College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Natural Sciences (NSCI)

NSCI 104 Great People in Science - GS 4
The development of scientific thought from the early Greek period to modern times will be covered. The primary emphasis will be on scientists as people, analysis of their contributions, and the significance of these in the development of scientific theories. Scientists such as Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and Darwin will be discussed. See General Education Extended Course Description.

NSCI 333 Issues in World Technology - GS 11
The course focuses on three aspects of the development and use of technology. Initially the course investigates the relationship between social structure and the development of technology. One example studied is the effect of the industrial revolution upon society in the United States. The second portion of the course is devoted to understanding the scientific principles that are the basis for continued development of current and future technological applications. The final segment of the course examines the environmental consequences of our previous use of technology and explores the possible future effects of continued technological growth upon the global environment. The global effects of technological expansion in both the developed and the developing countries is explored. The course does not satisfy GS 11 for majors in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Physics. See General Education Extended Course Description.

NSCI 344 Issues in Science (see Infrequently Offered Courses section of the Catalog)

NSCI 348 Bioterrorism - GS 11
The course will investigate the methods of development of biological weapons and the mechanisms of their use against a military or civilian population. Biological weapons are defined as those viral and bacterial pathogens of humans that induce illness in the affected individual, and also those biological agents that can damage or destroy the food supply of a population. Protection against such attacks will be discussed. The effects on society as a whole and the responses of society to the threat of bioterrorist attacks will be emphasized. This course has a laboratory component in addition to a lecture format. In laboratory, the principles of epidemiological spread of disease agents will be investigated by the use of simulations, and the mechanisms of disease prevention will be addressed experimentally. See General Education Extended Course Description.

NSCI 354 Natural History Field Studies
The course involves an extended inter-semester field trip to study the natural history and culture of an area (generally the neotropics). Students are required to attend regular classes before and after the trip. A research project and field book constitute the major course requirements. Annually.

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