Physical Science Courses

Use this course listing to view descriptions of the courses offered for the term indicated as well as other course information such as prerequisites (if applicable) dates, times and campus location when available. Some courses are offered only in specific terms.

To view all courses for this program, uncheck "Hide Courses Not Offered This Term." If a course you need is not offered this term, please contact the department to find out when it next will be offered.

This course provides a comprehensive look at modern astronomy, emphasizing the use of the scientific method and the application of physical laws to understand the universe including earth and its environment. Throughout this course, students will develop the ability to discern scientific knowledge from non-scientific information by using critical thinking. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This is a basic astronomy laboratory for those registered in Introduction to Astronomy. Laboratory work will include constellation identification, telescope work, use of the planetarium and an introduction to the basic experimental techniques used in astronomy. Lab fee required.
In this course, topics of current interest are presented in group instruction. This course may be taken four times for credit.
This is a travel/study course combining preparation on campus, foreign travel, and study abroad in the discipline of Astronomy. Variable content depending on the program in which the student enrolls and the specific topics to be covered. Students must be 18 years of age on or before day of departure. Department consent is required for registration.
This course provides students with an introduction to chemical principles and applications for the non-science major. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the scientific method of problem solving, classification of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, gases, chemical reactions, energy, and chemical bonds. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course provides students with an introduction to chemical principles and applications for the non-science major. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the scientific method of problem solving, classification of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, gases, chemical reactions, energy, and chemical bonds. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course provides students with an introduction to chemical principles and applications for the non-science major. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the scientific method of problem solving, classification of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, gases, chemical reactions, energy, and chemical bonds. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This is a one-semester course designed to introduce the principles of chemistry to nursing and allied health students. It assumes no prior chemistry background. The course can also be used as a preparation for CHM 2045C. Topics will span general, organic and biological chemistry and cover problem-solving, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, bonding, gas laws, radioactivity, an introduction to organic chemistry, carbohydrates, acids/bases and other selected topics. Lab fee required.
This course provides students with an introduction to chemical principles and applications for the non-science major. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the scientific method of problem solving, classification of matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, gases, chemical reactions, energy, and chemical bonds. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is designed for students pursuing careers in the sciences or who need a more rigorous presentation of chemical concepts than is offered in an introductory course. Students will engage in problem solving and critical thinking while applying chemical concepts. Topics will include the principles of chemistry including atomic theory, electronic and molecular structure, measurement, stoichiometry, bonding, periodicity, thermochemistry, nomenclature, solutions, and the properties of gases. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.
An introduction to experimental chemistry, including separation techniques, qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, stoichiometry, titrations and spectroscopic analysis. Students will become proficient in a variety of laboratory techniques and data acquisition. Students must have already completed or be taking concurrently CHM 2045.
This course serves as a continuation of CHM 2045C. Topics covered include chemical bonding models, properties of solutions, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The course stresses integration of chemical knowledge. The laboratory is primarily qualitative analysis. Lab fee required.
This course serves as a continuation of CHM 2045C. Topics covered include chemical bonding models, properties of solutions, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The course stresses integration of chemical knowledge. The laboratory is primarily qualitative analysis. Lab fee required.
This course covers the basic principles of chemistry with applications of these principles to everyday phenomena. Lectures will include hands-on activities and demonstrations. Topics will vary to fit the specific needs of the teachers enrolled.
This course provides a basic introduction to all organic functional groups and nomenclature followed by detailed treatment of the relationship between structure and reactivity of organic molecules. Other topics include stereochemistry and synthesis. Lab fee required.
This course provides a continuation of CHM 2210C. Topics covered include the chemistry and reactions of alcohols, ethers, sulfur compounds, aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and amines. Various types of spectroscopy will be covered. Emphasis will be on reactivity, mechanisms and synthesis. Lab fee required.
In this course topics of current interest are presented in group instruction.
Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the earth system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize Earth’s connections with humans. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This is a basic laboratory course for those enrolled in Introduction to Earth Science. Laboratory work includes mineral and rock identification, the use of topographic maps, and an introduction to basic experimental techniques used in Earth science. Lab fee required.
This course is a survey of basic chemical, biological, and physical principles of environmental science and their applications to environmental issues. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines or programs. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is a survey of basic chemical, biological, and physical principles of environmental science and their applications to environmental issues. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines or programs. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course combines on campus lectures and preparation with travel to, and study of, unique ecosystems and the impact humans have upon them. Course content is focused on the region visited. Student must be 18 years of age on or before departure. Departmental permission is required for enrollment.
Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the earth system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize lithosphere connections with humanity. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Sciences requirement for degree seeking students.
Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the earth system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and exosphere through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize lithosphere connections with humanity. Field trips may be required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Sciences requirement for degree seeking students. Lab fee required.
This course provides an introduction to the fossil record of life on Earth. Focus will be on modes of preservation, identification of fossil material, evolution and the fossil record of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. A field trip may be required.
The purpose of this course is to guide students through the process of reading and understanding current scientific literature. Through highly directed analysis students will learn to get the most out of reading primary scientific publications. Guest speakers will be invited to discuss their current research projects, exposing students to some of the research currently being done in the areas of biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics. Students will have opportunities to engage in conversations with these researchers.
This course will focus on careers in science. Various scientific professionals from the community will present information about their work followed by a question and answer period. Research into a variety of scientific careers will be required.
The purpose of this course is to expose students to the relationship between science and the environment. Students will be required to participate in field trips and/or service projects.
This beginning course is designed to acquaint students with the elementary characteristics of the atmosphere. Students with an interest in aviation would especially benefit from many units taught in the course. Units include a study of atmospheric structure, heat budget, winds, air pollution, local and regional weather forecasting and more. Weather products are downloaded from the Internet and used throughout the course. Optional field trips included.
This course explores the scientific principles that govern the Earth's climate, climate change and variability and its implications for society. It will also examine the relationship between climate and human activities. Topics include global warming, sea-level changes, past climates, types of climate, climate policy and more.
Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the ocean system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize oceanic connections with humanity. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.
Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the ocean system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize oceanic connections with humanity. Laboratory experiments are chosen that support these topics. Lab fee required. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course covers the descriptive and quantitative study of forces, momentum, energy and rotational dynamics and the application of these concepts to theme park attractions. This course meets the requirements for professional and technical students needing an algebra-based physics course. Laboratory experiments that support these topics will be conducted.
This course offers a comprehensive survey of physics, covering a wide range of topics including motion, newton's laws, energy, sound, heat, electricity, magnetism, and optics. emphasizing a conceptual understanding of physics, the course integrates critical thinking skills and real-world applications. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is a laboratory complement of PHY 1020. Experiments will be selected to illustrate and reinforce the physics concepts introduced in the Conceptual Physics class. Lab fee required.
This course is the first in a two-part series intended for non-physics majors, offering an algebra and trigonometry approach to topics such as kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. The course fosters analytical and critical thinking skills to promote a scientific understanding of the real world. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is the first in a two-part series intended for non-physics majors, offering an algebra and trigonometry approach to topics such as kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. The course fosters analytical and critical thinking skills to promote a scientific understanding of the real world. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is the same laboratory as contained in PHY 1053C. Topics covered include mechanics, harmonic motion and sound. This course is intended for students who are currently taking an advanced placement physics lecture course and will take this course as dual enrollment.
This course contains the descriptive and quantitative study of electricity, magnetism and applications of electromagnetism. This course meets the requirements for professional and technical students needing an algebra-based physics course. Lab fee required.
This calculus-based course serves as the first in a two-part series, covering topics like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications. Lab fee required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This honors calculus-based course serves as the first in a two-part series, covering topics like kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications. Lab fee required. Honors level content. Acceptance into the Honors program or permission from the Honors Director required. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Natural Science requirement for degree seeking students.
This course is the same laboratory as contained in PHY 2048C. Topics covered include mechanics, harmonic motion and sound. This course is intended for students who are currently taking an advanced placement physics with calculus lecture course and will take this course as dual enrollment.
This physics course is designed for science, engineering and mathematics majors. Topics studied include electricity, magnetism and topics of electromagnetism. Lab fee required.
This honors physics course is designed for science, engineering and mathematics majors. Topics studied include electricity, magnetism and topics of electromagnetism. Lab fee required.
This course is an overview of local, regional and global sustainability with the goal of helping students recognize and engage with the interplay between environmental, socio-cultural and economic forces that affect our ability to achieve sustainability. Topics will include the science of climate change, pollution, environmental ethics and politics, renewable energy and sustainability in the built environment.

Physical Science-Related Programs of Study

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Contact

Harriette Gooden-Gunther
Physical Sciences, Office Supervisor
407.708.2203
SLM Campus, S-117