The Natural Sciences Department encompasses the fields of biology, environmental science, chemistry, and physics. We provide a solid foundation to continue in biology, chemistry, environmental science, or any medical or engineering field. From pre-pharmacy, pre-med, or pre-engineering, we are a great place to start.

About Our Programs

Biology

Learn the foundation for understanding organisms, including their origin, evolution, characteristics, and interaction with their environment. Students examine biological processes at various levels of organizations such as molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological. 

Biology - A.S. Program Page

Chemistry

Learn a foundation for the field of chemistry through introductory inorganic and organic courses. Study includes atomic and molecular structures, orbital theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and chemical equations.

Chemistry - A.S. Program Page

Physics

Physics promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills and explains how things work in our natural world. Data from the American Institute of Physics show that physics majors get among the highest scores in the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) of all the undergraduate majors.

Astronomy

Explore the mysteries of the universe, such as the birth and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and the formation of matter, to improve life and technology on Earth.

Careers

The Natural Sciences Department prepares students for careers in a variety of industries, including:

  • Engineering fields (electrical, civil, mechanical, computer, aerospace, etc.).
  • Fiber optics.
  • Physics.
  • Pharmacy.
  • Radiology.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Nanotechnology.
  • Aviation.
  • Energy and renewable energy.

Physics and Astronomy Courses

Introductory Physics Series — Algebra-Based
PHY-1010 Introductory Physics I (with lab, Gen-End)
PHY-1020 Introductory Physics II (with lab)

General Physics Series — Calculus-Based*
PHY-1030 General Physics I (no lab, Gen-Ed)
PHY-1040 General Physics I Laboratory (lab course to accompany PHY-1030)
PHY-2030 General Physics II (with lab)
PHY-2040 General Physics III (with lab)

PHY-1570 Technical Physics (with lab, Gen-Ed)
PHY-1650 Conceptual Physics for Medical Imaging

Astronomy Courses
PSC-1010 Introduction to Astronomy or Honors PSC-1010H (Gen-Ed, no math prerequisite)
PSC-1020 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory (Gen-Ed, no math prerequisite)
PSC-1200 Exploring Chemistry and Physics Concepts (with lab, Gen-Ed)
PSC-1210 Exploring Earth and Space Science Concepts (with lab, Gen-Ed)

*This series is required for the Associate of Arts Engineering degree. It is also useful if you plan to transfer as a physics major.

Biology Faculty

  1. Dr. Cassandra Moore-Crawford

    (Coordinator; BIO-1010, BIO-1110, BIO-1120) 301-546-7562 | moorecm@pgcc.edu

    Dr. Lorraine Clarke

    (AS Biology program Coordinator; BIO-1130, BIO-1140, BIO-2030) 301-546-0153 | clarkelw@pgcc.edu

    Professor Derek Anderson (Coordinator; BIO-2010) 301-546-9092 | andersda@pgcc.edu

    Dr. Christine Morin (Coordinator; BIO-2050) 301-546-6768 | cmorin@pgcc.edu

    Professor Alexander Imholtz (Co-coordinator; BIO-2060) 301-546-7539 | aimholtz@pgcc.edu

    Professor Bekki Zeigler (Co-coordinator; BIO-2060) 301-546-3024 | zeiglebx@pgcc.edu

    Dr. Yuda Anriany

    (301) 295-3424 | anrianya@pgcc.edu

Professor Paul Assanah

301-546-0423 | passanah@pgcc.edu

Dr. Kuburat Bello

301-546-7574 | belloka@pgcc.edu

Dr. Glenn Gebler

301-546-0424 | geblergf@pgcc.edu

Dr. Mark Hubley

301-546-0422 | hubleymj@pgcc.edu

Professor Sarah Hyatt

301-546-6718 | hyattsm@pgcc.edu

Professor Michelle Klein

301-546-0069 | kleinmr@pgcc.edu

Professor Brian Kram

301-546-0791 | krambw@pgcc.edu

Professor Lisa Maranto

301-546-0182 | lmaranto@pgcc.edu

Dr. Paria Parto

301-546-0491 | partopx@pgcc.edu

Professor Tracy Dirks Ring

301-546-9689 | dirkste@pgcc.edu

Professor Cyrus Sadeghian

301-546-0435 | sadeghcx@pgcc.edu

Chemistry Faculty

Dr. Nadene Houser-Archield

(Coordinator; AS in Chemistry program and all CHM courses)

301-546-7593 | housernr@pgcc.edu

Dr. Lynne Heighton

301-546-6722 | heightlp@pgcc.edu

Professor Reyniak Richards

301-546-0534 | richarra1@pgcc.edu

Dr. Sumana Nilanthi Yasapala

301-546-3958 | nilantsx@pgcc.edu

Dr. William Antonio Boyle

301-546-6728 | boylewa@pgcc.edu

Dr. Shehu-Alimi Elelu

301-546-0430 | elelusx@pgcc.edu

Full-Time Faculty

Dr. James C. Hunt (Coordinator for all PSC/PHY courses)
301-546-0429 | huntjc@pgcc.edu

Professor Rocco Mennella
240-988-8576 | mennelrx@pgcc.edu

Dr. Neeharika Thakur
301-546-0605 | thakurnx@pgcc.edu

Contact Information

Dr. Thomas E. Snowden, Chair
Natural Sciences Department
Chesapeake Hall, Suite 100H
301-546-0420301-546-7544
snowdete@pgcc.edu