Sciences

Course Name Course Description Course Syllabus

SCI 111 - Introduction to Astronomy

This course introduces non-science majors to modern astronomy. It presents a broad view of astronomy suitable for students who may have taken their last science and math course several years ago. Together with the laboratory component (SCI-L111), this course aims to give those students a flavor of how researchers think, how they experiment, and how they form a view of the physical world. The ambition of this course is to make students realize that they can take part in this scientific enterprise provided they learn some techniques and adopt a scientific approach to analyzing the universe. Topics covered in this course range from the study of the light to the Solar System. Other characteristics of this course are heavy use of audio-visual materials often including computer animations and simulations, and intensive use of astronomy and astrophysics related INTERNET-based resources. 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH-128 or higher and SCI-L111 must be taken concurrently.

SCI 111 [PDF]
SCI L111 - Introduction to Astronomy Lab The laboratory provides a hands-on approach to learning scientific methodology and critical thinking in the context of astronomy and physics. The lab activities are somewhat different from traditional labs in several ways: (a) Labs sessions held at Mons Observatory on Tenerife (Canary Islands). (b) This course is mainly concerned with practical aspects of the telescopic observations in Astronomy. (c) Labs are a mix of working with real equipment and simulations (virtual experiments). (d) The lab activities are arranged in a way that encourages students to make the connection between the objective, the methodology, and the analysis and interpretation of the experiment. (e) Several leading questions are mingled with the lab instructions to insure that students do not merely follow instructions but understand them. (f) Although students have to express their results mathematically, the main focus lies in conceptually understanding the underlying science and discovering fundamental laws. The overall aim is to provide students with some tools of how to do science, and excite them in making discoveries of their own. 1 credit. Must be taken concurrently with SCI 112.
 SCI L111 [PDF]
SCI 112 - Astronomy II  This course introduces non-science majors to modern astronomy. It presents a broad view of astronomy suitable for students who may have taken their last science and math course several years ago. Together with the laboratory component (SCI-L112), this course aims to give those students a flavor of how researchers think, how they experiment, and how they form a view of the physical world. The ambition of this course is to make students realize that they can take part in this scientific enterprise provided they learn some techniques and adopt a scientific approach to analyzing the universe. Topics covered in this course range from the study of stars to galaxies, and cosmology. Other characteristics of this course are heavy use of audio-visual materials often including computer animations and simulations, and intensive use of astronomy and astrophysics related INTERNET-based resources. 3 credits. Prerequisites:It will be assumed that you are familiar with arithmetic and basic algebra. If you can solve 2x+13=5 for x, then you will do fine in this course. SCI-L112 is a mandatory co-requisite for this course.  SCI 112 [PDF]
SCI L112 - Astronomy II Lab The laboratory provides a hands-on approach to learning scientific methodology and critical thinking in the context of astronomy and physics. The lab activities are somewhat different from traditional labs in several ways: (a) Labs sessions held at Mons Observatory on Tenerife (Canary Islands). (b) This course is mainly concerned with practical aspects of the telescopic observations in Astronomy.(c) Labs are a mix of working with real equipment and simulations (virtual experiments). (d) The lab activities are arranged in a way that encourages students to make the connection between the objective, the methodology, and the analysis and interpretation of the experiment. (e) Several leading questions are mingled with the lab instructions to insure that students do not merely follow instructions but understand them. (f) Although students have to express their results mathematically, the main focus lies in conceptually understanding the underlying science and discovering fundamental laws. The overall aim is to provide students with some tools of how to do science, and excite them in making discoveries of their own. 1 credit. Must be taken concurrently with SCI 112.
 SCI L112 [PDF]
BIO 106 - Environmental Biology An introduction to basic evolutionary, behavioral and ecological principles. Readings and discussions emphasize the ways that humans are affected by ecological processes and principles as well as how humans and their technology affect ecosystems. This course will not fulfill requirements for a major or a minor in Biology. Madrid Campus only. 4 credits  BIO 106 [PDF]
SCI 103/L103 -Environmental Science with Lab An introduction to basic evolutionary, behavioral and ecological principles. Readings and discussion emphasize the ways that humans are affected by ecological processes and principles as well as how humans and their technology affect ecosystems. Laboratory exercises illustrate topics covered in SCI 103. Field testing and analysis of environmental samples. 4 credits SCI 103/L103 [PDF] 
CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I Fundamental principles of chemistry are discussed. Topics include introductions to atomic structure, periodic table, nature of chemical bonds, stoichiometry, gas laws, solutions, acid-base systems, chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, kinetics, and chemistry of selected elements. 3 credits
 CHEM 111 [PDF]
CHEM L111 - General Chemistry I Lab The basic principles of chemistry illustrated through laboratory investigation. Qualitative analysis is emphasized. 1 credit CHEM L111 [PDF]
CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II Continuation of the discussion of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include introduction to solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base systems, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. 3 credits CHEM 112 [PDF]
CHEM L112 - General Chemistry II Lab Continuation of the illustration of the basic principles of chemistry through laboratory investigation. Quantitative analysis, particularly volumetric analysis, is emphasized. 1 credit CHEM L112 [PDF]
SCI 171 - The Built World
 The most basic needs of humans have not changed - water, food, and shelter - but the means of meeting these needs has. In this course, we will examine how technology-driven societies operate by studying how cities are built and how they function. Topics will include water supply and distribution systems; transportation systems (including road and bridge design and construction); building design, construction, and operation (including skyscraper and sustainable building design), and waste removal systems (municipal and industrial wastewater removal and treatment, solid waste removal and treatment). This is not a course about little gadgets and widgets; this is a course about big engineering marvels; and it emphasizes applications of science - how things work - rather than scientific theory. 4 credits SCI 171 [PDF]
SCI 181 - Science & Life in the 21st Century  This is a four credit, non-lab, science course that examines the central scientific problems confronting the 21st century. The course studies particular topics and teaches the necessary science around these topics to provide a good understanding of the issues. The topics currently are: Energy, Science and Economic Decisions, Sustainability of Life on Earth, Health and Science. 4 credits SCI 181 [PDF]