Scientific Reasoning Courses

Deepen your scientific understanding

Scientists discern basic principles that explain natural phenomena through observation and analysis of the world. Scientists rely on theory and experimentation to test and refine understandings of our human minds and bodies, life on Earth and the physical universe.

Laboratory courses unite hands-on scientific experimentation, inductive reasoning and deductive analysis with the study of basic principles, for example (but not limited to), the structure of matter, biological evolution, human behavior and thermodynamics. A laboratory experience is part this requirement, either a 4-credit integrated course or 3-credit course plus a concurrent 1-credit lab.

Scientific Reasoning Course Listing

ANTH 1001 Bones & Stones: The Science of Human Origins

3 hrs. This course will focus on the study of human origins employing scientific methods and theories derived from biological anthropology and archaeology. Students will get hands-on experience with various lines or scientific evidence to help develop a deeper understanding of their place in the world by understanding how we got here, tracing that route from our primate past, to becoming bipedal, tool-making, fire users who eventually spread across the globe and created increasingly complex societies.

ANTH 1003 Bones & Stones: The Science of Human Origins Laboratory

1 hr. This laboratory course is offered as a supplement to the course Bones and Stones: The Science of Human Origins. Laboratory exercises are designed to introduce students to the scientific method and explore topics including human variation, human and non-human primate anatomy, the primate/hominin fossil record, the archaeology of early humans and other resources to investigate processes that affect human origins.

Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ANTH 1001 Bones & Stones: The Science of Human Origins

ANTH 2005 Archaeology for Beginners

3 hrs. Introduction to how archaeologists reconstruct past societies from artifacts and ruins. Covers archaeological techniques from excavation to lab analysis.

ANTH 2006 Archaeology for Beginners Laboratory

1 hr. This laboratory course is offered as a required supplement and co-requisite to the course Archaeology for Beginners. This course provides a practical introduction to the methods and techniques used by archaeologists in the field and laboratory. Students can expect to learn and practice archaeological techniques outdoors.

Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ANTH 2005 Archaeology for Beginners

BIOL 1012 Life: The Natural World

3 hrs. Examines the natural world as a system, emphasizing interactions among living organisms and with their environments, with a focus on human-environmental interactions, and the importance, origins, and maintenance of biodiversity. Content theme is centered on building an appreciation for the ways scientists work with and learn about the natural world. Students will comprehend scientific studies and infer meaning from graphical displays of data and apply knowledge of biological systems to contemporary problems, such as greenhouse gasses, impacts of climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and disease transmission.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Declared biology majors cannot receive either university or elective credit for this course.

BIOL 1013 Life: The Natural World - Lab

1 hr. This course provides activities illustrating the importance, origins, and maintenance of biodiversity with a focus on the interactions among organisms and between organisms and the environment. The laboratory will emphasize the process of science, and students will practice skills scientists use to answer questions about the natural world.

Lab, 2 periods.
Declared biology majors cannot receive either university or elective credit for this course.
Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): BIOL 1012 Life: The Natural World

BIOL 1014 Life: Continuity and Change

3 hrs. Introduction to contemporary topics in the life sciences with a focus on the biological processes that allow life to continue through generations and those that cause change through time. Emphasis on gene structure and function and applications of biology to human concerns. Content theme is centered on building an appreciation for the ways scientists work with and learn about the processes of life. Students will apply knowledge of biological concepts to contemporary and ethical issues, such as diseases and treatments, genetic engineering, cloning, and inheritance of family traits.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Declared biology majors cannot receive either university or elective credit for this course.

BIOL 1015 Life: Continuity and Change - Lab

1 hr. Activities illustrating the role of biology in our present society. Emphasis is placed on activities investigating life science concepts related to human concerns, including human genetics and variation. DNA and DNA fingerprinting, human disease and disease transmission, and basic cellular function. The laboratory will emphasize the process of science, and students will practice skills scientists use to answer questions about the processes of life.

Lab, 2 periods.
Declared biology majors cannot receive either university or elective credit for this course.
Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): BIOL 1014 Life: Continuity and Change or equivalent.

BIOL 2051 General Biology: Organismal Diversity

4 hrs. Study of organismic biology emphasizing evolutionary patterns and diversity of organisms and interdependency of structure and function in living systems. Note: BIOL 2051 and BIOL 2052 cannot be taken concurrently.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Lab, 2 periods.

BIOL 2052 General Biology: Cell Structure and Function

4 hrs. Introduction to the properties and functions of biological molecules, organization of living cells, production and utilization of energy, and development of multicellular organisms. Note: BIOL 2051 and BIOL 2052 cannot be taken concurrently.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Lab, 2 periods.

CHEM 1010 Principles of Chemistry

4 hrs. Basic concepts of chemistry, the periodic table and its relation to atomic structure and chemical properties. How the understanding of changes in matter and energy is important in both living and non-living systems. Work of the chemist and the interactions of chemistry with other activities of humankind.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Lab, 2 periods.
No credit for student with credit in any college chemistry course.

CHEM 1020 Chemical Technology

4 hrs. Basic concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry and their applications to industrial processes. Emphasis on application of chemical principles in materials, energy production and use, and environmental problems.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Lab, 3 periods.
No credit for student with credit in any college chemistry course.

CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I

4 hrs. Structure of matter, its physical properties and laws describing them, the periodic table and its relation to atomic structure and chemical properties, and non-metallic elements and their compounds.

Students with extensive background in high school chemistry and mathematics may enter CHEM 1130 following departmental advisement.
Discussion, 3 periods.
Lab, 3 periods.

CHEM 1130 General Chemistry I-II

4 hrs. Accelerated course for well-prepared students. Content similar to CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1120 but covered in one semester. Completion satisfies General Chemistry requirement of any chemistry major.

Discussion, 4 periods.

Lab, 3 periods.

EARTHSCI 1100 Astronomy

3 hrs. Introduction to the Universe, solar system, stars, and galaxies, including apparent motions of bodies in the sky; development of astronomy and its impact on humankind. Student Learning Outcomes include Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning.

Discussion, 3 periods.

EARTHSCI 1110 Astronomy Laboratory

1 hr. Exploration of astronomical phenomena through the use of telescopes, charts, computer simulations, and other laboratory equipment. Students will derive the characteristics of astronomical objects, and examine their behavior. Student Learning Outcomes include Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning.

Lab, 2 periods.
Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): EARTHSCI 1100 Astronomy

EARTHSCI 1200 Elements of Weather

3 hrs. Meteorological elements and their applications to environment; interpretation of weather maps and weather data; forecasting and briefing on daily weather. Student Learning Outcomes include Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning.

Discussion, 3 periods.
No credit for those who have completed EARTHSCI 3210.

EARTHSCI 1210 Elements of Weather Laboratory

1 hr. Fundamentals of meteorological observation, use of basic meteorological instruments, and applications of maps and charts to understanding forecasts. Intended for science teaching majors and minors. Student Learning Outcomes include Critical Thinking and Scientific Reasoning.

Lab, 2 periods.
Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): EARTHSCI 1200 Elements of Weather

EARTHSCI 1300 Introduction to Geology

4 hrs. Introduction to the physical environment, emphasizing materials of the Earth and processes that lead to changes within and on the Earth. Lab emphasis includes rocks and minerals, geologic processes, and landscape development.

Discussion, 3 periods.
Lab, 2 periods.

EARTHSCI 1400 Introduction to Environmental Earth Sciences

3 hrs. Introduction to the physical, chemical, and cultural components of the natural world around us. The primary focus is on global-scale understanding of environmental issues using a scientific approach. Discussion, 3 periods.

EARTHSCI 1405 Environmental Earth Science Laboratory

1 hr. Students will apply a wide range of analytical, geological, meteorological, hydrological and geochemical, methods to describe and quantify the Earth's physical environments. Connections between these physical environments and humanity are emphasized including: agricultural practices, mining, economic impacts, energy production/use, contamination to remediation, as well as best management practices in environmental mitigation and sustainability. Laboratory, 2 periods. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): EARTHSCI 1400.

GEOG 1210 Planet Earth

3hrs. We live in a swiftly changing world characterized by rapidly changing climates, shifting landscapes, growing human populations with degrading soil and water resources. Now, more than ever, it is essential to understand how Earth systems work, how they affect our livelihoods, and how we are altering them. The course has three objectives: 1) to provide a basic understanding of the most important processes shaping the Earth's physical systems; 2) to convince you of the dynamic nature of these systems, in part because of human activity; and 3) to help you understand the environmental systems of particular places so that you might use this background to explore these further and see how they change over time. Many students take this course to fulfill a general education requirement. Others use it as a gateway to majors and careers in Geography, Natural Resources Management, and Environmental Science.

GEOG 1211 Planet Earth Laboratory

1 hr. We live in a swiftly changing world characterized by rapidly changing climates, shifting landscapes, growing human populations with degrading soil and water resources. Now, more than ever, it is essential to understand how Earth systems work, how they affect our livelihoods, and how we are altering them. This laboratory course compliments and enhances students’ understanding of the content and scientific reasoning skills presented in GEOG 1210 through a series of applied laboratory activities.

PHYSICS 1000 Physics in Everyday Life

3 hrs. Basic laws and concepts of physics introduced and demonstrated through operation of everyday devices and systems. Emphasis on understanding physical principles behind working of modern technologies and interplay between science and technology.

PHYSICS 1010 Physics in Everyday Life Laboratory

1 hr. Laboratory activities involving energy, temperature and heat, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light and color; and the atomic and nuclear structure of matter. Emphasis on observation, interpretation, and conceptual understanding of physical phenomena.

Lab, 2 periods.
Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): GEOG 1210 Planet Earth

PHYSICS 1511 General Physics I

4 hrs. Algebra-based introductory course covering Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, and thermal physics. Emphasis on conceptual understanding of physical principles through group investigations and lab activities.

Discussion/lab, 5 periods.

PHYSICS 1701 Physics I for Science and Engineering

4 hrs. Calculus-based introductory course covering Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, and thermal physics.

Lab activities.
Discussion/lab, 5 periods.

SCI ED 1100 Inquiry into Earth and Space Science

4 hrs. An inquiry-oriented introduction to fundamental concepts and processes in meteorology, astronomy, and geology using active investigation.

Integrated lecture and lab for 5 periods.
Priority registration for Elementary and Early Childhood majors.

SCI ED 1200 Inquiry into Life Science

4 hrs. An inquiry-oriented introduction to fundamental concepts and processes in life science that includes ecology, evolution, cell biology, and human body systems.

Integrated lecture and lab for 5 periods.
Priority registration for Elementary and Early Childhood Education majors.

SCI ED 1300 Inquiry into Physical Science

4 hrs. An inquiry-oriented introduction to fundamental concepts and processes in physics and chemistry that includes energy, force and motion, waves, sound, light, and nature of matter.

Integrated lecture and lab for 5 periods.
Priority registration for Elementary and Early Childhood Education majors.