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Category III : Scientific Principles These courses focus on basic scientific principles and examines the way these principles were developed through gradual evolution, the elimination of competing ideas, and scientific revolution. A lab or field experience is required.These courses focus on cultures and civilizations generally perceived as alternatives to those in Category I, and based on traditions prevalent in Africa, Asia, Latin American, the Middle East, Native America, and elsewhere.
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Please contact the department for course description, reading and assignments list.
For another section, see the next entry.
ASTRONOMY 100Lg
The Universe
Warner
TTh, 3:30-5:20
Please contact the department for course description, reading and assignments list.
Note: For another section, see the previous entry.
CHEMISTRY 102g
The Molecular World
Singer
TTh, 9:30 - 10:50
This course is structured around lectures, and a weekly discussion-lab. In the lecture, the basic principles of chemistry and their technological applications will be discussed. One major theme will be the continuum of discoveries over the past 200 years that led to our present understanding of the structures and properties of atoms and molecules. Often the important technological applications of these discoveries will be pointed out. An example is the series of experiments that discovered radioactivity and nuclear energy, and the numerous applications of these phenomena in this century. Such diverse topics as how scientists determine the age of rocks, why iron corrodes but aluminum does not, and how nylon and other synthetic fibers are made will be covered in the lectures. Four laboratory sessions during the semester will offer hands-on experience in exploring the chemistry behind common household products. This course is appropriate for students with no prior background in chemistry.
This nature of scientific inquiry will be illustrated through several examples of experimentation and discovery in chemistry over the past 200 years. These studies will illustrate the way knowledge of the physical world has been obtained through the sequential efforts of scientists over hundreds of years. The limitations of science in providing "proof" also will be discussed in terms of several current issues in our society.
Readings and Assignments:
Required readings will be from the very popular Chemistry for Changing Times by Hill and Kolb, 8th edition. In addition, students will receive at no cost lecture notes that include additional articles and other supplemental materials. Students will carry out four experiments during the semester and write up short lab reports on their observations. The final grade will be based on three exams during the semester, the final exam and the laboratory work.
Note: The readings and assignments list may be subject to change. Please contact the department for verification.
GEOGRAPHY 160Lg
The Earth's Surface
Bauer
TTh, 12:30 - 1:50
Please contact the department for course description, reading and assignments list.
EARTH SCIENCES 105Lg
Planet Earth
Morrison
MWF, 11:00-11:50
This course examines the geologic structure and evolution of the planet earth.
Please contact the department for course description, reading and assignments list.
EARTH SCIENCES 107g
Oceanography
Lund
MWF, 10:00 -10:50
This course introduces students to oceanographic and geologic processes active at the Earth's surface and their relationship to the human environment. Processes include plate tectonics, oceanic and atmospheric circulation, the hydrologic cycle, marine sedimentation, marine biology, and physical aspects of climate including Global Change issues. The course also surveys relationships between oceanographic processes and the availability of mineral/energy resources and pollution problems.
Required Texts:
T. Garrison. Oceanography. Wadsworth Publishing, 1998.
Grading and Course Requirements:
First Midterm Examination 20%
Second Midterm Examination 20%
Lab (must pass lab to pass course) 30%
Final Examination 30%
Note: The readings and assignments list may be subject to change. Please contact the department for verification.
PHYSICS 100Lg
Conceptual Physics
Dappen
TTh, 12:30 - 1:50
This course presents some of the advances in modern physics in the 20th century from a conceptual point of view. It is intend as a cultural enrichment course rather than a technical course. It is primarily addressed to non-specialists, but would also be enriching for students majoring in technical fields. Topics will range from the Big Bang cosmology of the Universe to the microscoping structures of matter including atoms, nuclei, quarks, superstrings, black holes, superconductivity, etc. Attempts will be made to explain the deeper theories of Physics by making analogies and relating them to commonly encountered events in daily life. The lab for this course will help to demonstrate the relationship between concepts learned in lecture.
Grading and Course Requirements:
Homework and Reading 15%
Lab 20%
First Midterm 20%
Second Midterm 20%
Final 25%
Note: The readings and assignments list may be subject to change. Please contact the department for verification.
