It is hard to believe that with all this wintry weather spring is here. The spring semester at our local community colleges, that is. That’s right, classes are starting next week at Merritt College, Laney College, Berkeley City College and College of Alameda.
There is something for people of all ages and interests, academic to vocational, career advancement to just plain fun.
Let’s take a look at some of the classes on tap this semester.
College of Alameda’s Atlas Program has something unique to offer this spring: A forklift operations class that provides students with the training they need to gain a valuable forklift certification card.
This is an important skill to have (read higher salary) for anyone working in a warehouse environment, whether it be at Home Depot or one of the new microbreweries popping up everywhere. The forklift class will be held on Tuesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., starting on Jan. 24, and ending on March 21. Call Donna Jones at 510-748-5254 for more information on how to enroll.
Maybe you prefer molecules to forklifts. Don’t despair, there’s just the class for you at Berkeley City College. You can begin your career in the biosciences, one of the fastest growing industries in the country. And the best news is that there are plenty of high-paying biotech jobs right here in the Bay Area.
BCC’s Biology, Biotechnology and Analytic Chemistry Associate in Science degrees will give you everything you need to explore this bold, new field. You can enroll now for these cutting-edge classes. Learn more by calling 510-981-2887.
Are you confused by all the talk about tweeting trolls in the wake of the presidential election? Can’t tell the difference between Snapchat and WeChat? Or just want to learn to use social media like a pro. Yours truly will be teaching the Social Media class in Laney College’s award-winning journalism department this semester.
The class covers the history of social media as well as the latest developments and techniques in this ever changing, increasingly important part of our lives. Take Journalism 65 this semester on Wednesdays, from 1 to 3:50 p.m. It satisfies general education requirements and is transferable to UC Berkeley. Call 510-466-7369 for all the details.
At Merritt College, you can experience the natural beauty of Taiwan without ever leaving home in this new, six-session class starting Feb. 2. The Natural History of Taiwan (BIO 65A), will explore life zones from the tropical monsoon forests to the arctic-alpine mountains of Taiwan. There is an optional field session to the island planned for May and June, and everyone is welcome to join the class. Questions? Simply contact instructor Ron Felzer at 510-436-2618.
Changes: We say goodbye this month to a dear friend, anthropology professor Dr. Nathan Strong, who passed away on Dec. 28 after a brief illness. Nathan’s work at Laney College and College of Alameda was an important part of his life, and in his roles as instructor, dean and department chair, he positively impacted the lives of many, many students for more than a decade. In recognition of his extraordinary teaching, he was included in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in 2005 and 2006. His professional collaboration with his colleagues endeared him to all. He will be profoundly missed.
Remember, classes for the spring semester start Jan. 23 and you can enroll online now at www.peralta.edu. If you apply to one of the Peralta Colleges, you can take classes at any of the four campuses. One application, four colleges — what could be better than that? See you in class.
Contact Jeffrey Heyman at jheyman@peralta.edu and follow him on Twitter at @JeffHeyman.
