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course descriptions
PC 107–Introductory Astronomy (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73), and MA 82 or MA 85
Presents a survey of astronomy that includes a study
of the physical nature of the universe, the solar
system, stars, nebulae and galaxies. The laboratory
includes sky observations for collection and analysis
of data, photographic analysis and laboratory
experiments.
PC 108–Historical Geology (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73), and MA 82 or MA 85
Traces the history of the earth through time. Presents
scientific theories on the origin of the earth and the
evolution of life. Provides an overview of geologic
time, radiometric dating, fossils, dinosaurs, and
significant events in earth’s history. Provides students
with the tools to interpret the rock and fossil record
with a focus on the geologic history of North
America.
PC 109–Physical Geology (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73), and MA 82 or MA 85
Introduces the physical and chemical processes
that occur along the surface of the earth and within
the earth’s interior. Topics include plate tectonics,
earthquakes, volcanoes, the rock cycle, and the
origin and continual modification of surface features.
Laboratory investigations include rock and mineral
identification, data analysis, and map interpretation.
PC 114–Contemporary Physical Science (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73), and MA 82 or MA 85
Presents basic principles of physics and chemistry as
they relate to our modern technological society. An
activities-oriented approach is used that focuses on
model building. These models are developed as a
method of building both conceptual and quantitative
understandings of the physical world. Students
cannot receive credit for both PC 114 and PC 103.
PC 115–Introduction to Geoscience (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL
95 and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73); Prerequisite or
Corequisite: MA 82 or MA 85 or MA 103A or BU/MA 205A
or MA 206A or MA 207A
Presents an overview of the solid and fluid parts of
the earth system and investigates their interactions
with human culture and society. An inquiry-based,
activities-oriented approach is used in the course.
PC 121–Energy and Society (3)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL
95 and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73); Prerequisite or
Corequisite: MA 82 or MA 85 or MA 103A or BU/MA 205A
or MA 206A or MA 207A
Explores the nature and properties of energy.
Emphasizes a scientific understanding of energy and
its role in the global society. Examines current and
alternative energy sources used to meet the needs
of a growing and developing society. Some Friday or
Saturday field trips.
PY: Physics
PY 101–Survey of Physics (3)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73), and MA 82 or MA 85
Gives students a general background in physics
and prepares those who must take a two-semester
physics course who have not had high school physics.
PY 201–Fundamentals of Physics (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: Completion of high school physics or PY
101 strongly recommended, and [(EN 50A or EN 61) and
EN 52] OR (ESL 95 and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73),
and MA 111 or (MA 130 and MA 131)
Presents an introductory study of physics, with the
fundamental principles of mechanics, dynamics and
mechanical waves. Emphasizes problem solving and
modeling of physical systems.
PY 202–Fundamentals of Physics (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisite: PY 201
Continues the study of basic principles of physics.
Topics include thermodynamics, electricity and
magnetism, optics and modern physics.
PY 203–Introductory Physics I (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: Completion of high school physics or PY
101 strongly recommended, and [(EN 50A or EN 61) and
EN 52] OR (ESL 95 and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73),
and MA 210
Presents an introductory study of physics covering
the fundamental principles of mechanics, dynamics
and mechanical waves. Emphasizes problem solving
and modeling of physical systems. Physical laws and
theories are developed by the application of calculus.
Prepares students for advanced work in the physical
sciences. An analytical course primarily for majors in
science or mathematics.
PY 204–Introductory Physics II (4)
• GenEd Science
Prerequisites: PY 203, MA 211
Continues the study of fundamental principles of
physics. Topics include thermodynamics, electricity
and magnetism, optics and modern physics.
The theoretical approach and use of calculus are
continued.
PY 205–Modern Physics (4)
Prerequisite: PY 204
Continues from the calculus-based sequence PY
203-204, with emphasis on modern physics. Includes
topics in relativity, electromagnetic theory, physical
optics, quantum theory and atomic and nuclear
physics.
PI: Political Science
PI 104–American Government: National (3)
• GenEd Social & Behavioral Sciences/Political Science
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73)
Covers basic principles of the national government:
structure, powers and operations of Congress; the
presidency and the Supreme Court; citizenship,
elections, political parties and pressure groups.
PI 206–Civil Liberties (3)
Prerequisite: EN 52 or ESL 99 or ESL 72
Provides historical background, social and political
issues and leading cases establishing the present
rules regarding civil liberties today.
PN: Practical Nursing
*Practical Nursing will only be offered Summer
2016 and will not be offered Fall 2016 or
Spring 2017.
PN 112–Nursing Throughout Developmental
Stages (8)
Prerequisites: NU 210, NU 211; Corequisite: PN 113
Prepares practical nursing students to provide
care for adult and pediatric clients systems with
commonly recurring physiological, psychological
and developmental health problems. The Neuman
Systems Model is used as the framework for the
course. Supervised clinical experiences on medical,
surgical and pediatric units in the hospital as well
as observation in community-based centers are
provided.
PN 113–Issues in Practical Nursing (1)
Prerequisites: NU 210, NU 211; Corequisite: PN 112
Focuses on the effective transition from student
to licensed practical nurse. Emphasis is on the
responsibilities associated with licensure, ethical
and legal issues, employment strategies, continuing
professional growth and leadership and management
principles. Relevant trends in the development of the
discipline of practical nursing are also emphasized.
PS: Psychology
PS 101–General Psychology (3)
• GenEd Social & Behavioral Sciences/Psychology
Prerequisites: [(EN 50A or EN 61) and EN 52] OR (ESL 95
and ESL 99) OR (ESL 72 and ESL 73)
Emphasizes the major factors that influence human
behavior, including behavioral neuroscience,
perceptual processes, consciousness, intelligence,
personality and psychological disorders.