Natural Science Minor

Functional Anatomy and Physiology: Functional Anatomy and Physiology is a one semester, 3 credit lecture with a separate laboratory course designed to give the non-science major knowledge of the human body and its relationship with the environment. Topics covered include: the chemical basis of life, the anatomy & physiology of all organ systems, growth, development, heredity and biotechnology issues.

Functional Anatomy and Physiology Lab: Functional Anatomy and Physiology Lab is a 1-credit lab that students take at the same time as taking the lecture part of the course, Sc 120. It is laboratory designed to give the non-science major knowledge of the human body and its relationship with the environment. Topics covered parallel the lecture topics in Sc 120 and include: the chemical basis of life, the anatomy & physiology of all organ systems, growth, development, heredity and biotechnology issues.: : : :

Conceptual Physics is an introductory physics course with an integrated lab, intended primarily for non-science majors. In this course we will study motion, mechanics, gravity, heat, electricity, magnetism, optics, atomic, nuclear and molecular physics, and relativity. We will also learn about the process by which physicists attempt to understand the intriguing laws of nature. The course will be taught using a combination of lectures, classroom demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Understanding of the fundamental concepts rather than number crunching is emphasized in this course and the equations will serve to refine the concepts and facilitate student's thinking process. Ultimately, it is hoped that by taking this course the student will develop a better appreciation for the natural world.

Principles of Gen Chemistry: This course explores fundamental quantitative and qualitative principles of inorganic, organic and biological chemistry and provides a basic understanding of theoretical and applied aspects of general chemistry. Topics in inorganic chemistry include measurement, atomic theory and chemical bonding, chemical reactions and mass relationships, kinetic theory and gas laws, acids, bases, pH and buffers. Organic chemistry will provide an overview of the nomenclature, properties and reactivity of major groups of organic compounds, while biochemistry will focus on the chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and enzymes. An overview of biochemical energetics, nucleic acids and protein synthesis is also included.

Prin of Gen Chemistry Lab I: This is a laboratory class.: : : :

This course serves as an introduction to nutritional concepts and to the interconnections of health, nutrition, weight, and physical activity. This course is particularly appropriate for students with no science background.

General Biology I: General Biology I focuses on biological principles that are fundamental to all of biology. This course covers the diversity of life and the commonalities of all living things including: molecular structure, cell structure and function, metabolism, cell division, heredity, and genetics. This course will also review the scientific process and the evaluation of scientific information. This course will prepare students for future courses in anatomy and physiology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genomic biology, and other biological specialties. This course is limited to students in programs requiring this course or are intending to take further biology courses.

General Biology I Laboratory: This laboratory course is to be taken concurrently with SC 102. This course is designed to reinforce the fundamental biology concepts discussed in lecture and introduce students to laboratory procedures and the basics of the scientific method.: : : :

General Biology II: General Biology II is the continuation of a two-semester series in general biology for science majors. This course is designed to provide a thorough introduction to biology and prepare students for further study of evolution and ecology in SC 240. The goal of the course is to emphasize the diversity of species and for students to understand their relationship to, and their place in, the natural world. General Biology II is an introduction to the systematics, anatomy and physiology of the plant and animal kingdoms. This course will examine the structure and function of plant and animal organ systems in the framework of the evolution of adaptations. The course also concludes with an introduction to ecological systems.

General Biology I I Lab: This laboratory course is to be taken concurrently with SC 103. This course is designed to provide hands-on experience with plant and animal diversity, comparative anatomy and physiology, as well as the collection and analysis of lab and field data.: : : :

This course is a survey of the important topics in environmental science. Concepts of energy flow and nutrient cycling are explored in the context of human impacts upon these processes. Sources of pollution and their total effect on ecosystem and biosphere function are also explored. Management of material wastes and energy efficiency is an integral theme of the class. This class satisfies the laboratory science requirement with a series on in-class lab experiences and field trips.

Pathophysiology is the study of abnormal, diseased physiological processes. The course begins with an examination of altered cell functioning, injury and death. The course continues with pathophysiology of the body systems and inability of diseased systems to maintain homeostasis. Also included are topics in inflammation, immunity, neoplasia, and adaptations of the body to stress. Although aging is not considered a disease, some aspects of aging will be discussed.

This course examines the basic nutritional principles (biological, chemical and regulatory mechanisms); the changing nutritional requirements throughout the life cycle; the relationship between nutrition and disease; the principles of therapeutic nutrition (diet therapy) and the assessment of nutritional status.

This course explores the interaction of biotic and abiotic components in functioning ecosystems. It will examine topics in population distribution and dynamics, major terrestrial and aquatic habitats, community interactions such as competition and predation, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecosystem succession. The concurrently run lab will train students in identifying local flora and fauna, as well as collection and analysis of field data.

Microbiology: This course provides a broad understanding of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms and their roles in human welfare. Emphasis is placed on the structure, physiology, and control of human pathogens, particularly bacteria and viruses. The lab provides experience in important techniques of culturing, identifying, and controlling microorganisms.

Microbiology Lab: This is a laboratory class.: : : :

This is an introductory course that will describe, develop and create physical models for many of the observable astronomical events in the sky. The topics may include motion in the night sky, the solar system, light, stars, star groups, the origin of the universe, life in the universe, and UFO's.

Physics I: Physics I is the first course in a two semester general physics sequence. The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the concepts of force and motion, work and energy, fluids and gases, heat and thermodynamics, and periodic motion. The class meets for three hours each week in lecture and recitation, and two hours each week in the lab. This course assumes no prior background in physics.

Physics Lab I: This is a laboratory class.

Physics II: This course continues the development of the basic physical concepts begun in Sc 271. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic theory, relativity. Quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and elementary particles. The class meets for three hours each week in lecture and recitation, and two hours each week in the lab.

Physics Lab I I: This is a laboratory class.: :

This course is a detailed exploration of cell structure and function with an emphasis on the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix. Topics in membrane structure, transmembrane transport, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeletal organization, and macromolecular assembly processes are considered. Cell to cell communications and the role of the extracellular matrix in tissue level processes are also explored. Superficial examination is given to the structure and organization of the nucleus, chromosomes and gene expression to prepare students for the companion course entitled Genomic Biology.

This course is intended to provide the opportunity to offer introductory courses in science that would not normally be a part of the Husson curriculum. As such the topics will depend upon the interests of students and faculty.

This course examines changes within the human body due to the effects of acute and chronic exercise. The student is challenged to expand both their knowledge of and appreciation of human physiological reaction, regulation, and adaptation to exercise.