Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Physical Science - Course Descriptions

Astronomy                             AST

Science Division
(815) 921-3471

AST 202 - Introduction to Astronomy
IAI: P1 906L    1.1
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 of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better; or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

Atmospheric Science                         ATS

Science Division
(815) 921-3471

ATS 105 - Introduction to Atmospheric Science
IAI: P1 905L     1.1
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; climates; and atmospheric optics. This course fulfills laboratory science requirements for students both inside and outside the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours        
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3


Chemistry                                CHM

Science Division
(815) 921-3471

CHM 100 - Introductory Inorganic Chemistry
IAI: None    1.1
Introductory Inorganic 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 principles and calculations of general chemistry. Credit will not be counted toward graduation if students also complete CHM 101.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score; or completion of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better; or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 101 - General Inorganic Chemistry
IAI: P1 902L, BIO 906,
IAI: EGR 961, CHM 911,
IAI: NUR 906    1.1
General Inorganic Chemistry is the first semester of a 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; solids; liquids; gases; and solutions of acids, bases, and salts. CHM 101 is required for science majors and engineers.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score; or completion of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better; or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 102 - General Inorganic Chemistry with Qualitative Analysis
IAI: BIO 907, EGR 962,
IAI: CHM 912, NUR 907    1.1
General Inorganic Chemistry with Qualitative Analysis is a continuation of CHM 101 with emphasis on such topics as acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, principles of chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Laboratory time is primarily devoted to the qualitative analysis of selected cations and anions. CHM 102 is required for science majors and engineers, and is a prerequisite for CHM 220.
Prerequisite: CHM 101 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 215 - Introductory Organic Chemistry
IAI: None    1.1
Introductory Organic Chemistry is a course in beginning organic chemistry for non-chemistry majors and is designed for those students majoring in disciplines requiring only one semester of organic chemistry. It provides a survey of the basic concepts and their applications which relate to carbon chemistry.
Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or CHM 100.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

CHM 216 - Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory
IAI: None    1.1
Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory is the laboratory segment of CHM 215. If laboratory credit is needed, students must register for both CHM 215 and CHM 216.
Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or CHM 100.
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0    Lab: 3

CHM 220 - Organic Chemistry I
IAI: BIO 908, EGR 963,
IAI: CHM 913, NUR 908    1.1
Organic Chemistry I is designed for science majors and preprofessional students. It presents the chemistry of alkanes; alkyl halides; cycloalkanes; and unsaturated hydrocarbons; including conjugated and aromatic systems 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.
Prerequisite: CHM 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 4

CHM 221 - Organic Chemistry II
IAI: BIO 909, EGR 964,
IAI: CHM 914, NUR 908    1.1
Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of CHM 220 and is designed for science majors and preprofessional students. It continues to emphasize the study of the chemistry of the fundamental organic functional groups such as alcohols, carbonyl compounds, organometallic compounds, ethers, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, phenols, and carbohydrates. This study includes spectroscopy, methods of preparation and reactions and reaction mechanisms of these and related compounds. Laboratory emphasizes basic techniques used in synthesis and qualitative analysis including some instrumentation.
Prerequisite: CHM 220 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 4

CHM 290 - Applied Research in Chemistry
IAI: None    1.1
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

PROPOSED CHEMISTRY DISCIPLINE COURSE OFFERINGS – Approval Pending

CHM 099 - Introductory Chemistry (formerly CHM 100)
IAI: None 1.1
Introductory Inorganic 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 inorganic chemistry.  The intent of this course is to ensure a more seamless and successful transition to a transferable, college-level chemistry course.  Credit for CHM 099 will not be counted toward graduation.  
Prerequisite:  MTH 092 (Beginning Algebra) or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 105 - Foundations in Chemistry for Non-Science Majors (New Course)
IAI: P1 903L
Foundations in Chemistry for Non-Science Majors 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 provides a broad background in general chemical principles and examines the influence of chemistry on society through studies on topical subject areas in chemistry such as energy, environmental or health issues. 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 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 110 – General, Organic and Biochemistry I (New Course)
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) with a grade of “C” or better; MTH 094 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 120 – General Chemistry I (Formerly CHM 101)
IAI: P1 902L, BIO 906, EGR 961, CHM 911, NUR 906
General Inorganic Chemistry 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; solids; liquids; gases; acids, bases, and salts, and thermochemistry.  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.  
Prerequisite: Sufficiently comprehensive high school chemistry course (recently taken), or CHM 099, or CHM 105, or CHM 110, any with a grade of “C” or better; MTH 120 (College Algebra) or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better.
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 130 – General Chemistry II (Formerly CHM 102)
IAI: BIO 907, EGR 962, CHM 912, NUR 907
General Chemistry II is the second semester continuation of CHM 120 with emphasis on such topics as intermolecular forces, solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base theories, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction chemistry, coordination chemistry and nuclear 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
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 210 – General, Organic and Biochemistry II (New Course)
IAI: P1 904L
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: General Organic and Biochemistry I (CHM 110) with a grade of “C” or better
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

CHM 220 – Organic Chemistry I
IAI: BIO 908, EGR 963, CHM 913, NUR 908
Organic Chemistry I is designed for science majors and pre-professional students.  It presents the chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, cycloalkanes, and unsaturated hydrocarbons, including conjugated and aromatic systems, 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.
Prerequisite: General Chemistry II (CHM 130) with a grade of “C” or better
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3    Lab: 4


CHM 230 – Organic Chemistry II (Formerly CHM 221)
IAI: BIO 909, EGR 964, CHM 914, NUR 908
Organic Chemistry II is a continuation of CHM 220 and is designed for science majors and pre-professional students.  It emphasizes the study of the chemistry of the fundamental organic functional groups such as alcohols, carbonyl compounds, ethers, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, and phenols and carbohydrates.  This study includes spectroscopy, methods of preparation and reactions and reaction mechanisms of these and related compounds.  Laboratory emphasizes basic techniques used in synthesis and qualitative analysis, including some instrumentation.  
Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry I (CHM 220) with a grade of “C” or better
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3    Lab: 4

Geology                                 GEL

Science Division
(815) 921-3471

GEL 101 - Introduction to Geology
IAI: P1 907L    1.1
Introduction to Geology is a survey of 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 of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

GEL 103 - Fossils and Earth History
IAI: P1 905L    1.1
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 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

GEL 107 - Geology of the Solar System
IAI: 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 of our solar system for natural resources will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

GEL 206 - Environmental Geology
IAI: P1 908    1.1
Environmental Geology explores both the constraints imposed by geology on human activities and human impacts on natural processes. Topics include fundamental 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 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 3 semester hours   
Lecture: 3    Lab: 0

GEL 250 - Field Geology
IAI: None    1.1
Field Geology introduces students to regional geologic features. The focus will vary but can include emphasis on folded mountain belts, volcanic terrains, and fossil-bearing rocks. Rock and fossil collecting may be done in some cases; students taking field geology will gain a greater appreciation of the Earth, and they will acquire enhanced observational skills applicable to any field-based profession and appreciation of using Earth as a laboratory. Topics in related field(s) may be included as applicable. This course will meet three to five times prior to a required seven to 10 day field excursion.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours       
Lecture: 3    Lab: 3

Physical Geography    PGE


Science Division
(815) 921-3471

PGE 100 - Physical Geography
IAI: P1 909    1.1
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 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0

PGE 102 - Physical Geography With Lab
IAI: P1 909L    1.1
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 095 with a grade of “C’ or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 3

PGE 203 - Global Environmental Change
IAI: None    1.1
Global Environmental Change is an interdisciplinary, scientific examination of the Earth’s continually changing environment. The course explores the structure and interrelationship among the Earth’s geologic, biologic, and physical-chemical systems from both a contemporary and historical perspective, and it addresses the potential environmental effects of human-induced modifications to those various systems. Contemporary environmental issues are discussed in detail from an Earth Systems perspective.
Prerequisite: Sufficiently high placement test score, or completion of MTH 095 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3     Lab: 0


Physics    PHY

Science Division
(815) 921-3471

PHY 201 - Mechanics and Heat
IAI: P1 900L, BIO 903     1.1
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.
Prerequisite: MTH 125 or equivalent with a minimum grade of “C.”
Credit: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 4     Lab: 3

PHY 202 - Waves, Electricity, Light, and Modern Physics
IAI: BIO 904    1.1
Waves, Electricity, Light, and Modern Physics is a continuation of PHY 201. Topics studied include electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and modern physics.
Prerequisite: PHY 201 or equivalent.
Credit: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 4     Lab: 3

PHY 215 - Mechanics, Wave Motion, and Thermodynamics
IAI: P2 900L    1.1
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 enrollments in MTH 235.  Recommended one year of high school physics, or PHY 201.
Credit: 5 semester hours
Lecture: 4     Lab: 3

PHY 225 – Electricity, Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics
IAI: BIO 904, EGR 912    1.1
Mechanics, Wave Motion and Electricity, Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics is a continuation of PHY 215. Topics studied include electric fields, electric currents, AC 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