2006-07 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Science (SCI)
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.
SCI 101 Fundamentals of Physics
2c-2l-2.5cr
Prerequisite: Elementary Education major or instructor permission
A conceptual course in physics for Elementary Education majors. High school physics is not a prerequisite. Class and lab presentations concentrate upon dispelling naive concepts and developing a better understanding and appreciation of the physical world. The topics of motion, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the nucleus are presented in context with everyday experiences. Does not fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement except for majors in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education/PreK-Grade 6.
SCI 102 Fundamentals of Chemistry
2c-2l-2.5cr
Prerequisite: Elementary Education major or instructor permission
A survey of chemical principles and concepts. The nature of chemical reactions as applied to technology and their applications to society. The world of consumer chemistry is explored. The goal is to develop a chemical literacy for the student. A series of laboratory exercises develops concept understanding and process skills. Some individual and group projects are included. Does not fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement except for majors in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education/PreK-Grade 6.
SCI 103 Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science
2c-2l-2.5cr
An introduction to geology, astronomy, oceanography, and meteorology for Elementary Education majors. Emphasizes the understanding of large-scale processes and how the earth, solar system, and universe work. Lab experiences include hands-on work with earth materials and with instruments from subjects, maps, and field trips, which may occur during class times, nights, and weekends. Does not fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement except for majors in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education/PreK-Grade 6.
SCI 104 Fundamentals of Environmental Biology
2c-2l-2.5cr
A basic introduction to the major concepts and principles of ecology and their application to modern living for majors in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education/PreK-Grade 6.
3c-2l-4cr
A descriptive and conceptual course in physics for the non-Science major. High school physics is not a prerequisite. Content is designed to develop an understanding and appreciation of the physical world around us, to produce changes in attitude and background essential for our modern society, and to clarify the following topics: motion, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter.
3c-2l-4cr
A basic course in environmental and consumer chemistry for the non-Science major. High school chemistry is not a prerequisite. Major topics include humankind’s use and abuse of soil, water, air, and energy resources, global food production and hunger, the nuclear industry, and the threat of nuclear war. Consumer topics include vitamins and nutrition, food additives, pesticides, and drugs.
SCI 201 Great Ideas in Science
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: No majors in Physics, Chemistry, Geoscience, Biology, Biochemistry or Natural Science
Introduces the great ideas in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Geoscience, and Biology at a level designed to deepen students’ understanding of the natural world around them and allow them to address intelligently those public issues that are based on science.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.