IGETC Area 5A

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating subject of astronomy with an emphasis on the study of the Sun and other stars. Topics covered include the motions of the sky, a survey of the history of astronomy from Kepler to Einstein, gravity, radiation and matter, astronomical instrumentation, the Sun, stars, star formation, stellar evolution, galaxies and cosmology. NOTE: Maximum credit allowed for Astronomy 1 and Astronomy 3 is one course (4 units).

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating subject of astronomy with an emphasis on the study of the Earth and the other planets in the solar system. Topics covered include the motions of the sky, a survey of the history of astronomy from the Greeks to Einstein, phases of the moon, eclipses, gravity, the formation of the solar system, the Earth, Terrestrial and Jovian planets, their moons, asteroids, meteoroids, comets and a discussion of extrasolar planets around other stars. NOTE: Maximum credit allowed for Astronomy 2 and Astronomy 4 is one course (4 units).

This survey course covers the same material as Astronomy 1, but includes a laboratory section covering hands-on astronomical activities. The laboratory portion includes observations of the sky, computer simulations, the construction of simple astronomical instruments and analyzing publicly available astronomical data from the internet.

This is a 4-unit introductory level lab course with a similar curricular depth and breadth to its comparable 3-unit lecture course Astronomy 2. In the lab component, students begin by re-creating many historical, first-ever human discoveries and measurements that helped to develop the scientific method: the size of Earth, Moon, and Sun, their relative distances, the scale of planetary orbits, phases, diameters, densities, masses, surface features, atmospheres, and rates of rotation. The labs also engage students in basic observations of the sky, computer simulations, and analysis of archival data from public domain sky surveys and surface maps by robotic NASA rovers and orbiting probes. The course material is a single semester survey of the origin and evolution of planetary systems such as our own Solar System including the latest leading theories of planetary topography, atmospheres, interiors, moons, comets, asteroids, and aurorae produced by the interaction of planetary magnetism and particle outflows from the Sun.

This course surveys the latest ideas concerning the origin and evolution of life on Earth and discusses how these ideas are influencing our search for life on other planets in our solar system and elsewhere in the Universe. Topics covered include the chemical and biological basis of life, the search for life on Mars, extrasolar planets and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

This course explores how our ideas surrounding the origin, evolution and future of the universe have developed from earliest times until present day. Topics discussed include creation mythology, gravity, matter and radiation, relativity, cosmic expansion and acceleration, the Big Bang, dark matter and dark energy, the cosmic microwave background, inflation and the multiverse.

A rigorous quantitative introduction to the physics of astronomy for prospective majors and mathematically-minded enthusiasts. The course employs graphing techniques, systems of equations, and geometric analysis to survey a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar evolution, planetary physics, and extragalactic cosmology. Emphasis will be placed upon deploying expedient methods of approximation to solve problems in emerging frontiers of research such as exoplanets, brown dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, quasars, dark matter, and gamma-ray bursts. This curriculum provides an extraordinary opportunity for the motivated student to experience the thrill of applied math in the cosmic context of 21st century astrophysics.

A robust calculus-based treatment of Astrophysics suited for science majors and mathematically-minded enthusiasts. The course makes use of methods in quantitative analysis including dynamical physics, differential and integral calculus, trigonometry and advanced graphing techniques to address a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar properties, interior structure, stellar evolution, variable stars, planetary atmospheres and gaseous nebulae, and the large-scale structure of the Universe. Emphasis will be placed on finding analytic solutions to problems in emerging areas of research such as exoplanetary systems, red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes, the interstellar medium, dark matter, active galactic nuclei, gamma-ray bursts, dark energy and big bang nucleosynthesis. This curriculum provides a remarkable opportunity for the motivated student to experience the power of applying calculus-based physics to the frontiers of contemporary astrophysical problems.

This course provides a geologic and astronomic view of solar system exploration. Current knowledge of the geology of other planets, natural satellites and asteroids is discussed. Current studies in planetary science and how to access and utilize data collected from modern and historic planetary missions and Earth-based studies are also examined.

This course fulfills the general education requirements for a laboratory science course. Students who successfully complete this course will understand basic chemical principles and how these principles relate to the Earth's natural systems and cycles, with emphasis on humanity's impact on Earth's natural environments. Students will gain a scientific understanding of the impact of human activity on natural systems and sustainability. Students will also learn common laboratory techniques, including the safe handling of chemicals and the proper use of laboratory equipment, as they analyze environmental problems and solutions. Course Note: This course does not fulfill the prerequisite for Chemistry 11.

Chemistry 10 is a survey of introductory chemistry topics with a laboratory component. It is intended as preparation for Chemistry major or those planning to go into a STEM major or as a way to fulfill the science general education requirement. It introduces the main concepts and principles of chemistry and serves as a prerequisite for the General Chemistry sequence (CHEM 11 and CHEM 12). Emphasis is placed on understanding basic chemical principles and their quantitative application in various settings. Experimental techniques, including the safe and competent handling of chemicals and laboratory equipment will also be part of the course.

This course is the first semester of a two-semester, standard first year college chemistry course (Chemistry 11 and Chemistry 12). It introduces the fields of physical, analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. Topics to be discussed include atomic structure, chemical bonding, common types of reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and the properties of gases, liquids, and solids.

This course is a continuation of Chem 11. Topics covered include kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, precipitation reactions, coordination chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

This one-semester course is designed for students preparing for studies in nursing or related allied health professions. Topics include measurements, unit conversions, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions and equations, gases, solutions and acid/base chemistry. There will be a special emphasis on properties and reactions of organic and biologically relevant compounds. NOTE: This course is NOT equivalent to CHEM 10 and does NOT meet the prerequisite requirement for CHEM 11.

This course is a systematic introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. It encompasses theory and reactions of hydrocarbons and functional group derivatives. Included are bonding and structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, synthesis, mechanism, and spectroscopic analysis. The laboratory work focuses on techniques of synthesis, isolation, purification, and analysis.

This course is a continuation of Chem 21, with emphasis on the remaining functional groups and types of reactions. Also included is an introduction to the organic chemistry of biochemical compounds. Chem 22 includes lecture and discussion. The second semester of organic chemistry laboratory is a separate course, Chem 24. Chem 21 and 22 constitute two semesters of organic chemistry with one semester of organic chemistry laboratory. Chem 21, 22, and 24 constitute two semesters of organic chemistry with two semesters of laboratory.

This course is a survey of biochemistry, introducing the student to the structures and functions of important classes of biochemical compounds as well as to the central reactions of metabolism. The main topics include the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; the catalysis, kinetics and regulation of enzymes; and the reactions of glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, electron transport/oxidative phosphorylation, and gluconeogenesis. The laboratory section of the course provides an introduction to biochemistry lab procedures including titration, peptide analysis, spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, column chromatography, gel-electrophoresis, the kinetic analysis of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, and internet based informatics tools.

This course surveys the distribution and relationships of environmental elements in our atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, including weather, climate, water resources, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, and wildlife. Focus is on the systems and cycles of our natural world, including the effects of the sun and moon on environmental processes, and the roles played by humans.

This course is a survey of earth’s atmosphere, with special reference to the causes and regional distribution of weather and climate. The nature and causes of winds, clouds, precipitation, severe storms, and global climate change is studied. Students will learn techniques of local weather observation and prediction.

This course surveys the distribution and relationships of environmental elements in our atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, including weather, climate, water resources, landforms, soils, natural vegetation, and wildlife. Focus is on the systems and cycles of our natural world, including the effects of the sun and moon on environmental processes, and the roles played by humans. Laboratory work emphasizes the practical application of concepts presented in lecture, introduces the student to some of the tools and methods used in Physical Geography, and may include field study opportunities. NOTE: Students may receive credit for either Geography 1 or 5, but not both.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Earth Science with a laboratory. Topics covered include the solar system, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere, This course focuses on the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the Earth including the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate.

This course illustrates geologic processes that have shaped and continue to shape Earth. Topics include plate tectonics, minerals, rocks, hazards associated with volcanoes, earthquakes, and other geologic processes, geologic time, mountain building, fossil fuels and other geologic resources, processes that change landscapes, and climate change. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a greater awareness and understanding of their constantly changing environment.

This course is an introduction to geologic hazards and resources. The primary focus is geologic settings that produce regions with different types of geologic hazards, the specific hazards and mitigation techniques associated with those regions, and the formation and utilization of geologic resources. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and groundwater, fossil fuels, rock and mineral resources, and problems associated with resource use.

This course presents an introduction to geologic processes that have shaped the Earth. Lecture topics include formation of the Earth, plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, earthquakes, geologic structures, geologic time, coastal processes, and groundwater. Laboratory exercises expand this information by dealing with rock and mineral identification, topographic and geologic map interpretation, and the interpretation aerial photographs. Upon completion of this course, the student will have a good understanding of the processes that form major features on Earth.

This course is an introduction to the history of Earth and its evolution including surface environments, atmosphere, oceans, and life. Sedimentary rocks are studied for stratigraphic relationships, environmental indicators, and biologic significance to reconstruct the geological and biological evolution of Earth over time. Numerical methods, like geochronology, are also employed to assign absolute ages to past environments. The combination of both relative and numerical methods to the study of plate tectonics and geologic structures will allow the student to understand how Earth history is reconstructed. A particular emphasis is placed on the study of North American sequences.

This course provides a geologic and astronomic view of solar system exploration. Current knowledge of the geology of other planets, natural satellites and asteroids is discussed. Current studies in planetary science and how to access and utilize data collected from modern and historic planetary missions and Earth-based studies are also examined.

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Earth Science with a laboratory. Topics covered include the solar system, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere, This course focuses on the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the Earth including the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate.

This course provides the student with an understanding of the physical and geological aspect of oceanography. Lecture topics include the origin of the oceans, plate tectonics, seafloor topography, waves, beaches, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Completion of this course will give the student a greater knowledge of the fascinating and dynamic world of the oceans.

This course describes the physical and geological aspects of oceanography. Lecture topics include the origin of the oceans, plate tectonics, seafloor topography, waves, beaches, estuaries, lagoons, and lakes. Lab content will reinforce lecture topics giving students an opportunity to apply their knowledge with hands-on experience along with a greater degree of understanding the physical and chemical properties of the oceans and atmosphere.

This course is an algebra- and trigonometry-based study of classical mechanics, including elastic properties of matter and thermodynamics.

This course is an algebra- and trigonometry-based study of electricity and magnetism, geometrical and wave optics, and some special relativity and quantum physics.

This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of solids and liquids, elastic properties of matter, heat, and wave motion.

This course is a calculus-based study of electricity and magnetism, geometrical and physical optics, special relativity, and quantum physics.

Physics 12 is designed for the student who is interested in a more conceptual and less mathematical approach to physics. It is a survey course introducing the topics of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light and modern physics. The emphasis will be on developing conceptual understanding of the laws of nature through lectures, demonstrations, and class discussions. High school math recommended.

This course is similar to Physics 12 in content and difficulty level, but with a laboratory session added to enhance the learning experience. Physics 14 is designed for the student who is interested in a more conceptual and less mathematical approach to physics. It is a one semester survey course introducing the topics of mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light and modern physics. The emphasis will be on developing conceptual understanding of the laws of nature through hands-on experiences, laboratory experiments, and computer interactions, in addition to lectures and demonstrations. Maximum credit for Physics 12 and 14 combined is 4 units. High school math recommended.

This course is a calculus-based study of the mechanics of rigid bodies, emphasizing Newton’s laws and its applications. This course includes an introduction to fluids. It is designed for engineering, physical science, and computer science majors.

This course is a calculus-based study of electromagnetism covering aspects of electric and magnetic fields, DC and AC circuits, electromagnetic interactions, light, and relativity. The course is intended for engineering and physical science students.

This course is a calculus-based study of fluids, waves, thermodynamics, and light intended for engineering and physical science students.