Science Course Changes in the Core

DATE: April 7, 2000

FROM: Larry Spears

Effective fall 2000 the UHD six hour natural science core requirement will read "two lecture/laboratory courses in the Natural Sciences." In response to this, our department has created six new courses to satisfy this requirement. In addition we will continue to offer thirteen other first year lecture/laboratory courses that can also satisfy this requirement.

  1. The new courses are:

    2. BIOL 1310 Introduction to Biology I (3-2-2)

    Prerequisite: Credit or enrollment in ENG 1301.

    An integrated lecture/laboratory approach to biology for non-science majors. This course will include a study of the scientific method, how it compares to other methods of inquiry, and the relationship between science and technology. Emphasis will be placed on the biology of the individual including composition of human cells, the organization of the human body, and the functions of its organ systems. Issues related to animal experimentation, genetic engineering, cloning, human reproduction, and contraception will be discussed. Laboratory activities will be experimental in nature, and include the use of a variety of instruments and techniques used by scientists to study biological phenomena.

    BIOL 1312 Introduction to Biology II (3-2-2)

    Prerequisite: BIOL 1310

    An integrated lecture/laboratory course designed for non-science majors. This course will expand the study of biology to the environment outside the human body. Major themes will include adaptation to environmental conditions and change, evolution, the diversity of life forms, how humans interact with and affect other organisms, overpopulation, and human alteration of the physical environment. Laboratory activities will be investigative in nature and relate to the lecture topics.

    GEOL 1307 Earth Science I (3-2-2)

    An integrated lecture-laboratory approach to physical geology that will employ traditional and specimen approaches along with petrography and computer exercises. Geomorphology and structural geology will be integrated with basic map reading and will consider public debates on seismic risk analysis, coastal erosion, stream/flood control, and the influences these have on modern culture. (GEOL1303)

    GEOL 1308 Earth Science II (3-2-2)

    Prerequisite: GEOL 1307 or equivalent

    An integrated lecture-laboratory approach to historical geology that will employ hand specimen and other techniques for the identification of fossils and will include major controversies involving the tempo and mode in evolution as well as discussion of the origin of life and coevolution of our planet and life on it. Exercises will teach principles of structure geology, sequence of events, fundamental stratigraphic concepts and graphic correlation. These various structural and stratigraphic analyses will be united in interpretation of geologic maps and their application to human culture. (GEOL 1304)

    PHYS 1301 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy (3-2-2)

    Prerequisite: Credit or enrollment in MATH 1301 or 1310

    This course is a survey of the history of astronomy, its technologies and physical principles, the solar system and its origins. Recent discoveries and the competing theories to interpret them are discussed, as are interactions between astronomy and society such as technology spin-offs and light pollution. Students are introduced to scientific measurement and error. Indoor and outdoor experiments are integrated into the course, including the use of telescopes and photography of the moon. Recent data provided by NASA and other agencies are introduced.

    PHYS 1302 Introduction to Stellar and Galactic Astronomy (3-2-2)

    Prerequisite: Credit or enrollment in MATH 1301 or 1310

    This course is a survey of stellar and galactic systems. The course surveys the evolution and properties of stars, galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the properties of interstellar matter, cosmology and the effort to find extraterrestrial life. Competing theories that address recent discoveries are discussed. The role of technology in space sciences, the spin-offs and implications of such are presented. Visual observations and laboratory exercises illustrating various techniques in astronomy integrated into the course. Recent results obtained by NASA and other agencies are introduced.

  2. Other first-year courses that we will continue to offer:

    3. BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 1303/1103, 1304/1104, 1305/1105

    CHEM 1305/1105, 1306/1106, 1307/110, 1308/1108

    PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108

  3. The following first-year courses will be discontinued:

BIOL 1308/1108 and 1309/1109

PHYS 1305/1105 and 1306/1106