Science

Courses

BIOL127L: Nutrition for Health and Fitness with Laboratory

This course is a study of the nutrients and how the body handles the nutrients throughout the life cycle. Topics include metabolism of macro- and micronutrients; physiological benefits of an optimal diet with exercise; behavioral issues related to eating; energy balance and weight control; and disease prevention strategies related to diet. Life style behaviors, which optimize nutritional health and wellness, are also emphasized. The labs are designed to reinforce selected topics covered in the lecture portion of the course. (Credit can only be given for BIOL1270L or BIOL1290.)

BIOL144L: Human Biology with Lab

This course is a study of the human anatomical structure and physiological systems. It is designed to provide the student with knowledge and perspectives necessary to work cooperatively with professionals in medicine and other human service disciplines. Background topics include chemistry for human biology, cell structure and function, and human organization. Major topics include the digestive, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, reproductive systems, the senses, and genetics. Lab activities are designed to enhance and reinforce selected lecture topics.

BIOL145L: Anatomy & Physiology I

This course offers an introduction to the structure and function of the human body. The course includes a review of the chemical and biological basis of living organisms and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Integrated lab experience is provided using anatomical models and dissection of selected specimens, as well as observation of histologic preparations.

BIOL146L: Anatomy & Physiology II

This course offers a sequential study of the structure and function of the human body. The course includes the anatomy and physiology of the blood and lymphatic systems, respiratory system, circulatory system, excretory system, fluid and electrolyte balance and reproductive system. Laboratory work parallels lecture topics, and consists of selected exercises in the study of anatomical models, dissection and physiological experimentation.

BIOL148L: General Biology I

This college-level course covers the principles of cell biology, including cellular physiology, cellular metabolism, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce theoretical concepts presented in the lecture portion of the course.

BIOL149L: General Biology II

This course covers the biology of organisms, including the four areas of kingdoms, behavior, evolution, and ecology. Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce theoretical concepts presented in the lecture portion of the course.

BIOL152L: Ecology

Students will study the general ecological principles regarding the relationships between organisms and their physical and biological environments in both lecture and the laboratory. These principles will be used to interpret patterns in the distribution, abundance, and characteristics of organisms over space and time. Students will study the differences among the various segments of ecology including individuals, populations, communities and biomes. The focus of this course is on the scientific and ecological principles basic to understanding environmental issues. Coursework will include lecture, laboratory exercises, field trips and in-class discussions

BIOL153L: Introduction to Plant Biology

This course is an introduction to the structure, function, and diversity of plants. Covered topics include plant structure and function, growth and development, reproduction and genetics, and ecology, identification, classification, and naming of plants. Laboratory activities are designed to enhance selected topics.

BIOL241L: Microbiology

This course offers modern principles and concepts of microbiology. The morphology, physiology, genetics and classification of bacteria, viruses and other organisms are studied. Their relationships to sanitation and infectious diseases are emphasized. The course, nature, incidence, and control of communicable diseases, especially those of man, are included. This course includes a laboratory component.

BIOL246L: Introduction to Genetics

This course offers the study of human genetics and its application in various disciplines. It is designed to help students gain knowledge of this subject area and to be able to apply this knowledge in cooperative work with medical, research, criminal justice, and many other science-related disciplines. Major topics include introduction and history of genetics, cell reproduction (meiosis and mitosis), genetic pedigrees and inheritance patterns, tools used in genetic testing, mutations, and cancer. Lab activities are designed and used to reinforce selected topics

CHEM121L: Chemistry I

This course provides an introduction to chemistry on a qualitative level. The major topics covered include measurement, energy, chemical terminology, classification of matter, atomic models, the Periodic Table, sources and types of chemical bonds, chemical reactions, acids and bases, phases of matter and the properties of common gases. This course is not recommended for students in Liberal Arts or Fine Arts, or for pre-nursing students.

CHEM136L: Principles of Chemistry

This algebra-based course with integrated laboratory component provides a college-level introduction to the core concepts of chemistry for students new to, or reviewing, the subject. Beginning with the basic concepts of measurement, energy, classification of substances, and chemical terminology, it examines how the history of atomic models leads to the development of the wave mechanics model of the atom and the modern Periodic Table. These are then used in explaining chemical bonding and the nature of ionic, metallic, and covalent substances. Chemical reactions and the mole concept are then introduced leading to stoichiometry problems. Finally, the kinetic theory of particles is used in explaining the behavior of the phases of matter.

CHEM138L: General Chemistry I

This is the first course in a full-year sequence examining the core concepts of chemistry. Students considering this course must have previous exposure to chemistry concepts, and must be prepared to work to develop their problem solving skills. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, types of reactions, thermochemistry, gases, chemical bonding, molecular structures, intermolecular forces, and solutions. The laboratory component is strongly connected to the subject material and promotes student experience with experimental techniques.

CHEM139L: General Chemistry II

This is the second course in a full-year sequence examining the core concepts of chemistry; further expanding upon the content in General Chemistry I. Topics include kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, properties of representative elements and transition elements, and an introduction to organic chemistry. The laboratory component is strongly connected to the subject material and promotes student experience with experimental techniques.

ENVS112L: Energy and Sustainability

In this course energy will be examined holistically and scientifically. As a foundation, this course will first trace how the sun'92s energy flows through physical matter and all life forms. The interrelationship between energy flows and the earth'92s climate will also be examined. The course includes an investigation into commercial energy use and conservation. Using scientific inquiry, human sustainability will be examined in light of dwindling stocks of fossil fuels as well as technological advances in renewable energy sources.

ENVS113L: Energy and Sustainability Laboratory

In this lab companion section of the Energy and Sustainability course, students conduct hands-on activities that apply the principles in the classroom section. The lab uses scientific inquiry as a means to understand energy flows, commercial energy use and human sustainability. Students also have the opportunity to design and carry out their own research project.

ENVS150L: Environmental Science

This course introduces environmental science as a complex, interdisciplinary, scientific area of study. The focus of this course is on the scientific and ecological principles basic to understanding environmental issues. Major themes examined include water quality, human population, sustainability, biodiversity, and the relationship between human society and the natural world. Coursework will include lecture, laboratory exercises, field trips and in-class discussions.

GEOL160L: Introduction to Geology

This course provides an introduction to the geologic processes that make the Earth a very dynamic and active planet. The focus of this course is on discovering why processes such as volcanoes, landslides and earthquakes occur and how these processes shape the Earth'92s surface on a daily basis. Major themes examined include understanding the Earth'92s age, the rock cycle, identification of rock types and geologic features, and the interactions of atmosphere and ocean with the geological environment. Coursework will include lecture, homework, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, field trips and in-class discussions.

PHYS104L: Astronomy and Space

An introductory course designed to acquaint students with the wonders and complexity of the universe. Topics covered include Earth'92s place in the universe, the day and night skies, the origins of modern astronomy, gravity and orbits, telescopes, the solar system, newly discovered planets around other stars, types of stars, the birth and death of stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies, the Big Bang, Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and the fate of the universe. The lab component consists of outdoor observations, use of telescopes, (weather permitting), computer simulations, and scheduled trips to planetariums.

PHYS125L: Technical Physics

This course is an introduction to the principles and concepts of physics. Math review, vectors, motion, Newton'92s laws, work, power, energy, friction, equilibrium, torque, concurrent forces, mechanical advantage, simple machines, and the properties of matter are covered.

PHYS128L: Introduction to Physical Sciences

This fast-paced course covers the major concepts of physics and uses them in explaining how our world actually works. These concepts are developed through demonstrations and experiments and require a minimum of mathematics. What is required is the ability to conceptualize the big underlying ideas, the ability to overcome notions about what we think we see versus what is actually happening, and the ability to combine and apply previously learned concepts to explain technology. The physics content covers motion, mechanics, work and energy, thermodynamics, waves, electricity, magnetism, light, and radioactivity. Among the course topics covered are the workings of air conditioners, electric motors, musical instruments, rockets, hot air balloons, four-stroke automobile engines, and radios.

PHYS220L: College Physics I

This algebra-based course with integrated laboratory component is designed to help students develop thoughtful problem-solving strategies in tandem with the coverage of the course material. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, conservation laws, thermodynamics, and the properties of matter.

PHYS221L: College Physics II

This course completes the sequence for a year-long algebra-based physics course and includes an integrated laboratory. Continuing the approach used in the previous course, this course promotes student development of thoughtful problem-solving strategies by explicitly identifying and consistently applying methods to obtain solutions while considering a broad variety of problems. Course topics include oscillations and waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and electromagnetic waves.

SCI261L: Independent Study in Science

Independent Study in Science is an opportunity for a student to enroll in a higher-level science class to explore focused topics in science. Some suggested topics might be the Biology of Cancer, Neuroscience or Environmental Microbiology. This course includes a lab component.