List of Courses

SCI 100 Meteorology (3 credits)

This is an introductory meteorology course designed to conceptually explore the principles and processes of weather. Students will study the fundamental principles of atmospheric structure and composition, radiation and energy as they relate to the Earth-Atmosphere system, air temperature, atmospheric moisture, and air pressure. The course investigates processes that cause fog, clouds, and precipitation. Students are provided with a detailed study of wind and pressure systems around the world, as well as middle latitude and tropical weather phenomena such as air masses, cyclones, tornadoes and hurricanes. Satisfies the science elective requirement of the Math/Science curriculum and also satisfies the science requirement of those curricula which require science. Three class hours or equivalent per week.

SCI 100L Meteorology Lab (1 credit)

This optional lab course is designed to increase the students' understanding of meteorology and dynamic characteristics of the atmosphere covered in SCI 100 Meteorology, by challenging them with conceptual and mathematical analyses and interpretation exercises. It should be taken concurrently with SCI 100 or in a subsequent semester upon successful completion of that lecture course. It is intended for those who want a deeper understanding of meteorology and/or those students who have a laboratory science requirement to satisfy. One two-hour laboratory session per week. Prerequisite: MAT 087 or higher; prerequisite/co-requisite: SCI 100.

SCI 103 Introductory Astronomy (3 credits)

The Universe: the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology are examined in the light of continuing discoveries of modern astronomy in the space age. Satisfies the science elective requirement of the Math/Science curriculum and also satisfies the science requirement of those curricula which require science. Three class hours or equivalent per week.

SCI 103L Astronomy Lab (1 credit)

Laboratory exercises emphasizing practical astronomy. Intended for those who wish to deepen their understanding of astronomy and/or those who have a laboratory science requirement to satisfy. One three-hour session per week. Prerequisite: MAT 079 or higher; prerequisite/co-requisite: SCI 103.

SCI 104 Astronomy II: Introduction to Planetary Science (3 credits)

Introduction to Planetary Science is an interdisciplinary algebra-based course that calls upon most of the physical sciences (Astronomy, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, Meteorology, and Physics) in an attempt to understand the nature of our solar system. The goal of this course is to familiarize the science major and non-science major alike with the field of planetary science, and to introduce the history of space exploration to the interested student. This course presents the objects within our solar system and addresses the character of other solar systems within our galaxy. Prerequisite: MAT 087 or 088, and one of the following: SCI 103, SCI 111, GEO 103, GEO 105, GEO 106, or Permission of Instructor.

SCI 111 Introduction to Physics and Chemistry (4 credits)

This course is an introductory survey course in physics and chemistry for non-science majors. Topics covered include: scientific method, motion, energy, momentum, heat, light, electricity, sound, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical compounds, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, properties of water, acids, bases, and salts. Three class hours and two laboratory hours. Not open to Math/Science majors. Prerequisite: Elementary algebra.

SCI 112 Introduction to Biology - Geology (4 credits)

This is an introductory course in geology and biology for students with only a high school background in these two areas, and who do not intend to pursue a science curriculum. This course is designed for education majors with an emphasis in elementary education. Topics to be covered include: the scientific method, basic chemistry of geology and biology, the rock cycle and basic elements of rock types, biochemical cycles, hydrologic cycle, aspects of evolution, aspects of historical geology, and a survey of basic aspects of life. Prerequisites: SCI 111; EDA or EDC majors only.