COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The Comprehensive Sciences courses (Computer
Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Planetary Science) are designed to provide significant
introductory information and instruction in the basic principles of the natural sciences (astronomy,
biology, chemistry, geology, physics) and also in computer technology and information systems.
All of the courses are inquiry-based with lecture and laboratory experiences that stimulate intellectual
curiosity and promote the development of critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
All of the courses are three (3) credit hours and involve two hours of lecture and two hours laboratory
each week in a semester.
There is a laboratory fee for each course.
LIFE SCIENCES LECTURE-LABORATORY (COMP 001)
This course explores the basic concepts of the
biological (life) sciences. These concepts will be presented through the examination of the principal
characteristics that all living things (life forms) have in common (i.e., ecology, genetics, taxonomy,
metabolism, evolution, reproduction and development, etc.).
The lecture information surveys living systems on
the chemical, cellular and organismal levels. The exploration is complemented by key laboratory
applications and observations that will enable the students to recognize, comprehend and appreciate the
complexities of biological organization that exist in nature.
PLANETARY SCIENCE LECTURE-LABORATORY (COMP 002)
The planetary science course involves studies of
astronomy (planets, stars, the universe) and geology (the earth). In geology, the principal features
of planet earth such as size, shape, composition, motions are presented. How planet earth changes as
a result of internal and external forces act on it provides a topic of interest. In astronomy,
emphasis is on the other planets, the solar system and other celestial bodies that exist in the universe.
Laboratory investigations involve the examination of
various samples, planetarium visits and field trips to area geological sites and venues where advanced
technological telescopes can be used.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE LECTURE-LABORATORY (COMP 003)
The basic principles of chemistry and of physics
are covered in the course. Emphasis is placed on understanding these concepts and how they can be used
to relate to every day phenomena. The inorganic and organic aspects of matter, the laws that govern
their actions and the formulas that predict the activities of molecules comprise some of the information
of basic concepts in chemistry.
The laws of physics that govern the solid, liquid
and gaseous states of matter are explored.
Lecture topics include the foundations of science,
principles/concepts/laws of motion, heat and temperature, energy, sound, light, atomic structure, organic
and inorganic chemistry.
Laboratory exercises include laboratory safety,
measurements, law of pendulum, spectrophotometry, identification and physical property determination of
substances and empirical formula determination of compounds.
COMPUTERS and SOCIETY (COMP 004)
Computers and Society is an introductory course in
computer science. Course activities include lectures, laboratory sessions, and discussions.
Lecture
material will cover vocabulary, applications, implications, communications and networks, history, and
the future directions of computers. Assigned reading will be on the computer's impact on numerous aspects
of society. Current events and popular computer topics such as the digital divide, privacy, identity theft
and viruses will be presented. Students will explore and discuss how these and other topics affect their
lives specifically and society overall.
The laboratory is equipped with
DELL multimedia
computer systems on a Local Area Network with access to Internet. Introductory experience with the general
use of a computer, Windows 2000 operating system along with the workings of a LAN is provided.
Applications such as Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database Management, and Communication are introduced
using Microsoft Office and Netscape.
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