Physical Science - Course Descriptions

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Astronomy - AST
Atmospheric Science - ATS
Chemistry - CHM
Geology - GEL
Physical Geography - PGE
Physics - PHY

Astronomy (AST)

AST-202
Introduction to Astronomy
IAI: P1 906L
Introduction to Astronomy is a broad survey of modern astronomy examining the solar and stellar systems. Topics discussed range from an overview of the structure and motion of comets, asteroids, and the planets and their natural satellites, to an examination of our present understanding of the nature, origin and evolution of the sun, stars, galaxies, and special objects. The laboratory provides an opportunity to learn about lenses and mirrors, construction and use of telescopes, how to make measurements, and how to read star charts and locate objects in the heavens. AST 202 is suitable for science and non-science students.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score; or completion MTH-092 or MTH 096A or MTH 096S with a grade of "C" or higher; or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

Atmospheric Science (ATS)

ATS-105
Introduction to Atmospheric Science
IAI: P1 905L
Introduction to Atmospheric Science is an in-depth examination of the Earth's weather and climate. The course covers a broad range of topics including the origin, composition, and structure of the atmosphere; the formation of clouds and precipitation; the formation of organized weather systems; weather prediction; air pollution; and climates. This course fulfills laboratory science requirements for students both inside and outside the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 092 (or MTH-096A or MTH-096S) with a grade of "C' or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

Chemistry (CHM)

CHM-099
Introductory Chemistry
IAI: None
Introductory Chemistry is designed for the student who has not had high school chemistry or who wishes a basic review of high school chemistry. The course provides an introduction to the concepts, principles and calculations of general chemistry. The intent of this course is to ensure a more seamless and successful transition to a transferable college-level chemistry course. Credit will not be counted toward graduation.
Prerequisite: MTH 092 (Beginning Algebra) or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

CHM-105
Foundations Chemistry-NonScience Majors
IAI: P1 903L
Foundations in Chemistry is designed for a student pursuing a non-science associates degree and is seeking a chemistry course to satisfy the Physical Science General Education requirements for an Associates in Arts (AA) degree. This course examines the influence of chemistry on society through studies on topical subject areas in chemistry such as energy, environmental or health issues. In doing so, CHM 105 provides a broad background in general chemical principles including formula naming, atomic structure, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, equilibria, redox, acid-base theory and nuclear chemisty. This course is not intended for science or engineering majors. Credit will not be counted toward graduation if you also complete General Chemistry I (CHM 120). Recent high school chemistry or CHM-099 within the last five years is highly recommended before taking this course.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry with a grade of C or better; MTH-094 or MTH 096A or MTH 096S or equivalent, with a grade of C or higher.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

CHM-110
General Organic & Biochemistry I
IAI: P1 902L
General, Organic and Biochemistry I is designed for the Allied Health students who require introductory organic chemistry as part of their Program of Study. This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence, and provides an introduction to the principles and fundamentals of general chemistry upon which organic chemistry is based. Topics covered include measurements; states, compositions, and properties of matter; atomic structure and chemical bonding; chemical reactions, chemical equations and calculations of formula mass and moles; solutions; acid-base equilibria and nuclear chemistry. This course will satisfy the General Education Physical Science requirement for an Associates in Arts (AA) degree.
Prerequisite: CHM-099 or high school chemistry recently taken; MTH-094 or MTH-096S or equivalent, with a grade of C or better.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

CHM-120
General Chemistry I
IAI: P1 902L, CHM 911
General Chemistry I is the first semester of a college-level two-semester sequence in the study of the fundamental principles and concepts of chemistry with emphasis on such topics as stoichiometry; atomic structure; chemical periodicity; chemical bonding and structure; chemical reactions; gases;acids, bases, and salts, and thermochemistry. Laboratory time is devoted to experiments illustrating the above. CHM 120 is generally required for science majors and engineers, and satisfies part of the General Education Physical Science requirement for an Associates in Science (AS) degree. Recent high school chemistry, CHM-099 or CHM 110 with the lastfive years is highly recommended before taking this course.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently comprehensive one-year high school chemistry course (recently taken), with a grade of C or better; MTH 120 or MTH 132 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

CHM-130
General Chemistry II
IAI: CHM 912
General Chemistry II is the second semester continuation of CHM 120 with emphasis on such topics as intermolecular forces, solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-based equilibria, liquids , thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and oxidation-reduction chemistry. Laboratory time is devoted to experiments illustrating the above topics and qualitative analysis of selected cations and anions. CHM 130 is generally required for science majors and engineers, and is a prerequisite for Organic Chemistry I (CHM 220).
Prerequisite: General Chemistry I (CHM 120) with a grade of C or better
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

CHM-210
General, Organic & Biochemistry II
IAI: None
General, Organic and Biochemistry II is the second semester continuation of CHM 110, and focuses on the organic and biochemical nature of compounds. Topics include organic nomenclature, structure, physical properties, reactions and synthesis of major organic functional groups. In addition, this course provides an introduction to biochemical topics such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and their subsequent metabolism. This course may be a requirement for some Allied Health programs.
Prerequisite: CHM 110-General Organic and Biochemistry I with a grade of C or better
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

CHM-220
Organic Chemistry I
IAI: CHM 913
Organic Chemistry I is designed for science majors and pre-professional students. It presents the chemistry of alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, thiols, ketones, aldehydes, cycloalkanes, unsaturated hydrocarbons, alkenes and alkynes with emphasis on preparation, reactions, stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms of these and related compounds. Laboratory emphasizes basic techniques used in synthesis and qualitative analysis of organic compounds including instrumentation.
Prerequisite: CHM 130-General Chemistry II with a grade of C or better.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 4

CHM-230
Organic Chemistry II
IAI: CHM 914
Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of CHM 220 and is designed for science majors and pre-professional students. It presents the chemistry of aromatic systems, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and amines. This study includes spectroscopy, methods of preparation, reactions and reaction mechanisms of these and related compounds. Laboratory emphasizes basic techniques used in synthesis and qualitative analysis, including instrumentation.
Prerequisite: CHM 220 with a grade of "C" or higher.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 4 Prerequisite: CHM 220-Organic Chemistry I with a grade of C or better Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 4

CHM-290
Applied Research in Chemistry
IAI: None
Applied Research in Chemistry provides elective credit for serving as an intern in a field research environment. Students will learn about research methods, use of laboratory equipment, and the role of the research team.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 15

Geology (GEL)

GEL-101
Introduction to Geology
IAI: P1 907L
Introduction to Geology is designed as a first or second semester course for both liberal arts and science majors. This course will serve as an introductory course for a student interested in majoring in geology. The focus of this course is on the physical composition of the Earth and the dynamic processes that affect the Earth. Topics covered include plate tectonics, mountain building, volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, rivers, minerals, and rocks. This course fulfills laboratory science requirements for students both in and outside the geoscience curriculum.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion MTH-092, or MTH-096A, or MTH-096S, with a grade of C or higher, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

GEL-103
Fossils and Earth History
IAI: P1 905L
Fossils and Earth History is an introduction to the geological history of our planet and the evolution of life through the study of rocks and fossils. The course explores the immensity of geologic time and surveys the physical and biological changes of the Earth System through time, such as the origins of Earth, origin of life, the age of reptiles, and the formation and breakup of supercontinents. This course fulfills laboratory science requirements for students both inside and outside the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH-092 or MTH 096A or MTH 096S with a grade of "C" or higher, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

GEL-107
Geology of the Solar System
None: P1 905 1.1 Geology of the Solar System is an introductory survey of the solar system with an emphasis on data acquired by space probes. Topics covered will include the origin and evolution of planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres, as well as the origin and composition of the asteroids and comets. Possibilities for and consequences of exploiting the various components on our solar system for natural resources will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH-092 or equivalent, with a grade of "C" or higher.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

GEL-206
Environmental Geology
IAI: P1 908
Environmental Geology explores both the constraints imposed by geology on human activities and human impacts on natural processes. Topics include funadmental geologic processes and associated hazards (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, landslides), evaluation of geologic resources, and the legal and geologic limitation of resource utilization. The course will explore topics such as waste disposal and land use planning.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 092 or MTH 096A or MTH 096S or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

Physical Geography (PGE)

PGE-100
Physical Geography
IAI: P1 909
Physical Geography is an introduction to the geographical features of the Earth's natural environment. The course examines the physical, chemical and biological processes that shape these features and control their spatial distribution; the dependence of human society on the natural environment; and the ways in which humans intentionally and unintentionally modify the natural environment.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH-092 with a grade of "C" or higher, or equivalent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

PGE-102
Physical Geography With Lab
IAI: P1 909L
Physical Geography With Lab is an introduction to the geographical features of the Earth's natural environment. The course examines the physical, chemical and biological processes that shape these features and control their spatial distribution; the dependence of human society on the natural environment; and the ways in which humans intentionally and unintentionally modify the natural environment. The lab component of the course provides hands-on application of these geographic concepts using exercises, experiments, and the interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photographs.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 092 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

PGE-240
Global Climate Change
IAI: P1 905 PCS:
Global Climate Change is a multidisciplinary scientific analysis of Earth's continually changing climate. The course examines the climatic responses of major systems (ice, water, air, land, flora, and fauna) throughout geologic history, emphasizing the most recent 20,000 years. Focus is on observation, hypothesis-building, and hypothesis-testing. Current ideas concerning impact of humankind on climate and future impact of climate change on humans are investigated.
Prerequisite: Completion of MTH 220 with a grade of C or better, or consent of the instructor. Recommend: One high school or college level earth science or environmental biology course.

Physics (PHY)

PHY-201
Mechanics and Heat
IAI: P1 900L
Mechanics and Heat is an algebra/trigonometry-based study of physics. Topics covered include kinematics, Newton's Laws, momentum, rotational motion, energy, wave motion, and heat. This course is designed to meet the requirements of many liberal arts, architectural, and pre-professional students. The class will meet for three hours of lecture, one hour required discussion and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: MTH 125 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "C".
Credit: 5.0
Lecture: 4.0 Lab: 3

PHY-202
Waves/Electrcty/Light & Modern Physics
IAI: BIO 904
Waves, Electricity, Light, and Modern Physics is a continuation of PHY 201. Topics studied include electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and modern physics. The class will meet for three hours of lecture, one hour required discussion and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: PHY 201 or equivalent CREDIT: 5 semester hours LECTURE: 4 ttLAB: 3

PHY-215
Mechanics, Wave Motion, Thermodynamics
IAI: None
Mechanics, Wave Motion and Thermodynamics is a calculus-based study of the kinematics and dynamics of the motion of rigid bodies, wave propagation and thermodynamics. Topics covered include accelerated motion, Newton's Laws, momentum, energy, rotational motion, gravitation, wave propagation, sound, and heat. PHY 215 and 225 are required of all students majoring in engineering, chemistry, or physics. The class will meet for three hours of lecture, one hour required discussion and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: MTH 135 with a minimum grade of "C", concurrent enrollment in MTH 235 and one year of high school physics or PHY 201 with a minimum grade of "C".
Credit: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 4 Lab: 3

PHY-225
Electric, Magnetism, Light, Modrn Physic
IAI: None
Electricity, Magnetism, Light, and Modern Physics is a continuation of PHY 215. Topics studied include electric fields, electric currents, A.C. electric circuits, electromagnetism, relativity, optics, light, and selected topics from modern physics. The class will meet for three hours of lecture, one hour required discussion and three hours of laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: MTH 235 with a minimum grade of "C", PHY 215, and concurrent enrollment or credit in MTH 236
Credit: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 4 Lab: 3

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