Natural and Physical Sciences Department

Science is everywhere; physical, chemical and biological processes are happening all around us all the time. The Aims Natural and Physical Sciences Department strives to challenge students in ways that expand their curiosity, knowledge and skills. The department offers the first two years of college biology and chemistry, algebra- and calculus-based physics courses, geology courses and more. 

The science programs at Aims are designed to meet a variety of needs. Whether you are earning an associate degree in healthcare or emergency medical services, taking science electives or planning to transfer to a four-year institution, you'll be able to find the right science classes to meet your goals.

If you choose to earn a liberal arts degree with designation in one of the sciences, your courses will transfer to any participating four-year public Colorado school so you can pursue a bachelor's degree.

Aims offers science-based associate of science degrees with designation (transfer degrees) in the following subjects:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geology
• Physics
• Public Health

You can also take non-degree science courses in astronomy, environmental science and meteorology that can serve as either general education or elective course requirements toward another degree program.

Whatever your academic needs and goals, the Natural and Physical Science Department is here to support you on your educational journey at Aims. Read more about the specific science subject areas Aims offers below.

The astronomy faculty and staff are passionate about this subject matter and equally invested in helping you meet your academic goals.

Biology studies life and all living organisms, including the structure, function, growth and evolution of those organisms. It includes several subdisciplines, such as cellular biology, anatomy, physiology, evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, ecology and microbiology. Aims offers several biology courses, including Science of Biology, General College Biology I and II, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and more. Check the schedule for current class offerings.

The Aims biology staff are passionate about their areas of expertise, and equally dedicated to supporting your success as a student. 

Chemistry is a physical science that studies the composition, properties, behavior and transformations of matter. In chemistry, scientists investigate how atoms interact with each other and design molecules and materials with specific properties. 

Aims chemistry courses include Introduction to Chemistry, Chemistry in Context and General College Chemistry.

You can choose to take chemistry as a general education or elective course to earn most degrees at Aims, or you can choose to earn a chemistry associate degree that allows you to transfer to a four-year school to earn your bachelor's degree.

Aims chemistry faculty set high expectations for your success to prepare you for the rigors of this discipline as it relates to any degree program. Faculty are equally invested in offering guidance and support to help you meet your goals. With smaller class sizes, you'll have ample opportunities to get one-on-one support and interact with your peers in the  classroom and lab.

The geology faculty at Aims are as enthusiastic about this discipline as they are about teaching and helping students achieve their academic goals. They strive to instill a love of learning with rigorous instruction in geology fundamentals and scientific methods. 

The Environmental Science faculty and staff are eager to share their expertise and passion in the field and dedicated to help you succeed in your academic endeavours. 

Physics is the study of how the world works on a fundamental level. Physicists work on a wide variety of topics, including classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, atomic physics, quantum mechanics, particle physics, general relativity, string theory, bio-physics, astrophysics and cosmology, and geophysics, to name a few. In an introductory physics class, you can expect to learn about many of these topics and will investigate various phenomena. If you have a curious mind, love a challenge, and enjoy math and science, physics may be for you. We offer classes in conceptual physics, algebra-based physics and calculus-based physics. Check the schedule for current class offerings.

The physics faculty at Aims are passionate about this subject and equally enthusiastic about helping students study it. They are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic goals and gain a thorough understanding of the material through rigorous instruction.