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Begin your Science Major at Black Hawk College

No matter what your focus area, faculty and advisors work with you to create a transfer plan to the school of your choice.

Areas of Focus

BHC students transfer into many science majors to complete a bachelor’s degree. Here are a few sample transfer plans:

Biological Sciences (PDF)
Chemistry (PDF)
Pre-Dietetics/Nutrition (PDF)
Pre-Engineering (PDF)
Pre-Medicine (PDF)
Pre-Pharmacy (PDF)
Pre-Physical Therapy (PDF)
Pre-Veterinary Medicine (PDF)

Where do you want to transfer?

If you already have a transfer school in mind, your advisor will customize a transfer plan for that college or university. BHC also has many transfer guides and agreements already established with four-year institutions in a variety of majors.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Highlights

Science-Related Careers

Students taking courses in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Department go on to careers in many fields, such as agriculture, animal science, engineering, health administration, medicine, molecular genetics, nursing, chiropractic, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant and veterinary medicine.

Hands-on Training

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities offer hands-on learning in chemistry, engineering and biology.

  • Specialized laboratory spaces and equipment.
  • Grow room and outdoor learning spaces.
  • Chemical analysis instruments.
  • Molecular biology equipment.
  • Science Resources Lab with microscopes, models, computers and tutoring available from faculty members.

Non-Majors Welcome

In addition to chemistry, biology and physics, we offer elective courses in nutrition or astronomy that can fulfill degree requirements.

Student Clubs

Faculty serve as advisors for science-related clubs, which offer students opportunities for field trip and campus events.

  • Clean Sphere Environmental Club – Quad-Cities Campus
  • Sci Pi Club – East Campus
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Natural Sciences and Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship was established by faculty in the Black Hawk College Natural Sciences and Engineering Department for science and engineering students. The scholarship is administered through the Black Hawk College Foundation.

Student Research

Students may participate in research projects on both the East Campus and Quad-Cities Campus. Previous projects have included surveying pollinators in a nearby state forest, biological and physical sampling of a campus stream, and molecular analysis of local flora and fauna for conservation studies.

Learning Assistant

As a Learning Assistant you’ll have a great opportunity to experience college level instruction from the front of the classroom.

Request a Department Review for Biology Courses

Certain transfer courses may require subject matter review by the appropriate academic department.  This is due to the intensive nature of certain subject matter. Courses that require department review for course equivalency include BIOL 145, BIOL 146, and BIOL 261.  In order to request a department review of these courses completed at another institution, an individual must have already applied and been accepted to Black Hawk College.

Associate Degree Information

If you plan to transfer to a four-year institution, you can earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree.

Program Name Award Credits
Associate in Arts AA Degree 60
Associate in Science AS Degree 60

 

Department Faculty

Faculty in the NSE Department have doctorates and master’s degrees from some of the best universities in the country, and bring their research experience and education to the classroom to provide a rigorous and challenging environment for learning.

Marilynn Bartels, M.S.
Co-Department Chair & Professor, Biology
309-796-5235
QC Building 3
Matlub Ahmad, Ph.D.
Professor, Physics
309-796-5245
QC Building 3
Allison Beck, Ph.D.
Professor, Biology
309-796-5240
QC Building 3
Doug Davidson, Ph.D.
Professor, Physics
309-796-5246
QC Building 3
Mahesh Dawadi, Ph.D.
Instructor, Chemistry
309-796-5284
QC Building 3
Brian Glaser, M.A.
Professor, Chemistry
309-796-5238
QC Building 3
Colin Grennan, M.S.
Instructor, Biology
309-796-5269
QC Building 3
Karen Marks
Assistant Professor, Biology
309-796-5266
QC Building 3
Emily Lehman, Ph.D.
Professor, Biology
309-796-5087
QC Building 3
Todd Linscott, Ph.D.
Professor, Biology
309-796-5242
QC Building 3
Katie Rushing-Anderson, M.S.
Professor, Biology
309-854-1813
EC Building B, Room 220
Isaac Stewart, M.S.
Assistant Professor, Biology
309-854-1832
EC Building B, Room 215
MaryBeth Stopoulos, M.S.
Co-Department Chair & Assistant Professor, Biology
309-796-5249
QC Building 3
Emily Thomas, M.S.
Instructor, Chemistry
309-796-5236
QC Building 3
Brad Watson, Ph.D.
Instructor, Chemistry
309-796-5285
QC Building 3

“The science classes I took at Black Hawk were a real challenge. My instructors pushed me, and I’m glad they did. I have been accepted to medical school and I’m excited about my future.”

David Cook
Contact Natural Sciences and Engineering

Co-Department Chairs
Marilynn Bartels
Mary Beth Stopoulos

Quad-Cities Campus
Building 3, Room 214T

East Campus
Building B, Room 220

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