Course Descriptions
Science
SCI 110
Conceptual Physics (with Lab)
3 credits
This course provides an understanding of how the physical environment changes around us. It gives an understanding of the relationship between matter and energy, including the following concepts: force, motion, conservation laws, energy, heat, wave motion (including sound and light), electricity and magnetism, the atom, and semiconductor materials.
Prerequisite(s): MAT 101 or MAT 205 or MAT 304
SCI 232
Life and Environmental Science (with Lab)
4 credits
This course is an overview of how living things reproduce, develop, and transmit traits. Theories of evolution are discussed to account for the abundance of life forms. A review of how this knowledge is applied to agriculture and human health is given. A study of how all organisms are interconnected through structured ecosystems shows how humans apply scientific knowledge to better use natural resources.
SCI 251
Biology I (with Lab)
4 credits
This course is the first part of a 2 part introductory Biology course designed for those intending to major in the Natural Sciences. Living organisms will be studied on a molecular and cellular level. Emphasis will be placed on the chemistry of biological molecules, structure and function of cells and their components, genetic patterns of inheritance, flow of genetic information and biotechnology.
SCI 252
Biology II (with Lab)
4 credits
This course is the second part of a 2 part introductory Biology course designed for those intending to major in the Natural Sciences. Focus will be on the organism level with emphasis on evolution and species diversity, plant and animal structure and physiology and ecology.
SCI 302
Secret of Life: A Study of Human Biology
3 credits
This course involves the study of life on earth. Elements include human development, human interaction with the natural world, changes in disease patterns, and current medical research. A theme of DNA connects the course topics and provides opportunities for a look at genetic research and some ethical questions currently facing researchers.
SCI 303
Meteorology
3 credits
This course is a study of the earth and its atmospheric phenomena that result in weather. Weather theories, forecasting, dissemination, and applications of weather principles are studied. Developments resulting from pollution of the atmosphere are examined.
SCI 304
Astronomy
3 credits
Students in this course will gain an understanding of the sun and other stars, planets, comets, asteroids, and galaxies in the universe. Emphasis is placed on discovering how happenings in the universe affect everyday life. Stargazing field trips will take place when skies are clear.
SCI 305
Earth and Space Science (with Lab)
4 credits
This course emphasizes the process of scientific investigation in the study of the earth and its place in the universe. The course shall include discussions of the earth and space, with emphasis on the processes used by geologist and astronomers in developing an understanding of the growth and evolution of the earth and the universe.
SCI 307
Physical Science (with Lab)
4 credits
The relationship between matter and energy and the principles governing this relationship are examined in this course. It sets forth the basic concepts of physics and chemistry, including the physics and chemistry of materials (their properties, the process by which they are changed, and how they are used), and energy (what it is, why it is important, and how it is used)
Prerequisite(s): MAT 101 OR MAT 205 OR MAT304
SCI 308
Statistics for the Sciences
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the scientific method of collecting, organizing, and interpreting quantitative data in the sciences. Students are introduced to ways of making wise choices in the face of uncertainty and ways to recognize developing situations that may require corrective action. Topics include mathematical and measurement concepts, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, probability distributions, random sampling, and hypothesis testing using “sign”, “z”, and “t” tests, analysis of variance, and chi-square tests.
Prerequisite(s): MAT 200.
SCI 310
Environmental Science
3 credits
This course identifies the causes of environmental degradation and examines current efforts toward correcting a variety of complex environmental situations. Emphasis is placed on the role of humans using science and technology to find solutions to the problems facing earth.
SCI 311
Botany (with Lab)
4 credits
This course involves the study of organisms in the plant kingdom. The course is designed to introduce students to the diversity, ecology, anatomy, morphology, genetics, and physiology of plants. Through lectures and lab exercises, students will gain information about plant biology and lab techniques used to study plants.
SCI 312
Physics (with Lab)
4 credits
This is an algebra-based physics course providing an understanding of the major concepts in physics. Topics covered include Newtonian motion, work and energy, thermodynamics, wave properties, sound, optics, electricity and magnetism, the atom and nuclear processes, and relativity.
Prerequisite(s): MAT 101 or MAT 205 or MAT 304
SCI 315
Applied Chemistry (with Lab)
4 credits
This course explores the chemistry needed to understand the impact of chemical, human, and industrial processes on our lives and our environment. The basics of inorganic, organic, and biochemistry are covered, including the chemistry of life (DNA).
SCI 321
Technology in the Sciences
3 credits
This course provides an overview of technology in the sciences. A review of major technological advances and their relationship to man’s understanding of the universe will be included. The impact of current technology on individuals, society, and the environment, including moral and ethical concerns, will also be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): junior status or higher.
SCI 331
Microbiology
3 credits
This course explores the unseen life on earth. The world and the diversity of microorganisms, including the basics of cell biology and genetics, are examined. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how microbes shape the environment and their essential role in human life. Controlling microbes under special situations (e.g. food safety, hospitals), how the human body defends against microbial invaders, disease outbreaks, and current efforts to track and control infectious diseases are discussed.
SCI 335
Human Anatomy and Physiology (with Lab)
4 credits
Students in this course explore the structure and function of the human body. Basic terminology to describe the structure of the body while explaining the basic concepts of body function are presented. The student is introduced to the principles of operation of the major organ systems in healthy humans.