Molecular Biology Major (B.S.) - Undergraduate - 2015 University Catalog
The main objectives of our undergraduate Molecular Biology major are: to educate students in greater depth in molecular studies than would be possible in our Biology program, and to prepare students in the methodological advances which have changed the study of biology in recent years. The field of molecular biology has an impact on almost every other area of study in the biological sciences, and its development has led to expanded graduate and professional programs. The Molecular Biology curriculum will provide undergraduate students with a fundamental knowledge of the principles and practices inherent in the rapidly advancing field of molecular biology.
Students who major in Molecular Biology can also enter the burgeoning biotechnology industry, well prepared to compete in the modern scientific marketplace, as most institutions carry on basic or applied research in biomedical areas today using techniques of molecular biology. Students completing this major will be well-prepared to enter professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and optometry, as well as graduate programs.
A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0 major GPA. However, more than 120 semester hours may be required depending upon the major field of study. In addition to the major requirement outlined below, all university students must fulfill the set of General Education requirements applicable to their degree.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY MAJOR
Complete 79 semester hours including the following 6 requirement(s):
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REQUIRED COURSES
Complete the following 2 requirement(s) for 30 semester hours:
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REQUIRED COURSES
Complete the following 7 courses for 26 semester hours:
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RESEARCH REQUIREMENT
Complete 4 semester hours from the following:
BIOL 409 Externship in Biological Research (Co-operative Education) 1-4 BIOL 418 Biology Independent Research 1-4
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ELECTIVE COURSES
Complete 8 semester hours from the following:
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CHEMISTRY COLLATERAL
Complete the following for 22 semester hours:
CHEM 120 General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 CHEM 121 General Chemistry II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 CHEM 230 Organic Chemistry I (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry II (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 232 Experimental Organic Chemistry I (4 hours lab) 2 CHEM 370 Biochemistry I (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 371 Biochemistry II (3 hours lecture) 3 -
PHYSICS COLLATERAL
Complete 1 requirement from the following for 8 semester hours:
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Complete the following:
PHYS 191 University Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 PHYS 192 University Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 -
Complete the following:
PHYS 193 College Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 PHYS 194 College Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4
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MATH COLLATERAL
Complete 1 requirement from the following:
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Complete the following:
MATH 110 Statistics for the Biological Sciences (4 hours lecture) 4 MATH 116 Calculus A (4 hours lecture) 4 -
Complete the following:
MATH 122 Calculus I (4 hours lecture) 4 MATH 221 Calculus II (4 hours lecture) 4
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COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLATERALS
Complete 1 course from the following:
CSIT 100 Introduction to Computer Concepts (3 hours lecture) 3 CSIT 111 Fundamentals of Programming I (3 hours lecture) 3
Course Descriptions:
BIOL112: Principles of Biology I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Principles of Biology I involves the study of life from molecule to multicellular organism with focus on structure and function of cells, mechanisms of heredity and change, and the ways in which these processes shape higher levels of biological organization. This course is designed to fulfill the first core course requirement of the biology major. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100 with a grade of C- or higher or a satisfactory score on the Math department's precalculus readiness test.
BIOL113: Principles of Biology II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
Principles of Biology II will provide an introductory level study of biodiversity and the origins of life, phylogenetic relationships among organisms, genetics, developmental biology, reproduction, the biology of populations and communities, and ecosystem processes. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100 with a grade of C- or higher or a satisfactory score on the Math department's precalculus readiness test.
BIOL230: Cell and Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
An introduction to the chemistry, structure, and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics covered include membrane structure and transport processes, bioenergetics and energy transformations in cells, DNA replication and expression, protein synthesis, and cell movement. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 120 with a grade of "C-" or better.
BIOL350: Microbiology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
A study of bacteria, yeast, molds and other microorganisms in relation to modern biological concepts and the welfare of man. Standard techniques employed in the laboratory. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 120 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL360: Introduction to Bio-Imaging (3 hours lecture)
An introduction to biological applications of microscopy. Topics include history of microscopy, preparation of samples for light and electron microscipy, phase, polarization, interference, confocal, and cryogenic microscopy, as well as transmissiona and scanning electron microscopy. Special attention will be paid to microscopic localization and dynamics of biological molecules plus ions and intracellular messengers. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher or departmental approval.
BIOL380: Genetics (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Lecture and lab. Heredity, gene and chromosomal structure and function, gene regulation, mutation and repair, genes in populations, genetic manipulation, and applied genetics are covered. Lab exercises demonstrate genetic concepts. A semester-long project with research paper is required. Required of all biology majors and minors. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Biology, Molecular Biology and Science Informatics. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 120 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL405: Cell Culture (1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab)
Theory of and practice in working with living cells: tissue culture techniques, cell communication, differentiation, regeneration and aging in several living cell systems. Previous course BICL 405 effective through Spring 2014. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL406: Scanning Electron Microscopy (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Introduction to theory and practice of scanning electron microscopy. Includes specimen preparation, scanning electron microscope operation, electron specimen interactions/imagery, and microanalysis. Previous course BICL 406 effective through Spring 2014. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL409: Externship in Biological Research (Co-operative Education)
Full or part-time work in an established laboratory with a scientific investigator for the duration of the term. 1 - 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and departmental approval.
BIOL410: Toxicology (3 hours lecture)
Examination of the major classes of toxic agents by identifying characteristics of their toxicity and factors which modify this outcome. Previous course BIOL 310 effective through Spring 2014. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL411: Introduction to Transmission Electron Microscopy (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Basic theory and practice of electron microscopy. Specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, microscopy, photographic preparation of final print, interpretation of results. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL415: Population Genetics (3 hours lecture)
Detailed survey of the theory and application of the genetics of populations. Topics to be covered include Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Evolution, Natural and Artificial Selection, Migration, Mutation, Bottlenecks, Random Genetic Drift, and Genetic Variation. Students will learn population genetic principles and the mathematical theory behind those principles. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and departmental approval.
BIOL418: Biology Independent Research
Under the guidance of a sponsor, students will investigate individual problems of appropriate scope. A written and/or oral report is required. (Offered on demand.) 1 - 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Minimum GPA 3.0 and BIOL 213 with a grade of C- or higher or BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and departmental approval.
BIOL425: Elementary Plant Physiology (3 hours lecture)
Major physiological processes of the flowering plant: growth, metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, water relations and mineral nutrition. (Not offered every year.) 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 213 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL433: Developmental Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
This course discusses the concepts and principles that are rapidly emerging from studies of developmental processes in animals. We shall consider egg organization, origins of cell differences, molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation, cell movements, inductive interactions in animals, long-range signaling mechanisms, and the cellular and molecular processes underlying pattern formation. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL434: Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture)
This course is designed to examine the molecular biology of plant and animal cells. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 370 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL435: Experimental Molecular Biology (6 hours lab)
A laboratory course that will introduce biology and molecular biology majors to the basic techniques of modern molecular biology. Techniques to be covered include nucleic acid isolation, restriction enzyme mapping, plasmid manipulation and subcloning, genomic library construction, PCR amplification, and DNA sequence analysis. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 434 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL442: Human Physiology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Functions of animal organs and systems with emphasis on maintenance of homeostasis. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL443: Vertebrate Embryology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Developmental anatomy of the vertebrates, especially amphibian, chick and human. General concepts of development and cell differentiation. (Not offered every year.) 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL444: Cell Physiology (3 hours lecture)
Advanced course in cell function. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL445: Immunology (3 hours lecture)
Cellular and humoral immunal responses, immunoglobulins, antigen-antibody reactions, immunopathology, transplantation and blood transfusion. (Not offered every year.) 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL446: Endocrinology (3 hours lecture)
Basic anatomy and physiology of the mammalian endocrine glands with special attention directed to the human endocrine glands. The interrelationships between the various endocrines including neural control and the role of these glands in maintaining the homeostasis of the body will be stressed. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL447: Fundamentals of Pharmacology (3 hours lecture)
Introduction to the study of chemicals that have biological effects, with special emphasis on those with medical importance. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL450: Medical Microbiology (3 hours lecture)
The course is designed to acquaint the biology major with those microorganisms which cause disease, the prevention of disease, therapeutic agents to control microbial diseases and the body's natural defense mechanisms. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL451: Comparative Animal Physiology (3 hours lecture)
A comparison of physiological processes across vertebrate and invertebrate groups. Topics may include feeding and digestion, energy metabolism, ventilation, circulation, and osmoregulation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 213 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL457: Virology (3 hours lecture)
This course will develop the fundamental principles of modern virology and examine the connection between viruses and disease. It will examine the molecular biology of virus replication, infection, gene expression, the structure of virus particles and genomes, pathogenesis, and classification of viruses. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or better.
BIOL458: Microbial Genetics (3 hours lecture)
Microbial Genetics provides students with an understanding of the basis for genetic processes in microorganisms and the implication for higher organisms. The focus of the course will be on prokaryotes, particularily E.coli, and viruses, primarily bacteriophages. Current developments in microbial genetics, such as bioinformatics and genomics, will be presented. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 350 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL468: Neurobiology (3 hours lecture)
Fundamental principles and current concepts of neuronal function, including evidence that lead to these concepts, organization of the peripheral nervous system and the brain, current scientific approaches and methods in neuroscience. Special attention will be given to molecular and cellular bases of brain function and their role in neurological diseases and their treatment. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL471: Biomedical Ethics (2 hours lecture)
Seminar course dealing with ethical dilemmas posed by advances in biomedical technology. Background readings in ethics will be followed by discussions of readings on the applications and consequences of modern biomedical research. 2 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL475: Medical Genetics (3 hours lecture)
A detailed study and analysis of human genetics, inborn genetic diseases, genomics, gene therapy, and the Human Genome Project. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL476: Biology of Cancer (3 hours lecture)
An in depth examination of the biology of cancer, including risk factors, genetics, causes of cancer, metastasis, therapies (conventional and recombinant DNA), and prevention will be presented. This course will also help students develop proficiency in critically evaluating primary scientific articles dealing with cancer. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher and CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL482: Research Community I: Molecular Biology (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Survey of topics and techniques in contemporary molecular biology research. Exploration and integration of molecular, cellular, physiological, population and ecological phenomena as they relate to biology at the molecular level. Students will prepare and present a scientific research proposal for peer and faculty review. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL483: Research Community II: Molecular Biology (2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Team-based independent research on topics in contemporary molecular biology. Students will conduct experimental explorations designed in the prerequisite course, BIOL 482. Students will ultimately prepare and present a scientific research paper for peer and faculty review. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 482 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL487: Statistical Genomics (3 hours lecture)
Analysis of discrete data illustrated with genetic data on morphological characters, allozymes, restriction fragment length polymorphisms and DNA sequences. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation including iterative procedures. Numerical resampling and bootstrapping. Development of statistical techniques for characterizing genetic disequilibrium and diversity. Locating genes with markers. Cross listed with Mathematical Sciences STAT 487. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher; and STAT 401 with a grade of C- or higher or STAT 440 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL488: Selected Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology
This course will acquaint the student with recent developments and specialized content in cell and molecular biology. Examples of topic areas are: cellular metabolism, cell signaling, molecular analysis and molecular biology of disease. This course is designed to fulfill elective requirements of the biology and the molecular biology major. May be repeated once for a maximum of 8.0 credits. 3 - 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher or departmental approval.
BIOL491: Research in Biology Literature (1 hour lecture)
Each student will survey current biological literature pertinent to a specific problem. A comprehensive report is required. May be repeated twice for a maximum of 3.0 credits. 1 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better.
BIOL492: Senior Colloquium (1 hour lecture)
Students in this course will read primary resources material and interpret the data. This course will also teach students how to read, critique and present scientific data to a peer group. Students will analyze, discuss and present primary research articles with respect to scientific content, accuracy of the data and significance of the experiments. 1 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher or departmental approval.
BIOL493: Molecular Ecology (3 hours lecture)
Detailed survey of the application of molecular methods to address ecological, behavioral, and conservation questions. Topics to be covered include the principles of most common molecular techniques used in molecular ecology, and application of those molecular techniques to phylogeography, behavioral ecology, population genetics, conservation genetics, and adaptive variation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 213 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
BIOL497: Genomics (3 hours lecture)
The course will examine the associations among nucleic acid sequence (RNA and DNA), structure, and function in complex biological systems, while treating these systems as biological databases. Both computer program-based and laboratory methods will be discussed to better understand the relationship between nucleic acid sequence and function. Future opportunities and current limitations of genome analyses will be critically addressed. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of C- or higher and BIOL 380 with a grade of C- or higher.
CHEM120: General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to atomic and molecular structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the Mathematics readiness test OR a grade of C- or better in MATH 100 or MATH 111 or MATH 112 or MATH 116 or MATH 122 or MATH 221 or MATH 222 OR concurrent enrollment in MATH 100. Satisfactory score on the Chemistry readiness test OR a grade of C- or better in CHEM 105 or CHEM 106.
CHEM121: General Chemistry II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to thermochemistry, kinetics; general acid base, precipitation, redox equilibria, electrochemistry and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 120 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM230: Organic Chemistry I (3 hours lecture)
Structure and bonding in organic compounds: nomenclature, reactions, properties, and aromatic compounds: stereochemistry; structure analysis by IR, NMR, UV, and MS; introduction to molecular orbital theory. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 121 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM231: Organic Chemistry II (3 hours lecture)
Nomenclature, reactions, properties, and synthesis of ethers, epoxides, alcohols, amines, and carbonyl compounds; carbohydrates; amino acids, peptides and proteins; pericyclic reactions; synthetic polymers. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 230 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM232: Experimental Organic Chemistry I (4 hours lab)
A laboratory course to be taken concurrently with CHEM 230. Basic techniques for the separation, analysis and synthesis of organic compounds: recrystallization, distillation, extraction, GC, HPLC, TLC, GC/MS, IR, H/C13- NMR, chemical safety methods and regulations. 2 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 230 is a prerequisite or corequisite.
CHEM370: Biochemistry I (3 hours lecture)
Organization of the living cell; structure, function and chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; bioenergetics and oxidation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 231 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM371: Biochemistry II (3 hours lecture)
The second semester of a two semester course in biochemistry. The course continues the coverage of the chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, and their role in cellular function and processes. Topics such as the chemistry of hormones, recombinant DNA, mechanisms of enzyme action, protein synthesis, immunoglobulins and membranes are included. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 370 with a grade of C- or better.
CSIT100: Introduction to Computer Concepts (3 hours lecture)
An introduction to the skills, concepts, and capabilities necessary to effectively use information technology across the curriculum through computer applications. Not for mathematics major elective credit or computer science elective credit. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Computer Science. Previous course CMPT 109 effective through Spring 2014. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 051 or MATH 061 or satisfactory score on both of the mathematical components of the MSUPT.
CSIT111: Fundamentals of Programming I (3 hours lecture)
Basic theory of digital computers. Syntax and semantics of a programming language. Algorithms: logic, design, testing and documentation. Previous course CMPT 183 effective through Spring 2014. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100. MATH 112 may be taken as a corequisite or prerequisite.
MATH110: Statistics for the Biological Sciences (4 hours lecture)
Introduction to the use of statistics in the real world with an emphasis on biological data. Topics include: analysis and presentation of data, variability and uncertainty in data, techniques of statistical inference and decision-making. This course is intended for Biology majors. Statistical software such as JMP will be used. Not for mathematics majors. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test.
MATH116: Calculus A (4 hours lecture)
Differentiation and integration of functions, including trigonometric functions. Applications to biology and geoscience. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)
MATH122: Calculus I (4 hours lecture)
Limits, continuity; derivative and differentiation; applications of the derivative, maxima, minima, and extreme considerations; antiderivatives; Riemann integral. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)
MATH221: Calculus II (4 hours lecture)
Riemann integral applications, transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, L'Hospital's rule, infinite series. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 122 with grade of C- or better.
PHYS191: University Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
This one-semester calculus-based course including laboratory is a study of the principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and harmonic motion. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 122 is prerequisite or co-requisite.
PHYS192: University Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
Calculus-based course. Study of some principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics include: wave motion, sound and noise pollution, optics, electricity, lasers, nuclear theory, radiation, nuclear reactors, waste disposal. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 221 is prerequisite or corequisite.
PHYS193: College Physics I (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, wave motion and sound, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100.
PHYS194: College Physics II (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
This one-semester course including laboratory is a study of the principles and applications of classical physics. Topics covered include optics, electricity and magnetism, and an introduction to modern and nuclear physics, as well as societal applications of physical principles. Calculus is not used, but familiarity with some algebra and trigonometry is required. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: PHYS 193; and MATH 100 or MATH 111 or MATH 112.
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