Carroll College - Helena, MT

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department courses

Department of Natural Sciences
Biology
BI 101 Life Science 4 Cr.
  An introduction to the fundamental principles common to all living organisms. Presents basic biological principles at the organismal level including structure and function, evolution, and ecology. A course for non-biology majors. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester.
BI 102 Human Biology 4 Cr.
  An introduction to the fundamental principles common to all living organisms. Presents basic biological principles using human systems as a study model including cell biology, genetics, and physiology. A course for non-biology majors. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. BI 102 may be taken without BI 101. Spring semester.
BI 171 Biological Principles I 4 Cr.
  An introductory course focusing upon fundamental biological concepts and methods for students planning to major in biology or for students needing to satisfy a professional school requirement in biology. This course, the first in a two semester series, focuses on the biological principles of evolution and speciation, a survey of biological diversity (excluding animals), and the study of plant form and function. This course provides a foundation for more advanced courses in the biology major's program and is a prerequisite for all other courses in the program. Particular emphasis in the course is placed upon science writing and upon the evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of information. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry. Fall semester (Taught annually)
BI 172 Biological Principles II 4 Cr.
  An introductory course focusing upon fundamental biological concepts and methods for students planning to major in biology or for students needing to satisfy a professional school requirement in biology. This course, the second in a two semester series, focuses on the study of animal form and function, zoology and ecology. This course provides a foundation for more advanced courses in the biology major's program and is a prerequisite for all other courses in the program. Particular emphasis in the course is placed upon science writing and upon the evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of science writing and upon the evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of information. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 171. Spring semester (Taught annually)
BI 201-202 Intro. to Human Anatomy and Physiology 8 Cr.
  A study of the morphology and physiology of the human body, both from a normal and pathological viewpoint. Three (3) lectures and one tow and one-half hour laboratory per week for two (2) semesters. Prerequisite for BI 202 is BI 201 or consent of the instructor. Offered annually BI 201 Fall semester, BI 202 Spring semester.
BI 206 Plant Biology 4 Cr.
  An introductory course focusing on the evolutionary history of plants, plant anatomy, and physiology. The laboratory exercises are diverse and emphasize recognizing reproductive and anatomical differences among major plant taxa (from algae to flowering plants), learning how to identify seed plants (gymnosperms and angiosperms) to the family level, and physiological experiments. Prerequisite: BI 161- 162. Three (3) 50-minute lectures per week and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. Course will be replaced with BI 306 beginning Spring 2008.
BI 211 Ecology 4 Cr.
  An introductory course focusing on the basic principles of the interactions and relationships among organisms and between organisms and their environment. The laboratory includes field observations, computer simulations, and statistical analysis of experimental data. Prerequisites: BI 161-162. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Fall semester. May fulfill writing intensive requirement. (Enrollment limited.) Course will be replaced with BI 311 beginning Fall 2007.
BI 214 General Microbiology 4 Cr.
  An introductory study of micro-organisms, including history, taxonomy and nomenclature, morphology, physiology, nutrition, cultivation, ecology, genetics, immunity, and the roles of micro-organisms in disease and agriculture. Emphasis is on bacteria. Standard microbial methods and techniques are learned in the laboratory. Two (2) 75-minute lectures and two (2) 90-minute laboratories per week. Prerequisites: At least one year of college chemistry and one semester of college biology. Spring semester.
BI 222 Comparative Anatomy 4 Cr.
  A comparative study of the evolution of the anatomical structures of vertebrates. The course will emphasize the basic structures of vertebrates, the functional role of anatomical structures, and the adaptive changes that have occurred in vertebrate evolution. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162. Spring semester. Course will be replaced with BI 323 beginning Fall 2007.
BI 302 Genetics 4 Cr.
  A study of the principles of heredity and variation. Genetic phenomena are considered at the organismal, molecular, and population levels. Topics include transmission mechanisms, linkage, DNA replication and expression, genetic control and population genetics. The laboratory will include both computer simulations and an introduction to current molecular techniques in the field. Both lecture and lab will emphasize problem solving and experimental data analysis. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162 and CH 301. Spring semester. Course will be replaced with BI 300 beginning Spring 2007.
BI 305 Microbiology 4 Cr.
  An introduction to the biology of the prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and the animal viruses. Course topics include bacterial cell structure, nutrition and metabolism, growth, genetics, traditional and molecular systematics, ecology of microorganisms, genetic engineering and biotechnology, antimicrobial agents, host parasite interactions, and major infectious diseases. Current methods in bacteriology are used in the identification of bacteria and the conducting of experiments. Prerequisite: BI 161-162 and 302. Fall semester.
BI 307 Animal Physiology 4 Cr.
  A study of the vertebrate organ systems which are most intimately involved in maintaining homeostasis: Nervous, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Excretory. Regulation and integration of the systems will be emphasized. Individual study of assigned journal articles which complement the lecture material constitutes a major part of the learning experience. The laboratory offers the student experience using a variety of preparations and instrumentation. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162. Spring semester. Course will be replaced with BI 308 beginning Spring 2008.
BI 321 Cell Biology 4 Cr.
  An advanced course for students wanting a more comprehensive understanding of the eukaryotic cell. The features distinguishing eukaryotic from prokaryotic cells, including intracellular membranes and the cytoskeleton, will be emphasized. Methods currently used to study eukaryotic cell structure and function will be introduced in the laboratory. Three (3) lectures and one-three hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162 and CH 301. Spring semester. Course will be replaced with BI 221 beginning Fall 2006.
BI 350 Developmental Biology 4 Cr.
  A course concerned with the mechanisms of early development in animals. The molecular and cellular processes affecting differentiation, growth, and morphogenesis are emphasized. The laboratory includes experimental work and the study of anatomical changes occurring in vertebrate embryos. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162 (BI 302 Genetics is recommended). Fall semester.
BI 370 Evolutionary Analysis 4 Cr.
  This course explores the underlying principles of evolutionary change (natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow) from an analytical perspective. The relevance of evolutionary change to real-world concerns is emphasized while traditional and modem methods of analysis are explored and evaluated. Three (3) 50-minute lectures and one two-hour discussion or computer exercise per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162 and BI 302. Spring semester.
BI 420 Topics In Biological Sciences 2 Cr.
  A course that explores selected advanced topics in biology, usually in a lecture-discussion format. Fundamental themes in biology (for example evolution, anatomical structure and function, molecular systems) will be explored from the perspective of specific sub-disciplines (ecology, microbiology, genetics, cell biology, plant biology, animal physiology). The focus of each section will be determined by the individual instructor. Sections share the common requirements of critical reading of the primary literature, evaluation of information, discussion, and extensive writing. Two lectures/discussions per week. Prerequisites: BI 161-162 plus 2 additional biology courses or consent of the instructor. See schedule listing for additional prerequisites. Offered annually, both semesters (topics vary; see schedule). Fulfills writing intensive requirement.
BI 477 Honors Thesis Writing 1 Cr.
  This course is intended to guide students through the process of writing an honors thesis based upon data the student have collected. The course consists of weekly meetings during which the parts of the thesis (Introduction and Literature Review, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion) will be discussed. Poster and Power Point presentations are covered. By the end of the semester, students will have completed a rough draft of their theses. One (1) hour lecture/discussion per week. Prerequisite: 3.25 gpa and completion of an honors research project. Required for all students who intend to graduate with honors. Fall semester. Fulfills writing intensive requirement. Also cross-referenced with CH 477.
BI 496 Senior Seminar 1 Cr.
  Readings and discussion of significant past and current literature. One hour each week. Prerequisite: Senior status. Spring semester.
Chemistry
CH 101-102 General Chemistry 8 Cr.
  A course in the principles of chemistry for students majoring in the sciences. Topics for the first semester include structure of atoms and molecules, chemical reactivity, stoichiometry, energy, and theories of chemical bonding. Second semester will cover intermolecular forces, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Three (3) lectures and one 2 and 1/2 hour laboratory per week. High school chemistry and two (2) years of high school algebra are recommended. Students must receive a "C" or better in CH101 to enroll in CH 102. Offered annually.
CH 111 Essentials of Chemistry: General 4 Cr.
  A one-semester course in the fundamentals of general inorganic chemistry. Principal topics include atomic structure; atomic-molecular description of matter, solutions, and equilibrium; and basic calculations and measurements. Recommended for general studies students and students in nursing and health information management. Three (3) lectures and one 2 and 1/2 hour laboratory per week. Fall semester.
CH 112 Essentials of Chemistry: Organic and Biochemistry 3 Cr.
  A one-semester course in the fundamentals of organic chemistry and biochemistry. Principal topics include organic nomenclature; chemistry of functional groups; structures and reactions of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Recommended for students in nursing. Three (3) lectures per week; no laboratory. Prerequisite: CH 101/102 or CH 111 or consent of the instructor. Students must receive a "C" or better in the prerequisite to enroll in CH112. Fall semester.
CH 205 Quantitative Analysis 4 Cr.
  A detailed study of chemical equilibria and the classical methods of chemical analysis. Solubility, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction chemistry, complexometric reactions, phase equilibrium and the interaction of light with matter are studied in the context of analytical techniques, including volumetric analysis, titrimetry, gravimetry, chromatography and spectrophotometry. Basic issues of chemical hygiene are also covered along with experimental error and statistics. The laboratory stresses good laboratory technique through the quantitative analysis of unknown samples by classical and modern methods. Three 50-minute lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CH 101-102. Spring semester.
CH 301-302 Organic Chemistry 8 Cr.
  The chemistry of carbon-based compounds. The course will examine the main classes of organic compounds in terms of preparation, structure, physical and spectral properties, methods of functional group transformation, and mechanism of reaction. In the second semester of the laboratory sequence, students will perform an independent organic laboratory project. There will be an emphasis on oral and written scientific communication of the projects results. Three lectures and one three hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in CH 102 or consent of instructor. Students must pass CH 301 with a "C" or better to enroll in CH 302. Offered annually.
CH 306 Instrumental Methods 4 Cr.
  An examination of modern instrumental methods of chemical analysis from a theoretical and practical standpoint. Students learn the chemical principles that underlie instrument operation and study the functions of instrument components and their organization into chemical measurement systems. An emphasis is placed on the utility and limitations of each instrument. Principal instrumental techniques include atomic and molecular optical spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The laboratory provides hands-on access by the students to a wide variety of state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation. Three 50-minute lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CH 205. Fall semester. Fulfills writing intensive requirement.
CH 353 Biochemistry 4 Cr.
  A study of the chemical principles governing biological macromolecules. Topics include protein structure and function, enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, carbohydrates and lipids, energetics and major metabolic pathways. The laboratory will include both computer simulations and an introduction to current molecular techniques in the field. Both lecture and lab will emphasize problem solving and experimental data analysis. Three (3) lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CH 301-302, BI 161. Fall semester.
CH 391-392 Physical Chemistry 8 Cr.
  Subjects covered are thermodynamics; group theory, statistical mechanics, rates and mechanisms; quantum mechanics; atomic and molecular structure. Lab explores various experimental strategies and techniques of physical chemistry and includes investigations of energetics, molecular structure and reaction dynamics requiring the use of instrumental systems. Two semester course: Three 50 minute lectures and one three hour lab per week. Prerequisite: CH 302, MA 233 and PHYS 206. Student must pass prerequisites with a "C"or better to enroll in CH 391-392. Offered annually.
CH 405 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 4 Cr.
  A detailed study of current topics in inorganic chemistry, including coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, homogeneneous catalysis and bioinorganic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on orbital interactions, reactivity and reaction mechanisms of inorganic molecules. Lab covers synthesis and spectroscopy of inorganic compounds. Prerequisite: CH 205. Three 50 minute lectures and one three hour lab per week. Spring semester, even numbered years.
CH 406 Advanced Organic Chemistry 4 Cr.
  A study of synthesis and mechanism in organic chemistry. The synthesis section will encompass the study of theory, design and methods of modern organic synthesis. The mechanistic section will include the study of mechanisms and methods of mechanisms and methods of mechanism elucidation. Original papers will be read and analyzed. Oral and written scientific communication will be emphasized. Three lectures per week plus two hour seminar. Prerequisite: CH 302. Spring semester, odd numbered years.
CH 477 Honors Thesis Writing 1 Cr.
  This course is intended to guide students through the process of writing an honors thesis based upon data the student have collected. The course consists of weekly meetings during which the parts of the thesis (Introduction and Literature Review, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion) will be discussed. Poster and Power Point presentations are covered. By the end of the semester, students will have completed a rough draft of their theses. One (1) hour lecture/discussion per week. Required of all students who wish to graduate with honors. Prerequisite: 3.25 gpa and completion of an honors research project. Fall semester. Cross-listed as Bio 477
CH 496 Senior Seminar 1 Cr.
  Senior seminar is intended for senior chemistry majors in their last semester of study. The focus of the course will be on developing the skills necessary for the effective communication required in a graduate program or a job in chemistry. Students will be required to give professional, polished oral presentations and will practice the skills of scientific writing, with particular emplasis on the style required for publication in a chemical journal. Prerequisite: senior standing. Spring semester.
Earth Science
EAS 201 Earth Science 4 Cr.
  A survey of the earth: its interior, landscapes, oceans, and atmosphere. Topics include the principles of uniformitarianism and catastrophism, the dating of past events, the display of information by maps and images, the theories of plate tectonics and evolution, and the Big Bang Hypothesis. Supplemented with laboratory and field studies. Fall semester.
EAS 302 Advanced Earth Science 3 Cr.
  This course covers advanced topics in earth science. This course will emphasize the the environmental impacts of humans on geological processes and the effects of geological processes on humans. Prerequisite: CH 101, MA 121 or MA 131, EAS 201 and PHYS 201, or permission of the instructor. Offered at the discretion of the department.
Physics
PHYS 101 Elements of Physics I 4 Cr.
  A survey course designed primarily for non-science majors. This course satisfies the CORE requirement for science. Topics include classical mechanics and states of matter. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Proficiency in elementary algebra. Fall semester, if sufficient demand.
PHYS 102 Elements of Physics II 4 Cr.
  A continuation of PHYS 101, covering topics in heat, light, sound, and modem physics. This course satisfies the CORE requirement for science. Three one-hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Proficiency in elementary algebra. Note: PHYS 101 is not a prerequisite for this course. Spring semester, if sufficient demand.
PHYS 201 Physics I: Mechanics, Wave Motion, & Sound 4 Cr.
  An introductory calculus-based physics course, with emphasis on the principles of physics, for health science majors. Topics include classical mechanics, oscillatory (wave) motion, sound, and the behavior of solids and fluids. Three (3) hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: MA 122 or MA 131. Students must pass prerequisites with a grade of "C" or better to enroll in PHYS 201. Fall semester.
PHYS 202 Physics II: Thermodynamics, Electricity and Magnet 4 Cr.
  A continuation of PHYS 201. Topics include thermal physics, electrical and magnetic phenomena, simple electrical circuits, optics, and quantum physics. Three (3) hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 201. Students must pass prerequisites with a grade of "C" or better to enroll in PHYS 202. Spring semester.
PHYS 205 Engineering Physics I: Mechanics 4 Cr.
  For mathematics and engineering majors. Statics, kinematics, and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, work and energy, conservation of energy and momentum (linear and angular), harmonic motion. Three (3) hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MA 122 or MA 131 required, high school physics recommended. Students must pass prerequisites with a grade of "C" or better to enroll in PHYS 205. Fall semester.
PHYS 206 Engineering Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism 4 Cr.
  Electrostatics and Gauss' Law, dielectrics, DC circuits, electromotive force, magnetic field and magnetic properties of matter. Three (3) hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 205 required, high school physics recommended. Students must pass PHYS 205 with a grade of "C" or better to enroll in PHYS 206. Spring semester.
PHYS 305 Electronics and circuit Analysis I 4 Cr.
  An introductory survey of the behavior of electrical circuits. Review of current, voltage, and passive circuit elements (resistors, capacitors, and inductors). Kirchhoff's Laws, network theorems, and basic network analysis. General characteristics of amplifiers and electronic instrumentation. Introduction to operational amplifiers and active elements (transistors). Laplace transform analysis of transient (switching) response, and complex phasor analysis of sinusoidal steady-state response. Three (3) hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week, in which students build and test circuits and learn how to use typical circuit simulation software (PSPICE). Prerequisites: Grades of "C" or better in PHYS 202 or PHYS 206, and MA 122 or MA 233. Fall semester. Cross-listed with ENGR 305
PHYS 306 Electronics and Circuit Analysis II 4 Cr.
  A continuation of PHYS/ENGR 305. Systematic node-voltage and mesh-current methods of circuit analysis. Network transfer functions and frequency spectra. Mutual inductance and transformers. Diode circuits and the behavior of single-transistor amplifiers using field-effect or bipolar-junction transistors. Analysis and design of digital logic circuits. Principles of operation and interfacing of typical laboratory instruments. Three (3) hours lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in PHYS/ENGR 305. Offered spring semesters if warranted by sufficient demand. Cross-listed with ENGR 306
PHYS 308 Thermodynamics 3 Cr.
  A practical introduction to thermodynamics for engineering students. Fundamental state variables are defined (e.g., temperature, pressure, energy, enthalpy, entropy, etc.), and the three laws of thermodynamics are extensively discussed and illustrated. Applications include power systems, gas turbines, and refrigerators. Three (3) hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: Grades of "C" or better in PHYS 205-206 and MA 334. Spring semester. Cross-listed with ENGR 308
PHYS 321 Optics and Electromagnetic Radiation 3 Cr.
  A survey of geometrical and physical optics, including the behavior of electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum. Topics include the dual wave/particle nature of radiation, lenses and ray-tracing, analysis of simple optical instruments (microscopes, telescopes), interference and diffraction phenomena, lasers and holography. Two (2) 75-minute periods per week, one of which may be used for laboratory exercises. Prerequisite: PHYS 206. Offered fall semesters if warranted by sufficient demand.
PHYS 322 Modern Physics 3 Cr.
  An introduction to the highlights of twentieth-century physics: quantum mechanics, special and general relativity, and selected topics in atomic and nuclear physics. Students pursuing a Physics minor (but not a Physics for Secondary Education minor) are required to co-enroll in PHYS 322L. Three (3) hours lecture per week. Prerequisite: PHYS 202 or PHYS 206. Offered spring semesters if warranted by sufficient demand.
PHYS 322L Mathematical Methods of Modern Physics 1 Cr.
  A computational laboratory section which meets once per week, required of students pursuing a Physics minor. (Students pursuing a Physics for Secondary Education minor need enroll in PHYS 322 only). This laboratory section explores in more mathematical detail such topics as solutions of SchrodingerÕs equation, relativistic transformations, Monte Carlo simulations, and chaotic dynamics. One two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 206 and co-enrollment in PHYS 322. Offered spring semesters if warranted by sufficient demand.