Science Courses

SCI 110 Medical Terminology

1 hour

This course is designed to meet the needs of students anticipating careers in the health sciences. The course will focus on the origin and contemporary meaning of medical terms. This course does not count toward the natural science requirement.

SCI 111 Physical Science

4 hours

A basic course dealing with important aspects of the physical and chemical world. Topics include the development of the scientific method, Galileo, Newton and the study of motion, work, energy, electricity and light, elements and the Periodic Law, compounds and chemical bonds, and the chemical nature of matter. The laboratory program will stress the development of skills in designing and conducting laboratory experiments. This course is intended for the student with no special background in science or mathematics. Strongly recommended for elementary education majors. (NWL)

SCI 112 Energy and the Physical World

4 hours

The unifying theme of energy molds the physical concepts of motion, gravitation, electromagnetism, heat, radiation, and nuclear physics. Solar, wind, nuclear, tidal, hydroelectric, and thermal electric energy conversion processes are also included. This course is intended for the general student with no special background in mathematics or science. (Same as ENVS 112 and PHYS 112) (NWL)

SCI 121 Introduction to Astronomy

4 hours

A course designed to develop an understanding and appreciation of our larger environment, the physical universe itself: planets, stars, galaxies, and space. Instruments and methods used in astronomical investigations. The Spitz planetarium is used throughout the course. Occasional evening observation periods using both the naked eye and the telescope. (NWL)

SCI 123 Introduction to Meteorology

4 hours

Topics may include, but are not limited to, origin and composition of the atmosphere, atmospheric variables and measurement, solar radiation and the earth's energy budget, precipitation forms and processes. Significant attention is given to the mechanics and thermodynamics of atmospheric circulations on a broad range of scale: planetary (short-term climate considerations), synoptic (week-long circulations such as mid-latitude cyclones and hurricanes), and mesoscale (hours-long events such as convective complexes and supercells). Students will participate in forecasting activities. (NWNL)

SCI 125 Great Ideas in Natural Science

A look at how our understanding of the natural world has grown over the past 500 years. This course will examine a set of important concepts selected from the fields of astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics and psychology. Specific topics will include the origin of the universe, atomic theory of matter, the chemical nature of the physical and biological systems and biological evolution. The growth of each topic will be traced through the accumulation of experimental evidence and the formulation of theories. Similarities and distinctions among topics will be highlighted. (NWNL)

SCI 127 The Science of Science Fiction

4 hours

An examination of the scientific principles contained in a number of popular science fiction books and movies. Designed to acquaint the student with many of the major principles of the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology), while examining the relationship between science and fantasy. In addition, the ways in which popular science fiction affects how the public views science will be examined. No previous background in science or math is required. (NWNL)

SCI 130 Principles of Nutrition

4 hours

An introductory course emphasizing the biochemical and practical aspects of nutrition. This course will include the study of nutrients, metabolism, dietary guidelines, nutrition for various age groups, and diet therapy. This course does not fulfill the laboratory science requirement. (NWNL)

SCI 139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics

Credit arr.

SCI 185 First-year Seminar

4 hours

A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January Term.

SCI 355 Pharmacology

2 hours

A study of selected drug groups and their effects, correlated with pathophysiology content. Offered every fall concurrently with NURS 350, 353, 360, and SCI 361. Taught in Rochester. Prerequisite: Junior level status in nursing major, NURS 231, 232.

SCI 361 Pathophysiology I

2 hours

A study of the alterations in biological processes which disrupt homeostasis. Relation of an understanding of normal body functions to the physiologic changes that occur as the result of trauma, disease, and treatment of disease. This course will deal with pathophysiology of a variety of body systems. Taught in Rochester. Prerequisites: BIO 116 or BIO 255 and a course in chemistry.

SCI 362 Pathophysiology II

2 hours

A study of the alterations in biological processes which disrupt homeostasis. Relation of an understanding of normal body functions to the physiologic changes that occur as the result of trauma, disease, and treatment of disease. This course will deal with pathophysiology of a variety of body systems. Taught in Rochester. Prerequisite: SCI 361.