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Course Descriptions — Natural Science (NSCI)

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

(For students not majoring in a science.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or higher. An introduction to the basic principles of physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Discussion covers the development of scientific thinking, the scientific method, the relationships among the various physical sciences, and the role of the physical sciences in interpreting the natural world. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 100 or NSCI 100.

NSCI 101 Physical Science Laboratory (1)

(For students not majoring or minoring in a science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for NSCI 100.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: NSCI 100. A laboratory study of the basic principles of physics and chemistry that illustrates how they apply to everyday life as well as to the fields of astronomy, geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Assignments include experiments, observations, and exercises.

NSCI 170 Concepts of Meteorology (3)

(For students not majoring or minoring in a science.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or higher. An introduction to the basic principles of atmospheric science. Topics include the effect of different weather elements (such as temperature, pressure, winds, and humidity) on weather patterns and climate. Additional topics include weather phenomena such as El Nino, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as the impact of humans on Earth’s atmosphere (with respect to global warming, pollution, and the depletion of the ozone layer). Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 170, GNSC 398D, or NSCI 170.

NSCI 171 Laboratory in Meteorology (1)

(For students not majoring or minoring in a science. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for NSCI 170 or GNSC 170.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or higher. Prerequisite or corequisite: NSCI 170. An introduction to the basic concepts of meteorology. Focus is on the observation, measurement, and analysis of weather data, including the interpretation of weather patterns and conditions found on weather maps, satellite images, radar imagery, and atmosphere diagrams. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 171 or NSCI 171.

NSCI 301 Laboratory Organization and Management (3)

(Does not fulfill the general education requirement in the biological and physical sciences.) An overview of the day-to-day organization and management of research and development laboratories. Topics include laboratory operating systems, finances and recordkeeping, communication systems, safety procedures, data management, project planning, problem solving, procurement, personnel training, and inventory execution and maintenance. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 301, MEDT 301, or NSCI 301.

NSCI 362 Environmental Change and Sustainability (3)

A multidisciplinary study of the relationship between the global environment and human adaptations to it. Emphasis is on the concept of sustainability as it applies to human adaptations and interactions with the environment. Current scientific research is used to explore the scientific, social, and global implications of environmental issues such as global warming, population growth, energy resources, biodiversity, and the genetic modification of organisms. Emphasis is on the environment as “global commons” and individual responsibility in environmental sustainability. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 361, GNSC 361, HUMN 360, NSCI 361, or NSCI 362.

NSCI 363 The Science of Global Warming and Climate Change (3)

(For students not majoring or minoring in a science.) Prerequisite: MATH 012 or higher. A comprehensive introduction to the study of global warming, including the processes of climate change and climate stability. Focus is on the physical and chemical basis of global climate modeling. Topics include the physical and chemical properties of greenhouse gases, the effects of temperature and energy on climate, the carbon cycle, fossil fuels, and the factors involved in forecasting future climate patterns. Past trends and predictions of climate change are also examined.

NSCI 398 Special Topics in Natural Science (3)

A study of topics in the sciences of special interest to students and faculty.

NSCI 398I Astrobiology (3)

(For students not majoring in a science.) An introduction to planetary astronomy with an overview of biology, geology, and chemistry related to the existence of life on Earth and to speculations that affect the search for life elsewhere in the cosmos. Topics include the chemistry of comets, space missions to Mars and Europa in search of life, the relevance of life on Earth in extreme environments (e.g., deep-sea vents and Antarctica), the assembly of prebiotic amino acids into DNA, and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTR 380, GNSC 398I, or NSCI 398I.

NSCI 398J Energy After Petroleum (1)

A broad survey of all the world’s energy sources, their utilization, problems, and possible solutions. The basic laws of physics relating to energy are outlined. Discussion covers energy sources such as solar, fossil fuel, alternate fuels, and geothermal. Physical concepts of energy, power, and energy transformations (including the basic laws of thermodynamics applicable to heat engines) are examined. The political-economic realities that surround viable energy policies are also considered.