Natural Science | Courses


Course DESCRIPTIONS

Biology | Chemistry | Natural Science | Physical Science | Physics


Biology Course Descriptions

G-BI 101 Principles of Biology
4 hours

An introduction to the principles of biology, with an emphasis on the biology of humans. This course does not apply toward a major in biology. (Fall)

G-BI 111 College Biology 1
4 hours
A rigorous introduction to the unity and diversity of life. This course focuses on the contributions of genetics, ecology and evolution to the biodiversity of the planet, The laboratory exercises are designed to provide a variety of practical experiences, as well as to illustrate the principles discussed in lecture. (Fall)

BI 112 College Biology II
4 hours
A continuation of G-BI 111 with a rigorous introduction to organismal structure and function. Explores the organization and processes of living systems at the levels of biomolecules, organelles, cells, organ systems, and organisms. Lab work includes studies of enzyme action, cellular respiration, organismal development and anatomy. Prerequisite: G-BI 111 with a grade of C or better. (Spring)

G-BI 201 Biodiversity
4 hours
A fundamental study of biological biodiversity as an assessment of life on earth. This will progress from the individual to the community, focusing on biodiversity and ecology from an evolutionary perspective and also on applied environmental research. The course includes laboratory work. (Interterm, even years)

G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition
3 hours
Physiology and chemistry of digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients; nutrient functions; requirements; and effects of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Prerequisites: G-CH 101 or G-CH 111 with a grade of C or better (Interterm odd years)

BI 215 Human Anatomy and Physiology
4 hours
A lecture/laboratory course in the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology. It explores the organization and processes of human systems from the cellular & tissue activities through studies of anatomical and physiological problems, growth & development. Lab work complements the lecture topics and includes experiential & experimental studies of human systems. (Spring, even years)

BI 234 Microbiology
4 hours
A study of microorganisms, with emphasis on the bacteria. A consideration of their structure, metabolism, classification, identification, and human and ecological relationships. Prerequisites: BI 112, CH 251 with grades of C or better or consent of instructor. (Spring, odd years)

BI 283 Genetics
4 hours
Basic genetic concepts including classical Mendelian inheritance, cytogenetics, population genetics, and the molecular basis of gene action. Laboratory experiences cover transmission genetics, electrophoretic studies, and computer simulations of evolutionary processes. Pre-requisites: BI 112, with a grade of C or better. (Fall, even years)

BI 310 Statistical Data Analysis
4 hours
A study of fundmental concepts including data types, distributions, and hypothesis testing; and of the applications of spreadsheets and other software for data manipulation and statistical analysis. Prerequisite: G-MA221 or consent of instructor. (Interterm, even years)

BI 316 Ecology
4 hours
A study of relationships between organisms and their environments, including both physical and biotic environments. The course includes both laboratory and field work. Prerequisites: BI 112 with a grade of C or better. (Fall , odd years)

BI 360 Cell Physiology
4 hours
A rigorous study of the fundamentals of cell physiology, concentrating on intermediary metabolism and its regulation. Prerequisites: BI 112, CH252 and CH370 with grades of C or better or consent of instructor. (Spring, even years)

BI 364 Cell and Molecular Biology
4 hours
The molecular organization, function and evolution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Lab work includes chromosome analysis, cellular fractionation, cell culture, and electrophoretic studies. Prerequisites: BI 112, CH 252 with grades of C or better. (Spring, odd years)

BI 391 Evolution
4 hours (Language Intensive)
A study of the history, philosophical underpinnings, and implications of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Prerequisites: BI 112 with a grade of C or better. (Interterm, odd years)

BI 393 Topics in Biology
1-4 hours
One specific topic will be covered each time this course is offered. Possible topics include (but are not limited to) molecular genetics, vertebrate zoology, functional morphology, quantitative biology, and advanced ecology. Prerequisite: BI 112 with a grade of C or better and consent of the instructor.

BI 445 Readings and Research in Biology
1-4 hours
Enrichment of a student’s study in the discipline either by readings on a topic not covered in the above courses or by research done on or off campus. Prerequisites: 12 semester hours in the department or program with an average of C or better, and consent of the instructor. Open only to students majoring in the department or program.

BI 495 Field Experience in Biology
1-4 hours
A planned experience in one of the field-oriented or professionally related phases of biological science. The specific area and content must be agreed upon in advance by the student, faculty advisor, and dean of the faculty. Specific examples that are offered periodically, especially during Interterm, are Marine Biology (a directed field and laboratory experience on the seashore), Desert Biology (a field and laboratory experience in the Southwest Desert), Tropical Biology (a field experience in Belize or Costa Rica), and observations of various health careers with practicing professionals.

Individualized Courses Available
295/495 Field Experience 1-4 hours
299/499 Independent Study 1-4 hours
388 Career Connections 1-12 hours
445 Readings and Research in Biology 1-4 hours

Chemistry Course Descriptions

G-CH 101 Principles of General Chemistry
4 hours
A one-semester course in the fundamental principles of chemistry, the properties of matter, the chemical properties of the elements and their compounds, atomic structure, and nuclear chemistry. This course is for those who have had no previous background in chemistry or need only one semester of chemistry. Laboratory is included. (Spring)

G-CH 111 College Chemistry I
5 hours
A study of the principles, laws, and concepts of chemistry as they relate to the periodic table and systematic study of the properties of the elements. A study of modern atomic and molecular structure. Laboratory is included. (Fall)

CH 112 College Chemistry II
5 hours
A continuation of CH 111. Includes study of the chemistry of metals and nonmetals, chemistry of solutions, chemical equilibrium and qualitative analysis. Prerequisite: G-CH 111. Laboratory is included. (Spring)

CH 201 Quantitative Analysis
4 hours
A study of the principles and methods of analytical chemistry by the methods of volumetric and gravimetric analysis, precipitimetry, acidimetry and oxidation-reduction titrations. Prerequisite: CH 112, or consent of the instructor. (Fall, even years)

CH 251 Organic Chemistry I
4 hours
A study of the principles of organic chemistry, the physical and chemical properties of carbon compounds with emphasis on the mechanisms of organic reactions, the nomenclature of the compounds, and methods of organic synthesis. The carbon compounds discussed include some of the common alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cycloalkanes, alkylhalides, ethers and alcohols. Prerequisite: CH 112 or consent of instructor. Laboratory is included. (Spring)

CH 252 Organic Chemistry II
4 hours
A continuation of CH 251. Includes study of basic spectroscopy as a basic tool for structural analysis and the chemistry of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and their functional derivatives. Prerequisite: CH 251. Laboratory is included. (Fall)

CH 370 Biochemistry
4 hours
A basic study of the chemistry and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The course provides an understanding of the structural and functional relationships of chemical constituents of cells and the role that they play in the processes of life. Prerequisite: CH 252. Laboratory is included. (Fall, odd years)

CH 385 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
4 hours
Further study of inorganic chemistry including structure and bonding, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, the chemistry of transition metals and a more detailed systematic study of the families of the periodic table. Prerequisite: CH 112, CH 252. Laboratory is included. (Spring, even years)

CH 390 Instrumental Analysis
3 hours
Advanced work in quantitative analysis with emphasis on the principles and methods of electrochemical, spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CH 201, PH 206, and consent of the instructor. (Spring, odd years)

CH 400 General Physical Chemistry
5 hours
A study of the physical-chemical properties of matter. Topics covered include thermodynamics, the kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Prerequisite: CH 252, G-MA 111, PH 206 (or concurrent enrollment). Laboratory is included. (Fall, even years)

CH 445 Readings and Research in Chemistry
1-4 hours
Enrichment of a student’s study in the discipline either by reading on the topic not covered in the above courses or by research done on or off campus. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours in the department or program with an average of C or better, and consent of instructor. Open only to students majoring in the department or program.

Individualized Courses Available
295/495 Field Experience 1-4 hours
299/499 Independent Study 1-4 hours
388 Career Connections 1-12 hours
445 Readings and Research 1-4 hours

Natural Science Course Descriptions

G-NS 100 Science in Society
3 hours (Language Intensive)
The goals of this course are to build scientific literacy and to increase awareness of what Science has to offer to individuals and to society. Classes will include lectures, faculty-led discussions of assigned readings, student-led discussions of “Science in the News” topics, and student presentations of semester projects/term papers. ( Spring, odd years)

G-NS 141 Environmental Science
4 hours
A study of the environmental issues that arise from the complex relationships between humans and the earth. Emphasis will be placed on a scientific understanding and a search for solutions to environmental problems. Experts may be invited to discuss special aspects of the environment with students. (Spring, even years)

NS 300 Research Methods
1 hour (Language Intensive)
Preparation for participation in an independent laboratory research project in the natural sciences. Topics covered include scientific literature searches, research design, data handling, research evaluation, scientific writing, and reporting. To be taken during the sophomore or junior year. (Fall)

NS 350 Stewardship Seminar
1 hour
A weekly discussion of the interrelationships among the current contents of the student’s other courses, in light of their relationships to the goals of the Environmental Stewardship major.

NS 375 Junior Seminar
1 hour
Preparation for participation in an independent laboratory research project in the natural sciences. Topics covered include literature searches, research design, data handling, research evaluation, scientific writing and reporting, career exploration, and scientific ethics. (Spring)

NS 475 Senior Research
2 hours (Language Intensive)
Experience in the planning, conducting, and reporting of scientific research. The student research works in continual consultation with the research advisor. Selection of the research topic and consent of the advisor must be obtained in advance of enrollment. Prerequisite: NS 300 and consent of research advisor.

NS 495 Field Experience in the Natural Sciences
1-4 hours
A planned experience in a field-oriented aspect of both the biological and physical sciences.

Individualized Courses Available
295/495 Field Experience 1-4 hours

Physical Science Course Descriptions

G-PC 251 Geology
4 hours
An introductory course that focuses on the scientific study of the earth. The course emphasizes the study of earth materials, changes in the surface and interior of the earth, and the dynamic forces that cause those changes. (Interterm, odd years)

G-PC 275 Astronomy
4 hours
The structure and evolution of the universe, from nearby planets to distant quasars, are examined. Topics include recent discoveries concerning planets, stars, galaxies, pulsars, and black holes as well as their evolution, the structure of the universe today and how it will be in the future. The emphasis is descriptive rather than mathematical. (Interterm, even years)

PC 445 Readings and Research in Physical Science
1-4 hours
Enrichment of a student’s study in the discipline either by reading on a topic not covered in the above courses or by research done on or off campus. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours in the department or program and the consent of the instructor. Open only to students majoring in the department or program.

Individualized Courses Available
295/495 Field Experience 1-4 hours
299/499 Independent Study 1-4 hours
388 Career Connections 1-12 hours
445 Readings and Research 1-4 hours

Physics Course Descriptions

PH 205 College Physics I
5 hours
A first course for pre-engineering science and mathematics majors with a calculus background. Topics covered are mechanics, wave motion, and thermodynamics with emphasis placed on the use of mathematics to formulate problems and to explain physical phenomena. Prerequisite: NG-MA 111. Laboratory is included. (Fall, alternate years)

PH 206 College Physics II
5 hours
A continuation of PH 205. Topics covered are electricity, magnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: PH 205. Laboratory is included. (Spring, alternate years)

G-PH 215 General Physics I
4 hours
A first course for premed, biology, and other science majors with a college algebra background. Topics covered are mechanics, wave motion, and thermodynamics with emphasis placed on the understanding of physical concepts to formulate problems and to explain physical phenomena. Prerequisite: MA 105 College Algebra. Lab is included. (Fall, alternate years)

PH 216 General Physics II
4 hours
A continuation of G-PH 215. Topics covered are electricity, magnetism, and optics. Prerequisite: PH 215. Lab is included. (Spring, alternate years)

Individualized Courses Available
295/495 Field Experience 1-4 hours
299/499 Independent Study 1-4 hours
388 Career Connections 1-12 hours
445 Readings and Research 1-4 hours


For complete MC course descriptions and schedules please refer to the latest Course Catalog 07-08 (1.5MB .pdf) and Schedule 08-09 (2.5MB .pdf).

 



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