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CourseTitleDescriptionCreditsPrerequisitesOfferedGeneral Education Category
PSCI 103Physical ScienceThe processes and natural laws that control our physical environment are investigated. Emphasis is on laboratory experiment. Lecture and laboratory. Students cannot receive credit for both PSCI 103 and PHYS 101-PHYS 102. 6 contact hours.4 credit hoursNoneFall, Spring, Summer.Natural Science
PSCI 204Understanding the Physical UniverseFundamental principles in physical science such as force, energy, cycles and the structure of matter are introduced and used to investigate varied applications and current issues in the physical sciences. 5 contact hours.4 credit hoursBIOL 100 and MATH 144 or consent of instructor.Fall, Spring, Summer.Elective (E)
PSCI 207Introduction to Environmental ChemistryThe flow of material and energy through the Earth system is introduced. Principles of element cycles, climate science, and coastal processes are also investigated.3 credit hoursNoneAnnually.
PSCI 208Forensic ScienceStudents learn about modern forensic techniques used in crime scene analysis. Emphasis is on the methods used to collect and interpret crime scene data.4 credit hoursNoneFall, Spring.Elective (E)
PSCI 211Introduction to AstronomyOur solar system, the sun and other stars, galaxies, and the universe are explored. Astronomical phenomena are explained using basic physical principles. Lecture and laboratory.4 credit hoursNoneFall, Spring.Natural Science
PSCI 212Introduction to GeologyFocus is on the structure and composition of the earth and the processes that have shaped the earth. Topics include minerals, origin of magma, volcanic activity, and weathering and soil formation. Lecture and laboratory.4 credit hoursNoneFall, Summer.Natural Science
PSCI 214Introduction to MeteorologyThis class focuses on the structure, composition and phenomena of the atmosphere. Students examine local and global scale weather patterns, and century to millennial scale climate change.4 credit hoursCompletion of any mathematics or natural science general education distribution.Fall.Elective (E)
PSCI 216Science of Our Changing PlanetStudents learn the science of natural and anthropogenic earth changes and time scales associated with them by investigating aspects of geology, meteorology, climate and pollution studies.4 credit hoursNoneFall.
PSCI 217Introduction to OceanographyStudents learn about the science of the subdisciplines of oceanography (geological, physical, chemical, and biological) and explore engaging and societally relevant topics in the field.4 credit hoursNoneSpring.Natural Science
PSCI 262Space: The Final FrontierStudents explore the cultural impacts on the imagination of space, the science and technological discoveries for space science, and how space has fueled science fiction literature, film and popular culture.4 credit hoursFYS 100 and FYW 100/FYW 100P/FYW 100H.Fall, Spring, Summer.Connections
PSCI 490Directed Study in Physical ScienceDesigned to be a substitute for a traditional course under the instruction of a faculty member. A particular area of physical science is studied on the basis of the interest of the student and the instructor.3 credit hoursConsent of instructor, department chair and dean.As needed.
PSCI 491-493Research in Physical ScienceThe student conducts original research in an area selected after consultation with the instructor and prepares a report of their work. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be earned in these courses.1 credit hourConsent of instructor, department chair and dean.As needed.