DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

PHYSICAL AND LIFE SCIENCE Area of Interest at Harper College

UNEARTH what a Physical and Life Science Program can offer Are you curious? Physical and Life Science courses encompass the study of living and non-living systems. Scientists collect and analyze matter for scientific research, and report their findings. This expansive area will introduce you to ideas, methodologies and technologies through an enriching curriculum. Harper College provides transfer-ready programs and credit courses to lead you to a career in discovery. By enrolling at Harper, you learn through quality, convenient courses, save money and can transfer to a four-year college or university. Explore our physical and life science programs.

Harper is home to the Karl G. Henize Observatory, featuring a research-grade telescope that’s open to students, faculty and the community for a unique, hands-on learning experience.

PERSONAL ATTENTION from dedicated instructors Our student-to-teacher ratio is

19:1 The Physical and Life Science labs have nearly $1 million worth of combined equipment including kits, manuals, supplies and safety equipment providing students access to cutting edge technology that helps fuel and expand learning.

Harper College offers programs in: y Biological Science

y Earth Science

y Nutrition

y Chemistry

y Kinesiology/Personal Training

y Physics and Astronomy



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“

The LAB showed me how to see the data and DEVELOP MY SKILLS.

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Harper College has a balance of classroom and hands-on lab learning. Classrooms are equipped with “smart classroom technology” to heighten your educational experience. Supervised instruction with clients in the kinesiology and nutrition programs increases selfconfidence and lab work using trial-and-error scenarios show you how research and analysis are done properly. These expand your proficiencies to support transfer to a college or university and gain knowledge that will be required in your field.

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) and the Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees outlined in this brochure are transfer options.

„ BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE Biologists study how living things work and investigate the interactions of living organisms with the environment. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world in which we live helping us address issues of personal wellbeing and worldwide concern. It can open your career options to consider further areas of study in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical research and more. Harper’s program follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) biological sciences baccalaureate major recommendations. Many classes are held within state-of-the-art laboratories. The cadaver lab offers active, hands-on learning where you can advance your understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Courses include Microbiology, Human Disease and Field Biology, to name a few. The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacy, health, dentistry, physical therapy, veterinary science, ecology, zoology, teaching or a related major.

„ CHEMISTRY Chemists explore the changes and transformations in the molecular world as a means to understand the composition, predict the properties and modify the structure of materials around us. Feed your curiosity by pursuing a career that can

take you from working with a team of other scientists to individual research depending on the day. Typical entrylevel job titles for chemistry graduates include chemistry technician, forensic science technician, geoscientist/ geochemical scientist, hydrologist or secondary education teacher. Harper has a well-stocked chemistry lab with a curriculum dedicated to experimentation that provides you ample opportunity to expand your knowledge with hands-on trial-and-error scenarios. Harper’s two-year degree program includes a balance of classroom instruction and discussion. Continued on page 6.

Harper College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement designed to help Illinois college students transfer easily.

TRANSFER ADMISSION GUARANTEE (TAG)

TRANSFER

The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program is a partnership between specific community colleges and the University of Illinois at Chicago that offers guaranteed admission to most UIC programs including kinesiology.



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The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in chemistry, clinical laboratory science, biochemistry, pharmacy, health, veterinary science, forensic chemistry, chemical engineering or a related major.

„ EARTH SCIENCE Earth science is the study of our planet’s physical characteristics and environment. Scientists work inside labs and do outside field-work that lead to new developments in how to use and preserve the world’s natural resources.

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My goal is to TRANSFER to the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and enter their BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAM.

“

— Sabrina, biochemistry student

Earth science careers include cartographer, geophysicist, metallurgist, mineralogist, paleontologist, surveyor or secondary education teacher. You can feed your curiosity by studying the atmosphere, land, ocean and biosphere. With one of the largest community college geology collections in the country, Harper is an ideal place to begin your studies in earth science. You can take courses in Rocks and Minerals, Environmental Geology, Introduction to Physical Geology and more. Harper’s two-year program includes a balance of both classroom instruction and discussion. The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in earth science, geology, physical sciences or a related major.

„ KINESIOLOGY AND PERSONAL TRAINING Kinesiology is the study of human movement including the anatomical, physiological, biomechanical and psychological aspects of human performance in sports and fitness. You will gain practical experience working with clients under the supervision of faculty certified as personal trainers in the new state-of-the-art Health and Recreation Center (Building M). Careers in the field of kinesiology include personal trainer, coach, athletic trainer, physical therapist, occupational therapist or secondary education teacher in settings that range from private studios to corporate fitness facilities, and from senior care centers to hospitals. The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science or a related major. Harper’s Personal Training certificate prepares you for the national certification exam from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) exam for employment in the field.

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For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas

„ NUTRITION Nutrition professionals serve the community in a variety of settings from hospitals, schools and community programs to health clubs, food manufacturers and private practice. Nutrition professionals help shape menus, food choices and policy while promoting health. Harper provides you the tools to be on your way to a career in the nutrition field with courses that provide hands-on learning. The science of nutrition is ever changing with new research. The nutrition field is growing and the career possibilities are numerous. The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you for transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics. The bachelor’s degree may lead to you becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD), Dietetic Technician, registered (DTR) or set you up to work in the nutrition field.

At Harper College, you can expand your knowledge by taking courses taught by experienced faculty in courses such as the basics of physics, the solar system, mechanics, electricity and magnetism and more. Balanced classes provide you with the in-depth knowledge to have a successful career as a physicist, astronomer, researcher or secondary education teacher. The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy or a related major.

If you are interested in a physical and life sciencerelated subject not listed here, please meet with an academic advisor to discuss your goals.

„ PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY Physicists and astronomers study matter, energy and the ways they interact. They seek to explain everything that we observe in our universe by designing and conducting experiments to broaden our understanding.

SCAN ME to learn more about Physical and Life Science programs.

“

For me, it started with the first look through a telescope.

For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas

“

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A SCIENCE CAREER According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of life and science occupations is projected to grow nearly 10 percent from 2016 to 2026. There will be an increased demand for degreed professionals in the sciences, particularly in occupations involved in biomedical research, energy management and environmental protection. Scientists work in the private sector with some working for federal, state or local government agencies. With a minimum of a four-year degree you have many career options. Graduates who have studied the physical and life sciences have gone on to highly successful careers.

Community College Savings* Save $13,340

$28,540 2 YEARS Community College

2 YEARS Public University (in state)

$41,880

4 YEARS Public University (in state)

$62,720 2 YEARS Community College

2 YEARS Public University (out of state)

4 YEARS Public University (out of state)

2 YEARS Community College

2 YEARS Private University

y Analytical chemist

y Meteorologist

y Astronomers

y Microbiologists

y Chemical engineer

y Nuclear technician

y Environmental scientist

y Patent Lawyer

y Forensic scientist

y Pharmacologist

y Geoscientist

y Physicist

y Hydrologist

y Survey researcher

y Materials scientist

y Toxicologist

START AT HARPER. FINISH AT A FOUR-YEAR UNIVERSITY. Harper College is a great place to begin your college education. When you enroll in a Harper College transfer degree program, academic advisors or counselors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you are planning to attend.

Save $47,520 $110,240

$83,740

POTENTIAL OCCUPATIONS:

Save $68,540 $152,280

4 YEARS Private University

Harper’s transfer programs are designed for emphasis in an academic area you select to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Source: College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021. * All costs based on tuition and fees only. Does not include expenses such as room, board, or transportation. Does not include financial aid or scholarships.

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QUALITY LEARNING y Flourish in an environment focused on your success. Learn from professionals and educators who’ve become leaders in their field. They will inspire you. y Smaller class sizes allow for more access to your instructors which significantly enhances your educational experience. y Harper offers courses in Social Justice Studies to achieve more equitable societies and to empower the next generation of allies, advocates and change-makers. y Know we’re serious about your education. Harper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the recognized organization that accredits degreegranting colleges and universities.

JOB SEARCH PREPAREDNESS y The Job Placement Resource Center is committed to help students and alumni become job search ready.

Thousands of students, from those taking their first college

y You may be thinking about how to pay for college. Harper has a staff of financial aid and scholarship experts to help you. y If you live outside of Harper’s district, yet work at an in-district organization, take college credit courses at the reduced in-district rate through the Business EdVantage program.

course to career changers,

choose Harper College. Nearly 11,000

students were awarded more than $26 million in scholarships, grants and tuition waivers through Harper College this year. (FY2021)

PURPOSEFUL CAREER AND DEGREE PROGRAMS

AFFORDABLE COST

Over 50%

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT y Harper’s Academic Support Centers offer free assistance in a variety of areas. Topics include study skills, time management, reading strategies, math strategies and more. If you need help with a class project or preparing for a test, there is always someone ready to help you succeed.

of Harper

students identify as a

y Whether you are seeking an associate degree, ready-to-work career degree, technical career certification or a program to move you forward to a four-year university, Harper has a class for you. y Begin a bachelor’s here then transfer credits to ultimately complete your degree at a four-year university. Harper’s University Center partnerships can get you there.

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first generation college student.

FLEXIBLE COURSE OPTIONS y Harper has options to make college work with your busy life. Choose from day, evening and online courses, flexible schedules and accelerated programs.

For complete program and admission information, visit harpercollege.edu/areas

CAREER EXPLORATION GUIDANCE y Counselors and advisors will help you with course selection, long-term academic planning, transfer information and developing your career goals. y Accredited assessments, workshops and support will help you develop your career.

HARPER COLLEGE WELCOMES YOU Harper College is made up of a variety of individuals from all walks of life. A diverse, rich culture is present and encouraged. Harper’s academic and cultural experience provides you an exceptional learning environment with the type of education that builds credibility, contributes to a well-rounded character and generates success in the workplace…and your place outside of work.

TOP

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REASONS

you should consider Harper College:

1. Tuition is a fraction of the cost compared to most four-year universities. 2. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 3. Smaller class sizes with personal access to dedicated instructors. 4. Classes that fit within your schedule— day, evening or online. 5. Locations near you —home or work. Harper is the College in your community.

Harper College is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. 31206 11/22 DRC

Be on Your Way to a FULFILLING CAREER There are other academic areas to explore that serve a variety of occupations and disciplines. Check the Harper website for a free info session event or call 847.925.6700. Harper College offers courses, certificates and degrees in: Art, Design, and Performing Arts

Business, Entrepreneurship and Information Technology

Education

Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science

Health Science

Liberal Arts, Languages, and Communication

Manufacturing and Construction 

Physical and Life Science

Public Service

Social Science

LEARN MORE We invite you to meet with an Admissions Specialist to discuss your academic interests as well as your personal and professional goals.

Harper College Admissions Outreach CALL EMAIL VISIT

847.925.6700 [email protected] harpercollege.edu/areas