1997-98 University Bulletin Entry for:

The Program in Science and Mathematics

S = Objectives

The University Studies Program in Science and Mathematics has been designed to meet four goals. The first is to provide students with an overview of a broad area of modern science or mathematics. Students will be introduced to key concepts, experiments, and theories that form the foundation of a field. They will also learn enough of the terminology to enable them to read popular scientific and technical literature. The second goal is to acquaint students with the way scientists and mathematicians think and argue. Selected experiments and proofs will be discussed, standards of evidence reviewed, and the firmness of the conclusions assessed. By examining how new knowledge is obtained, students will gain an appreciation of the drama and excitement of science. The third goal is to demonstrate directly the importance of quantitative reasoning, and the fourth goal is to make students aware of the impact--both positive and negative--that science and technology can have on society.

To satisfy the University Studies requirement in Science and Mathematics, students must take two courses. There are three different options available. See the chart below for detailed requirements.

Science Option 1

This option is designed for students who have had significant exposure to science courses in high school. Students who expect to be concentrators in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or physics or who expect to include substantial course work in the School of Science for preprofessional purposes choose this option. Students choosing this option must take two semester courses in biology (BIOL), chemistry (CHEM), physics (PHYS), or biochemistry (BCHM), including either two courses in one department, or one course in each of two departments. Courses frequently elected include CHEM 11a,b; CHEM 15a,b; PHYS 10a,b; and PHYS 11a,b.

Science Option 2

This option is designed for students who have had little exposure to science courses in high school. Courses in this option are accessible to all students. This option calls for (a) one semester course in physical science (PHSC) or chemical science (CHSC); and (b) one semester course in biological science (BISC) or biochemical science (BCSC). A one semester course in chemistry or physics may be substituted for a PHSC or CHSC course, or a one semester course in biology or biochemistry for a BISC or BCSC course. Courses listed below in the areas of chemistry and physics satisfy Option 2a. Courses listed below in the areas of biochemistry and biology satisfy Option 2b.

Science Option 3

This option is designed for students who wish to include the study of mathematics or computer science in their undergraduate programs. Students choosing this option must complete (a) one semester course in mathematics (most courses designated MATH) or computer science (COSI), and (b) one semester course from any of the offerings listed in Options 1 and 2. Courses listed below in the mathematics section are especially designed to satisfy Option 3a, but other courses in mathematics and computer science are also appropriate for this purpose; courses frequently elected include COSI 10a; MATH 10a or b; MATH 11a or b.

Courses that do not meet any of the options (for example, MATH 5a) are so identified in the special notes. Also, laboratory courses that carry only two semester hours credit, reading courses, and independent study courses do not meet any of the science options of University Studies.

S = Courses of Instruction

BIOCHEMISTRY

BCSC 1a

The Brain: From Molecules to Control of Movement

BCSC 1b

Biotechnology: Its Origins, Scientific Basis, and Impact

BCSC 6b

How Muscles Contract and Cells Move

BCSC 7b

Drug Discovery and Development

L =

BIOLOGY

BISC 1a

Biology of Neurological and Mental Illness

BISC 2a

Human Reproduction, Population Explosion, Global Consequences

BISC 3b

Organisms and the Environment

BISC 4a

Heredity

BISC 5b

Biological Rhythms

BISC 6a

Recombinant DNA

BISC 7a

Biology of People

BISC 8b

The Molecules of Life: Design and Function

BISC 9a

Immune System and AIDS

BISC 10b

Nutrition: Principles, Issues, and Applications

L =

CHEMISTRY

CHSC 3a

The Planet as an Organism: Gaia Theory and the Human Prospect

CHSC 4a

Chemicals and Toxicity

CHSC 5a

The Magnitude of Things and How on Earth They Matter

CHSC 7a

Chaos

CHSC 8b

Chemistry and Art

L =

MATHEMATICS

MATH 1a

Introduction to Mathematical Concepts

MATH 2a

Order and Chaos

MATH 8a

Introduction to Probability and Statistics

L =

PHYSICS

PHSC 1a

The Concepts of Physics

PHSC 2b

Introductory Astronomy

PHSC 3b

Twentieth-Century Physics and its Philosophical Implications

PHSC 4a

Science and Development