Natural Sciences

Program Coordinator: Carl Kloock
Program Office: Science Building I, 205
Telephone: (661) 654-3021
email: nsm@csub.edu
Website: www.nsm.cs.csub.edu

Program Description

The Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics offer a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences. This degree program offers the required subject matter content to help prepare prospective science teachers apply for the subject matter certification in California by taking the California Subject Matter Examinations for Teachers (CSET) in Science. The BA degree in Natural Sciences prepares the candidate for the CSET Science exams, which consist of three exams: two covering breadth in science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth/Planetary Science and Physics), and one covering depth in one of these areas, corresponding to the Primary concentration. Passage of the CSET in Science is required to certify subject matter competency before entering a teacher credential program. Consult your advisor or the School of Education for details on other entry requirements for pursuing a secondary teaching credential. The BA in Natural Sciences 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. While this broad foundation has been developed for prospective teachers, it also serves as excellent preparation for employment in any area of business, industry or government where scientific skills are in demand.

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. They must also minor in one of the other three sciences and take cognates in the remaining two sciences, Math, and Astronomy. For example, a student might major in Chemistry with a minor in Biology and take cognates in Geology, Physics, Math, and Astronomy. Another example could be that a student might major in Geology with a minor in Physics and 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, please see www.cset.nesinc.com for information on the CSET Exams.

For each concentration, Science 360C is recommended to satisfy General Education Theme I and INST 312 for Theme II. 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.

Primary Concentration in Chemistry

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

Primary Concentration in Geology

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

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.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers several courses with the SCIENCE prefix. The courses SCI 111, 112, 213, 214, 325A and 325B 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.

The remaining courses are offered as options to satisfy the General Education Theme I requirement in Natural Sciences and Technology.

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. 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 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.

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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies 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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies 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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies 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 nonscience majors and is designed to make them aware of the heavy impact that waste and contamination have on our finite water supply. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies 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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies 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. Prerequisites: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies general education upper division 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. Five hours lecture. This course may not be used to satisfy biology major or minor requirements. Prerequisite: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

SCI 370D Biology of Sex (5)

Why do humans have sex in private and for fun rather than procreation? Human sexual practices are unusual when compared with animals, plants and microorganisms in that humans have menopause, concealed ovulation, and monogamy. In this course human sexuality is compared against the broad spectrum of sex in all organisms. 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 I requirement.

SCI 370E Microbiology and the Human Condition (5)

Introduces the non-science student to the wonders of the incredible diversity in the unseen microbial world that flourishes in and around us. Emphasizes the relevance of microbes and their role in everyday lives, especially their roles in communicable and sexually transmitted diseases, food borne illnesses and bioterrorism. Five hours lecture. Not acceptable for the major or minor. Prerequisite: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.

SCI 380A California Natural History (5)

Plants, animals, ecology and biogeography of California with emphasis on fostering an appreciation of the relationships between people and California’s amazing biodiversity. 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 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: Successful completion of General Education Areas A and B. Satisfies general education upper division Theme 1 requirement.