ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
ASTRO 5 (GN) The Sky and Planets
ASTRO 6 (GN) Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
BIOLOGY
BIOL 110 (GN) Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity
BIOL 160N (GHW) (GN) (INTER-D) Fitness with Exercise Physiology
BIOL 163 (GN) Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture
BIOL 164 (GN) Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory
BIOL 230W (GN) Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 240W (GN) Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
CHEMISTRY
CHEM 110 (GN) Chemical Principles I
CHEM 111 (GN) Experimental Chemistry I
CHEM 112 (GN) Chemical Principles II
CHEM 113 (GN) Experimental Chemistry II
EARTH SCIENCE
EARTH 104N (GN) (GS) (INTER-D) Climate, Energy and Our Future
EARTH 111N (GN) (GS) (INTER-D) Water: Science and Society
ENTOMOLOGY
ENT 222N (GN) GH) (GS) Honey Bees and Humans
GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 30N (GN) (GS) (INTER-D) Environment and Society in a Changing World
GEOSCIENCES
GEOSC 40H (GN) The Sea Around Us
KINESIOLOGY
KINES 160N (GHW) (GN) (INTER-D) Fitness with Exercise Physiology
MICROBIOLOGY
MICRB 106 (GN) Elementary Microbiology
MICRB 107 (GN) Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
PHYSICS
PHYS 211(GN) General Physics: Mechanics
PHYS 212 (GN) General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 214 (GN) General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum
PHYS 251 (GN) Introductory Physics II
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
ASTRO 5 (GN) The Sky and Planets
The development of our modern understanding of the visible sky and planetary systems. Students who have passed ASTRO 1, ASTRO 7N, or ASTRO 10 may not take this course for credit. ASTRO 5 The Sky and Planets (3) (GN) will introduce students to the wonders of the universe and help them to understand how the universe works through the laws of physics. During the semester, they will learn about the different observed motions of objects in our sky, how astronomical objects influence our concepts of time, the nature of light and spectra, how planetary systems are formed and comparative details about our solar system and other planetary systems. Many colorful images and movies of the solar system have been collected by robotic satellite missions like Voyagers I & II, the Magellan mission to Venus, Mars rovers and orbiters, the Galileo and Juno missions to Jupiter, the Cassini and Huygens missions to Saturn, and the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. These and other images will be used to convey the excitement of discovery and nature of astronomical study of the Solar System to our students.
ASTRO 6 (GN) Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Students who have passed ASTRO 1, ASTRO 7N, or ASTRO 10 may not take this course for credit. Overview of modern understanding of stars, galaxies, and cosmology. ASTRO 6 is an introductory course for non-science majors. It provides a broad introduction to many areas of Astronomy with qualitative descriptions of the dazzling and varied contents of the universe including the Sun and other stars, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, supernovae, galaxies, dark matter, and more. The course will explore how these objects form and change and interact, how the whole universe formed and changes (cosmology), and where Earth fits in the vast scheme of things. Descriptions will build upon the basic physics of gravity, light, and atoms, and will be discussed in the context of the process of science as a robust and self-correcting way of learning and knowing that relies on making and testing predictions by gathering evidence. The goal of this course is to cover most of the areas of modern astronomy at a level which requires only basic mathematics
BIOLOGY
BIOL 110 (GN) Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity
A study of the fundamental concepts of biology including the evolution of the major groups of organisms. BIOL 110 Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity (GN) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This is the first biology course taken by students who intend to major in biology. It provides a foundation in the basic concepts that govern life, including the evolutionary processes that have led to the biodiversity seen today. The course provides students with a fundamental understanding of: 1) the features of life from the cellular through organismal levels; 2) how cell division and genetic processes provide continuity between generations; 3) how genetic variation arises and leads to evolution ; 4) how organisms acquire and use energy; 5) how structure relates to function at all levels; 6) the evolution and diversity of life.
BIOL 160N (GHW) (GN) (INTER-D) Fitness with Exercise Physiology
Biology of Exercise is an integrative exercise physiology course that combines performing physical activity (Kinesiology) and applying biological principles (Biology). This course will explain the benefits, changes, and processes the body exhibits while exercising. Students will gain knowledge and comprehension through both a lecture (or online) setting (approximately half of the class meetings) as well as an activity component (approximately half of the class meetings) in which students will demonstrate their health related components of fitness. This includes, but is not limited to, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, power, cardiorespiratory endurance, and body composition. In the lecture component, students will describe biological principles including homeostasis, nutrition, the structure and function of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. At the completion of this course, students will be able to argue for the lifelong significance of exercise including why it is important, benefits related to organ systems, and disease prevention.
BIOL 163 (GN) Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture
This is the second lecture course of a two semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology, which is the branch of biology that focuses on the structure and function of the human body. Lectures will take a "systemic" approach to anatomy and physiology, focusing on one body system at a time. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture include: the cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune systems, respiratory system, digestive system, metabolism, urinary system, and reproductive system. Each unit will build on previous knowledge to establish a cohesive picture of the human body. Throughout the course, students will build a strong foundation in the form and function of the human body from the cellular to the gross anatomical level. This knowledge will be contextualized by incorporating information about clinical cases, personal health and lifestyle choices, and human development.
BIOL 164 (GN) Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory
This is the second laboratory course of a two-semester sequence introducing human anatomy and physiology. The A&P II laboratory complements the A&P II lecture by providing students with hands-on experiences such as examination of preserved specimens and anatomical models, and performing physiological experiments. Topics covered in the Human Anatomy & Physiology II Laboratory include: the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.
BIOL 230W (GN) Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 23OW is a four credit course with lecture and laboratory components. (BIOL 220W, BIOL 230W, and BIOL 240W each carry only 1 credit of "writing"; all three courses must be taken to meet the writing requirement.) The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of the major unifying principles of life as they apply to the study of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the function of living organisms. Through the lab, students are expected to become proficient in the interpretation and presentation of experimental results through written and oral reports. Taken together with the other core courses in the biology curriculum (BIOL 110, BIOL 22OW, BIOL 24OW), BIOL 23OW will help students to integrate concepts ranging from molecular and cellular events through principles governing entire populations and ecosystems. Further, BIOL 23OW provides the foundation on which students further their study of molecular genetics - a discipline integral to a number of the biological sciences.
BIOL 240W (GN) Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
A study of development and physiological processes at the organismic level. (BIOL 220W, BIOL 230W, and BIOL 240W each carry only 1 credit of "writing"; all three courses must be taken to meet the writing requirement.) This course provides an understanding of the major unifying principles as they apply to the study of the development and physiological mechanisms utilized by organisms from both animals and plants. In lecture a comparative approach will be taken in the examination of reproduction, development, and physiology primarily at the organismal level. In laboratory, experimental, investigations of both animal and plant systems will reinforce the concepts covered in lecture. Through the lab, students are expected to become proficient in the interpretation and presentation of experimental results through written and oral reports. Taken together with the other core courses in the biology curriculum (BIOL 110, BIOL 22OW, BIOL 23OW), BIOL 24OW will help students to integrate concepts ranging from molecular and cellular events through principles governing entire populations and ecosystems. Further, BIOL 24OW provides the foundation on which students further their study of animal physiology and development.
CHEMISTRY
CHEM 110 (GN) Chemical Principles I
CHEM 110 is the first semester of a two-semester, comprehensive general chemistry course which introduces students to the basic principles of chemistry with an emphasis on the relationships between the microscopic structure and macroscopic properties of matter. Principles are illustrated with examples from the sciences, engineering and technology, and from everyday life. Topics covered are atomic structure and periodic properties, molecular compounds and chemical bonding, molecular structure, intermolecular forces, the properties of gases, liquids, and solutions, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and thermochemistry. Students may only receive credit for one of CHEM 110 or CHEM 106 (4 credits) or CHEM 130.
CHEM 111 (GN) Experimental Chemistry I
CHEM 111 is a one-credit introductory general chemistry laboratory course. It is designed to complement the lecture course CHEM 110. Students are introduced to laboratory safety and good experimental technique, how to keep a proper laboratory notebook, and interpret experimental data. The course introduces laboratory experimentation in the context of a variety of specific topics, such as reactions in solutions, spectroscopy, acids and bases, and the synthesis and analysis of chemical compounds.
CHEM 112 (GN) Chemical Principles II
CHEM 112 builds upon the subject matter of CHEM 110, covering the following topics: reaction rates and chemical kinetics, nuclear applications, catalysis, gas phase and aqueous equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, entropy, free energy, acid-base equilibria, the pH scale, the common-ion effect, buffers, acid-base titrations, factors that affect aqueous solubility, electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, oxidation states, voltaic cells, batteries, corrosion, electrolysis, transition metals, crystal field theory, molecular orbital theory, bonding in solids, and properties of modern materials.
CHEM 113 (GN) Experimental Chemistry II
CHEM 113, Experimental Chemistry II, is the second introductory general chemistry laboratory course in the CHEM 111/113 sequence. CHEM 113 is meant to complement the lecture course, CHEM 112. The course builds on the material learned in CHEM 111, emphasizing quantitative and analytical procedures. Essential material covered includes proper use of a laboratory notebook, writing a formal laboratory report, use of the chemical literature, experimental design, laboratory safety, introduction into chemical instrumentation, and interpretation of data, including basic statistics.
EARTH SCIENCE
EARTH 104N (GN) (GS) (INTER-D) Climate, Energy and Our Future
This class explores how we can shift our society to a sustainable energy system that improves our quality of life, our economy, and our natural environment. Energy provides well-being, jobs and about 10% of our economy, while powering the rest. But, energy is also the least sustainable part of our economy-we rely on fossil fuels that we are burning about a million times faster than nature saved them for us. These fossil fuels, mostly coal, oil and gas, help us grow food and avoid some environmental disasters, but the limited fossil-fuel supplies mean we must move toward a more sustainable system. And, we will be better off by avoiding damaging climate changes from fossil-fuel CO2 if we move before all of the fossil fuels are gone. The warming influence of fossil-fuel CO2 is shown by physics known for more than a century and really refined by the US Air Force after WWII. History, data, and models confirm the physics, giving us high confidence that burning much of the remaining fossil-fuel resource and releasing the CO2 will cause much larger climate changes than we have experienced so far. This class will explore the big issues in energy, including the value of burning oil rather than whales, and other historical insights. Then, after looking at the basic science and engineering of our energy system and how it affects climate, we will examine the multitude of options for the future, including alternative energy sources, conservation, and intentionally manipulating the climate. The economics, policies and ethics of these options will help us consider how to build a sustainable energy system that will encourage economic growth and improved quality of life, while at the same time defending against potentially catastrophic future climate change.
EARTH 111N (GN) (GS) (INTER-D) Water: Science and Society
The Earth is often called "The Blue Planet", a reference to the fact that over two-thirds of its surface is covered by water. Despite its apparent abundance, water is a valuable and limited resource; less than 2.5% of the water on the planet is fresh, and only one third of that is potable. The small fraction of Earth¿s water that is useable to humans is distributed very unevenly. As a result, conflicts over water occur from the local level, for example: pitting rancher against developer - to the global level, at which nations square off against one-another in war and use water as a mechanism for imposing sanctions. The dire situation in some regions has spurred numerous research and technological endeavors, such as water desalinization, genetic engineering of crops, and major overhauls of agricultural practice. In this course, we explore the relationships between water and human populations, with emphasis on water resources and quality in the Western U.S., and how these have shaped history and modern politics. We will focus first on developing the scientific underpinnings of water¿s unique properties, behavior, movement, occurrence, and quality. With this background, we will then discuss key issues relating to modern and historical conflicts, human impacts on the natural world, and human engineering accomplishments driven by our thirst for this valuable resource. We will discuss historical examples from the American West, specifically the development of water resources in Arizona, Colorado and California. We will also explore modern and historical conflicts between stakeholders. Major themes will include political and economic conflicts over (1) water resources - for example, balancing agricultural and urban demands in the American west in the Denver and Los Angeles metropolitan areas, (2) water quality - for example, considering the impact of economically profitable human activities on water quality and transmission of disease, and (3) human impacts on natural processes, specifically connecting human activity with our cultural history of water use and exploration in the American West.
ENTOMOLOGY
ENT 222N (GN) (GH) (GS) Honey Bees and Humans
Among more than 1,000,000 known insect species, honey bees are truly unique. No other insect has been harnessed so effectively to benefit humankind: honey bees provide critical pollination services for agricultural crops, and the wax and honey they produce are valuable commodities. Furthermore, their fascinating social life-style has intrigued individuals from hobby beekeepers to scientists studying complex questions about the evolution of sociality. More recently, documented declines in populations of honey bees and wild bees have stimulated interest in many communities, including policymakers, in improving health outcomes for bees. This course will provide students with a strong understanding of (1) honey bee behavior (particularly their complex and sophisticated social systems), biology, and health, (2) the important contributions honey bees and their pollination services make to maintaining natural ecosystems and increasing productivity of many of our key agricultural crops; and (3) the global history of human interactions with honey bees, including how people from many cultures have managed bees to provide honey, wax, and pollination services (4) the social and political context of addressing bee health issues. The course material will be presented in a series of interactive lectures, videos, and discussions, and also include a field trip to the Pollinator Gardens at the Arboretum at Penn State, a field trip to one of the Penn State apiaries, tracking individual honey bees in an observation hive, and dissections of samples in a laboratory exercise.
GEOGRAPHY
GEOG 30N (GN) (GS) (INTER-D) Environment and Society in a Changing World
GEOG 30N "Environment and Society in a Changing World" introduces students to the relationships between humans and the natural environment, in addition to the theories and methods that geographers employ in addressing them. The course begins with an overview of theories and key concepts to examine the interactions between social and ecological systems, across settings in the United States and globally. The course will provide students with the opportunity to read and learn about the ways in which humans think about, use, and are affected by the natural environment. It will also provide skills for analyzing and evaluating the ways in which humans have transformed the environment in different parts of the world through the integration of knowledge from the natural and social sciences. This class is designed to address big questions in human-environment interactions at the present time, while drawing upon their histories and key conceptual ideas. 1. What is a human-environment system? How does the geographic discipline contribute towards understanding human-environment systems and sustainability? 2. Why do we conserve what we conserve? Is it possible to conserve natural resources and also meet human needs? 3. What are ways to manage the effects of economic development upon the natural environment? Is sustainable development possible? 4. How is climate change impacting social and ecological systems? Can we adapt to the impacts of climate change? One of the hallmarks of the discipline of geography is attention to how social and ecological processes interact and spread across spatial scales. This means that specific events, such as the consumption of particular product or the emission of greenhouse gases, connect sites within countries and across the globe. GEOG 30N meets the definition for both a US and international cultures course by emphasizing how current human-environment systems developed over time in the U.S. and internationally. GEOG 30N examines how various political, economic, and cultural factors influenced the creation of the different forms of human-environment systems that exist today. Further, it teaches students to see nations, cultures, and social identities in relation to one another, exploring how decisions made in relation to a human-environment system in one place or by one group can impact other people or places.
GEOSCIENCES
GEOSC 40H (GN) The Sea Around Us
Introduction to marine science, including physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of oceanography; the sea as a multipurpose natural resource.
KINESIOLOGY
KINES 160N (GHW) (GN) (INTER-D) Fitness with Exercise Physiology
Biology of Exercise is an integrative exercise physiology course that combines performing physical activity (Kinesiology) and applying biological principles (Biology). This course will explain the benefits, changes, and processes the body exhibits while exercising. Students will gain knowledge and comprehension through both a lecture (or online) setting (approximately half of the class meetings) as well as an activity component (approximately half of the class meetings) in which students will demonstrate their health related components of fitness. This includes, but is not limited to, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, power, cardiorespiratory endurance, and body composition. In the lecture component, students will describe biological principles including homeostasis, nutrition, the structure, and function of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. At the completion of this course, students will be able to argue for the lifelong significance of exercise including why it is important, benefits related to organ systems, and disease prevention.
MICROBIOLOGY
MICRB 106 (GN) Elementary Microbiology
A survey course in microbiology for non-majors, this course focuses on the roles of microbes in human health and disease, agriculture, biotechnology, and other areas of societal impact. Topics include the mechanisms and natural history of microbial evolution; microbial growth and the control of microbial growth; the staggering diversity of microbial diversity, microbial metabolism, and microbial genetics; the unique biology of viruses; biotechnology its social impacts; pathogenesis and immunity; and explicit connections between each of these topics and their public health impacts.
MICRB 107 (GN) Elementary Microbiology Laboratory
MICRB 107 is an introductory laboratory course designed for students who do not intend to pursue further study in the field. The course demonstrates the use and practice importance of microbes in everyday life. Instruction begins with the proper handling and visualization of microorganisms. Almost by definition, the vast majority of microorganisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, students must learn the correct use of the light microscope. Instruction in the proper care and maintenance of the microscope is provided. Students prepare and stain specimens using a number of methods designed to characterize microorganisms. The importance of working safely in a laboratory setting is emphasized throughout the course. Many skills are developed in this laboratory course. Aseptic technique skills allow for the transfer organisms properly from one culture medium to another. A variety of media are used and the reasons for their use are explained. Students also learn how to quantify the number of bacteria in specimens such as water, soil or food. The course demonstrates ways to control microbial growth by various means for example, temperature, osmotic pressure, pH, exposure to ultraviolet light and use of disinfectants. Students learn the importance of controlling microbial growth on their person and how failure to do so can lead to the spread of disease, especially in hospital settings. Other experiments illustrate methods used to preserve food products and test water for contamination and may include molecular techniques to study microbial genomes. While students learn to isolate and identify organisms from their own body, other common bacteria found in or on the human body are also studied. A variety of diagnostic cultural and physiological tests are employed to identify organisms students have isolated. This simulates in a very real way the process physicians depend on for diagnosis of infectious diseases. A related experiment demonstrates how antibiotics that are likely to be effective in treating an infection are selected. Taken together, most of the experiments conducted in MICRB 107 are designed to encourage students to investigate the many important roles microorganisms play in the living world. The specific examples covered each semester may vary based on student and instructor interest. As a course that meets general education (GN) requirements, students will increase their scientific literacy in the field of microbiology and develop critical and analytical thinking skills.
PHYSICS
PHYS 211(GN) General Physics: Mechanics
PHYS 211 General Physics: Mechanics (4) (GN) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics, including such topics as: measurement, dimensional analysis, motion in one-dimension, vectors, motion in 2 and 3 dimensions, relative and circular motion, force and dynamics, Newton's Laws, friction, kinetic energy, work, potential energy, energy conservation, systems of particles, center of mass and momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions, rotation (moments of inertia), rolling motion, torque, angular momentum, static equilibrium, gravitational force and Kepler's laws, gravitational potential energy, oscillations, waves (transverse and longitudinal, superposition of waves). This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary physics principles mentioned above, as well as their applications, and to enhance their conceptual understanding of physical laws. The exact model of instruction varies at different campuses due to different resources and class sizes. Students attend several class meetings including at least one lab or activity period per week. Use of a combination of computer-based and traditional lab exercises is expected and collaborative learning exercises will be used in both small class sessions. The introduction of data acquisition and analysis methods (often making use of modern computer tools) will be stressed in the laboratory/activity period. Course evaluation is based on a combination assessments such as homework, quizzes, lab reports, midterm and final exams, and other evaluative tools. The course is an important prerequisite for later work in many science and engineering disciplines.
PHYS 212 (GN) General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
PHYS 212 General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism (4) (GN) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Calculus-based introduction to classical electricity and magnetism, including such topics as, electric charge and electric fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, current, resistance, and circuits, magnetic fields, and fields due to currents, induction and inductance, magnetism of matter, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic oscillations. This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary physics principles mentioned above, as well as their applications, and to enhance their conceptual understanding of physical laws. The exact model of instruction varies at different campuses due to different resources and class sizes. Students attend several class meetings including at least one lab or activity period per week. Use of a combination of computer-based and traditional lab exercises is expected and collaborative learning exercises will be used in both small class session. Use of a combination of computer-based and traditional lab exercises is expected and collaborative learning exercises will be used in both small class settings. The introduction of data acquisition and analysis methods (often making use of modern computer tools) will be stressed in the laboratory/activity period. Course evaluation is based on a combination assessments such as homework, quizzes, lab reports, midterm and final exams, and other evaluative tools. The course is an important prerequisite for later work in many science and engineering disciplines.
PHYS 214 (GN) General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum
Calculus-based study of the basic concepts of wave motion, geometrical optics, interference phenomena, photons, wave mechanics, and the structure of matter. PHYS 214 General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics (2) (GN)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Calculus-based introduction to the basic concepts of wave motion, geometrical optics, interference phenomena, photons, wave mechanics, and the structure of matter, including such topics as: electromagnetic waves: Poynting Vector, polarization and reflection, geometrical optics: mirrors, refraction, lenses, optical instruments, interference and diffraction, photons and matter waves, energy quantization, structure of matter: hydrogen atom, conduction of electrons in solids, and nuclear physics and nuclear energy.This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary physics principles mentioned above, as well as their applications, and to enhance their conceptual understanding of physical laws. The exact model of course instruction varies at different campuses due to different resources and class sizes. Students attend several class meetings including at least one lab or activity period per week. Use of a combination of computer-based and traditional lab exercises is expected and collaborative learning exercises will be used in small class settings. The introduction of data acquisition and analysis methods (often making use of modern computer tools) will be stressed in the laboratory/activity period. The course is an important prerequisite for later work in many science and engineering disciplines.
PHYS 251 (GN) Introductory Physics II
Selected topics in light, electricity, and magnetism. PHYS 251 Introductory Physics II (4) (GN)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Algebra-based introduction to classical electricity and magnetism, optics, and areas of modern physics, including such topics as electric charge and fields, electrical potential and energy, electric currents and resistance, direct current (DC) circuits, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and applications to devices, electromagnetic waves, light and geometrical optics, wave nature of light, basic optical instruments (microscopes, telescopes, etc.), basics of quantum mechanics, applications of quantum theory to atoms, molecules, and solids, nuclear physics and radioactivity, applications of nuclear energy and radiation.This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the elementary physics principles mentioned above, as well as their applications to everyday phenomena and to the life sciences, to enhance their conceptual understanding of physical laws, and to increase their problem solving abilities, especially as applied to physical systems. The mathematical prerequisites for this course (and the prerequisite PHYS 250) are mathematics at the level of algebra and trigonometry, demonstrated by suitable coursework or demonstration of satisfactory performance on the mathematical proficiency exam. The exact model of instruction varies at different campuses due to different resources and class sizes. Students attend several class meetings including at least one lab or activity period per week. Students perform laboratory experiments, discuss their results, and write up their conclusions in weekly lab reports. The course is a continuation of the first-semester course PHYS 250.