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Science

Course Descriptions

Biology

BIO 110 Introductory Biology

Students will investigate the nature of science and apply principles of evolution, ecology, molecular and cellular biology to analyze scientific data and current biological issues. This course is designed for non-science majors. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisites: ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MTH 098

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter, Spring

BIO 131 - General Biology

Students survey the basic biological principles that regulate the structure and function of cells; the production and use of energy; the genetic, environmental and evolutionary influences on organisms; and the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisites: ENG 085*, ENG 090* and MTH 098

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter

BIO 132 - Human Biology

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. Prerequisite: ENG 085*

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 2 hrs lect. & 4 hrs. lab - Fall

BIO 151 - Botany

Emphasizes the development, anatomy, physiology and evolution of angiosperms. A survey of the plant kingdom with representative life cycles stresses relationships among plant groups. A strong biology background or instructor permission required. Course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: ENG 085*

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 2 hrs lect. & 4 hrs. lab - Winter

BIO 152 - General Zoology

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 component. Prerequisite: BIO 131

5 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 5 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter, Spring

BIO 155 - Human Anatomy and Physiology

A lecture and laboratory course in the anatomy and physiology of the human body.  Study begins with basic terminology and cell structure; then extends to a survey of the organ systems.  Laboratory study enhanced via microscopic study of tissues, preserved specimens and anatomic models, the use of interactive computer models, cat dissection, and the examination of plastinated cadaver(s).  A strong biology background, Biology 132, Medical Terminology or Body Structure and Function is recommended.  Prerequisites:  ENG 085 and MTH 098

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter, Spring

BIO 220 - Microbiology

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 MTH 098*

BIO 253 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

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 MTH 098*

BIO 254 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

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

1 - 2 Sem. Credit Hrs. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter

BIO 199/299 - Independent Study

This course is for students who wish to conduct an in-depth study of topics in biology which are of special interest to them. Topics are selected and details of the study are developed and scheduled in consultation with a faculty member.

4 Sem. Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter, Spring

NSC 131 - Contemporary Science

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. This course is also suggested for many elementary education majors. An interdisciplinary science course that introduces students to the nature of science as a process. Topics from biology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy are used to evaluate evidence for current theories. The interrelationships of the sciences are stressed, as is the relationship of science and technology. Natural Science transfers as an Integrated Science Physical (ISP) requirement to MSU, and satisfies the lab science requirement for most four-year colleges.

RAD 213 - Radiobiology

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: BIO 132 or BIO 155 or BIO 253

 

Chemistry

4 Sem. Credit Hrs; 3hrs. lect, 2 hrs lab. - Fall, Winter, Spring

CEM 121 - Chemistry of Life

This course is designed to meet the chemistry requirement for the nursing programs. 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). Usually CEM 121 will not fulfill any part of a chemistry requirement for a four-year transfer program. Students interested in engineering, pre-professional and similar programs, or those majoring in chemistry, physics or biology should enroll in CEM 141. Pre-requisite is ACT of 21+, or Math 120 or equivalent or higher.

4 Sem. Credit Hrs; 3hrs. lect, 2 hrs lab. - Fall, Winter, Spring

CEM 131 - General Chemistry

This course fulfills a one-semester chemistry or lab-science requirement for some programs, or provides background for CEM 141 for those with no recent high school chemistry. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals 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. Many students take this course as part of a chemistry requirement for a BSN or similar program. Four-year programs most commonly require two semesters of chemistry with content corresponding to this course plus CEM 132. Students interested in engineering, pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary and similar programs, or those majoring in chemistry, physics or biology should enroll in CEM 141. Pre-requisite: Math 120 or equivalent or higher.

4 Sem. Hrs; 3hrs. lect, 2 hrs lab. - Winter

CEM 132 - Organic & Biological Chemistry

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, functions, formation and reactions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids are covered, including enzymes, chemical messengers, and biochemical energy production. Prerequisite: CEM 131, CEM 141 or CEM 121 (with a 3.0 or better grade and consent of instructor).

5 Sem. Credit Hrs; 4hrs. lect, 3 hrs lab. - Fall, Winter

CEM 141 - General Inorganic Chemistry

This course is required for most sciences, engineering, and pre-professional 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.

5 Sem. Credit Hrs; 4hrs. lect, 3 hrs lab. - Winter

CEM 142 - General Inorganic Chemistry & Analysis

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.

5 Sem. Credit Hrs; 4 hrs. lect, 4 hrs lab. - Fall

CEM 241 - Organic Chemistry

This course is the first of the 2 semester, second year chemistry majors sequence, and was previously numbered CEM 251 with 10 contact hours. A comprehensive study of the major classes of organic compounds, their structures and reactions. The stereo-chemical properties and spectra (IR and NMR) of molecules and the 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. Offered: Fall-day only.

5 Sem. Credit Hrs; 4hrs. lect, 4 hrs lab. - Winter

CEM 242 - Organic Chemistry II

A continuation of CEM 241. Prerequisite: CEM 241. This course was previously number CEM 252 with 10 contact hours.

Geology & Geography

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter, Spring

GEL 160 - Introduction to Geology

This course covers minerals and rocks in moderate detail. It also covers the landscapes and behaviors of continents, oceans, earthquakes, volcanoes, resources, and other planets. This class satisfies college-level laboratory science requirements for BA and BS programs. Active learning practices such as hands-on activities and visual presentations using diagrams and charts contribute to the student's understanding of and comfort with science. It is a good course for those who suffer science anxiety.

The only prerequisite is a willingness to participate in the learning process. Geology transfers well to most schools.

3 Sem. Credit Hrs. - Fall, Winter, Spring

GEO 131 - Physical Geography

This course begins with the consideration of maps and grid systems. Maps are used all semester to enhance the textbook. Other course content includes meteorology, vegetation, earth materials, and a good range of tectonic and landscape subjects. This is an ideal course for Education majors. A variety of teaching methods are used. Activities are hands-on for maximum learning. Much is adaptable for use at K-12 grade levels. This course transfers well to most schools as natural science or social science credits.

3 Sem. Credit Hrs. - Fall, Winter, Spring

GEO 132 - World Regions

This class covers all regions of the world from a human perspective. Included topics are resources, population, settlements, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Physical Geography reviews are part of the class content. There is special emphasis on internet research in the classroom. A variety of teaching methods are used, benefiting students of all learning styles. This class that transfers well as a social science class to most schools. It is required in most education degree programs.

Physics

4 Sem. Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall, Winter

PHY 131 - Our Physical World

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the basics of physics using a minimum of mathematics. 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; optics.

4 Sem. Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 2 hrs. lab - Fall (Adrian), Winter (Hillsdale), Spring (Main Campus)

PHY 151 - Astronomy

This is a descriptive course in astronomy, designed primarily for non-science majors. Topics of study include comparative planetology, constellations, astronomical measuring devices, stellar evolution, galaxy classification, and cosmology. Prerequisite: MTH 120 or PRE EQV. The amount of a math used in this course is minimal. As most of the laboratories are computer based, strong computer skills are advised.

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 3 hrs. lab - Fall days, Winter nights - even numbered years

PHY 231 - College Physics I

This is an algebra-based introductory physics course designed specifically for pre-professional and engineering technology students. Topics of study include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics & dynamics, thermodynamics, fluids, and waves. Prerequisite: MTH 132 or PRE EQV. It is important for students to have good algebra and trig skills prior to entering this class. This class does NOT fulfill the requirements of an engineering curriculum.

4 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 3 hrs lect. & 3 hrs. lab - Winter days

PHY 232 - College Physics II

This course is a ontinuation of PHY 231. Topics of study include electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 231 or approval of instructor.

5 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 4 hrs lect. & 3 hrs. lab - Fall days

PHY 251 - Modern University Physics I

This is a calculus-based introductory physics course, with emphasis on mathematical modeling. Topics of study include kinematics, Newtonian mechanics & dynamics, thermodynamics, fluids, and waves. Prerequisite: MTH 151 or PRE EQV. It is important for students to have good algebra, trig, and calculus skills prior to entering this class. Course is basically designed for majors in chemistry or physics, and for engineering students.

5 Sem. Credit Hrs.; 4 hrs lect. & 3 hrs. lab - Winter days

PHY 252 - Modern University Physics II

This course is a continuation of PHY 251. Topics of study include electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHY 251 or approval of instructor.