Majors and Courses - Natural Sciences at LaGuardia Community College

Biology

Click here for the PDF file containing information about the Biology Major

Click here to view Articulation Agreement with York College/CUNY

Suggested Timeline for New Students
FIRST YEAR
Fall I Semester	Credits
FSM000	New Student Seminar	0
SCB201	Fundamentals of Biology I	4
SCC201	Fundamentals of Chemistry I	4
ENG101	Composition I: An Introduction to Expository Writing	3
MAT115	College Algebra and Trigonometry	3
Fall II Semester
SCB252	Fundamentals of Biotechniques	2
	Total Credits:	16

Spring I Semester	Credits
SCB202	Fundamentals of Biology II	4
SCC202	Fundamentals of Chemistry II	4
ENG102	Writing through Literature	3
HUP102	Critical Thinking	3
Spring II Semester
SSA101	Cultural Anthropology	3
	Total Credits:	17

SECOND YEAR
Fall I Semester	Credits
SCC251	Organic Chemistry I	5
MAT200	Precalculus	4
CEP121	Fundamentals of Professional Advancement	3
Fall II Semester
CEP201	Fulltime Internship	3
	Total Credits:	15

Spring I Semester	Credits
SCB255	Cell Biology (capstone course)	4
SCC252	Organic Chemistry II	5
SCN194	AIDS in New York City	3
Spring II Semester

	Total Credits:	12

Environmental Science

Click here for the Environmental Science Major brochure

Click here for the PDF file containing information about the Environmental Science Major

Click here to view Articulation Agreement with Queens College/CUNY.

For current information about internships and jobs, as well as interesting articles and videos related to the

Environmental Sciences, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LAGCCEnvironmentalScience

Environmental Science: Suggested timeline for Students
FIRST YEAR
Fall I Semester	Credits
FSM039	New Student Seminar	0
SCB201	Fundamentals of Biology I	4
SCC201	Fundamentals of Chemistry I	4
ENG101	Composition I: An Introduction to Expository Writing	3
MAT120	Elementary Statistics	3
Fall II Semester
SCG150	Geographic Information Systems	4
	Total Credits:	18

Spring I Semester
SCB202	Fundamentals of Biology II	4
SCC202	Fundamentals of Chemistry II	4
ENG102	Writing through Literature	3
HUP108	Environmental Ethics	3
	Total Credits:	14

SECOND YEAR
Fall I Semester	Credits
SCB265	Fundamentals of Ecology	4
MAT200	Precalculus	4
CEP121	Fundamentals of Professional Advancement	3
SSE104	Introduction to Macroeconomics	3
	Total Credits:	14

Spring I Semester
SCG250	Environmental Science (capstone course)	4
SSN202	Environmental Sociology	3
SCB260	General Microbiology	4
Spring II Semester
CEP201	Fulltime Internship	3
	Total Credits:	14

Articulation Agreement with Queens College:

The Environmental Science Program at LaGuardia Community College is fully articulated with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Queens College. The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences provides an interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies allowing students to concentrate their studies in biology, chemistry or geology. Graduates of LaGuardia’s Environmental Science Program will transfer with 60 credits and have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Queens College in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies.

Further details of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Queens College can be found here.

scientists in New Town creek

LAGCC scientists gather water samples from Newtown Creek, Queens, a local research site with a long history of environmental damage.

New York City panoramic view

The Environmental Science Program at LaGuardia Community College uses New York City as a natural laboratory for the study of a variety of environmental issues.

SCB101: Topics in Biology

Course ID	SCB101 (download syllabus)
Course Title	Topics in Biological Sciences
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	3 credits 4 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course gives an introduction to the scientific method, the origin and organization of life, and reproduction and ecology. The relevance of modern biological theory to human life in particular areas will be emphasized using selected topics such as urban pollution and population control.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB115: Principles of Biology

Course ID	SCB115 (download syllabus)
Course Title	Principles of Biology
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This is a one-semester laboratory-based course in biology stressing general concepts and amplifying them through a study of the human organism. The scientific method of thinking will be emphasized. Topics will include biological chemistry, cell structure and function, classical and molecular genetics, evolution and ecology, and homeostasis will be explored in the context of human biology. Laboratory exercises will include chemical analyses of nutrients, microscope slides and dissection of the fetal pig.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB160: Food Microbiology

Course ID	SCB160
Course Title	Food Microbiology
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This course is an introduction to the science of food, with emphasis on microorganisms which affect it. Digestive processes and fundamental chemistry of food are studied, as well as the complex interactions which exist between food and microorganisms, including handling, preparation and storage. The laboratory will focus on morphological and physiological characteristics of microorganisms associated with contamination, spoilage, preservation, and food-borne disease. This course does not fulfill the Dietetic Technology General Microbiology requirement. (Note:This course satisfies the New York City Department of Personnel requirement for the foods course for eligibility for School Lunch Manager.)
Prerequisite	SCD100
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB201: Fundamentals of Biology I

Course ID	SCB201 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Fundamentals of Biology I
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is an integrated two-semester laboratory-based sequence, stressing major concepts of biology designed to assist the student in relating these concepts to the environment. The scientific method of thinking and the experimental approach will be stressed. Among the topics studied are: SCB201: Cellular and molecular basis of life, heredity, and the evolution of life. SCB202: Survey of the kingdoms, organismic anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the human system. The principles of ecology and problems of population.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts NAS Core

SCB202: Fundamentals of Biology II

Course ID	SCB202 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Fundamentals of Biology II
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is an integrated two-semester laboratory-based sequence, stressing major concepts of biology designed to assist the student in relating these concepts to the environment. The scientific method of thinking and the experimental approach will be stressed. Among the topics studied are: SCB201: Cellular and molecular basis of life, heredity, and the evolution of life. SCB202: Survey of the kingdoms, organismic anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the human system. The principles of ecology and problems of population.
Prerequisite	SCB201
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB203: Fundamentals of Human Biology I

Course ID	SCB203 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	Part one of a two semester introduction to human anatomy and physiology that examines the relationships between structure and function of organs and organ systems in the maintenance of normal function in the whole organism. The lab includes experimental activities, microscopy and gross anatomy. Dissections and clay modeling will be used to study select organ systems. Lecture topics include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic and immune systems.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB204: Fundamentals of Human Biology II

Course ID	SCB204 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	Part two of a two semester introduction to human anatomy and physiology that examines the relationships between structure and function of organs and organ systems in the maintenance of normal function in the whole organism. The lab includes experimental activities, microscopy and gross anatomy. Rat dissections will be used to study select organ systems. The major organ systems covered include the nervous, endocrine, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite	SCB203
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB208: Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology I

Course ID	SCB208 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology 1
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	2 credits 3 hours (1 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course introduces the student to the evolution, anatomy, and physiology of the major vertebrate classes. Emphasis is placed on the taxonomy and characteristics of vertebrates. Muscle and bone organization and the physiology of contraction are also covered in depth. In the laboratory, students have the opportunity to dissect representative non-mammalian vertebrates.
Prerequisite	SCV101 for students in Veterinary Technology Program, SCB202 for all Associate of Science students, SCC140
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB209: Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology II

Course ID	SCB209 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology 2
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	3 credits 4 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is a continuation of Vertebrate Anatomy and Physiology 1. Major organ systems are discussed while emphasis is placed on mammalian anatomy and physiology. In the laboratory, students have the opportunity to view these systems through the dissection of a cat.
Prerequisite	SCB208
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB252: Fundamentals of Biotechniques

Course ID	SCB252
Course Title	Fundamentals of Biotechniques
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	2 credits 4 hours (1 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This is an intensive one-semester laboratory-based course in biotechniques. Students will learn how to form hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data, and review science literature. Students will perform techniques such as bacterial transformation, purification of nucleic acids, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), electrophoresis, DNA microarray analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and histological techniques, while learning the responsible conduct of research and bioethics.
Prerequisite	ENC/ENG101, SCB201, SCC201 and MAT115
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB255: Cell Biology

Course ID	SCB255
Course Title	Cell Biology
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This is an upper-level one-semester laboratory-based course stressing essential aspects of cell biology. Cell structure and function will be introduced. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, membrane transport, protein sorting, vesicular trafficking, cytoskeletal components, chromatin remodeling, signal transduction, cancer, apoptosis and stem cells. Students, by conducting hypothesis-driven science, will be introduced to state-of-the-art techniques.
Prerequisite	ENG102, MAT200, SCB202 and SCC202
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB260: General Microbiology

Course ID	SCB260 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	General Microbiology
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours ( 3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This course offers an introduction to microorganisms found in nature, industry and disease. The student is introduced to virology, bacteriology, immunology, epidemiology, pathology and other related areas of microbial physiology. The laboratory will deal with the isolation and identification of common pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms utilizing techniques of staining, culturing, fermentation reactions and microscopic inspection.
Prerequisite	SCB202 or SCB204 or SCB209
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCB265: Fundamentals of Ecology

Course ID	SCB265 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Fundamentals of Ecology
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCB - Biology
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This course is a comprehensive introduction to ecology. Students will be introduced to the kinds of questions asked by ecologists, the principal concepts and theories that guide ecological inquiry and the methods that are used to answer ecological questions. Particular emphasis will be paid to population, community and ecosystem level processes and both terrestrial and aquatic systems will be considered. The practical component of the course will include laboratory exercises as well as field work.
Prerequisite	SCB202, SCC202
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	- Lib Arts

SCC101: Topics in Chemistry

Course ID	SCC101 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Topics in Chemistry
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	3 credits 4 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is a one-semester survey of the principles and applications of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed upon descriptive chemistry in areas such as food and drugs, synthetics, and biological chemistry. Lecture and discussion will be complemented by laboratory experiments in which chemical principles and techniques are applied to the analysis and synthesis of familiar items. Note: This course is not open to students with credit in SCC140 or SCC201.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT095
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCC140: Biological Chemistry

Course ID	SCC140
Course Title	Biological Chemistry
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	3 credits 4 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is an introduction to the chemical basis of life. Topics will include an introduction to basic chemical principles, atomic structure, bond formation, and structure, and mechanisms in organic and biochemical systems. These will be related to the basic life processes of reproduction, development, growth, nutrition, and health.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCC205: Introduction to Chemistry

Course ID	SCC205 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Introduction to Chemistry
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course serves as an introduction to chemistry. It is intended for students who require one semester of laboratory based science. Topics include measurements, atomic structure, the Periodic Table, ionic and molecular compounds, stoichiometry, energy, physical states of matter, solutions, acids and bases. This course does not fulfill the requirements for students planning to apply to the pre-health or veterinary programs at Laguardia.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT115 or 200 level.
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCC201: Fundamentals of Chemistry I

Course ID	SCC201 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	General Chemistry I
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is part 1 of a two-semester sequence covering concepts of General Chemistry. It is intended for students planning to major in science or engineering who require one year of chemistry. Among the topics studied are atomic structure, chemical bonding and reactivity, quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, thermochemistry and gases
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT115 or any 200 level.
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts NAS Core

SCC202: Fundamentals of Chemistry II

Course ID	SCC202 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	General Chemistry II
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course is a part II of a two-semester sequence covering concepts of General Chemistry. It is intended for students planning to major in science or engineering who require one year of chemistry. Among the topics studied are: liquids, solids, solutions, acid-base theory, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry.
Prerequisite	SCC201
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCC210: Foundations of Chemistry

Course ID	SCC210 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Foundations of Chemistry
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours 3 Lecture, 3 Lab
Course Description	This course presents essential facts, laws, and theories of general chemistry. Topics include measurement and significant figures, atomic structure, elements and compounds, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, acid and bases, nuclear radiation, and classification of simple organic compounds according to functional groups. The laboratory component is designed to illustrate the fundamental laws and techniques of general chemistry. The course addresses the needs primarily of allied health students.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCC251: Organic Chemistry I

Course ID	SCC251 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Organic Chemistry I
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	5 credits 7 hours (3 lecture, 4 lab)
Course Description	This course is a two-semester sequence emphasizing the synthesis, structure, reactivity and mechanisms of reaction of organic compounds. Laboratory stresses synthesis, purification, separation and identification of compounds. SCC251: Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons; sterochemistry.
Prerequisite	MAT096, SCC202
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCC252: Organic Chemistry II

Course ID	SCC252 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Organic Chemistry II
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCC - Chemistry
Course Credits	5 credits 7 hours (3 lecture, 4 lab)
Course Description	This course is a two-semester sequence emphasizing the synthesis, structure, reactivity and mechanisms of reaction of organic compounds. Laboratory stresses synthesis, purification, separation and identification of compounds. SCC252: Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, heterocycles, biomolecules.
Prerequisite	SCC251
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCP101: Topics in Physical Sciences

Course ID	SCP101 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Topics In Physical Sciences
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCP - Physical Science
Course Credits	3 credits 4 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course consists of a survey of the major concepts in physics, astronomy, chemistry, and geology. The physics section includes the theory of motion (kinematics); the law of conservation of energy; different forms of energy, especially electrical and atomic; and the laws of wave motion and optics. The astronomy section deals with both planetary and stellar astronomy. The unit on chemistry emphasizes the structure of atoms and their combination into molecules. Finally, the segment on geology centers on the theory of plate tectonics and how it is used to explain phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT095
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCP140: Topics in Astronomy

Course ID	SCP140 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Topics in Astronomy
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCP - Physical Science
Course Credits	3 credits 4 hours (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description	This course surveys modern astronomy with special emphasis on recent developments in space and astrophysics. Among the topics to be covered will be planetary astronomy and geology, the moon, the possibility of life on other worlds, energy production in stars, stellar evolution, pulsars, quasars, “black holes,” and cosmology. Laboratory periods will include field trips to planetariums and observatories in the N.Y.C. area. Students should expect field trip expenses of about $20.00.
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCP201: Fundamentals of Physics I

Course ID	SCP201
Course Title	Fundamentals of Physics I
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCP - Physical Science
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	Fundamentals of Physics I and II are together a two-semester sequence covering the basic laws of physics with an emphasis on laboratory experience and mathematical solutions of problems. This is a basic course for students intending to continue their studies in the physical and biological sciences, since more advanced courses in the natural sciences assume knowledge of this material. Among the topics studied are: SCP201: The basic concepts of mechanics; kinematics; Newton's gravitation; conservation of momentum and energy; heat, emphasizing the kinetic theory; and electrostatics (charge, forces, fields, electrical energy. )
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT096
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts NAS Core

SCP202: Fundamentals of Physics II

Course ID	SCP202 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Fundamentals of Physics II
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCP - Physical Science
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 1 recitation, 2 lab)
Course Description	Fundamentals of Physics I and II are together a two-semester sequence covering the basic laws of physics with an emphasis on laboratory experience and mathematical solutions of problems. This is a basic course for students intending to continue their studies in the physical and biological sciences, since more advanced courses in the natural sciences assume knowledge of this material. Among the topics studied are: SCP202: The basic concept of electrodynamics (currents and magnetism electromagnetism); optics (wave theory, lenses); and modern physics (relativity, atomic theory, quantum mechanics.)
Prerequisite	SCP201
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCP231: General Physics I

Course ID	SCP231 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	General Physics I
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCP - Physical Science
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours
Course Description	This is the first part of a computer-based physics course intended for students who want to major in science, computer science or engineering. Computers will be used in the laboratory in conjunction with traditional equipment for problem solving, data collection, and analysis. Topics covered include vectors, Newton’s laws, equilibrium, rectilinear motion, two-dimensional motion, gravitation, Kepler’s laws, work and the work-energy theorem, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, the physics of fluids, and heat. This course is the first course in a two course calculus-based physics sequence (SCP231-232).
Prerequisite	CSE099, ENA/ENG/ESA099, MAT201
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCP232: General Physics II

Course ID	SCP232 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	General Physics II
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCP - Physical Science
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This is the second part of a computer-based physics course intended for students who want to major in science, computer science, or engineering. Computers will be used in the laboratory in conjunction with traditional equipment for problem solving, data collection, and analysis. Topics covered include waves, wave motion, light propagation, geometrical optics, interference and diffraction, electric field and potential, capacitance and dielectrics, magnetic fields and forces, direct and alternating current, Ohm’s law, and electromagnetic waves. This course is the second course in a twocourse sequence (SCP231-232)
Prerequisite	MAT202, SCP231
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other	-Lib Arts

SCG150: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Course ID	SCG150 (Download Syllabus)
Course Title	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Department	Natural Sciences
Discipline	SCG - Environmental Science
Course Credits	4 credits 6 hours (3 lecture, 3 lab)
Course Description	This course covers the entire Geographic Information Systems production process from data acquisition and modeling to editing, analysis and cartographic output. Lectures will introduce the theory of GIS science and laboratory classes will familiarize students with GIS software needed to accomplish the course objectives. The course will use data collected by students participating in the Newtown Creek analysis project, among other data sources, for a final mapping exercise.
Prerequisite	MAT096, ENG101
Corequisite
Pre or Corequisite
Other