Integrated Science Course Descriptions

BIO 150 Biology I: From Molecules to Cells 4 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foundational courses;
Term 1, Fee: yes
Biology 150 is a course which, together with Biology 151, is designed to give the student a broad experience in the biological sciences. This course emphasizes the cellular and molecular aspects of biology. Science majors, including many health professionals, are the intended audience. Laboratory included.

BIO 151 Biology II: Unity & Diversity of Life 4 Credits
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foundational courses;
Term 2, Fee: yes
This course is designed to give the student a broad experience in the biological sciences. In this course we deal mainly with the organismal and supra-organismal levels of biological organization. Evolution will be the unifying theme. The diversity, form, function, and ecology of organisms will be covered, with particular emphasis on plants and animals. Science majors, including many health professionals, are the intended audience. Laboratory included.

BIO 201 Ecology & The Environment 4 hours
Prerequisites: Any LS 105 requirement
This course is a survey of the biological, chemical, and physical environmental problems caused by overpopulation. Topics covered are: the interrelationship of all living things with the environment, ecological principles, land resources, energy, land pollution, pest control, water and air pollution, endangered species, and preserving the environment.

BIO 257 Human Anatomy & Physiology 4 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of developmental and foundational courses;
BIO 150, BIO 151
This course is a survey of human anatomy and physiology with selected labs. Topics include: cells; metabolism; tissues; the integumentary system; skeletal and articular systems; muscular system; digestive system; blood, cardiovascular and lymphatic
circulatory systems; endocrine system; respiratory system; urinary and reproductive systems; and the nervous system.

ENV 135 Earth Science 4 hours
Prerequisite: LS 105
Physical and chemical processes related to the past, present and future behavior of the Earth system and the energy systems that drive these processes. The course will focus on the Earth’s materials, the Earth’s surface and the Earth’s interior. Laboratory included.

ENV 300 Weather & Climate 4 hours
Prerequisite: ENV 130 or ENV 135
This course will orient you to the fundamentals of weather and climate. The course seeks to answer questions such as: Why is there weather in the first place? What drives the movement of air and water around the globe? How do the climates of various places differ, and what factors drive these differences? Why do the great majority of the world’s peoples live near the coasts? How might the climate be changing, and what factors might be driving these changes? Various aspects of meteorology will be discussed, including solar radiation, global circulation, winds, stability, precipitation processes, weather systems, and severe weather. Basic physical principles behind the weather, terminology, and weather analysis will be explored. Laboratory included.

CHM 130 Chemical Science 4 hours
Prerequisite: MTH 099
A descriptive and mathematical look at chemistry for the non-scientist. Conceptual
development and problem solving are emphasized. Introduction to concepts of chemistry, language and theories for general and organic chemistry. Study of atomic theory, acid-base theories, mole concept and biological molecules. Laboratory included.

PHY 135 Conceptual Physics 4 hours
Prerequisite: MTH 099
A descriptive and mathematical look at physics for the non-scientist. Conceptual
development and problem-solving skills are emphasized. Includes study of physical laws, thermodynamics, mechanics, forces, acceleration, momentum, electricity, magnetism, waves, vibrations and optics. Laboratory included.

PHY 200 Exploring The Universe 2 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of all developmental and foundational courses
This course presents an introduction to the field of Astronomy, including the current investigations for life on other planets. This 2 credit course consists of 12 lessons. Course topics include modern methods of observational astronomy, an overview of the scientific method, age and origin of the Solar System, descriptions of the planets and discussions of the possibility of life on other planets.

ISC 330 Science & Technology in Literature 3 hours
Prerequisites: ENG 312
Science and Technology in Literature introduces you to the portrayals of the powerful institutions of science and technology in literary works. Important to many authors because of their profound impact on almost all segments of western society, science and technology have fascinated writers for centuries. The works that authors produce that concern science and/or technology demonstrate the role they play in the cultures the authors create. Through readings in the history and sociology of technology and science, to more philosophical essays, to films, to recently published popular works of non-fiction, we will roam over the terrain of a vast debate about the problems and promises of technology and science. Designed especially for students planning careers as elementary school teachers. The student will learn how to integrate science and technology issues into language arts curricula and vice versa. This is a writing and reading intensive course.

ISC 340 Science, Technology & Society 2 hours
This course develops students’ awareness of science and technology as human enterprises that take place in a social, environmental, and historical context. We will examine basic scientific concepts, technological advances, and their impact upon society. Science processes will be examined to illustrate how scientific knowledge is acquired. Advantages and limitations of the scientific method will be considered. The student will construct a grounded theory about the nature of the interaction of Science, Technology, and Society and its role in science education reform. Designed especially for students planning careers as elementary school teachers.

ISC 350 Quantitative Science 4 hours
Prerequisite: MTH 100, CHM 130, PHY 135
The course is intended to illustrate mathematical concepts in science for the Integrated Science K-8 Teaching Major. Quantitative Science is a vigorous study of the fundamental mathematical concepts in biology, chemistry and physics. The learning experiences are largely developed through the Manipulative Learning Operations (MLO), laboratory experiments in which students manipulate scientific instruments and algebraic functions. This course is a laboratory-based instructional program that requires an extensive application of algebraic functions in problem solving, data processing and mathematical modeling of physical systems that lead the students to discovery of scientific concepts. Laboratory included.

ISC 374 Methods For Teaching Elementary & Middle School Science 3 hours
Prerequisites: Admission into the teacher certificate program
A course that encompasses method and content for the teaching of biological, earth and physical sciences for grades K-8. The course stresses inquiry-based strategies, problem-solving activities, hands-on activities and the interdisciplinary nature of science. A field experience is required.

ISC 384 Integrated Science For Elementary Teachers 4 hours
Prerequisites: ISC 374, BIO 150, BIO 151, BIO 201, BIO 257, CHM 130, PHY 135, ENV 135
Integrated Science for Elementary Educators is a required science course for Integrated Science elementary education majors. It assumes that students have a solid background in life and physical sciences. Students participate in integrated science lessons that model bthe best ways of teaching, and are actively engaged in the process of scientific discovery. Multidisciplinary topics serve as the organizing themes for this course, and integrate the areas of biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics. Integrated Science for Elementary Educators is a natural extension of a number of content courses, and Methods for Teaching Elementary and Middle School Science. It demonstrates science as a way of knowing and a process of analysis. Students develop the skills of inquiry and critical thinking, and become experienced in the use of technology to collect, evaluate and interpret data. Class time will be utilized to explain the educational theory underlying the pedagogical approaches used in this course. In addition, class time will be used to discuss scientific method and technology, critical analysis, and scientific dispositions. Finally, students will experience activities that unite the moral and intellectual aspects of teaching through a service learning project with Cranbrook Institute of Science.

ISC 496 Integrated Science Senior Seminar 3 hours
Prerequisites: ISC 374, ISC 384, senior standing or major
This course serves to synthesize and integrate all of the subject areas in the Integrated Science major. Biological, physical, chemical, geological concepts will be integrated with the latest pedagogical research and practices to prepare the K-8 teacher candidate to effectively teach science in the 21st century. This course focuses on science as inquiry and provides a bridge for the transition into the teaching profession. Topics include a computerized library information search, library research paper, unit planning, and oral presentation.