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2005 - 2007 Catalog

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2005-2007 Catalog Index

Natural Sciences

General Information    Program Description    Lower Division Courses    Upper Division Courses

 

Dean:  Thomas Meyer

Department Office:  Science Building I, 104

Telephone:  (661) 654-3450

email:  nsm@csub.edu

Website:  www.csub.edu/nsme/teaching.htx

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Program Description

 

The Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics offer a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences.  This degree has been designed primarily to meet the need for science subject matter preparation for those students seeking a single subject teaching credential.  This degree also offers, however, a broad and interdisciplinary foundation in the sciences necessary for direct employment in business, industry, and government, where scientific and technical skills are in great demand.

 

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) has certified this program as satisfying the subject matter requirements for a Secondary Teaching Credential in Science.  This subject matter program replaces the former Single Subject preparation in Life Science and the Single Subject preparation in Physical Science.  As such, the program offers a broad foundation in all four of the natural science areas (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics) as well as depth preparation in two of the four areas.

 

The program consists of three components:  I. Primary Concentration (major) II. Secondary Concentration (minor), and III. Cognates (breadth).  A student may major in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Physics; minor in one of the other three sciences; and take cognates in the other two sciences, Math, and Astronomy.  For example, a student might major in Chemistry and minor in Biology.  Then s/he would take cognates in Geology, Physics, Math, and Astronomy.  Another example could be that a student might major in Geology and minor in Physics.  Then s/he would take cognates in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Astronomy.

 

For students who already have a degree and would like to be certified as subject matter competent in the sciences, the procedure described below forms the basis of the Subject Matter Waiver Program.  Additional information may be obtained from the Office of the Dean, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, SCI I, Room 104 (661-654-3450).  For admission to the Single Subject Credential Program, please contact the School of Education (661-654-3134).

 

For each concentration, Science 360C is recommended to satisfy General Education Theme I and INST 312 for Theme II. For Subject Matter Certification, a minimum grade of C- is required in each course.  Except for Senior Seminar (490) all courses must be completed with their respective laboratory components.

 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences (choose one of four primary concentrations)

 

Primary Concentration in Biology

BIOL 201, 202, 203, 304, 305, 306, 470, 490 and 318 or 357 plus one upper division Biology laboratory course acceptable for the Major.

 

a.   Secondary Concentration in Chemistry & Cognates

      CHEM 211, 212, 213 plus two upper division Chemistry courses

      Cognates: GEOL 201 and 205 or 308, PHYS 110, 201 or 221, 202 or 222, and 203 or 223

b.   Secondary Concentration in Geology & Cognates

      GEOL 201, 303, and 205 or 308 plus two from GEOL 307, 309, and 320

      Cognates: CHEM 211 and 212 PHYS 110, 201 or 221, 202 or 222, and 203 or 223.

c.   Secondary Concentration in Physics & Cognates

      PHYS 110, 221, 222, 223, 307 and 324

      Cognates: CHEM 211 and 212, GEOL 201 and 205 or 308; MATH 201, 202, and 222.

 

Primary Concentration in Chemistry

CHEM 211, 212, 213, 331, 332, 400, 490 plus one upper division Chemistry course acceptable for the Major.

 

a.   Secondary Concentration in Biology & Cognates

      BIOL 201, 202, 203, 304, 305, and 306 or 470

      Cognates: GEOL 201 and 205 or 308, PHYS 110, 201 or 221, 202 or 222, and 203 or 223.

b.   Secondary Concentration in Geology & Cognates

      GEOL 201, 303, and 205 or 308 plus two from GEOL 307, 309, and 320

      Cognates: BIOL 201, 202, and 203, PHYS 110, 201 or 221, 202 or 222, and 203 or 223.

c.   Secondary Concentration in Physics & Cognates

      PHYS 110, 221, 222, 223, 307 and 324

      Cognates:  BIOL 201, 202, and 203, GEOL 201 and 205 or 308; MATH 201, 202, and 222.

 

Primary Concentration in Geology

GEOL 201, 205 or 308, 303, 306, 307, 309, 320, and 490

 

a.   Secondary Concentration in Biology & Cognates

      BIOL 201, 202, 203, 304, 305, and 306 or 470

      Cognates: CHEM 211 and 212, PHYS 110, 201 or 221, 202 or 222, and 203 or 223.

b.   Secondary Concentration in Chemistry & Cognates

      CHEM 211, 212, 213, and two upper division Chemistry courses;

      Cognates: BIOL 201, 202, and 203, PHYS 110, 201 or 221, 202 or 222, and 203 or 223.

c.   Secondary Concentration in Physics & Cognates

      PHYS 110, 221, 222, 223, 307 and 324

      Cognates:  BIOL 201, 202, and 203, CHEM 211 and 212; MATH 201, 202, and 222.

 

Primary Concentration in Physics

PHYS 110, 221, 222, 223, 307, 324, 490 plus 6 units of additional upper division physics acceptable for the major.  MATH 201,202, and 222.

 

a.   Secondary Concentration in Biology & Cognates

      BIOL 201, 202, 203, 304, 305, and 306 or 470

      Cognates: CHEM 211 and 212, GEOL 201 and 205 or 308

b.   Secondary Concentration in Chemistry & Cognates

      CHEM 211, 212, 213, and two upper division Chemistry courses

      Cognates: BIOL 201, 202, and 203, GEOL 201 and 205 or 308

c.   Secondary Concentration in Geology & Cognates

      GEOL 201, 303, and 205 or 308 plus two from GEOL 307, 309, and 320

      Cognates:  BIOL 201, 202, and 203, CHEM 211 and 212

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

The courses SCI 111, 112, 213, 214, 325A and 325B described below are designed to satisfy the science requirements for the subject matter preparation program leading to a multiple subject credential. The courses are open to majors in Liberal Studies and Child Adolescent and Family Studies and may not be used for science major or cognate requirements.

 

Lower Division

 

SCI 111 Introduction to Physics (4)

Introduction to various fundamental principles of physics. Topics to be covered include classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and basic astronomical concepts. Laboratory exercises will be assigned to complement lecture materials. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: Satisfaction of the Entry Level Mathematics requirement; MATH 221 recommended. Open only to majors in Liberal Studies or Child, Adolescent and Family Studies.

 

SCI 112 Introduction to Chemistry (4)

An introduction to basic chemical principles. Topics include: the periodic table of the elements, forms of matter and energy, molecular structure, chemical and physical properties. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisite: SCI 111. Open only to majors in Liberal Studies or Child, Adolescent and Family Studies.

 

SCI 213 Introduction to Biology (4)

Introduction to basic biological principles from the cellular to the ecosystem level. Topics include: properties of living systems; structure and function of cells, organs and organ systems; DNA; inheritance; reproduction; ecosystems. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: SCI 111 and SCI 112 or CHEM 150.  Open only to majors in Liberal Studies or Child, Adolescent and Family Studies.

 

SCI 214 Introduction to Earth Science (4)

Introduction to the fundamentals of Earth Science, including the solid Earth, atmosphere and hydrosphere, and the Solar System. Interactions between Earth systems including rock cycle, weathering, the hydrologic cycle, and climate. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Prerequisites: SCI 111 and  SCI 112 or CHEM 150. Open only to majors in Liberal Studies or Child, Adolescent and Family Studies.

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Upper Division

 

SCI 325A Integrated Life Science (4)

Fundamental principles of science (e.g. mechanics, thermodynamics) applied to biological systems, including ecology, evolution, and the human body. Laboratories focus on developing skills in the experimental method and processes of science with an integrated focus on biological topics. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory. Prerequisites: SCI 213 or BIOL 100, and SCI 214. Note: this is neither a methods of teaching nor curriculum development course; the focus is on science content and process for science literacy. Open only to majors in Liberal Studies or Child, Adolescent and Family Studies.

 

SCI 325B Integrated Earth Science (4)

Fundamental principles of science (e.g. mechanics of motion, electricity and magnetism, the bonding of elements, energy) applied to the Earth and Solar System through an integrated approach, with examples from California and Kern County. Two hours lecture and six hours laboratory. Prerequisites: SCI 213 or BIOL 100, and SCI 214. Note: this is neither a methods of teaching nor curriculum development course; the focus is on science content and process for science literacy. Open only to majors in Liberal Studies or Child, Adolescent and Family Studies.

 

SCI 350A The Nature of Science and Technology in a Modern Society (5)

The nature of science and technology will be explored with emphases placed on the structure of knowledge, and its use in society; the relationship of science and technology to a modern society will be considered in terms of approaches to problems, decision-making skills and effects on the quality of life.  Meets general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 350B Computers and Society (5)

This course will provide a framework for examining the social context and consequences of information technology. Society, social change, and effects on the individual related to the use of computers will be the major concentrations.  Emphases will include values, ethics, patterns, future directions, and relevant theories related to this phenomenon.  Prerequisite: upper division status.  Meets general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 360A Energy and Technology (5)

Energy in a technological society. Sources and resources of energy.  Effects of energy on the environment.  This course may not be used to satisfy physics major or minor requirements. Prerequisite:  completion of lower division physical science and mathematics general education requirements.  Meets general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 360B Water and the West (5)

This course examines historical and present-day issues regarding the use of surface and ground water in the arid southwestern U.S.-particularly California-in an objective and scientific manner.  The course is intended for non-science majors and is designed to make them aware of the heavy impact that waste and contamination have on our finite water supply.  Prerequisite:  completion of lower division physical science general education requirements.  Meets general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 360C Introduction to Weather Dynamics (5)

This is an introductory course with a large on-line component on the fundamentals of atmospheric science.  Current weather data are accessed via the Internet, and learning activities are keyed to the day’s weather.  General topics are studied such as how one characterizes various phenomena and meteorological effects, and how these are measured.  This course may not be used to satisfy physics major or minor requirements.  Prerequisite:  completion of lower division physical science and mathematics general education requirements.  Meets general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 370A Human Biology (5)

Current topics in human biology, which include growth and development, form and function, fitness and health, interaction with the environment, and evolution.  Five hours lecture.  Not acceptable for major or minor.  Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B.  Satisfies general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 370B Earth Systems and Global Change (5)

Origin, development and systematic links between the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.  Human effects on these systems:  causes, impacts and mitigations, with emphasis on current societal issues regarding local and global climatic and environmental change.  Prerequisite:  completion of lower division science and mathematics general education requirements.  Meets general education upper Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 370C Insects and People (5)

Overview of the global impact of insects on human concerns, including the overwhelming abundance and diversity of insects, the role of insects as disease vectors to humans, livestock, and pets, and the impact of insects as agricultural pests, and pollinators.  This course may not be used to satisfy biology major or minor requirements.  Prerequisite:  completion of General Education Areas A and B.  Meets general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

 

SCI 380B California Geology and Society (5)

Introduction to the Geology of California with emphasis on the mutual interactions of society with its physical environment.  After a brief introduction of geology fundamentals, the course will cover the geological evolution of California, geological resources (e.g., minerals, raw building materials, petroleum, soils, groundwater), geological hazards (e.g., landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes), and societal impacts on the physical environment.  Examples will be regularly given from all over California.  Prerequisite:  completion of lower division science and mathematics general education requirements.  Meets upper division Theme 1 general education requirement.

 

SCI 477 Special Topics in Science (1-5)

Special Topics and prerequisites to be announced.  May be repeated for different topics.  Open to postgraduate students.  Interested students should contact the department office. Prerequisites:  PHYS 223, MATH 203 or permission of the instructor.

 

 

 

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