Science
Course Descriptions
Biology
BIO 110 Introductory Biology (4 CR)
Students will investigate the nature of science and critically analyze scientific data. Basic biological concepts including cancer, biostatistics, organic molecules and nutrition, biotechnology, nutrient cycles, and evolution are presented in the context of current issues. This course includes a discussion component which involves reading, critically evaluating, and discussing scientific papers: thus strong college reading and writing skills are recommended. The course is designed for non-science majors and includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MAT 031* or higher
BIO 132 Human Biology (4 CR)
Students focus on the structure and function of the human body, the unity and diversity of life, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the principles and processes of evolution as well as contemporary issues that relate to biology. Course includes a laboratory component which focuses on human anatomy.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and MAT 020* or higher
BIO 155 Human Anatomy & Physiology (5 CR)
A lecture and laboratory course in the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Study begins with introductions to basic terminology and cell structure, then extends to a survey of the organ systems. Laboratory study enhanced via microscopic study of tissues, the examination of preserved specimens and anatomic models, the use of interactive anatomy and physiology computer models, cat dissection and examination of plastinated human specimen(s). A strong biology background, Biology 132, Medical Terminology or Body Structure and Function is recommended.
Prerequisites: ENG 085*, MAT 020* or higher and CEM 131 or CEM 137 or CEM 141
BIO 158 Environmental Science (4 CR)
This course serves as a foundation for environmental science majors. It is also suitable for non-majors interested in environmental topics. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experience, environmental surveys, and class discussions to reinforce scientific principles. Environmental case studies are covered in detail. In laboratory, the students will learn how to analyze quantitative environmental data through application. This class has a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MAT 020* or higher
BIO 161 General Biology I (4 CR)
Biology 161 is the first semester of a one year general biology experience intended for science majors or pre-professional students. This course covers nature of science, a survey of the major groups of living organisms (bacteria, fungi, plants and animals), the process and evidence for evolution, and the fundamentals of ecology. It provides the foundation for upper level biology courses. This course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 090* and MAT 031* or higher
BIO 162 General Biology II (4 CR)
Biology 162 is the second semester of a one year general biology experience intended for science majors or pre-professional students. This course covers the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, molecular and Mendelian genetics, cell division, gene regulation and biotechnology. It provides the foundation for upper level Biology courses. This course includes a laboratory component. Successful completion of BIO 161 is recommended prior to enrollment.
Prerequisites: CEM 131 or higher
BIO 220 Microbiology (4 CR)
Basic structure and function of microorganisms with special emphasis on recent advances in microbiology, pathogens, disease, control and immunity. Strong biology background recommended. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and MAT 020* or higher
BIO 231 General Botany (4 CR)
(FORMERLY BIO 151)
Emphasizes the development, anatomy, physiology and evolution of angiosperms. A survey of the plant kingdom with representative life cycles stresses relationships among plant groups. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: BIO 110, BIO 161 or BIO 162
BIO 232 General Zoology (4 CR)
(FORMERLY BIO 152)
A comparative study of the anatomical and evolutionary relationships of the major animal phyla with emphasis on development, structure and function of vertebrate systems. Course includes a laboratory
Prerequisite: BIO 110, BIO 161 or BIO 162
BIO 253 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 CR)
This is the first course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes introductions to basic chemistry, biology and histology and extends to the survey of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. A strong background in biology and/or chemistry is highly recommended.
Prerequisites: ENG 085*and MAT 020* or higher
BIO 254 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 CR)
This is the second course of a two-semester course sequence in which students study the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The course includes the autonomic nervous system, sensory, motor, and integrative systems, special senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular systems, lymphatic system and immunity, respiratory systems, digestive system, metabolism and nutrition, urinary system and reproductive systems. This course includes a laboratory component in which students are responsible for performing dissections and making original observations on dissected material. The laboratory experience culminates with the use of a plastinated human specimen for observation. A strong background in biology and/or chemistry is highly recommended.
Prerequisite: BIO 253
BIO 258 Field Ecology (5 CR)
This course is designed to provide hands-on field research experiences in ecology and environmental science. Students will be introduced to quantitative field science methodology, natural history, current research issues, and will participate in data collection for ongoing research projects. The ecological concepts that underlie modern hypothesis tests in ecology will be explored through discussions, readings and field research activities. Conducting regionally-based ecological projects with ecological mathematical methods are a major component of this course. People highly allergic to poison ivy, insects, molds or pollen need to take precautionary steps during field studies.
Prerequisite: ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MTH 031* or higher
NSC 131 Contemporary Science (4 CR)
An interdisciplinary course that introduces the nature of science as a process. Particular topics from biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy covered with an emphasis on critical thinking and evaluating evidence to examine competing theories. This course is ideal as a first science course for students whose science background is minimal, who are anxious about science, or who have not had a science course for several years. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 090* and MAT 020* or higher
RAD 213 Radiobiology (2 CR)
Students review the basics of cell biology and study the basic biologic interaction of radiation. That study will include cellular and tissue response to radiation, as well as radiation pathology, the total body radiation response, and the late effects of radiation. It will conclude with a discussion of clinical radiobiology that includes diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and therapeutic radiology.
Prerequisite: RAD 211
Chemistry
CEM 131 Fundamentals of Chemistry (4 CR)
Fills requirement for some non-science majors. Provides background for CEM 141 for those with no recent high school chemistry. Fundamental principles of chemistry such as states of matter, simple atomic and molecular structure, and the periodic classification of elements. The study of water emphasizes the properties of solutions and acid-base relations. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and MAT 031* or higher
CEM 132 Fundamentals of Organic & Biological Chemistry (4 CR)
This course is an extension of material covered in CEM 131. It is required in many bachelor’s degree programs, including nursing. Organic topics include the structure, physical properties and chemical behavior of the major classes of organic compounds. The structure, function, formation and reactions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids are covered, including enzymes, chemical messengers, and biochemical energy production. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: CEM 131 or CEM 137 or CEM 141
CEM 137 Chemistry of Life (4 CR)
This course meets the chemistry requirements for the ADN nursing, elementary education and programs requiring a lab science course. It introduces the fundamental principles of general chemistry (structure of atoms and compounds, states, energy, equations, radioactivity, solutions and acids/bases), organic (structure and properties of major classes), and biochemistry (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, metabolism and body fluids).
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and MAT 031* or higher
CEM 141 General Chemistry I (5 CR)
This course is required for most sciences, engineering, and preprofessional health majors. Students who are required to take organic chemistry for their major should enroll in CEM 141 during their first semester. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical bonding, states of matter, kinetic molecular theory and stoichiometry. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: CIS 095*, ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MAT 131* or higher
CEM 142 General Chemistry II (5 CR)
This course is the second semester of general chemistry and extends material covered in CEM 141. Covered concepts include chemical thermodynamics, electrochemical reactions, reaction kinetics, acid-base theories, nuclear chemistry, and aqueous solutions with emphasis on equilibrium. Experiments include quantitative methods, stoichiometry, colorimetry, and gravimetric analysis. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: CEM 141
CEM 241 Organic Chemistry I (5 CR)
Comprehensive study of the major classes of organic compounds, their structures and reactions. The stero-chemical properties and spectra (IR and NMR) of molecules and their mechanisms of reactions are stressed. The laboratory experiments demonstrate techniques used in organic reactions, syntheses illustrating types of reactions, analysis of major classes of compounds, and kinetic studies.
Prerequisite: CEM 142
CEM 242 Organic Chemistry II (5 CR)
A continuation of CEM 241. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: CEM 241
Geology & Geography
GEL 109 Earth Science (4 CR)
This course serves as a foundation for the Earth Sciences and Earth Science majors. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experience and class discussions to reinforce scientific principles. Earth Science case studies are covered in detail. In laboratory, the students will learn how to apply basic scientific principles through active learning and application. This course has a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MAT 031* or higher
GEL 160 Introduction to Geology (4 CR)
The course covers minerals, rocks, earthquakes and volcanoes. It also covers the landscapes and behaviors of continents and oceans. Diagrams, photographs, topographic maps, Internet resources and handson exercises are utilized to support the concepts. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and ENG 090*
GEO 131 Physical Geography (3 CR)
The course begins with maps and grid systems. Map exercises are used all semester to enhance the textbook. Other topics include meteorology, vegetation, earth materials and a range of tectonic and landscape subjects.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and ENG 090*
GEO 132 World Regions (3 CR)
This course covers all regions of the world from a human perspective. Topics include resources, population, settlements, agriculture, manufacturing and transportation. There is special emphasis on Internet research in the classroom.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and ENG 090*
Physics
PHY 131 Conceptual Physics (4 CR)
Become familiar with basic concepts used in physics to describe and explain various physical phenomena. The course covers the following topics: kinematics (the description of motion); mechanics (the study of force, momentum, and energy); the behavior of solids, liquids and gases; temperature and heat; waves and sound; electricity and magnetism; and optics. The course is designed to familiarize the student with the basics of physics using a minimum of mathematics. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and MAT 020* or higher
PHY 151 Astronomy (4 CR)
A one semester conceptual astronomy course for non-science majors. This is a survey course that focuses on four broad content categories: motions of the sky, the solar system, light and stars, and the universe. The emphasis of the course is on critical thinking about specific topics in these categories. The course has an associated laboratory in which students run experiments to verify the concepts presented. The mathematical skills necessary for this course include working with ratios, rates, scaling, unit conversion, percentages, exponents, graphing, basic geometry and substitution into formulas.
Prerequisites: ENG 085* and MAT 031* or higher
PHY 231 College Physics I (4 CR)
Pre-professional and engineering technology students explore kinematics, mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, acoustics and general wave motion. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: MAT 131 or higher
PHY 232 College Physics II (4 CR)
Students cover topics in electricity, magnetism and modern physics and is a continuation of PHY 231. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: PHY 231
PHY 251 Modern University Physics I (5 CR)
Students cover classical mechanics, thermodynamics and wave motion. This course should be elected by all science and engineering students. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: MAT 151 or higher
PHY 252 Modern University Physics II (5 CR)
Students cover topics in classical electricity and magnetism, optics, special relativity and modern physics. A continuation of PHY 251. Course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisite: PHY 251
