FRESHMAN REGISTRATION AND FAMILY ORIENTATION (2008)
What do I need to know about taking a science course?
Some majors require a specific science course. Other majors allow you to choose your science course. However, all students, regardless of major, are required to enroll in at least one science course with a lab. An exception would be a student with AP or transfer credit.
You are not required to
enroll in a science course in your first semester, especially if you are in the
I want to take Biology. Should I take BIO 103 or 105? This is a great question for your advisor. They will have a recommendation based on your major. (Course descriptions are listed below)
I want to take Chemistry
this fall. Advising
note: It is recommended that if you place in a math course lower than MTH
150 (College Algebra) you should complete MTH 150 prior to taking CHM 103 or at
least enroll in MTH 150 concurrently with CHM 103. Taking Math and
Chemistry together can be really tough your first semester. Talk to your
advisor about the work load of taking them together.
My advisor recommends I take Biology and Chemistry in my first semester. These two courses are usually recommended because you have chosen a major or pre-professional program where taking these two courses in your first semester is important to staying on track for completion of your major in a timely manner. Go back to the question “How Can I Prepare?” and read it again. If you question your readiness to take two science courses in your first semester, communicate your concern to your advisor. They can share their expertise on the subject and help YOU decide what to do.
NATURAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
Introduction to Physical Anthropology
This course introduces the basic fields of physical anthropology: population genetics, human osteology, primatology, paleoanthropology, and forensics. The class provides a substantive framework for learning about the biological diversity of the human species through scientific inquiry. The foundations of evolutionary theory and the fossil evidence for human evolution are also presented. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.
Introductory Biology
A survey of modern biology. Subjects discussed include ecology, cell biology and genetics. Themes developed through the course are the use of the scientific method and the relationships between society, technology and science. This course is designed as a general education course for non-science or non-allied health majors. Lect. 3, Lab 2.
Students cannot earn credit in both BIO 103 and 105.
General Biology
An introduction to biology including topics in ecology, population biology, nutrient cycling, food webs, cell structure and function, metabolism, photosynthesis, reproduction, genetics, molecular biology and evolution. This course provides a strong foundation for further science courses, and is designed for science majors, allied health majors and students with an interest in science. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. Students cannot earn credit in both BIO 103 and 105.
CHM
100 Cr.
4
Contemporary
Chemistry
A survey course
focusing on applied chemistry. Fundamental chemistry and science concepts are
developed and then used to study applications of this science to technology in society.
Emphasis is placed on selected topics that are current. Lect.
3, Lab. 2. Course is not applicable to a major or minor in chemistry and
does not meet the prerequisite requirement of any other chemistry course.
Available Spring 2009.
General Chemistry I
An introduction to chemistry including topics in atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical stoichiometry, reactivity, states of matter, solutions, acid-base theory, and nuclear chemistry, and also including selected topics in descriptive and applied chemistry. Scientific inquiry, experimental design and data analysis are included. Lect. 3, Lab. 3, Disc. l. Placement or concurrent enrollment in MTH 150 highly recommended.
Earth Environments
This course concentrates on understanding the earth's dynamic environments through the study of processes and physical and human interactions related to the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. A scientific approach is used to examine fundamental concepts in earth and environmental science related to topics such as plate tectonics, landform development, atmospheric processes, global climate, and water resources, in order to provide an understanding of how the earth system functions and the human role in these phenomena. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.
Microbes and Society
Microbiology plays an integral role in human affairs and our daily lives. Some microorganisms have caused tremendous suffering throughout history, however many microbes have also provided countless benefits to humans and play vital roles in essential global cycles. This course examines the science of microbiology and the impact of microbiology on human affairs. The principles of microbial diversity, cell structure, growth and reproduction, global processes, disease, and prevention of disease are covered. Each topic provides a basis for discussion of current issues where microorganisms play a role. The laboratory provides an inquiry based approach to examining the diversity of microorganisms and their role in disease, spoilage, genetic engineering, food and antibiotic production, agriculture, and the environment. Not applicable to a major in microbiology or biology. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.
Fundamental Physics I
A broad introduction to the study of physics using the techniques of
algebra.
Topics covered are vectors, kinematics,
Physical Science for Educators
A survey course focusing on applied physical science and the nature of scientific knowledge. Fundamental theories about the nature and interactions of matter and energy are developed using self-paced, small group, inquiry based teaching modules. The scientific knowledge developed is applied to issues of technology in society and everyday use situations. Emphasis is on modeling science teaching practices advocated by state and national science education standards using active learner practices. Open only to pre-elementary and pre-elementary/middle level students. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.
PHY
125
Cr. 4
Physics for the Life Sciences
An introductory study of physics concepts using
algebra and trigonometry, primarily for life science and allied health
students. Description of matter, motion, energy,
thermodynamics, waves, light, electricity and topics in modern physics, with
application to the life sciences. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.
Prerequisite: MTH 150 recommended. Offered Sem. II.
Solar System Astronomy
Astronomy as an observational science. Topics studied include: The history of astronomy; astronomical observations; measuring the sky; motions of the Earth, Moon, Sun and planets; models of the solar system; the planets and their moons; comets, asteroids and meteoroids; and the structure and formation of the solar system. Lect. 3, Lab. 2. (Cross-listed with AST; may only earn credit in PHY or AST, not both.)
PHY 156
Cr. 4
Stars,
Galaxies and the Universe
An introduction to astronomy as a
science, emphasizing celestial objects beyond our solar system. Throughout the course, comparison of
observations with theoretical models will be stressed. Topics studied
include the size and scale of the universe, using light and gravity to study
the cosmos, the sun, the properties of other stars, lives and deaths of stars,
star clusters, black holes, the Milky Way galaxy, dark matter, other galaxies,
quasars, Big Bang cosmology, dark energy, and gravitational waves.
Particular emphasis will be placed on recent discoveries. Lect.
3 Lab. 2. (Cross-listed with AST; may only earn credit in PHY or AST,
not both.)
General Physics I
A broad introduction to the study of physics using the techniques of
calculus.
Topics covered are vectors, kinematics,