Natural Sciences Program Courses

ASTR 1033 Elements of Astronomy
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
A study of astronomy from the past to the present including examinations of the solar system, properties of stars, and characteristics of galaxies.

ASTR 1041 Elements of Astronomy Laboratory
1 credit: 2 hours laboratory
A laboratory course to supplement Astronomy 1033

ASTR 3503 Advanced Astronomy
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ASTR 1033
Analysis, makeup, and operation of planetary systems; star formation and types; classes and variations of galaxies; operation of the universe.

ASTR 4652 Special Topics
2 credits: 2 hours lecture
Selected topics from the areas of astronomy designed to be of particular interest and use to in-service teachers. May be taken by regular students only with permission of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit.

ESCI 1051 Elements of Geology Laboratory
1 credit: 2 hours laboratory
Corequisite: ESCI 1063
Identification of minerals and rocks, introduction to maps, methodology of absolute and relative age dating. Introduction to structural geology.

ESCI 1063 Elements of Geology
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Corequisite: ENGL 1013
Materials of the Earth's crust and the processes and agents which affect them; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and Earth history.

ESCI 1073 Earth and Atmosphere
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Corequisite: ESCI 1081
Survey of the nature of the Earth's hydrosphere in terms of composition, origin, and physical processes; weather, climate, oceans, streams, groundwater, and glaciers.

ESCI 1081 Earth and Atmosphere Laboratory
1 credit: 2 hours laboratory
Corequisite: ESCI 1073
Exercises involving interpretation of oceanic data, methodology of collecting weather data, stream and groundwater flow problems.

ESCI 1123 Meteorology
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Corequisite: ESCI 1131
Survey of the Earth’s Atmosphere in terms of weather patterns and climate changes.

ESCI 1131 Meteorology Laboratory
1 credit: 2 hours laboratory
Corequisite: ESCI 1123
Exercises involving interpretation of weather and climate data.

ESCI 222V Field Geology
Variable credit
NOTE: May be repeated for a maximum of 3 hours credit.
Introduction to the methods of field investigation and interpretation of geological features. The purpose and scope of the course will vary from trip to trip.

ESCI 3473 Earth Resources
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ESCI 1063
Origin, classification, and distribution of the Earth's economic minerals, rocks, water, and fossil fuels.

ESCI 3493 Environmental Science
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: 3 hours of biology or earth science
NOTE: Same as BIOL 3493
A survey of the environment to provide an understanding of and respect for the ecosystems upon which the human species is dependent. Fall offering in even-numbered years.

ESCI 358V Natural History
Variable credit
Prerequisite: 3 hours biology or earth science
NOTE: May be taken for a maximum of 3 hours credit. Same as BIOL 358V, FOR 358V, and WLF 358V.
A field course in geology and biology of natural ecosystems, consisting of travel, study, and/or research in unique natural areas of North America.

SCED 3653 Science for Middle School Teachers
3 credits: 3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: 8 hours of laboratory science courses
Selected topics in astronomy, earth science, and physical science and their interrelationships. Discovery, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences.

SCED 468V Science Teaching Methods
Variable credit, may be repeated for a maximum of 4 hours
Prerequisites: 20 hours of laboratory science
Methods and strategies of secondary science instruction in biology, chemistry, physics and physical science. Development of lesson plans and teaching of laboratory activities will be emphasized. Clinical experience in freshman-level science laboratories will constitute a major part of the course.