Department
of Natural Sciences
Course Descriptions
Index for this page:
| Biology courses (BIOL prefix) | Chemistry courses (CHEM prefix) |
| Physics courses (PHYS prefix) | Science courses (SCI prefix) |
An introductory biology course designed for science majors which includes chemistry, cell structure and function, cell division, molecular genetics, Mendelian genetics, evolution, plant and animal systematics, and ecology.
Prerequisite: Exemption of exit from Learning Support Reading and Math
Corequisite: BIOL 1107L
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 1107.
Corequisite: BIOL 1107
A continuation of BIOL 1107.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and 1107L
Corequisite: BIOL 1108L
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 1108.
Corequisite: BIOL 1108
The biology sequence covers basic and biological chemistry, cellular organization and function, cell division, bioenergetics, and organ system physiology as well as Mendelian genetics, basic statistics, developmental biology, molecular genetics, biotechnology, ecology, and evolution.
Prerequisite: Exemption of exit from Learning Support Reading
Corequisite: BIOL 1111L
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 1111.
Corequisite: BIOL 1111
Continuation of Introductory Biology I.
Prerequisite: Exemption of exit from Learning Support Math
Prerequisites: BIOL 1111 and 1111L
A study of the structure and functions of the human body most pertinent to students in the health sciences. Topics typically included are the study of body organization, principles of support and movement, and introduction to body maintenance. Note: this course does not fulfill the Core Curriculum laboratory science requirement under Area D.
Corequisite: BIOL 1151L
Recommended: Take CHEM 1151 before enrolling in BIOL 1151
BIOL 1151L Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I (0-2-1)
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 1151.
Prerequisite: Exemption of exit from Learning Support Reading
Corequisite: BIOL 1151
A continuation of BIOL 1151 which typically includes study of control systems of the body, maintenance systems and continuity.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1151 and 1151L
Corequisite: BIOL 1152L
BIOL 1152L Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II (0-2-1)
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 1152.
Corequisite: BIOL 1152
A study of the morphology, growth, modes of transmission and relationship to diseases of pathogenic micro-organisms. This course is useful to students enrolled in programs in the health sciences.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1151 and 1151L
Corequisite: BIOL 2250L
BIOL 2250L Microbiology for the Health Sciences Laboratory (0-3-1)
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 2250
Corequisite: BIOL 2250
BIOL 2500 – Botany (2-0-2)
Survey of the plant kingdom with greatest emphasis on structure and function of angiosperms.Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L
The human genome project and the web revolution present new challenges and opportunities for biologists. The only way to deal effectively with the information explosion in biology is to use computers. Students in this course will use computer applications to search databases, perform calculations, and develop models concerning biological problems.
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250 and 3250L; BIOL 4201; MATH 1231
An exploration of life's basic unit. Students will examine the cell from both structural and functional viewpoints. The fundamentals of cellular chemistry, life cycles, and regulation will be discussed. Seminal experiments in cell biology will be examined, and current studies in primary research journals will be addressed. Students will gain an understanding of how contemporary methods of laboratory experimentation are being used to unravel the mysteries of life's irreducible unit.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L; CHEM 2412 and 2412L
BIOL 3222 - Internship and/or Cooperative Education (3-0-3)
Internship program for selected students who perform supervised scientific work in conjunction with professionals at area research institutions or other appropriate sites.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and1108L; CHEM 2412 and 2412L; MATH 1231
Single celled organisms have always been the most populous form of life. This course explores the complex lives of these simple organisms. Students will examine biochemical, genetic and pathological aspects of microbiology. Industrial, ecological, and cultural aspects of human microbiology will be addressed.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L; CHEM 2412 and 2412L
Corequisite: BIOL 3250L
Laboratory experiences which address topics including, sterile technique, microscopy, identification of microorganisms, microbial metabolism, and microbial genetics.
Corequisite: BIOL 3250
Before any new biological product gets to market a series of regulatory requirements must be satisfied. Once a product is marketed, quality control and testing play a central role in production. This course examines contemporary bioregulatory standards, and their application in local industries. Experts from government agencies and private industry will present real life problems and solutions.
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250 and 3250L; MATH 1231
The environment is made of both living and non-living components. This course examines the relationships between these various components in the biosphere. Students will learn how complex natural cycles and chains can be perturbed by small disturbances, and conversely, how life adapts to these changes.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L or BIOL 1112; MATH 1231
An experiment-based comparative study of selected vertebrate phyla with emphasis on gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy and phylogeny.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L; or BIOL 1112
Corequisite: BIOL 3650L
BIOL 3650L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (0-3-1)
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 3650.
Corequisite: BIOL 3650
A study of Mendelian principles, molecular genetics and population genetics. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of inheritance, gene expression and influences on evolution are included.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L
An experiment-based course in which students use DNA technology to explore topics such as DNA fingerprinting, cloning, DNA amplification, genetic therapies, sex determination, inheritance and paternity, and human genetic disease.
Prerequisites: BIOL 3250 and 3250L; BIOL 4201
Corequisite: BIOL 4202L
Laboratory accompanying BIOL 4202.
Corequisite: BIOL 4202
Research experience for students in Biology. Practicum assignments must be approved by the student's major advisor and the Center for Experiential Learning. Course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L; CHEM 2412 and 2412L; MATH 1231
Experts from industry, government and academe address current topics in Biology. Students enrolled in the seminar prepare for the talks by performing electronic literature searches and submitting questions for the speakers. This course gives students the opportunity to meet with and question experts in the field. Examinations and projects are based on seminar topics. This course requires a $26 fee for the ETS Major Field Examination in Biology.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L; CHEM 2412 and 2412L; MATH 1231
First course in a two-semester sequence covering elementary principles of general, organic and biochemistry designed for allied health science majors (this course is also open to non-science majors). Topics to be covered include elements and compounds, chemical equations, nomenclature, and molecular geometry.
Prerequisite: Exemption of exit from Learning Support Math
Corequisite: CHEM 1151L
Laboratory accompanying CHEM 1151.
Corequisite: CHEM 1151
Second course in a two-semester sequence covering elementary principles of general, organic and biochemistry designed for allied health science majors (this course is also open to non-science majors).
Prerequisites: CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L
Corequisite for selected Health Science majors only: CHEM 1152L
Laboratory accompanying CHEM 1152 for selected Health Science majors only.
Corequisite: CHEM 1152
First course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors. Topics to be covered include composition of matter, stoichiometry, periodic relations, and nomenclature.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 1101
Corequisite: CHEM 1211L
Laboratory accompanying CHEM 1211.
Corequisite: CHEM 1211
Second course in a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry for science majors.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1211 and 1211L with a grade of C or higher in CHEM 1211.
Corequisite: CHEM 1212L
Laboratory accompanying CHEM 1212.
Corequisite: CHEM 1212
A study of the common classes of carbon compounds, including their physical and chemical properties, methods of preparation, and reactions utilizing modern theories of electronic structure and reaction mechanisms.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1212 and 1212L with a grade of C or higher in CHEM 1212.
Corequisite: CHEM 2411L
Laboratory accompanying CHEM 2411.
Corequisite: CHEM 2411.
A continuation of CHEM 2411 which focuses on functional groups and their reactions.
Prerequisites: CHEM 2411 and 2411L with a grade of C or higher in CHEM 2411.
Corequisite: CHEM 2412L
Laboratory accompanying CHEM 2412.
Corequisite: CHEM 2412.
A study of the chemistry of our environment. Topics typically include air and water pollution, pharmaceuticals, plastics, bioenergetics, thermodynamics of life, and nuclear power.
Prerequisites: CHEM 1212 and 1212L
A study of the chemistry of biological systems. Topics typically include proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids and metabolism pathways.
Prerequisites or corequisites: CHEM 2412 and 2412L
CHEM 4204 – Criminalistics (3-0-3)
The study of the chemistry, physics, biology, and legal issues of forensic science. Topics typically include the legal aspects of forensic science, drug analysis, forensic toxicology, explosives and arson investigation, glass analysis, hair and fiber analysis, paint analysis, blood and semen analysis, soil examination, blood and breath alcohol content analysis, questioned document examination, and firearm examination. Various laboratory instruments and procedures will also be covered including mass spectrometry, infrared spectrophotometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, chromatography, visible microscopial spectrophotometry, neutron activation analysis, and microscopes (light, polarized light, comparison, stereoscopic, scanning electron).
Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 and 1108L; CHEM 2412 and 2412L; PHYS 3650
An introductory course which will include material from mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Elementary algebra and trigonometry will be used.
Prerequisite: MATH 1101 or higher
Corequisite: PHYS 1111L
Laboratory accompanying PHYS 1111.
Corequisite: PHYS 1111
An introductory course which will include material from electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Elementary algebra and trigonometry will be used.
Prerequisites: PHYS 1111 and 1111L
Corequisite for selected Life Science majors only: PHYS 1112L
Laboratory accompanying PHYS 1112. This course is required only for students majoring in the following disciplines: agriculture, biology and physical therapy. Pre-medical and pre-dental students following a biology track, and pre-veterinary students are also required to take this laboratory course.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 1112
An introductory course which will include material from mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Elementary differential calculus will be used.
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 2502
Corequisite: PHYS 2211L
Laboratory accompanying PHYS 2211.
Corequisite: PHYS 2111
An introductory course which will include material from electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Elementary differential and integral calculus will be used.
Prerequisites: PHYS 2211 and 2211L
Corequisite: PHYS 2212L
Laboratory accompanying PHYS 2212.
Corequisite: PHYS 2212
An introductory course which include material from relativity, quantum mechanics, models of the atom, lasers, solid state physics, nuclear physics and elementary particles. Study is focused on contemporary applications including those to biology and medicine.
Prerequisite: PHYS 1112
A one-semester survey course of astronomical methodologies and technologies employed by cultures from ancient through the modern times. Topics in this course will include naked-eye astronomy, calendars, cosmogony, cosmology, and the development of the modern scientific technique. This course is only applicable to a major in Middle Level Teacher Education. Other students should consider SCI 1901A, Selected Topics in Science - Astronomy.
Prerequisite: SCI 3120
Integrated Science I provides an introduction to the scientific method and its application to historic experiments. This course includes instruction in the scientific method, the Earth's place in the Universe, the elementary nature of matter, fluids, the laws of thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism.
Prerequisite: Exit from Learning Support Mathematics
Corequisite: SCI 1111L
Laboratory accompanying SCI 1111.
Corequisite: SCI 1111
Integrated Science II applies the physical science topics introduced in Integrated Science I to life and environmental sciences. This course includes instruction in matter and energy resources, population dynamics, global problems, pollution, economics and the environment, and basic ecology.
Prerequisite: SCI 1111 and SCI 1111L
A group of courses which examine a variety of topics in science disciplines presented at an introductory level. Descriptions of individual courses within the group are provided below.
Provides an introduction to the Earth's place in the Universe. Topics include the origin of the Solar System, planets inside and outside of the Solar System, the life and death of stars, and the Big Bang. Students will also study the tools of astronomy and how they have shaped its progress. Topics will be covered from a historical as well as a contemporary point of view.
Emphasizes plants in everyday life. Topics include the basic structure and function of plants, identification of common plants, plant ecology, economic botany, backyard botany, medicinal plants and poisonous plants.
SCI 1901C Selected Topics in Science - Extraordinary Chemistry (3-0-3)
Presents chemical science in a way that reflects both the excitement and concerns with the rapidly changing uses and needs of chemicals in the world. Topics include everyday chemicals to which we are exposed, the food we eat, ozone pollution, mind-altering drugs, batteries, and buckministerfullerenes. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills that allow the student to affect policies that govern the access and use of chemicals in the future for the benefit of everyone.
SCI 1901D Selected Topics in Science - Health and Disease (3-0-3)
A survey of the biology of diseases that currently impact society, including proposed prevention and cure. Examples include cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, cancer and diabetes.
Emphasizes topics involving energy and its transfer to the understanding of biological and physical systems by examining a variety of aspects of energy resources, including the principles involved, and the environmental and economic consequences of energy production and use.
SCI 1901F Selected Topics in Science - Forensic Science(3-0-3)
Provides an introduction to the science of forensics. Topics will include various scientific principles and techniques used in solving crimes. Case studies will be presented.
SCI 1901G Selected Topics in Science - Sex and Gender (3-0-3)
An interdisciplinary survey of human reproduction and gender development. Physiological, psychological and cultural aspects of human sexuality will be addressed. Topics include female and male specific health problems, sexual development, the genetics and evolution of sexuality, and current research in reproductive medicine and gender.
SCI 1901H Selected Topics in Science - Human Genetics (3-0-3)
A study of human genetics examining major breakthroughs and current issues in human heredity. The course will include the science of genetics, and the societal implications of topics such as the human genome project, DNA fingerprinting, genetics and intelligence, and genetic engineering.
SCI 2222 Internship and/or Cooperative Education I (credit varies)
Internship program for selected students who perform supervised scientific work in conjunction with professionals at area research institutions or other appropriate sites. Credit hours are determined by an agreement between faculty member and internship supervisor.
Prerequisite: Completion of a science sequence from Area D of the Core Curriculum and consent of the Head of the Department of Natural Sciences
A one-semester, activity based course that incorporates methods, content, central themes and technology for teaching physical science in the middle grades. The topics addressed include: energy and heat; science, society and technology; light and color; machines and force; and matter. This course is open only to Middle Level Teacher Education students.
Prerequisite: Completion of Area D of the Core Curriculum
Corequisite: SCI 3110L
SCI 3110L Integrated Science - Physical Science Laboratory I (0-2-1)
Laboratory accompanying SCI 3110. Laboratory includes both physical science and pedagogy.
Corequisite: SCI 3110
A one-semester, activity based course that incorporates methods, content, central themes and technology for teaching chemistry, earth science and astronomy in the middle grades. The topics of inorganic and organic chemistry, geology, hydrology, meteorology, solar system and stellar astronomy, and cosmology are addressed. Includes laboratory. This course is open only to Middle Level Teacher Education students.
Prerequisite: Completion of Area D of the Core Curriculum
A one-semester, activity based course that incorporates methods, content, central themes and technology for teaching life science in the middle grades. The topics addressed include: cells, tissues, animal behavior, classification, plant and animal systems, genetics and ecology. This course is open only to Middle Level Teacher Education students.
Prerequisite: Completion of Area D of the Core Curriculum
Corequisite: SCI 3130L
SCI 3130L Integrated Science - Life Science Laboratory (0-2-1)
Laboratory accompanying SCI 3130. Laboratory includes both life science and pedagogy
Corequisite: SCI 3130
SCI 3222 Internship and/or Cooperative Education II (credit varies)
Internship program for selected students who perform supervised scientific work in conjunction with professionals at area research institutions or other appropriate sites. Credit hours are determined by an agreement between faculty member and internship supervisor.
Prerequisite: Completion of Area D of the Core Curriculum, consent of the Head of the Department of Natural Sciences and Junior or Senior status
Last update: November 25, 2008