BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
NATURAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENT: 9-11 total hours required
(3 science courses with 2 labs; 2 courses must be in the same science)
[Biology] [Chemistry and Biochemistry]
[Geology and Geological Engineering] [Physics and Astronomy]
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
All biology courses can be used to satisfy this requirement. However, BISC 102/103 and 104/105 are typically used by non-biology majors/minors to fulfill this requirement. However, they will not count for credit if the BISC 160 series is counted.
BISC 102. Inquiry into Life – Human Biology
This is a survey course for non-majors that introduces the basic principles and functions of the human body (i.e. respiration, organ function, cellular processes, diseases, immunity and inheritance). BISC 103 is the laboratory to accompany this class. Students are not required to take BISC 102 and 103 at the same time, but it is highly recommended.
BISC 104. Inquiry into Life – The Environment
This is a survey course for non-majors that addresses the relationship of human to the environment. Topics addressed in this course include ecology, origin of life, behavior and the role of plants. The associated laboratory is BISC 105. Students are not required to take BISC 104 and 105 at the same time, but it is highly recommended. There is a prerequisite of BISC 102 for this course.
BISC 160. Biological Sciences I
This course is intended for biology majors/minors and pre-health students. Topics addressed include cell and molecular biology, genetics, production and use of energy, cell structure, and genetic engineering/biotechnology. There is a pre-requisite for this course: 23 or better on the math section of the ACT (510 on SAT) or an “A” or “B” in college algebra and trigonometry, or basic math for science and engineering (Math 125), or Chem 101. Co-requisite - BISC 161, which is the laboratory component of BISC 160.
BISC 162. Biological Sciences II
This course is a continuation of BISC 160. Topics addressed this semester include the structure and function of the major organ systems of animals, focusing on humans, and the diversity of life in each of the kingdoms. There is a pre-requisite for this course: BISC 160 and 161 with a minimum grade of C. The laboratory - BISC 163 - is a co-requisite.
BISC 206. Human Anatomy and Physiology
This is a non-majors course for pre-nursing and other paramedical students, which addresses the structure and function of the human body in depth. Introduces basic chemistry, cell structure and function, tissues, integument, skeleton, muscles and nervous system. May not be counted toward a major or a minor in biology.
BISC 207. Human Anatomy and Physiology
A continuation of BISC 206, which includes discussions of sensory, endocrine circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems. May not be counted toward a major or a minor in biology. Prerequisite - BISC 207 with a minimum grade of C.
BISC 210. Principles of Microbiology
This introductory course is designed for students in health related studies such as pre-nursing, nutrition, etc. Topics addressed include sanitation, disease, food and industrial microbiology. This class will fulfill the laboratory science requirement of the core curriculum but may not be counted toward a major or minor in biology.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
All courses from this department can be used to satisfy this requirement. However, those described below are the typical courses used by non-majors/minors in the department.
CHEM 101. CHEMICAL CONCEPTS
Recommended for students who intend to complete the CHEM 105/106/115/116 course sequence, but may need additional preparation in chemistry. This course provides an introduction to the basic chemical concepts and mathematical tools needed to study and understand basic chemistry and includes a review of the problem solving and study skills needed for successful completion of the professional-level general chemistry course sequence. In this course, students will learn about the principles of measurement, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas theory, thermochemistry and atomic structure of the elements. Students who successfully complete CHEM 101 with a grade of “B” or better are qualified to enroll in CHEM 105 and the corresponding lab course, CHEM 115. This course does not satisfy the University Core Science Requirement, and it may not be used for major or minor credit. (3 lecture and 1 recitation hour) This course does not provide laboratory credit.
CHEM 103, 104. SURVEY OF CHEMISTRY I, II
As indicated by their titles, the CHEM 103/104 sequence provides a basic survey of chemistry for the non-science major. The objectives of these courses are for students to understand the basic concepts, theories, and principles of chemistry. Students completing these courses should be able to demonstrate logical thinking skills, to apply basic chemical concepts to societal problems, and to apply their chemical knowledge to personal decisions involving the many chemical products available to them as consumers. These courses satisfy the University Core Science Requirement. At the present time, these courses are only offered on-line and no corresponding laboratory courses are available. May not be used for major or minor credit (3 lecture, 3 lecture).
CHEM 105/115, 106/116. GENERAL CHEMISTRY I, II
These introductory-level courses with laboratories provide the basic foundation for additional study in chemistry as required by science majors pursuing degrees in chemistry, biology, or pharmacy. Some other majors also require the completion of some part or all of the CHEM 105/115/106/116 sequence, e.g., certain engineering degrees and the Dietetics and Nutrition degree program. These courses are more rigorous and are taught at a more advanced level than CHEM 103/104 (liberal arts chemistry).
The content of these general chemistry courses includes classroom and laboratory instruction in basic topics such as atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, solutions, physical properties of gases, liquids and solids, chemical bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics and equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and the descriptive chemistry of the elements. The objectives of these courses are for students to understand the basic concepts, theories, and principles of chemistry, to demonstrate skills in logical thinking, to apply basic chemical concepts to problem solving, and to employ correct mathematical models.
The lecture courses CHEM 105 (3)/106 (3) are co-requisites for the lab courses, CHEM 115 (1)/116 (1) . Certain prerequisites must be satisfied before enrollment in CHEM 105/115. Admission to these courses requires a minimum ACT mathematics score of 23 (SAT 550) or completion of MATH 125 (or a higher level MATH course) with minimum grade of “B”, or completion of CHEM 101 with a minimum grade of “B”. A minimum of a “C” grade in CHEM 105 is required for enrollment in CHEM 106/116.
Honors sections of these courses (CHEM 105H/106H) are available. Honors students enrolled in these sections are required to enroll in the corresponding recitation section CHEM 107H/108H.
CHEM 105/115/106/116 are prerequisites for all upper level chemistry courses except CHEM 121 and CHEM 271, and they may be used for major and minor credit. Completion of this course sequence with the grade of “C” is required for advancement to Organic Chemistry (CHEM 221/225/222/226).
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
The Department highly recommends a recently revised GEOL 104 and 105, particularly for non-majors. These courses have no pre-requisites and are non-sequential. GEOL 104 will not count for credit if GEOL 101 is counted.
GEOL 101. PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
Physical Geology is the study of Earth materials and the processes that shape the Earth. This class will explore such natural phenomena as volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides: what causes them and how they impact our environment. We will discuss the formation of mountains and ocean basins. Each lecture is illustrated with photographs of geological features from around the world. The accompanying lab is GEOL 111.
GEOL 102. HISTORICAL GEOLOGY
Historical Geology places Earth in the context of the solar system and the universe. The origins of Earth and the continued evolution of Earth are discussed, including the origins of life and the evolution of living organisms. Earth history also includes formation of continents and ocean basins and how these features move on Earth through time. The accompanying lab is GEOL 112.
GEOL 103. EARTH DYNAMICS
This five credit hour course is required of all freshmen Geology and Geological Engineering majors. Earth Dynamics is the integrated study of the process-response relationships between plate tectonics and geological processes through earth history. Enrollment is limited to Geology and Geological Engineering majors.
GEOL 104. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY - HAZARDS
An introduction to the relationship between humans and the geological environment for non-majors, with a focus on natural and human induced hazards, including landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, subsidence, sea-level rise, and pollution.. Satisfies laboratory-science requirements of core curriculum when taken in conjunction with Geol 114. Will not count for credit if Geol 101 is counted.
GEOL 105. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY - RESOURCES
An introduction to the relationship between humans and the geological environment for non-majors, with a focus on natural resources, waste disposal, and climate change; for non-majors.. Satisfies laboratory-science requirements of core curriculum when taken in conjunction with Geol 115. (3)
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Students who choose to take 2 courses from this department must take either 2 courses in astronomy or 2 courses in physics or 2 courses in physical science. In addition, students who choose to take 2 astronomy courses cannot take ASTR 101 with either ASTR 103 or 104 nor can the student take ASTR 102 with either ASTR 103 or 104. These are separate course sequences. Note that ASTR 102 is generally not taught at present.
ASTR 101 and 102. DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY I and II
These astronomy courses have no lab component. They serve as an introduction to astronomy requiring little mathematics and are taken primarily by non-science majors. These courses focus on the study of the planets, stars and galaxies. ASTR 102 is generally not taught at present.
ASTR 103 and 104. ASTRONOMY I and II
These courses are a lab-based astronomy sequence taken mainly by non-science majors. They also require little mathematics and provide a general understanding of astronomy: what can be observed in the sky, what we know about the sun and the solar system, stars, our galaxy, and the structure of the universe.
PHYS 107 and 108. PHYSICAL SCIENCE I, II
This course sequence is lab-based physics taken primarily by non-science majors. They provide an essentially non-mathematical introduction to concepts in physics, including Newton’s laws, gravity, heat energy and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light, optics, and nuclear physics.
PHYS 211 and 221. PHYSICS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING I
These co-requisite lecture and lab courses provide the first half of a rigorous introduction to physics. They are required for B.S. physics and chemistry majors and for engineering students. The courses require knowledge of calculus (and algebra and trigonometry).
PHYS 212 and 222. PHYSICS FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING II
These co-requisite lecture and lab course are the continuation of Physics 211 and Physics 221.
PHYS 213 and PHYS 223. GENERAL PHYSICS I
These co-requisite lecture and lab courses provide the first half of a rigorous introduction to physics using algebra and trigonometry but not calculus. These courses (or their calculus-based equivalents, Phys 211 & 221) are required for pre-med majors and for some B.A. physics majors.
PHYS 214 and PHYS 224. GENERAL PHYSICS II
These co-requisite lecture and lab courses are the continuation of Physics 213 and Physics 223. These courses (or their calculus-based equivalents, Phys 212 & 222) are required for pre-med majors and for some B.A. physics majors.