BIO 102 – Introduction to Biology

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 4

This course is a broad survey of biology approaching different levels of biological organization from the perspective of the organism in the environment. Specific topics include genetics, evolution, ecology, metabolism, and the cell. The laboratory emphasizes the process of scientific investigation, including the design, conduct, analysis, and presentation of biological experiments. This course is appropriate for non-biology majors and does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BIO 105 – Current Biology

Semester: Winter
Semester hours: 3

This course for non-majors will explore concepts that are both rooted in biology and important in our everyday lives. One such example is the stem cell: what exactly are stem cells, and why are they important tools for biology and medicine? In this course we will examine a broad range of topics including stem cells, genetically modified organisms, evolution, cancer, and the practice of science itself. These subjects will be addressed in a traditional classroom setting, but assignments will demand that students apply the course material to current happenings in our society. Points will be earned by completing quizzes, response papers, and projects. This course has no laboratory component and does not count toward a major or minor in biology.

BIO 120 – Principles of Biology

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 4

An introductory survey course that covers cell structure and metabolism, patterns of inheritance, molecular genetics, evolutionary mechanisms, and diversity. The weekly laboratory sessions teach basic laboratory skills, experimental design, application of statistics, and communication of results via laboratory reports. This course is appropriate for both major and non-majors. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory period per week.

BIO 203 – Genetics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

The course provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms of heredity. Topics include Mendelian, quantitative, and molecular genetics. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120

BIO 243 – Research Techniques and Data Analysis I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 1

Research Techniques and Data Analysis I is a laboratory-based course that teaches students fundamental techniques used in the biological discipline. Students will learn techniques such as pipetting, microscopy, and specimen handling. Those skills are essential for success in upper-division courses throughout the major. Complimentary to the work at the laboratory bench, students will design and conduct experiments with an emphasis on implementing the scientific method. Finally, students will learn to interpret and communicate the data they collect. Specifically, students will apply statistical and computational tools to understand and visualize their collected data. This course is required for the major and is a prerequisite for BIO 343 (Research Techniques and Data Analysis II).

Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO 299 – Directed Reading

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-3

This course allows a superior student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.

BIO 305 – General Vertebrate Zoology

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 4

This course provides a detailed overview of the species diversity, natural history, and evolution of vertebrates. These concepts are highlighted through comparisons within and between vertebrate groups. Special emphasis is placed on evolutionary relationships to track key innovations in morphology, physiology, and ecology that have contributed to vertebrate diversification. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO 306 – Evolution

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3

A broad but detailed discussion of the genetic, ontogenetic, and morphologic changes inherent in populations. Topics include population genetics, molecular evolution, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, speciation, phylogenetics, and coevolution. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120

BIO 307 – Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 3

This course will focus on antimicrobial drugs and their use in fighting bacterial infections. Topics will include the history of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance of bacteria, including resistance mechanisms and transfer of resistance, development of new antibiotics and the drug development pipeline, how antibiotics work, antibiotic stewardship, and use of antibiotics in the animal industry. Bacteria of particular public health concern, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, will be featured.

Prerequisite: BIO 203 and CHM 102, both passed with a grade of C- or higher

BIO 311 – Botany

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 4

This course provides a detailed exploration of plant anatomy and physiology. Microscope study allows for detailed observation of roots, stems, and leaves and their component tissues. Examination of flowers, fruits, and seeds provides the details of pollination, fertilization, dispersal, and germination. During the laboratory, students explore topics such as plant physiological responses to hormones and nutrients, characteristics and mechanisms of genetic inheritance, and ecological aspects of plant competition. The course emphasizes the relationship between plant form and function.

Prerequisite: BIO 120 and CHM 101

BIO 312 – Cell Biology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3

Cells are the basic units of life, and understanding cells is important for many disciplines within biology. This course examines fundamental cell biology, with emphasis on the mechanisms of molecular biology, cellular trafficking, and cell-to-cell signaling. The semester will culminate with the discussion of complex cellular behaviors such as regulation of the cell cycle, renewal of stem cells, and the progression of cancer. Each of these concepts will be discussed in the context of experimentation and hypothesis-driven research. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO 317 – Ornithology

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 3

This lecture course details the anatomy, physiology, and evolution of birds. Topics include evolutionary origins of birds and flight, development, and an overview of avian anatomy, physiology, and ecology. Three hours of lecture per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO 319 – Ornithology Lab

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1

This combined field and laboratory course covers the anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, and identification of birds. Topics include evolutionary origins of birds and flight, development, avian anatomy, and bird identification in the field. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Corequisite: BIO 317

BIO 321 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

A course requiring students to incorporate concepts from physics, chemistry, and biology to understand the interface between human structure and function and the regulatory mechanisms in play. Topics include tissue types, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive anatomy and physiology. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Human cadavers are used in the laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIO 120, and both CHM 101 and CHM 102 with a grade of C- or higher. CHM 251 and CHM 252, and PHS 102 or PHS 202 are highly recommended.

BIO 322 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

In this continuation of BIO 321, topics include digestive, cardiovascular, renal, urinary acid-base balance, endocrine, and immune system anatomy and physiology. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Human cadavers are used in the laboratory.

Prerequisite: BIO 321 with a grade of C- or higher

BIO 324 – Developmental Biology

Semester: Spring; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

How do many animals develop from a fertilized egg into complex animals, some with trillions of cells? This course examines the development of complex animals from embryo to adult. In this course, students will explore the mechanisms behind how an embryo establishes a body plan, grows new structures, and determines its sex. The course concludes by considering environmental effects on this process, as well as its implications for medicine and evolutionary biology. Each of these concepts will be discussed in the context of experimentation and hypothesis-driven research.

Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO 331 – Herpetology

Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 4

This course seeks to increase student appreciation of the diversity within herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) at the genetic, physiological, anatomical, and behavioral level. Students will gain knowledge of how herpetofauna negotiate their environment, interact with other species and their environment, and develop an appreciation of current threats to their survival.

Prerequisite: BIO 120 or ESC 223

BIO 333 – Herpetology Field Trip

Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 1

This seminar-style course increases student appreciation of the diversity within herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) at the morphological, behavioral, and ecological level. Students will gain knowledge of how herpetofauna negotiate their environment and interact with other species and will develop an appreciation of current threats to their survival. The course will involve reading original scientific papers within the field of herpetology, followed by in-class discussions. There is a required multi-day field trip.

Prerequisite: BIO 120 or ESC 223
Corequisite: BIO 331 recommended

BIO 338 – Natural History of Puget Sound

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 2

Natural History of Puget Sound is a two credit course featuring a field trip to the Washington coast in early May. During the spring semester, a series of six lectures introduces students to the basic natural history (ecology, geology, climate, etc.) of the Puget Sound area. During the field portion of the course, students stay on Whidbey Island at the Pacific Rim Institute’s field station. Daily classroom and field sessions focus on the variety of coastal habitats (rainforest, estuaries, rocky inter-tidal zone), with an emphasis on the marine conservation issues. The trip includes visits to the Hoh Rainforest, the Olympic Peninsula, and Friday Harbor. The course and its contents are a collaborative effort of Dan Albrecht and on-site instructors from the Pacific Rim Institute.

Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO 343 – Research Techniques and Data Analysis II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1

Research Techniques and Data Analysis II is a laboratory-based course that relies upon the skills that students learned in BIO 243 (Research Techniques and Data Analysis I). Students will apply techniques such as pipetting, microscopy, and specimen handling to complete a semester-long research project that requires experimental design, followed by revision and repetition. Additionally, students will interpret and communicate their results using statistical and computational tools, while implementing scientific writing. Students will complete a final project that demonstrates their competence in completing and communicating laboratory research. This course is required for the major.

Prerequisite: BIO 243

BIO 347 – Animal Behavior

Semester: Spring; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

This course provides a broad overview of the development, expression, and control of behavior. This course provides a foundation for understanding animal ecology, revealing evolutionary relationships, and managing fish and wildlife populations. Topics include communication, predation, foraging, mating, parental care, and sociality.

Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO 349 – Animal Behavior Lab

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1

This course provides a broad overview of the development, expression, and control of behavior. This course provides a foundation for understanding animal ecology, revealing evolutionary relationships, and managing fish and wildlife populations. Topics include communication, predation, foraging, mating, parental care, and sociality. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Corequisite: BIO 347

BIO 350 – Microbiology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is an investigation of the structure, metabolism, and reproduction of microorganisms. The course will emphasize understanding microbiology as it pertains to human health, including normal flora, disease mechanisms, immunology and immunity, and a sampling of major microbial diseases. In the laboratory, students will detect, isolate, and identify both harmless and pathogenic microbes.

Prerequisite: BIO 203 and CHM 102, both passed with a grade of C- or higher

BIO 355 – Immunology

Semester: Fall; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

The immune system protects the body from a diverse menagerie of pathogens. It amazingly targets viruses, bacteria and parasites all at once and with incredible specificity. The immune system is composed of a complex set of molecules, cells and pathways that all work together to provide this protection. Immune system dysfunction can lead to allergies, cancer and autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease, type I diabetes and psoriasis. This course will delve into the complexity of the immune system, with a focus on human health.

Prerequisite: BIO 120, BIO 203, BIO 312

BIO 357 – Cancer Biology

Semester: Fall; Even years
Semester hours: 3

Although cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, there is still no comprehensive cure. This course focuses on the genetic and environmental causes of cancer, cancer prevention, and cutting-edge therapeutic treatments.

Prerequisite: BIO 120, BIO 203, BIO 312

BIO 410 – Conservation Biology

Semester: Spring; Even years
Semester hours: 2-3

Students experience a multi-disciplinary approach to conservation encompassing genetics to ethics. Discussions emphasize biological diversity, extinction probability theory, reserve design, management, and reintroduction strategies. Written and oral presentations are required.

Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO 415 – Ecology

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

Students are provided with an overview of the interactions among biotic and abiotic environments. Topics include climate and vegetation, resource acquisition and allocation, demography, population growth and regulation, sociality, competition, niche theory, predation, and community and ecosystem ecology. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 306

BIO 427 – Molecular Genetics

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

Students will use primary literature to study the molecular mechanisms that compose the central dogma of molecular genetics. Special attention will be given to genomic structure, DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation, and post-translational modification. Basic techniques in molecular biology will be discussed, and these techniques will be practiced in the laboratory portion of the course. The course will consist of three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 203

BIO 443 – Advanced Biology Research

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1-3

In this course, students work with a research advisor on an independent research project. Enrollment is based upon instructor consent and requires each participant to have arranged a working agreement with a research advisor. Included in the course is a weekly forum for students to present and discuss their research projects. All enrolled students are required to give presentations highlighting their research. Through those presentations, participants in the class will be exposed to the diverse research initiatives at Rocky Mountain College. This course is offered every semester and can be taken up to four times.

Prerequisite: BIO 343 or consent of instructor

BIO 450 – Internship

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-12

This course is a guided work experience in an already established place of business. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with a biology advisor and the Office of Career Services. The internship should relate to the student’s major or minor area of study. Contract is required. Pass/no pass grading.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

BIO 452 – Biochemistry

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 5

Biochemistry focuses on the study of the molecules and chemical reactions of life, bringing together principles learned in biology and chemistry. After an introduction to the chemistry and structure of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, discussions of enzyme structure and kinetics set the stage for a detailed exploration of metabolism and its regulation. The laboratory component of this course involves a several projects that focus on proteins including kinetics, isolation, purification, and characterization. These projects incorporate different types of instrumentation, including low pressure chromatography, electrophoresis, UV-visible spectroscopy, and ultrafiltration. Three lecture hours plus one three-hour laboratory per week. Significant time working independently in the laboratory is required.

Prerequisite: CHM 102, and either CHM 220 or both CHM 251 and CHM 252. In addition: BIO 312 (preferred) or BIO 350 or permission of the instructor. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. Junior or senior standing is required.

BIO 454 – Virology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

Why are some viruses harmless while others are deadly? This course focuses on how and why viruses cause disease and how they evade the immune system. Students will learn about the diversity of viral replication strategies, their accelerated evolution, and the arms race between viruses and the host immune system, as well as how vaccines work and why we don’t have them for all viruses. This course covers primary scientific data and cutting-edge research methodologies. The lab component includes a research project on viruses using basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cell culture, molecular cloning, DNA sequencing and electrophoresis. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory period per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120, BIO 203, BIO 312

BIO 460 – Biochemistry II

Semester: Spring; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

An introduction to the chemistry and structure of nucleotides and nucleic acids is followed by a detailed study of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis, and the regulation of these processes. Bioethics, an important and interesting topic, is covered as an extension to the scientific content. This course covers topics in more depth and with a different emphasis than genetics.

Prerequisite: CHM 220 or CHM 252 with a grade of C- or higher and junior or senior status required. BIO 120 and BIO/CHM 452 recommended.

BIO 483 – Dissection

Semester: Winter
Semester hours: 2

Students begin to learn how to dissect a human cadaver. Each student chooses or is assigned to a region. By permission of the instructor only.

Prerequisite: BIO 321

BIO 490 – Seminar

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1

Selected topics in biology are explored.

BIO 499 – Directed Reading

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-3

This course allows a superior student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.

Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

CHM 101 – General Chemistry I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course introduces students to the science of chemistry. The concepts of atoms, molecules, bonding, and energy successfully explain the properties of matter and how reactions happen. Goals of this course include introducing students to representative materials and reactions, to important models and theories of the science, and to the symbols and language of chemists. The laboratory will involve observations of elements, compounds and their reactions (including synthesis), and quantitative measurements of properties or amounts of matter. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory session, and one hour of recitation per week.

Prerequisite: MAT 100 with a grade of C- or higher, or placement into higher mathematics course

CHM 102 – General Chemistry II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

This course builds upon the principles introduced in CHM 101 to introduce topics of thermodynamics, solution-phase chemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory experiments for this course will emphasize quantitative data collection and analysis. Three hours of lecture, one two-hour laboratory session, and one hour of recitation per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 101 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 220 – Fundamental Organic Chemistry

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is a one-semester introduction to carbon-containing compounds, including their structure, bonding, properties, and reactivity. The different functional groups are introduced, including the key reactions and mechanisms of these groups. This course is designed to serve as a prerequisite for biochemistry. Four lecture hours per week. This course will not count as an elective for the chemistry major or minor.

Prerequisite: CHM 102 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 251 – Organic Chemistry I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, concentrating on the structures, properties, and reactions of some of the important families of organic compounds. Considerable emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry. The laboratory experiments introduce techniques for the isolation and preparation of compounds. Three hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: CHM 102 with a grade of C- or higher

CHM 252 – Organic Chemistry II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

This course, a continuation of Organic Chemistry I, concentrates on the chemistry of additional important families of organic compounds, emphasizing reaction mechanisms, synthesis, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy. The laboratory experiments include the synthesis and analysis of compounds with biological and industrial importance and qualitative analysis.

Prerequisite: CHM 251 with a grade of C- or higher. CHM 220 will not be accepted as a prerequisite for this course.

EDC 320 – Teaching Content Courses in Secondary Education

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours:3

This course requires focused study and consultation with a practicing educator in the secondary field of study, blended with traditional coursework and exploration into the methods and materials specific to the content area. Students will also be required to explore the professional organization specific to their field of study. Music education students are exempt from this course.

Prerequisite: EDC 040, admission to the teacher education program; junior or senior standing required

EQS 300 – Reproduction and Growth

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3

This course covers the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the horse, endocrinology, principles of artificial insemination, embryo transfer, genetics, breeding systems, application of the scientific method, and care and management of breeding stock. This course will be accepted as a biology elective, provided students have completed BIO 120, CHM 101, and CHM 102. This course is highly recommended for students pursuing veterinary school or graduate studies in animal science.

Prerequisite: EQS 201

EQS 400 – Advanced Reproduction

Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 3

The student focuses on common breeding problems such as organizing and operating a routine teasing program, natural breeding, artificial insemination, and improving conception rates. Students engage in practical application in this course. Class is limited to six students. This course is highly recommended for students pursuing veterinary school or graduate studies in animal science.

Prerequisite: EQS 300

ESC 105 – Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3

An introductory course designed for students entering the environmental sciences and studies program and for other students who would like to take an ecology course. Topics address the central concepts of ecology including the physical environment in which life exists. Students will explore the properties and processes of populations and communities, ecosystem dynamics, biogeography and biodiversity, as well as issues in conservation and restoration ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. This course may fulfill a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with ESC 106.

ESC 106 – Environmental Science: Sustainable Communities Laboratory

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1

In the laboratory, students will apply environmental science concepts to ecological studies in the natural environment and learn how to present their results in a scientific report. One two-hour laboratory session per week.

Corequesite: ESC 105

ESC 307 – Montana Wildflowers

Semester: Spring; Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 2

Students receive an intensive introduction to the evolutionary relationships of vascular plants and their classification. The course emphasizes plant identification based on use of taxonomic keys and focuses on angiosperm species in the Yellowstone River watershed, particularly the prairie habitats, the Pryor Mountains, the riparian habitats of the Yellowstone, and the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. Field trips are required. Students will collect, identify, and prepare a prescribed number of plants for the herbarium. Additional lab sections are available for students working on larger plant collections.

Prerequisite: BIO 120 or ESC 223

ESC 308 – Montana Wildflowers Lab I

Semester: Spring; Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1

Students in this lab will collect, identify, and prepare a prescribed number of plants for the herbarium.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission
Corequesite: BIO 307

ESC 309 – Montana Wildflowers Lab II

Semester: Spring; Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1

Students in this lab will collect, identify, and prepare plants for the herbarium.

Prerequisite: Instructor permission
Corequesite: ESC 308

ESC 314 – Range Ecology

Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 4

Range ecology is the study of mixed grass prairies of the West and an introduction to ecological concepts applicable to that area. Topics include historical and current land use, ecosystem responses to change, methods for maintaining natural prairie habitats, the use of prairies as rangelands, and determinations of ecological conditions and trends on rangelands. The laboratory focuses on identification of common prairie plant species and their importance for both wildlife and domestic animals. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120 or ESC 223, and CHM 101

ESC 325 – Wetlands and Riparian Ecology

Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 4

The biology and chemistry of wetlands is studied in this course. Topics include the investigation of wetland structure, wetland functions, and the ecological value of wetlands. The laboratory introduces protocols for analyzing wetland plant communities and includes a field study of a wetland in the Billings community. Students learn legally acceptable methods for determining wetland boundaries. The course examines the ecology of rivers and compares differences in hydrological processes of rivers and wetlands. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week.

Prerequisite: BIO 120 or ESC 223, and CHM 101

GEO 101 – Fundamentals of Geology

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to the science of earth materials, earth systems, and earth history, including the study of minerals, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, rock deformation and metamorphism, weathering, and erosion within the modern paradigm of plate tectonics. Special emphasis is placed on interpreting the geologic landscape and history of the Rocky Mountains through an understanding of Earth processes. Three hours of lecture and one recommended two-hour laboratory per week, plus field trips. This course fulfills a natural lab science core curriculum requirement if taken concurrently with GEO 104.

GEO 104 – Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1

Focus on description of the earth materials and earth systems within the framework of plate tectonic theory. Introduction to identification of minerals, rocks, geologic maps, and structures.

Corequesite: GEO 101 or GEO 218

IDS 243 – Scientific Writing and Analysis

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 2

Students will write clear and concise scientific papers and reports. Writing assignments will focus on grammatical requirements for formal scientific writing; abstracts; outlines and organization including paper, paragraph, and sentence structure; paraphrasing and citation usage; and methods of data presentation. A portion of the course will be devoted to data analysis, drafting of tables, and preparation of graphs. IDS 243 is required for biology and chemistry majors and minors.

Prerequisite: ENG 120 and declared major or minor in a natural science or permission of instructor

IDS 422 – Methods And Materials: Teaching Natural Science In The Secondary School

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2

This course emphasizes the teaching of biology or chemistry at the secondary 5-12 level. Methods of teaching these subjects, including incorporation of active hands-on experiences, reviewing texts for content appropriate to various grade levels, and the use of technology in the classroom constitute major parts of the course. Particular attention will be paid to thinking, reading, listening, writing, and speaking instruction. Teaching diverse and at-risk student populations will also be discussed. This course is the capstone course for the biology or chemistry education major.

Corequesite: EDC 320

MAT 175 – Calculus I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is a study of the functions of one real variable and includes a brief review of circular functions. The ideas of limit, continuity, and differentiation are explained and applied to physical problems. Topics include the use of approximations and problem solving. The use of graphing calculators is required.

Prerequisite: satisfactory score on a placement exam or MAT 110

MAT 210 – Probability and Statistics

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 3

This course provides a non-calculus-based study of discrete probability theory and its statistical applications. Distribution theory and its applications in hypothesis testing and setting confidence intervals are discussed.

Prerequisite: MAT 100 or satisfactory score on a placement exam

PHS 101 – Fundamental Physics I

Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 4

Students examine a survey of the laws and phenomena of classical physics, including motion, force, energy, momentum, waves, and thermodynamics. This course is suitable for non-science majors who have a strong background in high school algebra and who wish to have a more rigorous understanding of physics than provided in most courses for non-science majors. The course will satisfy the requirements of geology and biology majors. Students considering graduate work in these areas should take PHS 201 and PHS 202 instead. Three lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week.

PHS 102 – Fundamental Physics II

Semester: Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 4

Students examine a survey of the laws and phenomena of classical and modern physics, including light, electricity, magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics. This course is suitable for non-science majors who have a strong background in high school algebra and who wish to have a more rigorous understanding of physics than provided in most courses for non-science majors. This course will satisfy the requirements of geology and biology majors. Students considering graduate work in these areas should take PHS 201 and PHS 202 instead. Three lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: PHS 101

PHS 201 – General Physics I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 4

This course is a calculus-based introduction to the laws and phenomena of classical physics, including force and motion, energy and momentum, their conservation laws, and their oscillations. This sequence is required for chemistry majors and engineering students and is recommended for mathematics, biology, and geology students. Three lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Corequesite: MAT 175

PHS 202 – General Physics II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 4

This course is a calculus-based introduction to the laws and phenomena of classical physics, including mechanics, waves, light, electricity, and magnetism. This sequence is required for chemistry majors and engineering students and is recommended for mathematics, biology, and geology students. Three lecture periods and one two-hour laboratory per week.

Prerequisite: PHS 201
Corequesite: MAT 176

PHS 225 – Modern Physics

Semester: Fall; Odd years
Semester hours: 3

This course covers selected concepts from early 20th century physics. Topics covered include special relativity, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the wave nature of particles.

Prerequisite: PHS 202 or permission from the instructor