AREAS OF INQUIRY (23-25 hours)

NATURAL WORLD (8-10 hours):

Select courses from 2 of the following 4 areas. At least one of these courses must have a lab component.

1. Astronomy and Physics

AST 114 Survey of Astronomy (4) (4-0)
Prerequisite: eligibility for MTH 101. General Education Course (Natural World) Historical and descriptive aspects of astronomy; topics of current interest related to space science. Cannot receive credit for both AST 114 and 115.

AST 115
Prerequisite: eligibility for MTH 101. General Education Course (Natural World) Historical and descriptive aspects of astronomy; topics of current interest related to space science. Laboratory consists of observations with telescopes and of experiments pertinent to the field. Cannot receive credit for both AST 114 and 115.

PHY 100 Survey of Physics (lab) (4) (3-2)
General Education Course (Natural World) Description of nature as seen by physicists; effects this description and new scientific discoveries will have on society. Laboratories consist of discussions of current relations between science and society, demonstration of precise experimental apparatus, some actual involvement with the experimental method.

PHY 101 Physics by Inquiry (lab) (4) (2-4)
General Education Course (Natural World) This course is open only to early childhood, elementary, middle school, and special education majors. Laboratory experiences model inquiry teaching methods appropriate for use in early childhood, elementary and middle school science lessons. Science content includes mechanics, optics, heat, electricity and magnetism, properties of materials. Students will increase their understanding of the nature of science.

PHY 123 Introduction to Physics I (lab) (4) (3-2)
Prerequisite: eligibility for MTH 261 on mathematics placement test; CIS/CSC 101 or CSC 111 or pass spreadsheet competency examination administered by the Department of Computer Science. This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. An introduction to physical theories covering the content areas of mechanics, fluids, sound, and thermodynamics. A knowledge of the laws of Physics will help the student better understand the world and how these laws can be used to make informed decisions to improve society. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course to take PHY 124.

PHY 203 Foundations of Physics I (lab) (5) (3-4)
Prerequisite: MTH 261 (or concurrent enrollment in MTH 261 if a score of 30 or higher was received on the mathematics section of the ACT). This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. Students must be skilled in using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program. (see the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science for a list of required spreadsheet skills). First of two semesters in basic calculus physics. Lecture and laboratory topics covered include mechanics, waves, and thermodynamics. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course to take PHY 204. Supplemental course fee.

2. Biological Sciences

BIO  100 Bio Sci. for Educators (lab) (4) (3-3)
This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. An introduction to the unifying principles of biology and the processes of scientific investigation using an inquiry approach. Laboratory experiences model inquiry teaching methods appropriate for use in early childhood, elementary, and middle school science lessons. This course is open only to early childhood, elementary, middle school, and special education majors. Does not count for credit towards a major or minor in biology. Students receive credit towards graduation for only one of BIO 100, BIO 101, or BIO 102.

BIO 102 Prin. of Biological Science (lab) (4) (3-2)
This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. Unifying principles of biology from the molecular level through ecosystems. Includes laboratory experience. Does not count for credit towards major or minor in biology. Students receive credit towards graduation for only one of BIO 100, 101, or 102.

BIO 121 General Biology (lab) (4) (3-3)
Prerequisite: eligibility for both ENG 110 and MTH 135. This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. First half of 2-semester introductory biology sequence for biology majors and minors. Introduction to the concepts of biological structure and function at the molecular and cellular level, genetics, and evolution. This course may not be taken pass/not pass. A grade of C or better in this course is a prerequisite for enrollment in BIO 122.

BMS 100 Concepts/Issues in Life Sciences  (4) (4-0)
This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. A non-laboratory course that partially fulfills the general education requirement in the natural sciences. A foundation of knowledge and concepts in science and human biology. The nature of science, applications, and relationships of knowledge leading to an understanding of the biological individual and biomedical issues are stressed. Students will receive credit for only one of the following: BMS 100, 105, or110.

BMS 105 Concepts/Lab in Life Sciences (lab)  (4) (3-2)
This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. A laboratory course that partially fulfills the general education requirement in the natural sciences. A foundation of knowledge and concepts in science and human biology with laboratory experiences. The nature of science, applications, and relationships of knowledge leading to an understanding of the biological individual, biomedical issues, and human relationships to the environment are stressed. This course is not designed for students who plan more advanced laboratory work in the life sciences. Students will receive credit for only one of the following: BMS 100, 105, or 110.

BMS110 Concepts/Biomedical Sciences (lab)  (4) (3-2)
This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. An introductory course that focuses on examples in human biology and prepares students for further study in the biomedical sciences or cell/molecular biology. Partially fulfills the general education requirement for a laboratory course in the natural sciences. Designed for students planning further laboratory or course work in the biomedical sciences, such as departmental majors, minors, and others preparing for courses in human genetics, human anatomy and human physiology. Recommended for other science majors, students in pre-nursing and those preparing for various allied health professions, most pre-professional students, students in the social sciences, and others who require an understanding of the biological human. Students will receive credit for only one of the following: BMS 100 or 105 or 110. Supplemental course fee.

3. Chemistry

CHM 105 Fundamentals of Chemistry (lab)  (5) (4-2) Prerequisite: eligibility for MTH 103 or higher. This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. Emphasis on chemical fundamentals and applications. Recommended for students needing only one semester of general chemistry. (CHM 105 will not count toward a chemistry major or minor.) Course does satisfy prerequisite for CHM 200. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course in order to take CHM 200. May not be taken Pass/Not Pass.

CHM 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry (4) (4-0)
Prerequisite: eligibility for MTH 103 or higher. This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. Same course as CHM 105 except it does not include a laboratory component. Emphasis on chemical fundamentals and applications. Recommended for students needing only one semester of introductory chemistry. (CHM 106 will not count toward chemistry major or minor.) May not receive credit for both CHM 105 and 106. Students should be aware that CHM 106 may not satisfy the chemistry requirement for other majors.

CHM 107 Chemistry for the Citizen (lab) (4) (3-2)
This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. A one semester course for the non-science major. Principal concepts and applications of chemistry are presented. The course looks at both the beneficial side of chemical usage and the problems associated with chemical production and usage. The course provides information needed for a better understanding of environmental concerns, the chemical industry, consumer products and our alternate sources and storage of energy.

CHM 160 General Chemistry I (4) (4-0)

Prerequisite: eligibility for MTH 135 or higher. This course will count toward the Natural World component of General Education. Emphasis on fundamental and theoretical concepts of chemistry. Recommended for all science majors, chemistry majors and minors, and most pre-professional students. A grade of "C" or better is required in this course in order to take CHM 170 or CHM 200. May not be taken Pass/Not Pass.

4. Geology and Geography

GLG 110 Principles of Geology (lab) (4) (3-2)
General Education Course (Natural World) How Earth works. The building blocks of Earth: minerals and rocks. Earth's dynamic interior: plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, and mountain building. Surface processes associated with streams, ground water, glaciers, wind, and shorelines. Laboratory instruction in identification of common minerals and rocks, the use of topographic maps, and landform identification from topographic maps. Optional weekend field trips.

GLG 171 Environmental Geology (4) (4-0)
General Education Course (Natural World) Treats those aspects of geology that interface directly with humanity. Past, present and future of geologic hazards, geologically related environmental health problems, mineral resources and energy resources. Human dependence on geologic resources is examined and interrelated with problems of humanity. Field trips required.

GRY 135 Atmospheric Science (lab) (4) (3-2)
General Education Course (Natural World) An introductory survey of the earth's weather and climate. A description of the physical processes of the atmosphere is followed by a survey of the world's varied climatic regions. The laboratory involves the preparation and interpretation of meteorological data and the classification of climates.

GRY 142 Intro. Physical Geography (lab) (4) (3-2)

General Education Course (Natural World) A study of the earth's natural systems including weather and climate, rocks and minerals, landforms and processes of landform development, biogeography, water resources and soils. Map fundamentals and the interrelationships of the geographic factors of the natural environment are emphasized. Students who take GRY 240 and GRY 142 may receive credit for only one of these courses.