Courses

An introduction to the basic relationships governing the existence of all living organisms, with emphasis on ecology and adaptation of representative life forms. Consideration is given to classification and surveys of the major plant and animal groups with emphasis on unifying elements and diversities.

An introduction to the basic relationships governing the existence of all living organisms. Consideration is given to the anatomy and physiology at all levels as these relate to the energy requirements, inheritance, reproduction, development, and adaptation of representative life forms.

This course considers modern concepts in the fundamental laws and principles of chemistry. Investigated topics include: stoichiometry, and chemical calculations, nature of solutions, acids and bases, and oxidation/reduction reactions, the gas laws, thermochemistry, the periodic table, bonding, molecular structure and descriptive inorganic chemistry.

Modern concepts in the fundamental laws and principles of chemistry: Introduction to chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases and buffer systems, solubility equilibria, elementary energy concepts, electrochemistry and an introduction to organic chemistry. These concepts are discussed as far as possible in the context of their significance in life processes, in industrial process, and in the environment.

This lab course will compliment either the CHEM 103 or CHEM 111 lectures. It is meant to give students an opportunity to apply the learning that is happening in class in a hands-on way. The chemical concepts learned in CHEM 103 or CHEM 111 will be explored (topics include: stoichiometry, the nature of solutions, acids and bases, oxidation/reduction reactions, thermochemistry, the periodic table, bonding, molecular structure and colligative properties). This chemistry lab is also meant to introduce students to lab safety, common lab practices and lab techniques that will be required for upper level science courses and beyond.

This lab course will compliment either the CHEM 104 or CHEM 112 lectures. It is meant to give students an opportunity to apply the learning that is happening in class in a hands-on way. The chemical concepts learned in CHEM 104 or CHEM 112 will be explored (topics include: solubility, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, organic synthesis and extraction, buffer chemistry and electrochemistry). This lab involves a special project where students will get to explore, in depth, an area of choice and present that knowledge to the class. This chemistry lab is also meant to introduce students to lab safety, common lab practices and lab techniques that will be required for upper level science courses and beyond.

An introduction to theoretical, physical, and descriptive organic chemistry. A study of the properties of aliphatic, alicyclic, and simple aromatic compounds is examined. Introductory spectroscopy. The laboratory course illustrates the operations, representative reactions, and syntheses of organic chemistry.

An elementary introduction to computing science and programming as a problem-solving tool. Fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science will be introduced. Programming skill will be obtained by using a high-level language. Topics will include: abstraction, data types and control structures, fundamental algorithms and pseudocode, computability and complexity, and computer architecture.

An introduction to the materials and processes of the physical earth: rocks and minerals, earth structure and composition, plate tectonics, volcanology, seismology, crustal deformation, weathering and erosion, slope movement, sedimentation, wind and water processes, glaciation, and geologic time. Earth materials and processes are studied in the laboratory and in the field. This course is an environmental studies core requirement.