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Field Description

The Department of Natural Sciences is an integrated department offering a wide selection of courses in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, and physics. The mission of the department is threefold: (1) to engage all students in the scientific enterprise through hands-on learning, enabling them to become scientifically literate citizens who are able to make informed decisions about public policy issues; (2) to prepare students for admission to and success in graduate and professional schools and for entry into the scientific workforce; and (3) to provide research opportunities for Baruch College students.

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major
major

The Majors

Biological Sciences
Arts And Sciences Ad Hoc Major in Natural Science Areas

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biosci

Whether you’re a new student interested in the sciences, or a returning student planning a career change, the Department of Natural Sciences at Baruch’s Weissman School of Arts and Sciences offers you flexible programs that can be tailored to suit your interests and to help you achieve your career goals. The Biological Sciences Major (code 020) offers a rich variety of courses in biology, chemistry, and environmental studies. Students, in consultation with a faculty advisor, may design programs that prepare them for careers or advanced studies in many science and health-related fields.

In small classes, students receive personal attention from faculty, who are recognized experts in their fields. Advanced students can participate in faculty research projects on campus or at institutions where Baruch professors have collaborative arrangements. These research activities not only provide a unique learning experience, but students can earn academic credit as independent study and honors courses.

Interested students should contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 646 660-6250.

Biological Sciences

Base Curriculum Courses

No credit toward the major/specialization
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BIO 2010

Principles of Biology I4.5 credits
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CHM 2003

General Chemistry I4 credits
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MTH 2003

Pre-calculus and Elements of Calculus *3 credits
or 
 A more advanced calculus course3-4 credits
* Please note:  Students with credit for MTH 2000 or 2001 must complete a calculus course.

Program Prerequisites                         16.5 – 17.5 credits
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BIO 3001

Principles of Biology II4.5 credits
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CHM 3001

General Chemistry II4 credits
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CHM 3003

Principles of Organic Chemistry I4 credits
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PHY 2003

General Physics I4 credits
or 
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PHY 3010

Quantitative Physics I5 credits
Required Courses                               7 credits
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STA 2100

Statistics for Social Sciences3 credits
or 
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STA 2000

Business Statistics3 credits
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BIO 3015

Principles of Genetics4 credits

Electives                               19 – 20.5 credits

Electives are based on students' interests and future goals, and are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. The major includes five elective courses, at least two of which must be at the 4000-level or higher, chosen from the following list:

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BIO 3005

Molecular and Cellular Biology4 credits

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Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development (
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4.5 credits
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BIO 3010

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy4 credits
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BIO 3012

Endocrinology4 credits
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BIO 3020

Biology of Invertebrates4 credits
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Introduction to Molecular Biotechnology

4 credits
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BIO 3040

Plants in Action4 credits
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BIO 4004

Microbiology4 credits
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BIO 4010

Human Physiology4 credits
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BIO 4015

Developmental Biology4 credits
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BIO 5000-5004

Independent Study3-4 credits
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BIO 6001H-6003H

Honors4 credits
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CHM 4010

Medicinal Chemistry4 credits
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CHM 4900

Biochemistry4 credits
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CHM 5000-5004

Independent Study3-4 credits
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CHM 6001H-6003H

Honors4 credits
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ENV 3001

Introduction to Environmental Science4 credits
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ENV 3002

Energy Conservation4 credits
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ENV 3003

Human Conservation4 credits
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ENV 3005

Economic and Legal Aspects of Ecology4 credits
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ENV 3006

Global Ecology4 credits
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ENV 3008

Air and Water Pollution4 credits

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Tropical Reef Ecology   (plus lab
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)
3 credits
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ENV 3050

Freshwater Ecology   (BIO 3050)4 credits
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ENV 4005

Ecosystem Sustainability4 credits
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ENV 4020

Microbial Ecology4 credits
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ENV 4900

Topics in Environmental Science4 credits
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ENV 5000-5004

Independent Study3-4 credits
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ENV 6001H-6002H

Honors4 credits

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naturalsci
naturalsci

Arts And Sciences Ad Hoc Major in Natural Science Areas

When a student's educational objectives cannot be fully attained solely by study within an existing department, program, or school, he or she is given the option of devising an ad hoc pattern of courses in an area of concentration of his or her own choosing. A student may embark upon an ad hoc major following preparation and acceptance of a proposal outlining the area of study, the desired outcomes, and the educational values of the program. The program must be approved by the Office of the Associate Dean, Weissman School of Arts and Sciences.

The Department of Natural Sciences offers a pre-professional specialization that enables students to include chemistry and physics courses as part of an arts and sciences ad hoc major. Students prepare for entry into professional schools of medicine, dentistry, and other health care fields; graduate study in biological sciences; and teaching of biology, chemistry, and general sciences. Students combine basic courses in chemistry and physics with advanced electives.

The department also offers a specialization in environmental studies as part of an arts and sciences ad hoc major. This major includes a variety of courses in the sciences and additional courses from the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, the Zicklin School of Business, and the School of Public Affairs. This ad hoc major integrates ecological principles in the dual context of science and society.

Prospective students are urged to register with the office of the Department of Natural Sciences early in their college careers. Each student will be assigned an individual advisor who will assist in formulating the specific ad hoc major program designed to attain the desired educational objectives. The department can be contacted at 646-660-6200.

The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences ad hoc major requires 30 – 33 credits.

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minor

The Minors

Chemistry

Natural Sciences

Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Sustainability

Physics
 

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chemistry

Chemistry          (Effective spring 2016)

Students may wish to minor in chemistry in order to pursue general intellectual interests or specific career objectives. For example, students can complete the chemistry courses required for admission to medical school by doing a minor in chemistry. The chemistry minor will consist of two chemistry courses at the 3000-level or above, followed by a capstone course at the 4000-level. The capstone course must be taken at Baruch College. All chemistry courses at the 4000-level or above (including independent study and honors) offered by the Department of Natural Sciences may serve as the capstone. Interested students should contact the department.

Examples of possible course sequences in the chemistry minor:

Biochemistry

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 General Chemistry II

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 Principles of Organic Chemistry I

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 Biochemistry (co-requisite of CHM 3006—Principles of Organic Chemistry II)

Medicinal Chemistry

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 General Chemistry II

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 Principles of Organic Chemistry I

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 Medicinal Chemistry (co-requisite of CHM 3006—Principles of Organic Chemistry II)

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natsciminor

Natural Sciences Minor

Students may wish to minor in natural sciences in order to pursue general intellectual interests or specific career objectives. For example, students can complete some of the science courses required for admission to medical school by doing a minor in natural sciences. For the natural sciences minor, students take two natural sciences courses at the 3000 level or above, followed by a capstone course at the 4000 level. The capstone course must be taken at Baruch College. All 4000- level courses offered by the Department of Natural Sciences or an independent studies course may serve as the capstone. Interested students should contact the department.

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envsustainability

Interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Sustainability

The Department of Natural Sciences, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Zicklin School of Business offer a joint interdisciplinary program in environmental sustainability. The environmental sustainability minor is an interdisciplinary program suitable for both business and liberal arts students who have an interest in developing a critical understanding of interactions between human society and the broader global ecosystem. The program emphasizes economic, legal, and philosophical issues of environmental sustainability.

To complete the minor in environmental sustainability (11--12 credits) students must take one course at the 3000-level or above in environmental studies (ENV) offered by the Department of Natural Sciences, any other course from the electives listed below, and a required capstone course (ENV 4005 or 4900).

Program Prerequisite

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ENV 1020

Principles of Ecology

Required Capstone Course

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ENV 4005

Ecosystem Sustainability

or

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ENV 4900

Topics in Environmental Science

Electives

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BIO 3009

Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development (

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ENV 3009

)

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BIO 3020

Biology of Invertebrates

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BIO 3040

Plants in Action

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BIO 3050

/
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ENV 3050

Freshwater Ecology

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CIS 3700

Green IT*

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ENV 3001

Introduction to Environmental Science

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ENV 3002

Energy Conservation

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ENV 3003

Human Conservation

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ENV 3005

Economic and Legal Aspects of Ecology

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ENV 3008

Air and Water Pollution

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ENV 3015L

/
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ENV 3015

Tropical Reef Ecology (Lecture and Lab)

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ECO 3511

Contemporary Economic Development

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GEOG 3009

Introduction to Human Geography (

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)

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GEOG 3036

World Regional Geography (

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Environmental Reporting

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LAW 3122

Law and the Environment*

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LAW 3400

Law, Business and Sustainability*

 

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The Environment, Political Choices, and Public Policy*

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PHI 3200

Environmental Ethics

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POL 3317

The Politics of Energy and the Environment

*For the purposes of this program, this course counts as an Arts and Sciences course.

 

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physics

Physics

The physics minor is suitable for students with an interest in the application of mathematical tools to fundamental scientific laws. The program emphasizes both mathematical ideas and classic experiments. Students with no previous exposure to physics are encouraged to take 

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 Concepts in Physics, before beginning the minor.

To satisfy this minor, students must take three courses, two at the 3000-level or above, and a capstone at the 4000-level or above, from among the following list:
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PHY 3001

General Physics II 
  (Not open to students who have completed 
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 and/or 
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)
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PHY 3010



Quantitative Physics I    [recommended]
  (Not open to students who have completed 
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 and/or 
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)
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PHY 3020

Quantitative Physics II    [recommended]            
  (Not open to students who have completed 
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)
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Methods of Theoretical Physics 
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PHY 4130



Modern Physics
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Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
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PHY 4200

Astrophysics
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PHY 5000-5004

Independent Study
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PHY 6001H-6002H

Honors


Recommended Courses in the Department of Mathematics:

Students are encouraged to take each of the following courses:
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MTH 2610

Calculus I
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MTH 3010

Elementary Calculus II
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MTH 3020

Intermediate Calculus

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lab

Natural Sciences Laboratory Equipment

Facilities for advanced studies in biology, chemistry, and physics are available on the Baruch campus. In addition to equipment standard to biology research, the Department of Natural Sciences has laboratories equipped for microbiology and microbial ecology, cell biology, ecology, and physiology.

A student research lab offers incubators, microscopes, balances, centrifuges, growth chambers, and water baths to permit a wide range of research. Computers for data analysis and presentation design are also available. Faculty research labs are dedicated to specific areas of inquiry: cell-cell communication, molecular systematics and evolutionary biology, and microbial ecology. Research facilities are available for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell culture, growth and maintenance of various plant and invertebrate animal species, histology, video microscopy, DNA amplification, cell fractionation, and various standard biochemical techniques, including UV/visible spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and chromatography.

Laboratories in chemistry are equipped for specific areas of experimentation: general chemistry, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, and organic synthesis (electrochemistry apparatus, dissolved oxygen meters, atomic absorption apparatus, and instruments for nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, UV/visible spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy).

The physics area has a special computer lab for student research and a faculty laser optics research lab.

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Courses

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courses-bio

Courses in Biology (BIO)

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BIO 1003

Survey of the Living World

2 lecture hours; 4 lab hours; 4 credits

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BIO 1005

General Biology - Structure and Function - A Human Orientation

2 lecture hours; 4 lab hours; 4 credits

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Fundamentals of Biology: Human Biology Lecture

2 lecture, 1 recitation; 3 credits

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BIO 1012

Fundamentals of Biology: Human Biology Laboratory

3 hours; 3 credits

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Fundamentals of Biology - Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology

2 lecture, 1 recitation; 3 credits

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BIO 1016

Fundamentals of Biology - Laboratory Research in Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology

3 hours; 3 credits

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BIO 2010

Principles of Biology I

2 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 3 lab hours; 4.5 credits

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BIO 2030

Population Biology: Evolution Ecology

2 lecture hours; 3 lab. hours; 1 recitation hour; 4.5 credits

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BIO 3001

Principles of Biology II

6 hours; 4.5 credits

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BIO 3002

Reading Science

1 hour; 1 credit

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BIO 3005

Molecular and Cellular Biology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3009

Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development (

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)

2 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 3 lab hours; 4.5 credits

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BIO 3010

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3011

Developmental Biology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3012

Endocrinology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3015

Principles of Genetics

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3020

Biology of Invertebrates

4 hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3025

Human Physiology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3030

History and Evolution of Life

2 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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Introduction to Molecular Biotechnology2 lecture hours; 4 lab hours

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BIO 3040

Plants in Action

2 lecture hours; 4 lab hours; 4 credits

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BIO 3050

Freshwater Ecology (

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)

2 lecture hours; 4 lab hours; 4 credits

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BIO 4004

Microbiology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 4010

Human Physiology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 4015

Development Biology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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BIO 5000

Independent Study I

Hours and credits to be arranged

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BIO 5001

Independent Study II

Hours and credits to be arranged

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BIO 5052

Special Problems

4 hours; 4 credits

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BIO 5053

Special Problems

4 hours; 4 credits

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BIO 6001H

Biology Honors I

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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BIO 6002H

Biology Honors II

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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BIO 6003H

Biology Honors III

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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Courses in Chemistry (CHM)

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CHM 1000

Chemistry and the Environment

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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Fundamentals of Chemistry

3 hours; 3 credits 

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CHM 1004

Fundamentals of Chemical Laboratory Techniques

3 hours; 3 credits

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CHM 1005

Select Topics in Chemistry

1 hour; 1 credit

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CHM 2003

General Chemistry I

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 3001

General Chemistry II

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 3003

Principles of Organic Chemistry I

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 3006

Principles of Organic Chemistry II

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 4003

Physical Chemistry I

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 4004

Physical Chemistry II

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 4010

Medicinal Chemistry

3 lecture hours; 3 lab hours; 4.5 credits

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CHM 4900

Biochemistry

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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CHM 5000

Independent Study I

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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CHM 5001

Independent Study II

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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CHM 5002

Independent Study III

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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CHM 6001H

Honors Chemistry I

4 hours; 4 credits

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CHM 6002H

Honors Chemistry II

4 hours; 4 credits

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Honors Chemistry III

4 hours; 4 credits

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courses-env

Courses in Environmental Science (ENV)
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Fundamentals of Ecology

3 hours; 3 credits 

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ENV 1004

Fundamentals of Ecological Research

3 hours; 3 credits

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ENV 1020

Principles of Ecology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. and field hours; 4 credits

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ENV 1021

Environmental Conservation

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. and field hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3001

Introduction to Environmental Science

3 lecture hours; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3002

Energy Conservation

3 lecture hours; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3003

Human Conservation

3 lecture hours; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3005

Economic and Legal Aspects of Ecology

3 lecture hours; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3006

Global Ecology

3 lecture hours; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3008

Air and Water Pollution

3 lecture hours; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3009

Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development (

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)

2 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 3 lab hours; 4.5 credits

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ENV 3015

Tropical Reef Ecology Laboratory

4 lab hours; 0 credits

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Tropical Reef Ecology

3 credits; 1 lecture hour

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ENV 3030

History and Evolution of Life

2 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 3050

Freshwater Ecology (

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)

2 lecture hours; 4 lab hours; 4 credits

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ENV 4005

Ecosystem Sustainability

3 lecture hours; 2 lab hours; 4 credits

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ENV 4020

Microbial Ecology

2 lecture hours; 4 lab. hours; 4 credits

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ENV 4900

Topics in Environmental Science

3 lecture hours; 2 lab hours; 4 credits

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ENV 5000

Independent Study I

Hours and credits to be arranged

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ENV 5001

Independent Study II

Hours and credits to be arranged

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ENV 5002

Independent Study III

Hours and credits to be arranged

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ENV 3015L

Tropical Reef Ecology Laboratory

4 lab hours; 0 credits

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ENV 6001H

Hon Env Stud I

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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ENV 6002H

Hon Env Stud II

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

 

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courses-phy

Courses in Physics (PHY)

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PHY 1003

Concepts in Physics

3 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 2 lab hours; 4 credits

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PHY 2001

Fundamentals of Experimental Physics

3 hours; 3 credits

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Fundamentals of Physics: Theory and Practice

3 hours; 3 credits

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PHY 2003

General Physics I

3 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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PHY 2005

Hyper complex Numbers with Applications in Physics

2 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 2 computer workshop hours; 4 credits

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PHY 3001

General Physics II

3 lecture hours; 1 recitation hour; 2 lab. hours; 4 credits

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PHY 3010

Quantitative Physics I

4 lecture hours; 2 lab hours; 5 credits

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PHY 3020

Quantitative Physics II

4 lecture hours; 2 lab hours; 5 credits

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Methods of Theoretical Physics 3 hours; 3 credits 

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PHY 3500

Biological Applications of Physics

6 hours; 4 credits

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PHY 4130

Modern Physics

3 lecture hours; 3 lab hours; 4 credits

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Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics 3 hours; 3 credits 

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PHY 4200

Astrophysics

3 lecture hours; 1.5 lab hours; 1.5 field excursion hours; 4 credits

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PHY 5000

Independent Study I

Hours and credits to be arranged

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PHY 5001

Independent Study II

Hours and credits to be arranged

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PHY 5002

Independent Study III

Hours and credits to be arranged

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PHY 6001H

Honors Physics I

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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PHY 6002H

Honors Physics II

Hours to be arranged; usually 4 credits per semester

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