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BA Environmental Science - Geology Field Studies

Program Codes: BAENVSGEO
Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
Environmental science operates at the intersection between humans and the natural world. It is a complex field that requires students to understand how physical, chemical and biological phenomena on varying scales interact with human systems and the structures and challenges imposed by governmental policies, economics, and social problems. The success of an environmental professional at addressing environmental problems requires an interdisciplinary perspective and knowledge about how to sensitively select and use the right tools to assess and address problems.

Mercyhurst’s Environmental Science program has been designed as a natural science-focused program offering students opportunities to specialize in either biology or geology field studies, and including a slate of liberal arts courses that prepares students for a broad range of possible careers in environmental consulting, sustainability leadership, conservation and restoration science, green energy and environmental education. Coursework includes deep upperlevel disciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework to provide students with diverse hands-on technical skills and practical experience within the respective environmental science geology and biology curricula.

The program is complementary to the university’s existing majors in Biology and Geology, which provided a foundation for the development of Environmental Science. Special facilities available to students in this program include two major natural areas owned by the University within the Pennsylvania Lake Erie watershed: the Jean B. and J. Douglas James Ecological & Wildlife Preserve and the Mary Jo and Ed Maier Field Station.

Mercyhurst is a full member and active participant in the Regional Science Consortium, a collaborative, non-profit organization which focuses on and coordinates educational and research projects for Lake Erie and the upper Ohio River Basin, offering college courses and research opportunities to students from more than a dozen regional colleges and universities at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Consortium facilities available to Mercyhurst biology students include well-equipped research and teaching laboratories, classrooms, greenhouse, natural history collections, sampling equipment and research vessels.

Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Mercyhurst University Environmental Science Program is to educate students in physical, biological and social sciences, making them reflectively aware of the natural environment in which they live, equipped to serve as globally responsible stewards of the Earth and its resources, and prepared to advance successful solutions to address environmental issues. Central keys to advance this mission are a commitment to immersing students in a broad exposure to the diverse perspectives that are necessary to address complex environmental problems, combined with deep experiential disciplinary learning through rigorous field-centered class and laboratory activities, practical hands-on field experiences, collaborative faculty-student research, and travel-learning experiences that will take students beyond the boundaries of our local environments.

Advising
To ensure that students in the program are successful in the long term, the advising program will institute a Sophomore Review process, directed by each student’s primary advisor in geology or biology. During the review process, the student, with guidance from the advisor, will be required to develop a detailed curricular plan for the third and fourth year of the student’s program, and will be assigned a second advisor from the other department (biology or geology), whom the student will consult with for final approval of their environmental science degree plan. This process provides environmental science students the benefit of two different science disciplinary perspectives for developing skillbuilding and capstone project course decisions, which will have a profound effect on the subsequent success of the student in advancing to a professional position or graduate school.

Environmental Science Minor Requirements
BIO 146/147 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Organisms & Lab 4 credits
ENVS 105 Introduction to Environmental Studies 3 credits
GEOL 100/102 Physical Geology & Lab 4 credits
Three additional environmental theme courses that are 200 level or higher approved by the minor advisor. (9-12 credits)
Two of the additional 200 level courses must be science courses (e.g., BIO, GEO, PUBH, or SCI)

Sustainability Studies Minor Requirements
ENVS 105 Introduction to Environmental Studies 3 credits
SUST 210 Responding to Climate Change 3 credits
OR
SCI 335 Climatology 3 credits
Four additional environmental themed courses, two of which must be level 200 or higher (12-16 credits).

Program Outcomes:

The Environmental Science Program has identified six learning outcomes that all students should meet before they earn their degree. Upon completion of the Environmental Science curriculum all students should be able to:

  • Understand the natural environment and its relationships with human activities.
  • Characterize and analyze human impacts on the environment.
  • Integrate facts, concepts, and methods from multiple disciplines and apply to environmental problems.
  • Acquire practical skills for scientific problem-solving, including familiarity with laboratory and field instrumentation, computer applications, statistical and modeling techniques.
  • Understand and implement scientific research strategies, including collection, management, evaluation, and interpretation of environmental data.
  • Design and evaluate strategies, technologies, and methods for sustainable management of environmental systems and for the remediation or restoration of degraded environments.
REACH
Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH
39
Major Core Courses
ECOL&EVOL BIO OF ORGANISMS
Course Code:
BIO 146
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
Introduction to the ecology and evolutionary biology of organisms, including population growth, species interactions, ecosystem cycles, mechanisms of evolution, speciation, the diversity of life on Earth, and an introduction to population and Mendelian genetics.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

BIO 147

x
BIO 146
ECOL&EVOL BIO OF ORGANISMS
3
ECOL&EVOL BIO OF ORG LAB
Course Code:
BIO 147
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

A laboratory course that elucidates concepts taught in BIO 146 from a largely experimental perspective.

Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:

BIO 146

x
BIO 147
ECOL&EVOL BIO OF ORG LAB
1
FIELD BOTANY
Course Code:
BIO 392
Course Group(s):
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY ELECTIVES, UPPER-LEVEL BIO, FIELD STUDIES AND TRAVEL
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
Plant ecology is the study of the interrelationships between plants and their environment, with primary focus on how climate, soils, disturbance, and biotic factors influence plant populations and communities. Comparative analyses of plant community structure and function in relation to disturbance regime and geographical variables will be discussed.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
BIO 392
FIELD BOTANY
3
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Course Code:
ENVS 105
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
An interdisciplinary course that examines local, national and global environmental problems from diverse perspectives. The concept of environmental sustainability is emphasized to illustrate its utility to frame individual and societal actions for advancing a more environmentally just and healthy world in the twenty-first century. The social, political and economic forces that complicate the resolution of environmental problems are highlighted, as are historical events and the centuries-old heritage of American environmental literature.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ENVS 105
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
3
DYNAMIC EARTH
Course Code:
GEOL 100
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Students are introduced to the basic materials of the Earth and the processes that shape them/it. The course covers plate tectonics (including volcanic activity and earthquakes) as well as surface-related processes of weathering and erosion, glaciation, and ground and surface water. Students are engaged in active discussion and hands-on exercises during the course of the semester.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 22.5
Corequisites:

GEOL_102

x
GEOL 100
DYNAMIC EARTH
3
DYNAMIC EARTH LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 102
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

A hands-on approach to further exploring and understanding topics covered in GEOL 100.

Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 7.5
Corequisites:

GEOL_100

x
GEOL 102
DYNAMIC EARTH LAB
1
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 215
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
A study of the earth's landforms, their classification, origin and the forces of wind, waves, streams, glaciers and gravity that have caused our present landscapes and are causing them to change. Soil development and interpretation is also covered.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
GEOL 100
Corequisites:
GEOL_216
x
GEOL 215
GEOMORPHOLOGY
3
GEOMORPHOLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 216
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
An in-depth and hands-on approach to studying geologic processes that have shaped and continue to shape the Earth; field-based exercises will be implemented when possible.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lecture, Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL_215
x
GEOL 216
GEOMORPHOLOGY LAB
1
FIELD METHODS IN GEOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 455
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
An overview of field techniques used in geology with an emphasis on how to operate independently in the field. An emphasis is placed on geologic mapping, but measuring and describing stratigraphic sections, using topographic and related maps, and the uses of other field-focused equipment will also be reviewed. Typically offered during summer.
Credit:
3 - 6
Instruction methods:
Lecture, Field
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
GEOL 100
x
GEOL 455
FIELD METHODS IN GEOLOGY
3 - 6
HYDROGEOLOGY
Course Code:
GEOL 302
Course Group(s):
GEOLOGY MAJOR ELECTIVES
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
An introduction to the origin, occurrence, regimen and utilization of the ground water sector of the hydrological cycle; the geological influences and chemical aspects of ground water, location, evaluation, and influence of man.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:
GEOL_261
x
GEOL 302
HYDROGEOLOGY
3
HYDROGEOLOGY LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 303
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
A hands-on examination of the study of water in the natural environment with an emphasis on both surficial and groundwater. Corequisite: GEOL 302.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL_260
x
GEOL 303
HYDROGEOLOGY LAB
1
ENERGY&ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Course Code:
GEOL 288
Active Term:
Randomly
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course explores the socioeconomic and cultural implications of human interactions with the physical environment. Principal topics will include: Issues associated with fossil fuel extraction and use as well as the development of renewable energy sources. Using these topics, we will examine the idea of environmental racism and injustice towards various cultures and nations. We will also explore future energy needs that result from an energy independent United States and the consequent effects on the green energy field and global relationships with oil and gas producing nations.

Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
GEOL 288
ENERGY&ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
4
SOILS
Course Code:
GEOL 306
Course Group(s):
GEOLOGY MAJOR ELECTIVES
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
The study of the processes and environmental conditions that result in the formation of soils; the relationships among climate, rock type, and time duration that cause soils to possess different chemical and physical properties; and the various schemes and the nomenclature by which soils are classified.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:
GEOL_307
x
GEOL 306
SOILS
3
SOILS LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 307
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Even Years
Course Description:
The analysis and interpretation of soils maps; the field descriptions of general soil features; the recording of site and profile data; and soil sampling methods. Corequisite: GEOL 306. 1 credits.
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
Corequisites:
GEOL_306
x
GEOL 307
SOILS LAB
1
INTRODUCTION TO GIS
Course Code:
GEOL 440
Course Group(s):
GEOLOGY MAJOR ELECTIVES
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to Geographic Information Systems, providing students with a basic knowledge of its theory, and main practical applications, with stress on basic GIS software logics, usage and applications. The student will learn the usage of ESRI's ArcGIS 9, with examples from different fields. At completion of the course, students will be able to collect, create and view geographic information data from preexisting sources as well as produce their own maps and calculate basic descriptive spatial statistics such as measurements of dispersion and central location. Corequisite: GEOL 441. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
GEOL 440
INTRODUCTION TO GIS
3
INTRODUCTION TO GIS LAB
Course Code:
GEOL 441
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lab
Total hours: 15
x
GEOL 441
INTRODUCTION TO GIS LAB
1
Environment-themed Non-Science Courses

In consultation with advisors, choose two of the following:

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
Course Code:
CHEM 240
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
The structure, synthesis, and reactivity of aliphatic and aromatic organic compounds, basic principles, mechanisms of organic reactions, applications of spectral methods, stereochemistry.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:
CHEM 131
Corequisites:
CHEM 241
x
- -
ENVIRONMENT-THEMED NON-SCIENCE - GEO
ECONOMICS OF POVERTY

Short Title : ECONOMICS OF POVERTY

Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years

Course Code : ECON 250

Course Description :

This course introduces students to economic theories of poverty, ways to measure it (and the problems associated with these measures), and a description of the success and failures of public policies designed to curtail it. It features a blending of economic reasoning from theoretical and empirical perspectives, which will become part of the students' toolkits in their further endeavors, and a critical comparison of the economics approach and Catholic social teaching. The students will come out of the course becoming critical and intelligent participants in public policy debates and learn to form their own policy recommendations based on their analysis.

  • Credit : 3
x
ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Short Title : ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS

Active Term : All Terms / All Years

Course Code : ECON 260

Course Description :

The primary goal of this course is to enhance the student's understanding and ability to critically assess contemporary environmental policy. It aims at equipping students with the economic methods and tools used to analyze environmental issues, combining theoretical analysis with discussions on specific environmental policies as applied to water and air pollution, energy issues, climate change, and human health issues. Analytical techniques for estimating the effects of proposed programs are examined. Strengths and weaknesses of benefit-cost analysis in the regulatory process are explored in the context of political economy. Current environmental policy is evaluated.

  • Credit : 3
x
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LITERATURE

Short Title : SPECIAL TOPICS IN LIT

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : ENG 328

Course Description :

The special topics seminars invite students to engage in an intensive study of a particular theme, historical moment, author or interdisciplinary topic. Drawn from American, British or European traditions, courses might include Writing and the Environment or Existentialism and Literature. Students may take multiple seminar topics under this course number.

  • Credit : 3
x
US ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY

Short Title : US ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : HIS 221

Course Description : With a wide-angled multidisciplinary lens, students in this course explore the central importance of nature and the environment in American history. From Thoreau to pink flamingoes, we trace shifting conceptions of "nature" in American cultural history. In addition, we survey the history of environmental change, focusing on the historical impact of human activity upon local and regional environments from New England to California. Finally, students examine the often contested political and legislative response of Americans to environmental problems since the late 19th century.

  • Credit : 3
x
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Short Title : ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : POLI 321

Course Description : Taught utilizing a law school style approach-including a moot court experience-the purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth look at current U.S. environmental law, as well as the underlying technology implicit in a successful environmental law framework. This course will provide an excellent opportunity to improve your oral communication skills. 3 credits.

  • Credit : 3
x
ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS

Short Title : ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : POLI 395

Course Description :

This class is premised on the belief that environmental problems are ultimately political conflicts. Accordingly, we focus not only on the substance of environmental issues, but also on the public policy process, and on the skills, tactics and factors that influence the outcomes of the policy process.

  • Credit : 3
x
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Short Title : ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Active Term : Fall Term / All Years

Course Code : PUBH 201

Course Description :

Environmental Health is an introduction to the role of environmental exposures in human health and disease. Though the focus is on humans, because the human ecological footprint is expanding and has few natural boundaries, the impacts of human activities on the broader environment and non-human systems are equally important to our understanding of the role of environment on health. It is an applied science course that will focus on finding solutions to the many challenges posed by environmental health hazards including chemical, biological and radiation exposures at work, at home and at play-and the choices we must make to minimize personal exposures while participating in an expanding global economy. A major emphasis is on understanding the role of public health in environmental health science while linking these disciplines to broader goals of preserving environmental quality and protecting human health. 

  • Credit : 3
x
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Upper-level Geology, Field Studies and Travel Courses

In consultation with advisors, choose three of the following. Some courses may require a lab.

GENERAL PHYSICS I
Course Code:
PHYS 201
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

This is a calculus-based course that is designed for natural science and mathematics majors, (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth-space science education, mathematics). The role of physics in other scientific fields will be emphasized as classical mechanics is covered. This portion of the General Physics series will deal strictly with mechanics; topics include: motion in one-, two- and three-dimensions, the laws of motion, work, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy, linear and rotational motion, and the prediction of motion based on initial conditions.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:

MATH 170

Corequisites:

PHYS 203

x
- -
UPPER-LEVEL GEO, FIELD STUDIES AND TRAVEL
EARTH MATERIALS I

Short Title : EARTH MATERIALS I

Active Term : Fall Term / Even Years

Course Code : GEOL 211

Course Description :

Overview of the chemical and physical properties of the material constituents of the Earth and terrestrial planets with an emphasis on rocks and the minerals they contain. Topics include mineral structure and composition, bonding, optical properties, mineral and rock chemistry, and structure and composition of the earth. The role of minerals in our environment is also discussed as appropriate.

Prerequisites :

GEOL 100

Corequisites :

GEOL_212

  • Credit : 3
x
PALEOCLIMATOLOGY:SCI GLOBAL WARMING

Short Title : PALEOCLIMATLGY:SCI GLB WRM

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 235

Course Description : Paleoclimatology deals with the characteristics of Earth's climate in the past. This course will explore how and why Earth's climate has changed over time and the implications of that change. A hands-on approach will be taken where students will be out in the field collecting climate-related data and will discuss the techniques used in studying past climates. Earth's changing climate over the past 10,000 years will also be emphasized.

Corequisites : GEOL 236

  • Credit : 3
x
SEDIMENTOLOGY&STRATIGRAPHY

Short Title : SEDIMENTOLOGY&STRATIGRAPHY

Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years

Course Code : GEOL 342

Course Description : An introduction to processes and environments of sedimentation and the principles employed in the examination of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Hand specimens and sequences will be studied for characteristics and origins.

Corequisites : GEOL 343

  • Credit : 3
x
STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

Short Title : STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

Active Term : Fall Term / Even Years

Course Code : GEOL 350

Course Description : Identification and interpretation of structural geologic features including the construction and use of structural maps and cross-sections.

Corequisites : GEOL_251

  • Credit : 3
x
Volcanology

Short Title : VOLCANOLOGY

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 360

Course Description : This course will address processes that occur at volcanoes. The varieties and underlying causes of volcanism will be examined through lectures, discussions, and in class activities. Hazards and benefits associated with volcanoes will also be studied with a special emphasis on how humans have interacted with volcanoes with various degrees of success.

Corequisites : GEOL 361

  • Credit : 3
x
DENDROCHRONOLOGY

Short Title : DENDROCHRONOLOGY

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 370

Course Description :

Dendrochronology deals with time as recorded by tree rings. Information extracted from tree rings can subsequently be used to make predictions about past climate and paleo-environmental conditions, geologic and anthropological events, and even fire cycles. This class will present the fundamental principles of how to conduct dendrochronologic studies and will emphasize the techniques of collecting and interpreting tree ring data. Applications of dendrochronology will also be explored.

  • Credit : 3
x
PRIN OF REMOTE SENSING

Short Title : PRIN OF REMOTE SENSING

Active Term : Randomly / Randomly

Course Code : GEOL 380

Course Description : This course will address the theories and fundamentals of acquiring, processing and interpreting remotely sensed datasets. Special attention will be paid to geological, archaeological, environmental and urban applications of remotely sensed data collected through both air and space-borne platforms.

Corequisites : GEOL 381

  • Credit : 3
x
GEOARCHAEOLOGY

Short Title : GEOARCHAEOLOGY

Active Term : Spring Term / Odd Years

Course Code : GEOL 430

Course Description : Geoarchaeology (archaeogeology) examines in detail the interface which exists between the fields of geology and the anthropological sub discipline of archaeology. The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student not only with the history of the interrelationship between these academic specialties but also to document and illustrate the range of geological techniques which are useful to the contemporary archaeologist. More specifically, via lectures and laboratory work, this course will detail how geological methods may be employed in the location, excavation, and interpretation of archaeological sites and materials.

Prerequisites : GEOL-100

Corequisites : GEOL_431

  • Credit : 3
x
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Upper-level Science Electives

In consultation with advisors, choose two science courses GEOL, BIO, or CHEM 200 Level or Higher

CELLULAR&MOLECULAR BIO
Course Code:
BIO 142
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL, CHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

BIO 143

x
__ __
ELECTIVE
3
CELLULAR&MOLECULAR BIO
Course Code:
BIO 142
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL, CHEMISTRY MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Corequisites:

BIO 143

x
__ __
ELECTIVE
3
Environmental Science Capstone Course

Choose one of the following:

ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICUM
Course Code:
ENVS 474
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Practical off-campus experience in a consulting company, non-profit organization, or governmental agency. Students carry out field, laboratory, or other tasks appropriate for a professional environmental scientist. In addition to routine work responsibilities, participants are expected to complete an independent project involving data analysis and prepare a formal written report on the experience.

Credit:
1-3
Instruction methods:
Field
Total hours: 15
x
ENVS 474
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICUM
1-3
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP
Course Code:
ENVS 475
Credit:
3
x
ENVS 475
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP
3
SENIOR THESIS
Course Code:
ENVS 490
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
Directed field and/or laboratory research on a specific environmental problem that leads to the completion of an oral presentation and formal written work. The research experience emphasizes the use of primary sources as well as a scientifically rigorous field or laboratory study. All thesis projects must be approved by the student's primary and secondary advisors before work commences.
Credit:
1 - 3
Instruction methods:
Project
Total hours: 45
x
ENVS 490
SENIOR THESIS
1 - 3
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Cognate Courses
MATHEMATICS FOR NATURAL SCIENCE
Course Code:
MATH 118
Course Group(s):
ANALYTICAL
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
This course has been designed for students who wish to take calculus or physics, but who are not prepared for college calculus based on our mathematics placement score and department recommendation. This course is a one semester replacement for the two semester combination of College Algebra and Trigonometry and Functions. Topics will include fundamental concepts of college algebra, pre-calculus, and a preparation for calculus. More specifically, the topics will include factoring, integer and rational exponents, simplifying algebraic expressions, function notation, polynomial and rational functions. While many of the topics covered are similar to those in typical college pre-calculus courses, there is more theoretical coverage and emphasis, a faster pace is maintained, a greater depth of understanding is required and additional material on applications is taught. Prerequisite: MATH Placement score of at least 54. 4 credits.
Credit:
4
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
MATH 118
MATHEMATICS FOR NATURAL SCIENCE
4
BIOSTATISTICS
Course Code:
STAT 137
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Whereas epidemiology is the science of public health, biostatistics is the "toolkit" of the epidemiologist and public health practicitioner with many applications across clinical, evaluation and research settings. Public health scientists must collect and use data to answer key questions about the effectiveness of interventions, monitor the health of populations and make decisions based on evidence. Buidling on a foundation of basic statistics, the course uses real-world health data and simulations to practice applying the same tools used by professional epidemiologists in the field and medical researchers investigating the causes of disease.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
STAT 137
BIOSTATISTICS
3
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