Course Descriptions - Natural Science

This course is a combined lecture and laboratory course designed for people who want to learn about the fundamental laws and principles that form the basis of the working of the physical universe. This course helps the student understand and appreciate how and why a wide range of common and everyday physical phenomena occur. Topics include: laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, fluids, heat, vibration, wave motion, electricity, magnetism, and light. Some algebra is used in the presentation, so a mathematical preparation equivalent to Math 0902 is recommended. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

These courses examine the scientific mechanisms and basis of hazards that are of local, regional, national and global concern for public health, safety and environmental impact. Scientific background of distributions, risks, and case histories for each major hazard will be presented. Topics are divided as follows: 1010 Disasters related to the Lithosphere (rigid portion of earth's surface); 1020 Disasters related to the Hydrosphere (water) and Atmosphere (air); 1030 Disasters related to the Biosphere (realm where life exists), including those societally-induced. This course includes a lab-like experience. Take-home final exam and/or paper/projects required.

These courses examine the scientific mechanisms and basis of hazards that are of local, regional, national and global concern for public health, safety and environmental impact. Scientific background of distributions, risks, and case histories for each major hazard will be presented. Topics are divided as follows: 1010 Disasters related to the Lithosphere (rigid portion of earth's surface); 1020 Disasters related to the Hydrosphere (water) and Atmosphere (air); 1030 Disasters related to the Biosphere (realm where life exists), including those societally-induced. This course includes a lab-like experience. Take-home final exam and/or paper/projects required.

These courses examine the scientific mechanisms and basis of hazards that are of local, regional, national and global concern for public health, safety and environmental impact. Scientific background of distributions, risks, and case histories for each major hazard will be presented. Topics are divided as follows: 1010 Disasters related to the Lithosphere (rigid portion of earth's surface); 1020 Disasters related to the Hydrosphere (water) and Atmosphere (air); 1030 Disasters related to the Biosphere (realm where life exists), including those societally-induced. This course includes a lab-like experience. Take-home final exam and/or paper/projects required.

This course takes a big picture look at the universe as a whole. Topics include history of astronomy, origin and features of the planets and the Solar System, the lives and deaths of stars, cosmology and the fate of the universe. It also covers recent discoveries and current topics in astronomy. The laboratory component provides a variety of methods to more fully investigate the process of astronomy. The course meets requirements as a natural sciences lab course under Goal Area 3 of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. (3 hours lecture/week, 2 hours lab/week)

This course provides an introduction to astronomy with emphasis on our Solar System. Topics include the origin, structure, and history of the Solar System; the properties of light; the function and use of telescopes, understanding the processes that have shaped the planets, their moons and ring systems; comets, asteroids and other space debris. Recent discoveries and current topics from the exploration of the Solar System are also discussed. This course includes a lab-like experience. (3 hours lecture; satisfies MnTC Goal Area 3)

An optional course laboratory course designed to complement The Solar System lecture class. It will involve investigation of the process of astronomy through the analysis of astronomical data. Computer simulation software, internet exercises, videos and observational sessions may be used within the course. (2 hrs/week)Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys/NSci 1060 AND Math 0902 or equivalent. If taking this course concurrently with PHYS 1060, you must obtain instructor permission and complete appropriate paperwork for pre-requisite override.

This course provides an introduction to astronomy with an emphasis on stars and galaxies. Topics include understanding the Sun as a star; revealing the messages hidden in starlight; stellar birth, maturation, and death; black holes, white dwarfs, pulsars, quasars, and supernova explosions; the Milky Way and other galaxies; the origin and the fate of the universe. Current topics and discoveries from stellar astronomy and cosmology are also discussed. This course includes a lab-like experience. (3 hours lecture; meets MnTC Goal Area 3 requirements)

An optional course laboratory course designed to complement the Concepts of Stars and the Universe lecture class, It will involve investigation of the process of astronomy through the analysis of astronomical data. Computer simulation software, Internet exercises, videotapes and observational sessions may be used within the course. (2 hrs/week)Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys/NSci 1070 AND Math 0902 or equivalent. If taking this course concurrently with PHYS 1070, you must obtain instructor permission and complete appropriate paperwork for pre-requisite override.

A course examining the earths formation, composition, structure and natural systems. Using the process of science, learners will explore the earths internal and external processes and how they shape the surface of the earth. Topics include: geologic time, plate tectonics, rock and mineral identification, introduction to topographic and geologic maps, surficial processes, climate change and environmental concerns. Course is open to all students. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 Credits.

This course is a team-taught, field-based introduction to the flora, fauna, ecology, and geologic development of Minnesota. A series of in-class sessions will prepare students for recognition and identification of plants, animals, habitats, and geologic features and for the integration of these biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. This course will include an examination of natural resource issues and policies in the context of Minnesota's politics and economy. Two weekend field trips are mandatory. These field trips will begin on Friday afternoon and end on Sunday afternoon or early evening. This course fulfills lab requirement for Goal Area 3. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)

This course is designed for people who desire to learn about the weather. This course helps the student learn to observe and interpret the sky, to read weather maps, and to understand the sequence of meteorological phenomena. The topics to be covered include: air temperature, humidity, condensation, clouds, air pressure, wind, atmospheric circulation, weather forecasting, computer modeling, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)

A temporal survey of the development of Earth as we know it today, and the evolution of life as deciphered from the sedimentary rock and fossil record. By using the process of science to examine how the Earth and life have changed through the geologic past we can begin to get a glimpse into the effect which humans may have on it now and in the future. Topics include: principles of geology, sedimentary rocks, fossil identification and classification, plate tectonics, sea level change, geologic time, topographic and geologic maps, evolution of life, climate change, hominid development and mass extinctions. Course is open to all students. (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 credits

This course is an interdisciplinary survey of the biological, chemical, physical and geologic processes at work in the worlds oceans. Using the process of science learners will examine the interplay between these processes and the implications of these interactions for life on Earth, the Earths climate and marine environments. Topics may include waves, tides, seafloor sediments, marine biology, seawater chemistry, plate tectonics, ocean currents, El ni�o, productivity and dead zones, sea level change, coastal processes and effects of mans influence on oceans. Course is open to all students. 3 Credits (3 hours lecture)

Come explore the oldest rocks in Minnesota! This course will examine the earliest geologic history of Minnesota, which includes greenstone belts, iron ore deposits, and flood and pillow basalts. Topics include: geologic time, plate tectonics, rock cycle, rock classification and identification, Mid-continental rift, intrusive and extrusive igneous processes and products, metamorphism and mineral resources, and topographic map usage. This course is a field experience including observations, hypothesis, predictions, and evaluation of scientific data and results. Three-day field trip around Minnesota is mandatory. Course is open to all students.

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.