North Iowa Area Community College
 WebAdvisor / NIACC E-Mail
Directory / Departments
Maps & Directions
Search / Site Map
Home / Calendar

 

Natural Sciences Home Faculty Course Descriptions

Natural Sciences Course Descriptions

(The pair of numbers in parentheses at the end of each course description refers to lecture hours and lab hours respectively.)

MLT-101 Intro to Lab Science (2 s.h.) This course introduces the basic concepts for education and career development in the field of laboratory science and the health care profession. Current health care systems and trends are emphasized along with the factors having current and future impact on medical laboratories. The organization and role of the clinical laboratory are explored, as well as medical ethics and conduct, employment opportunities, and professional organizations. (30-0)  Equivalent to PHYS-100, 70-100.

BIO-102 Introductory Biology (3 s.h.) Study of organismic biology including organization, metabolism, and reproduction of living systems. Includes evolutionary patterns, inheritance, growth, development, ecosystems, and structure-function relationships among organisms. (45-0)  Equivalent to BIOL-101, 70-101.

BIO-103 Introductory Biology Lab (1 s.h.) Prerequisite: Credit for or current enrollment in BIO-102, Introductory Biology.  This is a lab component intended to supplement Introductory Biology. (0-30)  Equivalent to BIOL-102, 70-102.

ENV-110 Environmental Science (3 s.h) The study of ecological principles and the interrelationships among populations, resources, and pollution in developing a sustainable society. Topics include: population, ecology, soil, water, land, air, and energy resources, plus air, water, soil, and waste management. Environmental decision-making strategies to resolve current and future environmental issues are stressed. (30-30)  Equivalent to ENVR-101, 70-104.

BIO-202  Biology I (4 s.h.) Prerequisite/Corequisite: concurrent enrollment in CHM-153, College Chemistry I, or CHM-166, General Chemistry I, is strongly encouraged. This course, with the addition of BIO-203, Biology II, is a detailed study of the fundamental principles of biology, including the study of ecology and environmental issues, cell structure and function, energy transfer, inheritance, and evolution. (45-30)

Note:  Students enrolling in Biology I or II should plan on taking both semesters of the sequence at NIACC, preferably during the same academic year.  Problems may result for the student who takes one Biology semester at NIACC and the other semester at a different institution.  Equivalent to 70-105, BIOL-201.

BIO-203  Biology II (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: BIOL-202, Biology I or permission of instructor. This course, with the addition of Biology I, is a study of evolution and the diversity of life. (45-30)

Note:  Students enrolling in Biology I or II should plan on taking both semesters of the sequence at NIACC, preferably during the same academic year. Problems may result for the student who takes one Biology semester at NIACC and the other semester at a different institution.  Equivalent to 70-108, BIOL-202.

BIO-186  Microbiology (4 s.h.) Morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and relationship of microorganisms to disease. In-depth laboratory study and suitable lecture material with applications to agriculture, industry, and medicine. (45-30)  Equivalent to 70-109, BIOL-109.

BIO-196 Intro To Bio-Technology (4 s.h.) The  purpose of this course is to help students understand the importance and impact of bio-technology on our lives.  Students will be introduced to bio-science's impact on society and made to realize that technologies, like the tools they are manifested in, can be used "for better or for worse."  The benefits of bio-science will be discussed in six major categories: agriculture, industry, medicine, environmental, forensic, and advancement of knowledge. (45-30)

BIO-152  Health and Nutrition (3 s.h.) The science of health and its application to the individual, home, community, and school. Elementary physiology, nutrition, dependency, and current health problems of national concern. (45-0)  Equivalent to 70-110, BIOL-105.

BIO-157  Human Biology (4 s.h.) Course provides overview of human biology for nonscience majors. Includes study of cells, tissues, organs, and systems with emphasis on interrelatedness. Coverage also includes genetics, and aspects of various human diseases. (45-30)  Equivalent to 70-111,  BIOL-108.

AGS-109  Animal Science I (3 s.h.) This course is designed to provide students with a general overview of the livestock industry. It identifies the ways in which domestic animals serve the basic needs of humans for food, fiber, shelter, protection, fuel and emotional well-being. Students will develop an understanding of and be able to apply the basic principles of animal selection, breeding, genetics, feeding, health, and husbandry practices. As a student, you will become familiar with the economic and social issues that confront the livestock industry. (45-0)  Equivalent to 70-112, AGSS-701.

PHS-125 Physical Science and Lab (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: High School algebra or equivalent. An introductory college level, one-semester course intended to meet general education and elementary education certification requirements. Uses the Powerful Ideas in Physical Science curriculum and includes the units on Light & Color, Electricity, and Heat & Conservation of Energy. (45-30)  Equivalent to 70-114, PHYS-101.

PHY-106 Survey of Physics (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: MAT-102, Intermediate Algebra, or equivalent. An introductory, one-term course covering measurement, motion, heat, waves, electricity, magnetism and atomic physics. (45-30)  Equivalent to 70-122, PHYS-110.

CHM-122 Introduction to General Chemistry (4 s.h.) Prerequisite:  MAT-063, Elementary Algebra, or equivalent. A one-semester college chemistry course which surveys important concepts and topics of chemistry.  Among these are the metric system of measurement, atomic theory of matter, energy levels and atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic and molecular compounds, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical reactions, and reaction equations and calculations. Laboratory work in an important part of this course.  High school chemistry is not a prerequisite.  This course is not intended for science majors (but may be appropriate as preparation for a more thorough beginning chemistry course.)  (45-30)  Equivalent to 70-140, CHEM-101.

CHM-153  College Chemistry I (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: MAT-063, Elementary Algebra, or equivalent. First semester of a two-semester sequence intended for non-science majors. Introduction to the basic concepts and facts of chemistry. Topics include the metric system of measurement, atomic theory of matter, energy levels and atomic structure, the periodic table, ionic and molecular compounds, ionic bonding, covalent bonding and molecular structure, classification of chemical reactions, and reaction equations and chemical calculations. This course treats these topics in more depth than Introduction to General Chemistry CHM-122; however, high school chemistry is NOT a prerequisite. Laboratory work is an important part of this course. (45-60)  Equivalent to 70-135, CHEM-110.

CHM-154  College Chemistry II (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: CHM-153, College Chemistry I, or equivalent.  The continuation of CHM-153, College Chemistry I, this is the second semester of a two-semester sequence intended for non-science majors. Topics include a review and extension of first-semester material on chemical calculations, reactions rates, chemical equilibrium and acid-base chemistry, electron-transfer (oxidation-reduction) reactions and electrochemical cells, and, as time permits, introductions to organic and biological chemistry. Laboratory work is an important part of this course. (45-60)  Equivalent to 70-136, CHEM-111.

CHM-166 General Chemistry I (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: satisfactory completion of one year of high school chemistry; MAT-102, Intermediate Algebra, or the equivalent. Atomic structure, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, reactions in aqueous solution, chemical bonding and molecular structure, structure-property relationships. (45-60)  Equivalent to 70-137, CHEM-210.

CHM-176 General Chemistry II (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: CHM,-166, General Chemistry I, or equivalent. Physical properties (gases, liquids, solids), chemical equilibrium and kinetics, acid-base chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, introduction to organic chemistry and polymers. (45-60)  Equivalent to 70-137, CHEM-210.

PTA-120  Kinesiology (3 s.h.) Prerequisite: BIO-206, Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab). Provides a basic understanding of normal human body movement as related to skeletal, articular, neurological, and muscular systems. Levers, torques, center of gravity, base of support, and their relationship to balance, posture, and movement will be addressed. The student will learn anatomical palpations and the basics of human gait. (30-30)  Equivalent to 70-149, BIOL-222.

PHS-142 Principles of Astronomy (3 s.h.) An introductory level, one-semester course for the nonscience major. Topics include a brief history of astronomy, the physics behind astronomy, the solar system, stars, and galaxies. Computer-based and hands-on activities complement material in the text. (45-0)  Equivalent to 70-182, PHYS-105.

BIO-123 Inquiry Into Life Science (3 s.h.) Prerequisite: EDU-216, Introduction to Teaching. This course is specifically designed for education majors. Topics include ecosystems, plants, gene, homeostatis, microbes and metabolism. These topics are presented while modeling effective pedagogy when it comes to teaching science. The course is modeled on the Teaching Standards and Content Standards of the National Science Education Standards. (30-30)  Equivalent to70-190, BIOL-103.

BIO-151 Nutrition (3 s.h.) Prerequisite: three credit hours of high school inorganic chemistry. Physiology or biology helpful, but not essential. Basic math skills will be employed. Introduces the science of human nutrition and its application to the role of the nurse, other allied health professional or educator in promoting good nutrition throughout the life span. Emphasis is placed on the study of macro and micro nutrient needs; and the use of science-based evidence for evaluation of findings and adoption of applications promoting sound nutritional practices among patients, clients and the community at large. Some principles of diet modification are presented as they relate to common chronic health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. (45-0)  Equivalent to 70-200, BIOL-205.

MLT-120 Urinalysis (3 s.h.) This course provides the foundation for the study of urine formation and its assessment along with the determination of the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine in normal and abnormal states. Objectives also included are the development and evaluation of body fluids including cerebrospinal, synovial, serous, and amniotic fluids. (30-30)  Equivalent to 70-249, HEAL-105.

BIO-206 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: Human Biology or Biological Principles highly recommended, but not required.  A study of the human body emphasizing the complementary nature of structure and function, molecular and cellular interactions, homeostasis, and metabolic processes. Includes a study of cells, tissues, membranes, skeletal, muscular, and reproductive systems. (45-30)

Note:  Students enrolling in Anatomy and Physiology I or II should plan on taking both semesters of the sequence at NIACC.  Problems may result for the student who takes one A&P semester at NIACC and the other semester at a different institution.  Equivalent to 70-250, BIOL-220.

BIO-207 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: BIO-206, Anatomy and Physiology I, or permission of instructor.  A continuation of BIO-206, Anatomy and Physiology I. Includes a study of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and nervous systems. Cat heart, kidney, brain, and eye dissections are performed in the laboratory. (45-30)

Note:  Students enrolling in Anatomy & Physiology I or II should plan on taking both semesters of the sequence at NIACC. Problems may result for the student who takes one A&P semester at NIACC and the other semester at a different institution.  Equivalent to 70-251, BIOL-221.

CHM-263 Organic Chemistry I (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: CHM-154, College Chemistry II, or CHM-176, General Chemistry II. Survey of the major classes of organic compounds emphasizing molecular structure, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms and synthesis. Laboratory work includes procedures of distillation, solvent extraction, chromatography, polarimetry and the use of both macroscale and microscale laboratory glassware. (45-65)  Equivalent to 70-274, CHEM-220.

CHM-273 Organic Chemistry II (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: CHM-263, Organic Chemistry I. Continuation of CHM-263 including spectroscopic methods for molecular structure determination. Laboratory work involving the procedures introduced in CHM-263 and the use of infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography for compound identification. (45-60)  Equivalent to 70-275, CHEM-221.

PHY-162 College Physics I (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: MAT-134, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry, or equivalent. For students going into professional fields other than engineering. Covers mechanics, conservation laws, simple harmonic motion, waves, and fluids. (45-30)  Equivalent to 70-280, PHYS-120.

PHY-172 College Physics II (4 s.h.) Prerequisite: PHY-162, College Physics I; or equivalent algebra-based first semester physics course as approved by the instructor. A continuation of College Physics I, covering thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits, optics. (45-30)  Equivalent to70-281, PHYS-121.

PHY-212 Classical Physics I (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: MAT-210, Calculus I or equivalent with a C or higher, concurrent enrollment in or completion of MAT-216, Calculus II or equivalent. Calculus-based course intended for engineers or physics majors. Covers Kinematics, dynamics, statics, conservation laws, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, waves. and fluids. (60-30)  Equivalent to 70-282, PHYS-220.

PHY-222 Classical Physics II (5 s.h.) Prerequisite: PHY-212, Classical Physics I or equivalent; MAT-216, Calculus II or equivalent. Second of two-course sequence for engineers or physics majors. Covers thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, and optics. (60-30)  Equivalent to 70-283, PHYS-221.

HSC-150 Body Structure and Function (4 s.h.) A basic study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Study progresses from the cell to tissues, organs, and systems with emphasis on their interrelatedness.  Discussion includes some of the alterations that occur in illness. Usage of applicable medical terminology is stressed. (45-30)  Equivalent to 94-104, HEAL-704, HSC-150L.

PHY-720 Career Physics (4 s.h.) Prerequisite/Corequisite: MAT-770, Applied Math, and MAT-7171, Applied Math II. An introduction to the physics of mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal systems with emphasis on application in the technical careers. (45-30)  Equivalent to 96-150, PHYS-701.

 

Natural Sciences Home Faculty Course Descriptions

  Home | Search | Calendars | Directory | NIACC News | Contact Us

North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu