Physical Sciences Requirement
Note that either the physical science requirement or the life science requirement must include a lab.
Chemistry
A course designed for the non-science major that focuses on the major ideas of modern chemistry and the role that chemistry plays in a technological society. The evolution of our understanding of atomic and molecular structure and chemical reactivity will be examined as examples of the scientific method and the very human nature of the scientific endeavor. The role of modern chemistry in both the creation and the solution of societal problems will also receive considerable attention. The problems examined, which may vary in different sections, include: the energy crisis, air and water pollution, nutrition and food additives, household chemicals, pesticides and agrochemicals, and nuclear power. Three lectures weekly. (Every semester)
1E Chemistry and Society with Laboratory (3)
A course designed for the non-science major that focuses on the major ideas of modern chemistry and the role that chemistry plays in a technological society. The lecture content is similar to that in Chemistry 1 (above); however, this course includes a laboratory that will satisfy the General Education requirement for a laboratory course in the natural sciences. Two lectures and one laboratory/discussion weekly. (Every semester)
2 DNA Science and Technology (3)
A course designed for the non-science major that covers the discovery of DNA as the genetic material, the simplicity of the three-dimensional structure of DNA and the many implications to be drawn from this structure. It explores the concepts involved in recombinant DNA technology and its applications to the pharmaceutical industry, agriculture, forensics, gene therapy and AIDS research. Three lectures weekly. Chemistry 1 and 1E are not prerequisites. (Every semester)
3 Fundamentals of Chemistry with Laboratory (3)
A course designed for the non-science major that focuses on basic chemical concepts and the promotion of their understanding by primary school children. Topics include the scientific method, physical properties and reactivities of substances, and atomic structure. This course is recommended for the Diversified Liberal Arts Major, but open to other majors for enrollment. Two lectures and one laboratory/ discussion weekly. (May not be offered every year)
Environmental Studies
5 Weather and Our Atmosphere (3)
An introduction to the nature of our atmospheric environment. This course will include topics such as weather, storms, air pollution, climate, climate change, and interpretation of satellite images. Special attention will be given to issues such as our influence on our atmosphere and climate and the impact of the atmosphere, weather and climate on us. There are no science prerequisites. Two lectures and one three hour laboratory per week. This course satisfies the Physical Science General Education requirement with laboratory. Cross-listed as Physics 5.
8 The Physical Environment (3)
A study of the physical environment of the earth and our place in that environment. Introductory earth science and environmental geology will be included. Two lectures and one laboratory per week and some field experience, which may include an overnight trip. May be used to satisfy a Physical Science General Education requirement. May not serve as an introductory course in Marine Science or Ocean Studies. Not open to students with credit for Environmental Studies 10. (Every semester)
10 Introduction to Earth Sciences (4)
Lecture and field investigations of geologic processes and geologic history. Laboratories will include fieldwork; an overnight trip may be required. This course satisfies the General Education requirement for a Physical Science with a laboratory. Not open to students with credit for Environmental Studies 8, except with consent of the director of the program. Three lectures and one laboratory per week.
Marine Science
1 Physical Aspects of the Ocean (3)
The chemistry and physics of sea water, its circulation and physical properties; tides; currents; waves; and shoreline processes will be studied. The topography and geology of the ocean basin and the distribution and nature of marine sediments will also be studied. This course will satisfy the General Education requirement for a physical science and, when a laboratory is offered as a part of the course, for a General Education laboratory course, but will not satisfy the requirements of either the Marine Science or Environmental Studies major without the consent of the director of the program. Two lectures and one laboratory or field experience per week; may be taught without laboratory. (Every semester)
Physics
A discussion of the concepts which unify our experience with the physical world. Topics are presented at an introductory level for the student with little or no background in physical science. Science related topics of special interest are discussed. Examples include alternatives for energy production and conservation; radiation, its effect and applications; ethical decisions in the application of new scientific discoveries. Three lectures weekly with demonstrations and discussions. (Every semester)
2 Physics and Society with Laboratory (3)
A discussion and empirical examination of the concepts which unify our experience with the physical world. Topics are presented at an elementary level for the student with little or no background in physical science. Science-related topics of special interest are discussed. Examples include alternatives for energy production and conservation; radiation, its effect and application; ethical decisions in the application of new scientific discoveries. Two lectures, one laboratory/recitation weekly.
5 Weather and our Atmosphere (3)
An introduction to the nature of our atmospheric environment. This course will include topics such as weather, storms, air pollution, climate, climate change, and interpretation of satellite images. Special attention will be given to issues such as our influence on our atmosphere and climate and the impact of the atmosphere, weather and climate on us. There are no science prerequisites. Two lectures and one three hour laboratory per week. This course satisfies the Physical Science General Education requirement with laboratory. Cross-listed as Environmental Studies 5.
A survey of astronomy covering astronomical history, descriptive astronomy, planetology, stellar birth/life/death, and cosmology. This course satisfies the Physical Science General Education requirement with laboratory. Two lectures and one laboratory weekly. No science prerequisites.
A survey of astronomy covering astronomical history, planetology, stellar birth/life/death, large-scale structures, and cosmology. Three lectures weekly; no formal laboratory. No science prerequisites.