Natural Sciences

A survey of humankind from a biological perspective. Includes human evolution and variation, hominid phylogeny and taxonomic theory, and the interaction between human biology, behavior, and culture. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

Introduction to the universe, with emphasis on conceptual, as contrasted with mathematical, comprehension. Modern theories and observations; ideas concerning nature and evolution of galaxies; quasars, stars, black holes, planets, and solar system. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

An introduction to physics intended for students not majoring in science. Topics include basic coverage of motion, force, energy, momentum, gravity, electricity and magnetism, light, waves, and relativity. Course includes one lab credit. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Basic principles of physics presented without use of calculus. Suitable for students majoring in technically oriented fields other than engineering or the physical sciences. Mechanics. Working knowledge of algebra and trigonometry: one year high school physics is recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Basic principles of mechanics and experiments in mechanics for physical science and engineering majors. One year high school physics is recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Introduction to the structural and functional characteristics of life. Surveys the evolutionary, ecological, cellular, and genetic biology of living organisms. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Includes process of science, overview of central ideas of biology (unity, diversity, interdependence, evolution), basic chemistry concepts, biomolecules, cell structure, cell physiology (including enzyme function, energetics, synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein), cell reproduction, introduction to genetics. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

First course in the three-quarter sequence of introductory biology for science students. An introduction to evolutionary and ecological processes involved in the generation of our planet’s biodiversity, including a review of patterns and processes that influence the origin, evolution, distribution, and abundance of living things. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Second course in the three-quarter sequence of introductory biology for science students. Introduction to structure and function of biomolecules, cells, and membranes; photosynthesis and respiration; molecular origin of life; phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of prokaryotes; and molecular genetics and genomics. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Third course in the three-quarter sequence of introductory biology for science students. Introduction to the study of the structure and function of plants and animals and how they cope with varying environmental conditions. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Structure and function of the human body. Homeostasis; tissues; integumentary, skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Introduction to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Includes microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, ecology, technological applications, microbial diseases of humans, immunology, public health, and medical control strategies. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Hands-on approach utilizing facilities at local marine laboratory, field trips, and group projects to learn biological concepts relevant to marine biology. Emphasis on local organisms and ecology. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

First course in the two-quarter sequence of introductory biology for forestry students. Topics include cell structure and function, cellular energy metabolism, photosynthesis, genetics, and various facets of zoology, including anatomy and physiology, physiological ecology, and development. Current research will be used to illustrate the scientific and social importance of these topics. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Second course in the two-quarter sequence of introductory biology for forestry students. Topics include plant growth and survival, photosynthesis, and plant/ environmental interactions, evolution and diversity of living plants and animals, fundamentals of ecology, and conservation biology. Current research will be used to illustrate the scientific and social importance of these topics. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Introduction to general plant biology. Anatomy, physiology, and diversity of common protists, fungi, and plants, with emphasis on plants of the Pacific Northwest. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Introduction to chemistry covering selected principles and their effect on ourselves and our environment. Intended for non-science majors wishing to improve their science literacy and develop a long-term interest in science. Includes online lab. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

For individuals with little or no chemistry background. Atomic nature of matter, chemical bonding, periodic table, chemical reactions, phases of matter, solutions, equilibrium, reaction rates, and nuclear reactions. Includes laboratory. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Presents organic chemistry and biochemistry, with emphasis on functional groups, synthesis, and biochemical applications. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

For science and engineering majors. This course focuses on the fundamentals of chemical structures: atomic nature of matter, atomic structure, periodic trends, quantum concepts, molecular structure, and chemical reactions. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

An introduction to fundamentals of computer science. Topics covered include algorithmic design; problem-solving techniques for computer programming; fundamentals of digital logic and computer organization; the role of the operating system; introductory programming methodology, including variables, assignment statements, control statements and subroutines (methods); programming paradigms; the compilation process; theoretical limits of computation; database structures; and social and ethical issues. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

A study of a variety of mathematical topics for non-science majors. The topics covered may differ between sections, but may include problem solving strategies, logic, set theory, number theory, mathematics of finance, probability and statistics, or geometry. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Analysis of linear, piecewise, quadratic, polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, and logarithmic functions; their applications; and their graphs. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Conic sections; trigonometric functions; identities; inverse trigonometric functions; trigonometric equations; solutions of right triangles; laws of sines and cosines; vectors; polar coordinates; and complex numbers. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Introduction to methods and applications of elementary descriptive and inferential statistics; summarizing data graphically and numerically, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation and linear regression. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Limits, rates of change, graphing, differentiating, optimizing, polynomials, integration, logarithmic and exponential functions, implicit differentiation, business applications. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Limits and continuity; techniques and applications of derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions; an introduction to antiderivatives. This class may include students from multiple sections. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Integration involving algebraic and transcendental functions. Applications of integration, including an introduction to differential equations. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Sequences and series, vector algebra and vector functions, functions of several variables, and partial derivatives. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Methods topics include teaching the usage of technology. Math topics include algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics. This course satisfies the quantitative skills requirement for the AA-DTA degree, provided that Math for Elementary Teachers I has also been completed satisfactorily. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

The study of linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, and solving their related equations; systems of equations; matrices; linear programming (graphically); and the mathematics of finance. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Introduction to first-order symbolic logic. Topics include symbolizing, truth tables, truth trees, proofs for sentence and predicate logic with identity, conditional and indirect proof, and invalidating interpretations. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Scientific approach to understanding nature and scope of contemporary problems in our environment. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

An interdisciplinary science course for both non-science majors and science students. Topics include the practice of environmental science, ecological principles, demographics, forest and wildlife resources, energy, planning, climate change, and pollution. Underlying scientific principles and practices, including the exploration and presentation of scientific uncertainty, are identified and related to societal issues. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Explores past and present contributions from major events and leaders to the sustainability movement. It combines the basic ways natural systems work with an understanding of economics, social equity, and ecology, followed by a critical analysis of the societal value and environmental impact of trends in sustainability. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

Geodesy and mapping; introduction to atmospheric science, weather, climate, the oceans, hydrology, and the earth’s heat budget. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

A survey of Earth science including topics on rock and mineral characteristics, natural hazards, surface and groundwater environments, marine and continental environments, resources, land-forms, and global climate change. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

Introduction to geology and survey of the processes that shape the surface of the earth, including water, wind, ice, and gravity. Topics covered include: plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, the geologic time scale, and concepts of mineralogy and petrology. Lab included. Field trips may be required. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Introduction to historical geology and paleontology. Studies the formation and development through time of the solid Earth, atmosphere, and biosphere. Covers past movements and locations of the continents and interpretation of past environments as recorded in rock and fossil records as well as the history of life and how living organisms evolved over geologic time from the first single-celled organisms through the first invertebrates, vertebrates and plants, to the dinosaurs, and on to the rise of the mammals and early hominids. Includes the chance to examine fossils of early life, various invertebrates, fish, other prehistoric animals, and ancient plants. Lab included. Field trips may be required. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)

Explores processes that form and shape the earth. These processes comprise a series of integrated systems that interact to produce the earth's continents, oceans, atmosphere, and life. Lab included. Field trips may be required. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

Basic principles of nutrition across the lifespan. Details the digestive process, the digestion and absorption of macro and micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Examines the role of nutrition in the maintenance of optimal health and disease prevention. Includes analysis of personal dietary habits and the components of a healthful diet. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences, Elective)

General survey of geological, physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. Includes history of oceanography, origin of ocean basins, plate tectonics, sea floor, waves, tides, currents, properties of water, composition of seawater, ocean productivity, pelagic environment, benthic environment, coastal processes, marine resources, and pollution. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Formerly OCEA& 101, Natural Sciences, Elective)

Introduction to the animal phyla. Studies of animal anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution illustrate the diversity and unity of animal life. Emphasis on animals of the Pacific Northwest. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Natural Sciences with Lab, Elective)