Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science (APECS)
Many students are pretty interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, geology, and computer science. They have a lot in common: They involve quite a bit of math, they’re also really cool and they can open up some amazing career options.
They also often overlap. For example, you might use physics concepts in astronomy or engineering skills in computer science. It’s like they’re all pieces of the same puzzle.
By exploring these connections, students can build strong skills that will help them succeed in the future. So if any of this stuff catches your eye, don’t be afraid to dive in and see where it takes you! Who knows what awesome discoveries you might make along the way?
Contact
Jon Celesia
Phone: 510.215.4095
Physical Sciences, Room 123
Email: jcelesia@contracosta.edu
Astronomy | Physics | Engineering | Computer Science Program Maps
APECS Mission
The Contra Costa College Astronomy, Physics, Engineering/Geology & Computer Science Department seeks to create and maintain a learning environment in which students can effectively and critically pursue rudimentary mastery of these topics and other related scientific concepts; gain modern hands-on laboratory skills conducive to further study and gainful employment; achieve practical habits of scientific culture and ethics; and acquire proficiency in communication of scientific results.
We seek to provide the means for students of varying backgrounds to successfully complete the requirements for AA/AS degrees as well as transfer requirements to four-year colleges and universities. In addition to maintaining a high degree of rigor, we provide a nurturing and supportive environment for students in a field of study that is widely perceived to be extremely difficult.
You Can Afford College
APECs Club
A place for students to collaborate doing hands-on projects for personal exploration and enrichment.
For students in, or exploring, STEM majors. These include the sciences (biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics) and the applied sciences (computer science, bio-tech, medical tech, all types of engineering, astronomy and so on). This branches out into many diverse fields, such as kinesiology, automotive technologies and various arts.
Subgroups of students can take on a variety of projects in categories such as:
- NASA NCAS — National Community College Aerospace Scholars
- Fabrication — 3-D printers, AutoCAD, soldering, ShopBot, drill press, lathe, mill…
- Flight — (for example, in CSE groups) rockets, drones, radio-controlled planes
- Robotics & Sensors — (part of the NASA project) robot design, construction and competition using arduinos programmed with Python. This can extend to many applications such as prosthetics, air and environment quality research, solar boat project/race and so on.
- Astrophotography & Data Collection — use of equipment and software packages
- Star Party Hosting — operate telescopes and interact with attendees
- Planetarium Development — JAVA & Python related script (proprietary Digistar), full-dome graphics and video presentation
- Curriculum/Education — support for and interaction with K-12, CCC tutoring, and CCC course development.
- What else?! ☺
Club Operational Structure:
- President — Guide, support and sustain club vision. Outreach & communications— interact with CCC marketing/outreach/recruitment, sharing club details, ongoings and accomplishments on a website linked to the APECS department website.
- Vice President — Work as a team with the president and act as back-up to the president
- Secretary — manage and track meetings, group projects
- Treasurer — manage and track finances and acquisitions
ADVISORS/SUPPORT
Jon Celesia, Jeff Kamalian, Mark Wong, Chao Liu, TJ Bansal
RELATED SUPPORT
Center for Science Excellence (CSE), CCC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
FACILITIES
CCC Maker Space, Planetarium and Observation Deck
Student Resources
Contra Costa College is all about being a welcoming space where you can really thrive.
