General Science
Degrees and Certificates
-
B.A. in Natural Science and Mathematics Concentration in General Science
Classes
ENV 101: Introduction to Environmental Science
Credits 4Application of scientific principles to understanding ecosystem function and biodiversity, human impacts on the biosphere, and strategies for sustainability of environmental quality. Includes classroom discussions, case studies, and laboratory/field investigations of local ecosystems and biodiversity, land analysis and land use management, assessment of soil and water quality, analysis of resource consumption and waste production, and scientific evaluation of articles and policies pertaining to local, regional, and global environmental issues. Course includes three lecture-hours and one 2 ½ hour laboratory session per week.
GSCI 101: Forensic Science
Credits 3An introduction to common forensic methods including bloodstain, fingerprint, fiber and chemical analysis. Students will develop an appreciation of the scientific principles of forensic analysis and its limitations and uncertainties. This course is designed for the nonscience major. Three lecture hours and two seventy-five minute laboratory sessions weekly. (fall and spring)
GSCI 105: Earth Science
Credits 4An introduction to the sciences, including Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Astronomy, that seek
to understand earth and its neighbors in space. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic interactions among the earth
systems, including the human impact on the planet. This course is open to non-science majors and General Science
majors. It is recommended for future science teachers. Two seventy-five minute lecture periods and two
seventy-five minute lab periods weekly. (fall and spring)
GSCI 409: General Science Seminar
Credits 1Critical review of selected current research topics utilizing library and online resources. Students develop an ability to effectively retrieve, summarize, and analyze information from primary sources. Students also develop skills in writing and oral presentation of a literature review on a topic of interest. GSCI 409 is normally taken in the semester preceding GSCI 450.
GSCI 450: General Science Research
Credits 3Students pursue library research projects under faculty supervision. Each student must submit an oral and written report at the close of GSCI 450.
PHYS 103: General Physics I
Credits 4PHYS 103 is an introductory course of physics. Fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, momentum, energy and work theorem, physics of rigid bodies and fluids are presented and discussed. (fall)
PHYS 104: General Physics II
Credits 4Continuation of PHYS 103. Topics discussed are waves, electricity, magnetism, and optics. (spring)
PHYS 350: Advanced Special Topics in Physical Science
Credits 3PHYS 350 is offered for students interested in physical sciences beyond the introductory physics courses. Selected topic in physical science may include but are not limited to biological physics, chemical physics, medical physics, mathematical physics, physics education, and introduction to astrophysics. Flexibility of this course allows the content to be tailored to individual student needs.
PHYS 355: Advanced Special Topics in Physical Science with Lab Component
Credits 4PHYS 350 is offered for students interested in physical sciences beyond the introductory physics courses. Selected topic in physical science may include but are not limited to biological physics, chemical physics, medical physics, mathematical physics, physics education, and introduction to astrophysics. Flexibility of this course allows the content to be tailored to individual student needs. Laboratory schedule is determined by the research project developed with the faculty.