Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

NSCI 1000
Earth Science [Course/Lab] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course deals with the dynamics of the surrounding physical environment. It stresses the concepts and principles of geology and meteorology. Lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and required field studies are used to help the student better understand the environment. (Offered alternate years)

NSCI 1010
Fundamentals of Physical Science [Course/Lab] (4) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to examine the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and earth science through the use of interactive lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory activities. Topics in physics (energy, motion, heat, electricity, magnetism, sound, and light), chemistry (atomic theory, chemical composition, structure, reactivity, acids/bases), and earth science (rocks and minerals, astronomy, earth and moon motions, weather and climate, and diastrophism) are explored to give students a better understanding of the physical world around them. Course fee applicable.

NSCI 1200
General Astronomy [Course/Lab] (4) (Liberal Arts)
Students learn the history of the night sky, and why it was so important to our ancestors. Students will also learn the planets of the Solar System, what makes eclipses and tides, and our place in the Milky Way; discover the life cycle of stars and what causes their different size & color; uncover what they are made of, and how we know, despite the distance. In lab, students will use physical equipment and simulations to foster an understanding of astronomy and scientific methods. Course fee applicable.

NSCI 2070
Introduction to Forensic Science [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides an introduction to the problems and techniques of scientific criminal investigation. Discussion is focused on the fundamental principles of the physical and biological sciences with concern for the application of these principles as an aid to the resolution of legal questions. The value and assistance of various scientific aids to the police officer, detective, or evidence technician in criminal investigations are examined. Also listed as CRJU 2070.

NSCI 2070
Introduction to Forensic Science [Laboratory] (1) (Liberal Arts)
This laboratory is designed to provide hands-on experiences in Forensic Science laboratory work.

NSCI 2950
Life Learning Experience [Life Learning Paper] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
In this course students apply the theories that support learning from personal experience. Students will draw from the works of educators such as Dewey, Piaget, Lindeman, and Kolb. They will write a life-learning essay on an approved topic.

NSCI 3000
Special Topics in Science [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to meet the general education requirement for a lab science. This will be an interdisciplinary science course which may include topics from biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, and physics. Each course will focus on a specific topic but will incorporate discussions of case studies, relevant current events, ethical implications of the applications of scientific knowledge in this area and possible future research areas in the sciences.. A one hour lab session is required.

NSCI 3000
Special Topics in Science [Laboratory] (1) (Liberal Arts)
This course is designed to meet the general education requirement for a lab science. This will be an interdisciplinary science course which may include topics from biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, and physics. Each course will focus on a specific topic but will incorporate discussions of case studies, relevant current events, ethical implications of the applications of scientific knowledge in this area and possible future research areas in the sciences.. A one hour lab session is required.

NSCI 3010
MCAT Preparatory Course [Course] ()
This course will cover the fundamental concepts and theories predicted to show up on the Medical College Admissions Test. Topics explored come from an array of social and natural science courses including General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry I & II, General Physics I & II, General Biology I & II, Biochemistry, Psychology, Sociology, and various forms of literature. Important topics from the stated courses will be briefly discussed and applied using practice passages and MCAT style questions. This course will also help with the preparation required when applying to medical school by working through and developing a study calendar and personal statement. Prerequisites : BIOL 1110, BIOL 1120, BCHE 3050, CHEM 1110, CHEM 1120, CHEM 2110, CHEM 2120, PHYS 1001, PHYS 1002, PSYC 1010, and SOCS 1010 (course fee applicable).

NSCI 3610
Foundations of Science for Adolescence Teachers [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course uses an inquiry approach to investigate the methods and materials used in scientific research and experimentation. Topics will be drawn from the New York State Science Core Curriculum. Students will investigate scientific concepts, principles and theories in both life and physical science, including the historical development of ideas in science. This is a five-week course open only to Junior and Senior Education majors.