This course is a survey of astronomy including an introduction to the solar system, stellar astronomy, galaxies, and cosmology. Introduction to the use of a telescope with some laboratory problems designed to familiarize the students with the art of celestial observation.
Offered On Demand for 3 Semester hours.
This is a survey course that emphasizes the integrated nature of science and stresses the application of scientific inquiry to real-world problems. Scientific content is taught within the context of a series of case studies that are researched and resolved throughout the lecture and laboratory. Three-hour lecture, two-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Rio Grande Honors Program.
Offered On Demand for 4 Semester hours.
This course covers the materials and structures of the earth’s crust, the forces that shape the surface of the earth, and the geologic/topographical features these forces produce.
Offered for 3 Semester hours.
This is an interdisciplinary course that emphasizes the impact of humans on the environment. The course begins with a study of the structure and function of ecosystems. Then various environmental problems are examined including population growth, food supply, energy issues, water issues, air pollution, extinction, solid waste disposal, and hazardous materials. Students examine how culture and technology affect environmental policies. Students also do several group activities that require value judgments and decision-making about environmental issues. Three-hour lecture, two-hour lab. Course fee required.
Offered Fall, Spring for 4 Semester hours.
This course is a practicum. The student will spend thirty (30) hours with a local environmental agency. The student will write a report of their experiences and be evaluated by an agency supervisor. Prerequisite: Professor Permission Only. NSC 22304.
Offered Fall for 1 Semester hours.
This course is a study of topics not included in other course offerings. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and School Chair.
Offered On Demand for 1-3 Semester hours.
This course is an independent study and/ or research under the supervision of an instructor of Natural Science. It may include directed research and readings, formal in- depth study of a topic of special interest to the student, individual projects, special educational experiences, or a practicum in which theories and their practical applications are brought together in a single educational experience. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and School Chair.
Offered On Demand for 1-3 Semester hours.
This course examines concepts and practices to communicate environmental and natural resources technical information. Oral and written formats currently used for scientific conferences and publications (both agency and peer-reviewed) will be emphasized. Prerequisites: ENG 11103 or equivalent, ENG 11203 or equivalent, and COM 11103 or equivalent with C – or better.
Offered Spring for 3 Semester hours.
This course is designed for the prospective teacher of a laboratory science. Topics include: lab safety; legal issues; ordering supplies and equipment; inventory; planning, conducting, and evaluating a laboratory experience; and the proper and ethical treatment of living organisms. Students are required to plan, implement, and evaluate a laboratory activity and to work with a college faculty member as a laboratory assistant for one semester in an introductory-level course in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. One-hour of class per week. Prerequisites: Three courses in one of the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), or permission of the instructor.
Offered Fall for 2 Semester hours.
This course is designed to extend the knowledge of Natural Science from the basic to the complex. Topics may include: biochemistry, relativity, atomic physics, nuclear physics, or environmental issues. Prerequisite: CHM 15505 and/or PHY 17505 and/or NSC 22304 or permission of instructor and School Chair.
Offered On Demand for 1-3 Semester hours.
This course is a practicum. The student spends thirty (30) hours working for a science faculty member for a particular science lab course. The student will be present during all labs for ONE section of the course. The student will also be responsible for preparing and teaching at least one lab. This student will write a report of their experience and be evaluated by the instructor. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor, 3.00 G.P.A. or above in science.
Offered Fall, On Demand, Spring for 1 Semester hours.
This is a capstone course for science majors. Topics include: contemporary events and current research results from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each topic will be approached in an interdisciplinary manner that includes historical background, contributions from various cultures, major findings, technology used, and societal implications. Each student will be involved in an inquiry-based research project that involves lab or field data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. Prerequisite: Junior/ Senior standing with a major/minor in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics; or teacher licensure in adolescent to young adult or middle childhood concentration in science.
Offered On Demand for 3 Semester hours.
In this course, the student will work for a ten-week period (400 hours) as an intern in an environmental position approved by the Field Placement Coordinator. The student will learn the duties and responsibilities of the position, the organizational structure of the agency/business, and gain practical work experience. Prerequisites: Senior Environmental Science Major and permission of Field Placement Coordinator.
Offered On Demand for 8 Semester hours.
This course is an independent study and/ or research under the supervision of an instructor of Natural Science. It may include directed research and readings, formal in-depth study of a topic of special interest to the student, individual projects, special educational experiences, or a practicum in which theories and their practical applications are brought together in a single educational experience. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, and permission of instructor and School Chair.
Offered On Demand for 1-4 Semester hours.