About Us

Composite image of staff and faculty of the Natural Sciences division.

Mission

Our goal is to be the science program of choice for high school and college students in Southern California. To accomplish that, the Natural Sciences Division brings a diverse collection of resources to help students succeed. Our professors encourage academic growth through multimedia lectures, interactive discussions, eye-popping demonstrations, cool technology, engaging lab studies, stimulating undergraduate research experiences, and exciting field studies. If you are thinking about a career in science, then let us skillfully escort you toward a more fulfilling and enriching future in science. All of our transfer courses fully articulate to all campuses of the University of California, Cal State Universities, and many private colleges and universities.

 

Our Facilities

In 2010, the Natural Sciences Division moved into a new science building on the quad at Fullerton College. This extraordinary building was five years in design and construction. It is fully equipped to support the latest in science instruction in lecture and lab.

Our science facilities are composed of over 20 laboratories, including dedicated science computer laboratories, supporting courses in anatomy/physiology, biology/environmental biology, chemistry, earth science/geology, health, horticulture, microbiology, nutrition and foods, and physics/astronomy.

Our Students

The Division of Natural Sciences serves a student population of about 5200 per semester. The majority of students are enrolled in science classes for general education credit toward transfer to a four-year university. Apart from our general education students, about 900 students major in some field of science. Another 200 take our science classes to prepare for vocational careers in horticulture, environmental technology, and biotechnology.

Lab and Field Activities

Students in our lab and field courses are actively engaged in processes and environments that lead to scientific discovery and understanding. In the lab, students are trained in the proper use of lab equipment, and the appropriate application of logic and objectivity in the execution and analysis of lab-centric exercises. In the field, students investigate natural environments within Orange County, and beyond – including the San Bernardino Mountains and the Mojave Desert.

College student carrying box, moving in to college dorm

Transfer Curriculum

The Division of Natural Sciences offers a grand array of courses from eight scientific departments. We supplement college coursework in the traditional sciences (like anatomy/physiology/microbiology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and physics) with innovative programs in horticulture, nutrition, and health science. All of our transfer courses fully articulate to all campuses of the University of California, to all campuses of the California State University, and to many private colleges and universities.

Programs

The Division of Natural Sciences offers a grand array of courses from eight scientific departments. We supplement college coursework in the traditional sciences (like anatomy/physiology/microbiology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and physics) with innovative programs in horticulture, nutrition, and health science. All of our transfer courses fully articulate to all campuses of the University of California, to all campuses of the California State University, and to many private colleges and universities.

Stargazers admire the Milky Way galaxy

Astronomy

The Astronomy program prepares students for further study in astronomy.

The Astronomy program offers the following degree:

  • Astronomy Associate in Arts Degree

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Darwin's Finch on a twig

Biology

The Biology department provides a two-year transfer program with emphasis on the uniformity and diversity of life. The curriculum fulfills the lower division requirements for majors in biology, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and ecology.

The Biology program offers the following degrees:

  • Biology Associate in Arts degree (A.A.)
  • Biology Associate Degree for Transfer (A.S.-T)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Click on the image below to display the Fullerton College Biology Majors Pathway.

Biology Roadmap (Thumb)

 

biotech pipette transfer

Biological Technology

Biotechnology creates new systems, devices, and materials to improve the quality of our lives by combining modern technology with our knowledge of life processes and living organisms. The biotechnology courses at Fullerton College prepare students for internships and entry-level positions in biotech companies and university research labs.

The Biotechnology program offers the following degrees and certificates:

  • Biological Technician Associate in Science Degree (A.A.)
  • Biotechnology Biomanufacturing Technician Certificate
  • Biotechnology Lab Assistant Skills Certificate
  • Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Certificate

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Flask in scientist hand

Chemistry

Aside from providing students with amazing demonstrations, the Chemistry Department prepares students for further study in the discipline of chemistry, supporting efforts to gain entry-level employment in government agencies or various areas of industry, including environmental, pharmaceutical, and material chemistry.

The Chemistry program offers the following degrees:

  • Chemistry Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)
  • Chemistry Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
  • Chemistry Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (A.S.-T)
  • Chemistry Associate in Science Degree for UC Transfer (A.S.-UCT)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements and visit the Chemistry web page for more information.

Earth Science

The Earth Science program is designed to introduce the student to the multidisciplinary field of Earth Science. Students who complete this degree will be prepared for further study
in Earth Science or related disciplines, for transfer to B.A./B.S. programs in Earth Science, or as preparation to teach Earth Science at a primary or secondary grade level.

The Earth Science program offers the following degree:

  • Earth Science Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Woman hiker admiring a mountainous landscape

Environmental Sciences

The Environmental Sciences program emphasizes the development of skills in natural history and ecology. Specified coursework trains students to identify, describe, and analyze natural environments in terms of native species and ecological processes. The program’s many field-oriented laboratory courses investigate a variety of natural settings including chaparral, woodland, estuary, coastal ocean, island, desert, and mountain environments. Accompanying lecture courses provide the theoretical foundation to support comprehensive field studies.

The Environmental Sciences program offers the following degree:

  • Environmental Sciences Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Click on the below link for guidance on how to plan your path in Environmental Sciences.

Planning your Environmental Sciences path at Fullerton College, and beyond

A student and a teacher meet on the quad at Fullerton College.

 

hikers walk in a desert canyon

Geology

The Geology program prepares students to transfer to CSU campuses that offer bachelor’s degrees in geology.

The Geology program offers the follwing degree:

  • Geology Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (A.S.-T)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Gardener trimming a small plant

Horticulture

The Horticulture Department at Fullerton College is one of the leading community college horticulture programs in California. We offer a widely varied program which provides ‘hands-on’ classes for homeowners, nursery and landscape employees, and students wishing to enter the ‘green industry’. With a unique blend of the old and the new, our facilities combine high technology with traditional landscaping and growing practices. Our department hosts events for such groups as Fullerton Beautiful, Orange County Master Gardeners, and the California Landscape Contractors Association. Finally, our program hosts several plant sales each year to help provide gardeners with unusual garden plants, herbs, and vegetables. In short, we strive to provide a program of instruction as unique and varied as the students who enroll in our courses. See the Horticulture web page for more information.

The Horticulture program offers the following degrees and certificates:

  • Nursery Management Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)
  • Landscape Management Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
  • Ornamental Horticulture Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
  • Greenhouse and Nursery Production Certificate
  • Landscape Design/Management Certificate
  • Landscape Irrigation Certificate
  • Pest Management Certificate

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Microbiology, swabbing a petri dish

Microbiology

This Microbiology program is designed to introduce the student to the field of microbiology. Students who complete this degree will be prepared for further study in microbiology or related disciplines, or for entry level work in a biological sciences lab.

The Microbiology program offers the following degree:

  • Microbiology Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

a table filled with an abundant selection of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and tubers.

Nutrition and Foods

The Nutrition and Foods program includes coursework that is applicable to a transfer program at selected universities and colleges in the field of Dietetics, Food and Nutrition. Within the field of Nutrition and Foods, professionals work in healthcare, education and research, business and industry. Careers are also available in government, food service management, fitness, food companies and in private practice. See the Nutrition and Foods web page for more information.

The Nutrition and Foods program offers the following degrees and certificates:

  • Nutrition and Foods Associate in Arts (A.A.)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics Associate in Science for Transfer (A.S.-T)
  • Nutrition and Foods Certificate
  • Dietary Manager Certificate

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Apparatus showing the circular path of electrons in a magnetic field.

Physics

The Physics program provides the lower-division coursework needed in order to continue in a bachelor’s-degree physics program. The program provides valuable quantitative and problem-solving skills that are in demand by employers hiring, e.g., lab technicians, or in a variety of fields such as manufacturing and education. Of people who obtain a terminal bachelor’s degree in physics, about half work in industry, in fields such as aerospace, military, software, and electronics. Most of the other half work either as high school teachers or as lab technicians at universities or government-funded laboratories. PhD’s in physics are qualified for teaching at the university level and for scientific research, as well as for higher-level jobs in the same areas as those with bachelor’s degrees.

The Physics program offers the following degree:

  • Physics Associate in Science Degree for UC Transfer (A.S.-UCT)
  • Physics Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (A.S.-T)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Portrait Of Multi-Cultural Surgical Team Standing In Hospital Operating Theater

Pre-Nursing

The Pre-Nursing is designed to give students the necessary background needed to enter the field of nursing. This degree prepares students for further study toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Students will be instructed on how the scientific method is used to explore anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Students will be trained in safe and proficient use of laboratory equipment and techniques including microscopes, dissection, aseptic handling of microorganisms, and basic biochemical testing protocols. In addition, students will learn how to Distinguish between normal and pathological phenomena.

The Pre-Nursing program offers the following degree:

  • Pre-Nursing Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)

Please consult the Fullerton College catalog for course requirements.

Image Credits for this page

Page location: Top Banner
Title: Natural Sciences building
Creator: Tom Morris of the division of Natural Sciences, Fullerton College
Source: Creator’s camera and computer. Not otherwise present or available online.
Copyright: Public Domain

Page location:About Us
Title: Portrait collage
Creator: Various faculty and staff in the division of Natural Sciences
Source: Personal cameras and computers. Not otherwise present or available online.
Copyright: Unclear

Page location: Our Facilities
Title/Content: Slideshow of four images of laboratory facilities, including one with students at work
Creator: Tom Morris of the division of Natural Sciences, Fullerton College
Source: Creator’s camera and computer. Not otherwise present or available online.
Copyright: Public Domain

Page location: Our Students slide show
Title/Content:  Corn Spring: Ecology 1
Creator: Tom Morris, faculty at FC
Copyright: Public Domain
Title/content: Corn Spring:Ecology 2
Creator: Tom Morris, faculty at FC
Copyright: Public Domain
Title/content: Environmental Biology Lab 1
Creator: Tom Morris, faculty at FC
Copyright: Public Domain
Title/content: Environmental Biology Lab 2
Creator: Tom Morris, faculty at FC
Copyright: Public Domain
Title/content: Bioteh Lab
Creator: Tom Morris, faculty at FC
Copyright: Public Domain
Title/content: Environmental Biology Lab 3
Creator: Tom Morris, faculty at FC
Copyright: Public Domain

Page location: Transfer curriculum
Title/Content: Student carrying box
Copyright: © [ibreakstock] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Astronomy program
Title/content: Stargazers admire the Milky Way
Copyright: © [sripfoto] / Adobe Stock

 

Page location: Biology program
Title/content: Darwin’s Finch on a twig
Copyright: © [Hodossy] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Biological Technology program
Title/Content: Scientist using pipette
Copyright:© [Near] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Chemistry program
Title: Chemist holding flask
Copyright: © [totojang1977] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Earth Science program
Title/Content: Earth Science circular seal
Creator: Unknown
Source: Unknown
Copyright: Unclear

Page location: Environmental Sciences
Title/Content: Hiker admires mountain vista
Copyright: © [Chance] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Geology program
Title/content: hikers in a desert canyon
Copyright: © [Image’in] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Horticulture program
Title/content: trimming a small garden plant
Copyright: © [unai] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Microbiology program
Title/Content: Swabbing a petri dish
Copyright: © [borzywoj] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Nutrition and Foods program
Title/content: Healthy food selection
Copyright: © [Alexander Raths] / Adobe Stock

Page location: Physics program
Title/content: Magnetisim / electron demonstration
Image creator: Chris Persichilli, physics professor, FC
Copyright: Public Domain

Page location: Pre-Nursing program
Title/content: Surgical Team Standing In Hospital Operating Theater
Copyright: © [Monkey Business] / Adobe Stock