Natural Sciences

Science Foundations: The purpose of this course is to introduce basic scientific principles and theories for students intending to take Human Anatomy (BIOL 2511) or other introductory science courses. It is intended for students with no recent background in biology. *Ten core objectives will be covered in every class, while the remaining five objectives will be tailored toward a particular career focus as noted by the course emphasis. (Prerequisite: None) (4 Credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Fundamentals of Chemistry: The purpose of this course is to introduce basic chemical principles and theories for students intending to take the General, Organic and Biochemistry or other General chemistry courses. It is intended for students with no recent background in chemistry. It covers measurements in chemistry; the concepts of matter and energy; elements, mixtures and compounds; chemical formulas; atomic theory and structure; the formation and nomenclature of compounds; chemical bonds; basic chemical reactions; and chemical quantities. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)

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Survey of Chemistry: As a one-semester introduction to the field of chemistry this course is designed to allow students to understand how chemistry relates to everyday life by looking at classification of matter, reactivity, solutions and organic compounds. This course is intended for non-science majors interested in early childhood education or students wanting an introduction to the field of chemistry and does not require previous experience in chemistry. (MnTC goal 3) (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 61 or MATH0522) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Environmental Science: Environmental Science introduces the relationship between human populations and their surroundings through the use of course assignments, discussions, virtual labs and/or lab like experiences. Students explore core scientific concepts and the impact of past, present, and future human behavior on the environment. An emphasis is placed on how current practices, policies, and individual behavior impact both the local and global environment. (Meets MnTC goals 3 & 10) (Prerequisite: none) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)

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Environmental Chemistry: Environmental Chemistry introduces non-science students to the world of chemical processes, both natural and artificial, in their daily experiences. These phenomenon are related to current environmental issues in the context of human activities and influences. Topics discussed include air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, acid rain, nuclear power issues, energy sources and the impact recycling has on our environment. (Meets MnTC Goals 3 & 10) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)

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Human Biology: Human Biology is a one-semester survey of general human function and interactions in a biological world. Cell and organ system functions are described in the context of normal health. The course introduces the study of human anatomy, physiology, development, and heredity. (MnTC Goal 3) (Prerequisite: none) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Introduction to Biology: Introduction to Biology will serve as an overview of the principles and theories that drive the study of biology. Students will be exposed to several different disciplines within biology, including but not limited to, molecular and cell biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology. An emphasis will be placed on relationships between biology and current issues of particular interest to students. (Meets MnTC Goals 3 & 10) (Prerequisite: none) (4 Credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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College Physics I: This non-calculus based course introduces the basic principles of physics through applications, problems, and experiments. Newtonian motion and conservation laws for linear and circular motion will be covered including speed, velocity, and acceleration for linear and projectile motion. Oscillatory motion will be covered including mechanical, light, sound and energy waves. Thermodynamics will be introduced including the first and second law of thermodynamics. (Meets MnTC Goal 3) (Prerequisite: A minimum score of 22 in the math subject area of the ACT test or successful completion of MATH1025 Algebra) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Introduction to Forensic Science: This chemistry course will explore the scientific basis and background for crime-scene investigations. Students will explore the entire field of forensic science, including the different kinds of physical evidence, collection, preservation, and proper analysis of evidence, current technologies and techniques used to examine evidence, interpretation of results from a variety of forensic-laboratory analyses, and the ethical implications of using forensic data in a case. Students will perform several laboratory experiments to learn some data analysis techniques. (Meets MnTC Goals 3 & 9) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)

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Nutrition: This course covers basic principles of nutrition and their relationship to human health and normal biological function. Students are exposed to current trends in nutrition, behaviors typical of a positive nutritional lifestyle, and a lab like experience to evaluate their own nutritional status. Topics covered include an introduction to the nutrients, digestive function and metabolism, the role of physical activity, dietary standards, proper diet planning, and nutrition related diseases. (Meets MnTC Goals 2 & 3) (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)

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Introduction to Agroecology: This course provides an introduction to the theory of agroecology and the current practices of sustainable agriculture. The components of farm management will be studied within the context of a complex ecosystem. Class time will be spent in lecture, lab, field studies and field trips to integrate concepts in agroecology, with actual practices in sustainable agriculture. (Prerequisite: none) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Principles of Chemistry I: This is the first semester of an in-depth study of general chemistry. Topics covered include measurements, stoichiometry, solutions, gases, atomic and electronic structure, chemical bonding and thermochemistry. Lab is practical applications of topics covered in class, emphasizing collection, reporting, and interpretation of data. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 2 and 3) (Prerequisite: CHEM0510 or recent high school or college chemistry with permission of instructor) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Principles of Chemistry II: This is the second semester of an in-depth study of general chemistry. Topics covered include solubility, acids and bases, chemical kinetics and equilibria, thermochemistry and oxidation reduction. Lab is practical applications of topics covered in class, emphasizing collection, reporting, and interpretation of data. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 2 and 3) (Prerequisite: CHEM1430 Principles of Chemistry I) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Soil Science: This course is an introduction to soil studies with focus on agricultural soils. Main emphasis of the course will be studying soil health as the balanced condition among soil chemical, physical and biological characteristics, to be achieved through sustainable soil management. Class time will be spent in lecture, lab exercises and field studies to foster learning about agricultural soils. (Prerequisite: CHEM 1010) (4 Credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Anatomy & Physiology I: Human Anatomy and Physiology I introduces the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on normal health. This course includes a review of cellular biology, cellular transport, cell reproduction and basic biochemistry. Topics covered include tissues, the integumentary system, skeletal system, articulations, muscular system, and nervous system. (MnTC Goals 2 & 3) (Prerequisite: Recent High School Biology or BIOL1001 or equivalent) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Anatomy & Physiology II: Human Anatomy and Physiology II continues the study of the human body from Human Anatomy and Physiology I. This course includes principles of chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology as they relate to the study of normal body function. Topics covered include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immune system, respiratory system, urinary system, digestive system, and reproductive systems. (MnTC Goals 2 & 3) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of BIOL2515 Anatomy & Physiology I) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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General, Organic & Biochemistry I: This course is intended as a broad introduction to the basic principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. Atomic structure, radioactivity, ionic and covalent compounds, reactions, oxidation-reduction, solutions, acids and bases are covered through descriptive, theoretical, and laboratory topics. These principles are related to organic and biological chemistry throughout the course as it is a foundational course for students enrolled in the health related programs. However, this course is open to all students enrolled in any program. (Fulfills MnTC Goal 2 & 3) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHEM1010 Fundamentals of Chemistry or permission from the instructor) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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General, Organic & Biochemistry II: This is the second part of a two part series of General, Organic and Biochemistry. The course will further explore basic principles of organic and biochemistry. The carbonyl, carboxyl, and amine functional groups as well as nucleic acids, energy production and metabolism mechanisms will be covered through theoretical and experimental means. These topics are related to biological chemistry throughout the course as it is a foundation course for students enrolled in health related programs; however, this course is open to all students enrolled in any program. (MnTC Goals 2 & 3) (Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHEM 2518 General, Organic and Biochemistry I) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)

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Microbiology: Microbiology explores the general characteristics, classification, and pathology of microscopic organisms. Fundamental aspects of microbial control, growth, reproduction, and metabolism, are explored with relation to the role they play in human health, disease, and immunity. Basic laboratory procedures, such as staining techniques, nutrient preparation, microbial isolation, and microorganism identification are introduced in the laboratory component of this course. (Fulfills MnTC goal 3) (Prerequisite: CHEM2518 or BIOL1200 or BIOL1201 or BIOL1001 or equivalent) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)

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