Natural Science Course Descriptions

Biology Course Descriptions

G-BI 101 Principles of Biology

4 hours
An introduction to the principles of biology, with an emphasis on the biology of humans and the sustainability of our environmental interactions. This course does not apply toward a major in biology. Laboratory is included. (Fall and Spring)

G-BI 103 Food and Fitness

3 hours
An introduction to Principles of Biology and Health through the lens of human nutrition, diet, and exercise. Special emphasis will be given to applications of this scientific knowledge of students’ daily lives, and within other majors/career paths. (Spring)

G-BI 111 College Biology I

4 hours
A rigorous introduction to the science of life. This course explores the patterns and processes occurring on the levels of biological organization from biomolecules up to individuals, including focuses on biomolecules, cell biology, metabolic pathways, and genetics. The laboratory exercises are designed to provide a variety of practical experiences, as well as to illustrate the principles discussed in lecture. (Fall)

BI 112 College Biology II

4 hours
A continuation of G-BI 111. This course explores the patterns and processes occurring on the levels of biological organization from populations up to ecosystems, including focuses on evolution, ecology, and comparative anatomy and development across the diversity of life of our planet. The laboratory exercises are designed to provide a variety of practical experiences, as well as to illustrate the principles discussed in lecture. Prerequisite: G-BI 111 with a grade of C or better. (Spring)

G-BI 201 Biodiversity

3-4 hours
A fundamental study of biological diversity as an assessment of life on earth. This will progress from the individual to the community, focusing on biodiversity and ecology from an evolutionary perspective and also on applied environmental research. The course includes laboratory work as an option for the 4th credit hour. (Spring, even years)

G-BI 210 Principles of Nutrition

3 hours
Physiology and chemistry of digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients; nutrient functions; requirements; and effects of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. This course does not include a laboratory.

BI 225 Human Anatomy

4 hours
A lecture/laboratory course in the fundamentals of human anatomy, with emphasis on macroscopic structures at the tissue, organ and organ system levels of organization. Some attention will be given to the perspectives of histology and developmental biology. The course includes laboratory work, primarily dissection of a comparative mammal, the domestic cat. Prerequisite: BI 112 with a grade of C or better. (Fall)

BI 234 Microbiology

5 hours
A study of microorganisms, with emphasis on the bacteria. A consideration of their structure, metabolism, classification, identification, and human and ecological relationships. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BI 112, CH 251 with grades of C or better or consent of instructor. (Spring, odd years)

BI 235 Introduction to Biocomputing

4 hours
This course provides a broad overview of the tools available for bioinformatic analyses. It will focus on exposure and general solutions, rather than mastery of a specific tool, but will introduce students to a variety of tools for bioinformatic analyses, including Unix and R. This course is not intended to develop expertise in bioinformatics, but to provide enough familiarity to recognize what tools to use, perform basic analyses, and/or convey to an expert what analyses you would like performed. Prerequisites: G-BI111 and BI112. A laptop computer is required. (Spring, odd years)

BI 283 Genetics

4 hours
Basic genetic concepts including classical Mendelian inheritance, cytogenetics, population genetics, and the molecular basis of gene action. Laboratory experiences coordinated with lecture topics. Prerequisites: BI 112, with a grade of C or better. (Fall)

BI 310 Statistical Data Analysis (also cross-listed as CH 310 Statistical Data Analysis)

4 hours
A study of fundamental concepts including data types, distributions, and hypothesis testing; and of the applications of spreadsheets and other software for data manipulation and statistical analysis. This course does not include a laboratory. Prerequisite: G-MA221 or consent of instructor. (Spring, odd years; Interterm, even years)

BI 315 Human Physiology

4 hours
A rigorous introduction to the fundamentals of human neurophysiology, cardiac-physiology, muscular & circulatory physiology and excretory & respiratory physiology. Laboratory experiences include case studies of human physiological problems. Prerequisite: BI 112, with a grade of C or better. (Spring)

BI 325 Human Ecology, Epidemiology, and Public Health

4 hours
A study of the relationships between humans and their environments, including both physical and biotic environments, with special emphasis on understanding the nature of healthy relationships in comparison to the disease state. This course does not include a laboratory. Prerequisites: BI 112 with a grade of C or better. (Fall, odd years)

BI 334 Immunology

4 hours
This course will provide students with an introduction to fundamental concepts in immunology. Topics covered include: innate and adaptive immunity as well as the molecular activities and disorders of the system. The holistic function of the immune system as well as individual cells/tissues will be discussed. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with current immunology research, relate knowledge and application within the field, and demonstrate an understanding of current immunopathology models including cancer biology and AIDS. (Fall)

BI 341 Cancer Biology

3 hours
This course provides a broad overview of the major mechanisms, or “hallmarks”, that promote cancer development and impact cancer therapy, the contributions of the tumor microenvironment to cancer progression, and the mechanisms of action or potential limitations of a selection of cancer therapies. Prerequisites: G-BI111 and BI283 with grades of C or better. (Interterm, even years)

BI 365 Evolution and Ecology

4 hours
A study of the interactions between organisms and their environment along with the mechanisms and processes whereby these interactions result in evolutionary change. Prerequisite: G-BI 111 College Biology I or BI 112 College Biology II with a grade of C or better. (Interterm, odd years)

BI 370 Biochemistry (also cross-listed as CH 370 Biochemistry)

4 hours
A basic study of the field of biochemistry, including basic structural and functional information on biological molecules; amino acids, proteins, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrates and lipids. The course discusses how some of these biomolecules are purified and studied. Also, this course provides an understanding of how these biomolecules interact with each other in health living organisms and how they fail and cause disease. Prerequisite: G-BI 111 and CH 252 with grade C or better or consent of instructor with concurrent enrollment. Laboratory is included. (Fall, odd years)

BI 373 Biochemistry II (also cross-listed as CH 373 Biochemistry II)

4 hours
A rigorous study of the fundamentals of cell physiology, concentrating on intermediary metabolism and its regulation. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BI 370 with grade of C or better or consent from the instructor. (Spring, even years)

BI 380 Green Chemistry

3 hours
This upper-level chemistry course explores the 12 principles of Green Chemistry and the application of those principles in various industries through several case studies. It explores and explains how chemistry can help address global human health and environmental issues and develop appropriate solutions. Prerequisites: G-CH 111 and CH 112. (Spring, odd years)

BI 384 Advanced Genetics

4 hours
This upper-level course will extend on topics presented in Genetics (B1283). The course will delve deeper into genetics with a specific focus on the molecular-scale processes responsible for producing our phenotype and their relationships to evolutionary change. The lab component focuses on various current lab techniques used in the field of genetics. Prerequisite: BI 283 with grade of C or better. (Spring, odd years)

BI 393 Topics in Biology

1-4 hours
One specific topic will be covered each time this course is offered. Possible topics include (but are not limited to) molecular genetics, vertebrate zoology, functional morphology, quantitative biology, and advanced ecology. Prerequisite: BI 112 with a grade of C or better and consent of the instructor.

BI 404 Biomedical Ethics

2 hours
This seminar examines both the factual and ethical dimensions of decisions regarding healthcare. Students will use a case study approach to apply the ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice to diverse situations. Alternative ethical systems and ethics in research are considered. This course does not include a laboratory.

BI 445 Readings and Research in Biology

1-4 hours
Enrichment of a student’s study in the discipline either by readings on a topic not covered in the above courses or by research done on or off campus. Prerequisites: 12 semester hours in the department or program with an average of C or better, and consent of the instructor. Open only to students majoring in the department or program.

BI 495 Field Experience in Biology

1-4 hours
A planned experience in one of the field-oriented or professionally related phases of biological science. The specific area and content must be agreed upon in advance by the student, faculty advisor, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Specific examples that are offered periodically, especially during Interterm are Field Experience in Puerto Rico and observations of various health careers with practicing professionals.

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297 Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)

Chemistry Course Descriptions

G-CH 101 Principles of Chemistry

3-4 hours
A one-semester introduction to the principles of chemistry, with an emphasis on chemical interactions in the environment and sustainability. This course does not apply toward a major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry. This course includes laboratory work for the 4th credit hour during Interterms of odd years. (Interterm)

G-CH 105 GOB Chemistry for Life

4 hours
A one-semester general education introductory survey course of general, organic, nuclear, and biological chemistry for the students who plan to take only one course in chemistry and for students who are expecting to major in the allied health sciences. This course satisfies the chemistry prerequisite of health career programs requiring only one semester of chemistry, but not apply toward a major in biology, biochemistry, or chemistry. Laboratory is included. (Spring)

G-CH 111 College Chemistry I

5 hours
A study of the principles, laws, and concepts of chemistry as they relate to the periodic table and systematic study of the properties of the elements. A study of modern atomic and molecular structure. Laboratory is included. (Fall)

CH 112 College Chemistry II

5 hours
A continuation of CH 111. Includes study of the chemistry of metals and nonmetals, chemistry of solutions, chemical equilibrium and qualitative analysis. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: G-CH 111 with a grade of C or above. (Spring)

CH 201 Quantitative Analysis

4 hours
A study of the principles and methods of analytical chemistry by the methods of volumetric and gravimetric analysis, precipitimetry, acidimetry and oxidation- reduction titrations. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CH 112 with a grade of C or above. (Fall, even years)

CH 251 Organic Chemistry I

5 hours
A study of the principles of organic chemistry, the physical and chemical properties of carbon compounds with emphasis on the mechanisms of organic reactions, the nomenclature of the compounds, and methods of organic synthesis. The carbon compounds discussed include some of the common alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cycloalkanes, alkyl halides, ethers and alcohols. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CH 112 with a grade of C or above, or consent of instructor. (Fall)

CH 252 Organic Chemistry II

5 hours
A continuation of CH 251. Includes study of basic spectroscopy as a basic tool for structural analysis and the chemistry of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and their functional derivatives. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CH 251 with a grade of C or above. (Spring)

CH 310 Statistical Data Analysis (also cross-listed as BI 310 Statistical Data Analysis)

CH 370 Biochemistry (also cross-listed as Bi 370 Biochemistry)

CH 373 Biochemistry II (also cross-listed as BI 373 Biochemistry II)

4 hours
A rigorous study of the fundamentals of cell physiology, concentrating on intermediary metabolism and its regulation. Laboratory is included. Prerequisites: BI 112, CH252 and BI/CH 370 with grades of C or better or consent of instructor. (Spring, even years)

CH 380 Green Chemistry

CH 385 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

4 hours
Further study of inorganic chemistry including structure and bonding, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, the chemistry of transition metals and a more detailed systematic study of the families of the periodic table. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CH 112, CH 252. (Spring, even years)

CH 390 Instrumental Analysis

3 hours
Advanced work in quantitative analysis with emphasis on the principles and methods of electrochemical, spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: CH 201 with a grade of C or better. (Spring, odd years)

CH 393 Topics in Chemistry

1-4 hours
One specific topic will be covered each time this course is offered. Prerequisite: CH112 with a grade of C or better and consent of the instructor.

CH 400 General Physical Chemistry

5 hours
A study of the physical-chemical properties of matter. Topics covered include thermodynamics, the kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Laboratory is included. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CH 252 and G-MA 111. PH 206 concurrent or grade of C or better. (Fall, odd years)

CH 445 Readings and Research in Chemistry

1-4 hours
Enrichment of a student’s study in the discipline either by reading on the topic not covered in the above courses or by research done on or off campus. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours in the department or program with an average of C or better, and consent of instructor. Open only to students majoring in the department or program.

G-NS 100 Science in Society

3 hours
The goals of this course are to build scientific literacy and to increase awareness of what Science has to offer to individuals and to Society. Classes will include lectures, faculty-led discussions of assigned readings, student-led discussions of “Science in the News” topics, and student presentations of semester projects/term papers. This course does not include a laboratory. (Interterm, odd years)

G-NS106 Sensational! The Physics, Chemistry, and Biology of the Senses

3 hours
An introduction to how humans sense and respond to conditions in the world around us, including light, sound, chemical concentrations, pressure, temperature, etc. Special emphasis will be given to applications of the scientific knowledge on students’ daily lives, and within other majors/career paths. (Spring)

G-NS 141 Environmental Science

4 hours
A study of the environmental issues that arise from the complex relationships between humans and the earth. Emphasis will be placed on a scientific understanding and a search for solutions to environmental problems. Laboratory is included. (Fall)

G-NS230 Travel Experience

3 hours
This course will engage students in topics relating to environmental and social justice. We will explore socioenvironmental issues related to various regions of our planet in the classroom and then gain a deeper and broader understanding of the causes and implications of these issues in relation to human societies through an immersive travel experience to that region. The specific content and travel destination may change from year to year.

G-NS 245 Climatology

3 hours
This study of the Earth’s climate system will emphasize the physical and biological processes that determine climate: e.g. radiative transfer, atmospheric and oceanic energy transfer, energy balance, the hydrologic cycle, and related geological, biological, and anthropogenic influences; and will consider their interactive effects on climate change. This course does not include a laboratory. (Spring, odd years)

NS 300 Research Methods

1 hour (Language Intensive)
Preparation for participation in an independent laboratory research project in the natural sciences. Topics covered include scientific literature searches, research design, data handling, research evaluation, scientific writing, and reporting. To be taken during the sophomore or junior year. (Fall)

NS 350 Stewardship Seminar

1 hour
A weekly discussion of the interrelationships among the current contents of the student’s other courses, in light of their relationships to the goals of the Environmental Stewardship major.

NS 375 Junior Seminar

1 hour
Preparation for participation in an independent laboratory research project in the natural sciences. Topics covered include literature searches, research design, data handling, research evaluation, scientific writing and reporting, career exploration, and scientific ethics. (Spring)

NS 404 Environmental Ethics

2 hours
This seminar examines both the factual and ethical dimensions of our current and possible future environments. Students will use a case study approach to apply different ethical frameworks to choices that arise from human interaction with the natural order. This course does not include a laboratory.

NS 475 Senior Research

2 hours (Language Intensive)
Experience in the planning, conducting, and reporting of scientific research. The student research works in continual consultation with the research advisor. Selection of the research topic and consent of the advisor must be obtained in advance of enrollment. Prerequisite: Grade of D or above in NS 375 and a grade of C or above in NS 300.

NS 495 Field experience in the Natural Sciences

1-4 hours
A planned experience in a field-oriented aspect of both the biological and physical sciences.

Physical Science Course Descriptions

G-PC 251 Geology

3-4 hours
An introductory course that focuses on the scientific study of the earth. The course emphasizes the study of earth materials, changes in the surface and interior of the earth, and the dynamic forces that cause those changes. Environmental Stewardship majors may earn the fourth credit hour by completing a laboratory/field geology project that employs some of the standard methods and processes of geology. (Interterm, odd years)

G-PC 275 Astronomy

4 hours
The structure and evolution of the universe, from nearby planets to distant quasars, are examined. Topics include recent discoveries concerning planets, stars, galaxies, pulsars, and black holes as well as their evolution, the structure of the universe today and how it will be in the future. The emphasis is descriptive rather than mathematical. Laboratory is included. (Interterm, even years)

PC 445 Readings and Research in Physical Science

1-4 hours
Enrichment of a student’s study in the discipline either by reading on a topic not covered in the above courses or by research done on or off campus. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours in the department or program and the consent of the instructor. Open only to students majoring in the department or program.

Physics Course Descriptions

G-PH 201 Principles of Physics

3 hours
A first course in physics designed for students with no previous background in physics and who can benefit from a one-semester introduction to basic principles. Physics topics will be treated more conceptually than mathematically, although basic algebra skills are required. This course does not include a laboratory. (Interterm, odd years)

G-PH 205 College Physics I

5 hours
A first course for chemistry and mathematics majors with a calculus background. Topics covered are Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, gravity, torque and angular momentum with emphasis placed on the use of mathematics to formulate problems and to explain physical phenomena. Prerequisite: G-MA 111. Laboratory is included. (Fall)

PH 206 College Physics II

5 hours
A continuation of PH 205. Topics covered are electricity, magnetism, optics, fluids, waves, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PH 205. Laboratory is included. (Spring)

G-PH 215 General Physics I

4 hours
A first course for premed, biology, and other science majors with a college algebra background. Topics covered are Newton’s Laws, energy, momentum, gravity, torque and angular momentum with emphasis placed on the understanding of physical concepts to formulate problems and to explain physical phenomena. Lab is included. Prerequisite: MA 105 College Algebra. (Fall)

PH 216 General Physics II

4 hours
A continuation of G-PH 215. Topics covered are electricity, magnetism, optics, fluids, waves, and thermodynamics. Lab is included. Prerequisite: G-PH 215. (Spring)