Natural Science (NSCI)

A mandatory safety lesson (normally given in the laboratory) must be completed before the student is admitted to certain natural science laboratory sessions. Approved safety goggles are required for some laboratory sessions and may be purchased through the bookstore. Attendance during the first week of class is mandatory and may affect a studentís continued enrollment in these classes. Students must complete 60% of the laboratories in the course to receive credit.

NSCI 101, NSCI 102, and NSCI 103 are offered in both distance learning (DL) and hybrid formats. Students enrolled in hybrid sections of this course will be required to come to campus for an orientation meeting and completion of certain exams and laboratories. Laboratories are generally done on an every other week basis on campus. For the DL sections of this course, students will be mailed a laboratory kit which requires a refundable deposit and on-campus participation is limited. Check the Global Campus site for more information on each format.

Note: Courses taught at a distance (Distance Learning [DL]) may have a higher lab fee than traditionally taught courses and DL sections will require a refundable deposit on laboratory kits. Laboratory kits are available to be picked up on campus or mailed to the student.

NSCI 101 Natural Science I (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course covers the evolution of the physical and biological sciences from antiquity to the modern era. Topics include early ideas of the physical world, the principles of mechanics and optics, microscopy and its role in the development of cell and germ theory, germ theory, the atomic nature of matter, and the classification and bonding of the elements. Related laboratory and demonstrations. Safety training and goggles are required for the laboratory. This course is offered in a distance learning (DL) and hybrid format.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 3 hours
Prerequisites: Placement into ENGL 101 and placement into MATH 102 or higher
Lab fee: $19.00

NSCI 102 Natural Science II (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
NSCI 102 is a continuation of NSCI 101. Topics include the laws of chemical combination, chemical reactions, evolution and natural selection, the diversity of life and ecology, the concept of energy, heat and thermodynamics, kinetic theory, electricity and magnetism, the nature of light and quantum mechanics. Related laboratory and demonstrations. Safety training and goggles are required for the laboratory. This course is offered in a distance learning (DL) and hybrid format.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 3 hours
Prerequisite: NSCI 101 or equivalent
Lab fee: $19.00

NSCI 103 Natural Science III (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course integrates the study of chemistry and biology with an emphasis on topics which have had an impact on the development of science in the twentieth century. Topics include the ways scientists communicate information, the modern advances of organic chemistry and biochemistry, protein synthesis, the processes of mitosis and meiosis, and genetics. Discussions cover scientific information as well as any ethical and moral implications of scientific advances. Related laboratory and demonstrations. Safety training and goggles are required for the laboratory. This course is offered in a distance learning (DL) and hybrid format.
Lecture: 4 hours – Lab: 3 hours
Prerequisite: NSCI 102, equivalent, or permission of instructor
Lab fee: $19.00

NSCI 110 Science and Ethical Thought (On Demand)

5 credits
An introduction to the complex relationship between science and ethics and how it relates to today’s political and social climate. After briefly discussing the history of ethics, students will research and discuss important topics centered on social issues, environmental issues, technological issues and medical issues. The student will be responsible for readings, handouts, writing and opinion assignments, and group projects.
Lecture: 5 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Lab Fee: $6.00