on your educational goals and the program you are pursuing. Some programs, such as nursing and allied health, have specific science prerequisites. If you are planning to transfer, your intended major may also influence which courses you take first. An academic advisor can help you identify the best path for your goals.
- Are science courses hands-on?
Yes. Many science courses at CCC include laboratory components where you will apply concepts through observation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis. Lab experience is an important part of developing the practical skills expected in science and healthcare fields.
- Who are sciences courses for?
Science courses at CCC are for everyone, not just students heading into science fields. Whether you are completing AGEC requirements, meeting prerequisites for nursing or another healthcare program, or preparing to transfer, science courses can play an important role in your educational pathway.
Meet your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
