Course Listings

Introduction to Physical Science

NSCI 100 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: MATH 105, STAT 200, or a higher MATH or STAT course. An introduction to the basic principles of physics and chemistry, with applications to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The objective is to use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about topics related to physical science. Discussion covers the development of scientific thinking, the scientific method, the relationships among the various physical sciences, the role of the physical sciences in interpreting the natural world, and the integrated use of technology. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 100, NSCI 100, or NSCI 103.

Physical Science Laboratory

NSCI 101 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: MATH 105, STAT 200, or a higher MATH or STAT course. Prerequisite or corequisite: NSCI 100. A laboratory study of the basic principles of physics and chemistry, with applications to geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. The objective is to apply the scientific method and use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about experimental results in the physical sciences. Discussion and laboratory activities cover the development of scientific thinking, the scientific method, the relationships among the various physical sciences, and the role of the physical sciences in interpreting the natural world.

Introduction to Oceanography

NSCI 110 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Not for students majoring or minoring in science.) A survey of the major physical and chemical facets of the oceans. Topics include the properties of water, air-sea interactions, waves, tides, and coastal geology; plate tectonics; and resources of the sea. Marine life and ecology are briefly introduced. Current topics such as El Nino, global warming, and the effects of human activity on the oceans are also discussed. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 110 or NSCI 110.

Natural Sciences Laboratory

NSCI 120 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: MATH 105, STAT 200, or a higher MATH or STAT course. A study of the basic principles of science investigation and observation. The objective is to apply knowledge of the natural world and experimental design to address questions about physical, chemical, geological and ecological phenomena. Activities include observation of the natural world, experiments, measurements, data collection, and quantitative reasoning exercises.

Weather and Climate

NSCI 170 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An introduction to the basic principles of atmospheric science. The goal is to use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about topics related to atmospheric science. Topics include the effect of different weather elements (such as temperature, pressure, winds, and humidity) on weather patterns and climate. Discussion also covers weather phenomena such as El Nino, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and midlatitude cyclones, as well as the impact of humans on Earth's atmosphere. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 170, GNSC 398D, or NSCI 170.

Weather and Climate Laboratory

NSCI 171 | 1 Credit

Course Desc: (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite or corequisite: NSCI 170. An introduction to the basic concepts of meteorology. The aim is to apply the scientific method and use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about experimental results in meteorology. Focus is on the observation, measurement, and analysis of weather data, including the interpretation of weather patterns and conditions found on weather maps, satellite images, radar imagery, and atmosphere diagrams. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 171 or NSCI 171.

Laboratory Management and Safety

NSCI 301 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Recommended: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S. An overview of the role of scientific methodology, data handling, and management practices in research and manufacturing laboratories. The aim is to examine scientific principles; research and development practices; safety and health compliance; and management of laboratory personnel, space, inventory, and equipment. Assignments will address laboratory operating systems, finances and recordkeeping, safety regulations and procedures, data management, project planning, problem solving, procurement, personnel training, and communication with a broad array of stakeholders. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GNSC 301, MEDT 301, or NSCI 301.

Our Environment: Human Impact and Sustainable Choices

NSCI 362 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A scientific examination of the impact humans have had on the global environment in the current era, the Anthropocene. The goal is to apply scientific reasoning to evaluate human impact on the environment and strategies to mitigate this impact. Topics address sustainability as it relates to individual choices, collective responsibility, environmental stewardship, energy use, diet, and consumer behavior. Current scientific research is used to explore environmental issues such as population growth, climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity losses, food security, and the economic implications of making sustainable choices. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BEHS 361, BEHS 365, ENMT 365, GNSC 361, HUMN 360, NSCI 361, or NSCI 362.

Special Topics in Natural Science

NSCI 398 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of topics in the sciences of special interest to students and faculty.