Natural Sciences - Courses

Introduction to astronomy. Topics to be covered include the historical development of astronomy; the laws that govern the behavior of the universe; a survey of the properties of stars and galaxies, including their origin and evolution; and the Big Bang Theory. (Students using this course to satisfy the General Education requirement in Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing course ASTR 154L.)

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: ASTR 152. Introduction to the techniques of observational astronomy, including data acquisition and interpretation. Testing of astronomical hypotheses by using data from observations of the moon, planets, sun, stars and galaxies. 3 hours per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in General Education, Natural Sciences provided ASTR 152 has been completed.)

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. In-depth examination and interpretation of astronomical discoveries occurring at the time the course is taught. Reading includes both background material and current periodicals accessible to upper division, General Education students. Likely areas of discussion include spacecraft exploration of the solar system, satellite observations of high-energy radiation from space, exotic astronomical objects (e.g., double quasars, black hole candidates), and new cosmological data. (Students using this course to satisfy the General Education requirement in Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing course ASTR 352L.) (IC)

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: ASTR 352. Use of observational and laboratory facilities and published data to explore current developments in astronomy. 3 hours per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences, General Education provided ASTR 352 also is completed.) (IC)

Not for credit in Biology major. May not be taken for credit by students who have completed BIOL 101, BIOL 102, BIOL 106 or BIOL 107. Analysis of selected topics illustrating major biological concepts, including ecology, evolution, heredity and organismal and cellular structure and physiology. Primarily designed for non-science majors. Lecture 3 hours. (Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement in General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing BIOL 100L.)

Recommended Corequisite: BIOL 100. Not for credit in Biology major. Observations, experiments, demonstrations and required field trips to augment Introductory Biology. Emphasis on the methods of science, basic biological principles, the natural environment and the effects of human activity on the environment. Lab 3 hours. (May be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences lab requirement in General Education provided BIOL 100 is also completed.)

Corequisite: BIOL 101L. Not for credit in Biology major and may not be taken for credit by students who have completed BIOL 106 or BIOL 107. Analysis of selected topics illustrating major concepts in biology, including evolution, environmental relationships, heredity, the cell, energetics and functions of living systems, and development. Available for General Education, Natural Sciences, if required in the major. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences if required by student’s major.)

Prerequisites: BIOL 100 or BIOL 101/L or BIOL 102/L or BIOL 106/L or BIOL 107/L. Available for Biology minor credit but not for Biology major. Description of biological events leading up to ovulation, emission, conception, implantation and pregnancy, and the resulting stages of human development, including placenta development and birth, with a discussion of biological aspects of genetic counseling, birth defects, miscarriage and abortion. Lecture 3 hours. (Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement in General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing BIOL 241L.)

Prerequisites: BIOL 100/L or BIOL 101/L or BIOL 102/L or BIOL 106/L or BIOL 107/L. Recommended Corequisite: BIOL 241. Not for credit in Biology major. Observation of slides, preserved specimens and plastic models demonstrating male and female gamete production; changes of uterus and ovary during menstrual cycle and pregnancy; normal and abnormal human chromosomes; human blood groups leading to problem pregnancies; pregnancy tests; human development with emphasis on nervous system, eyes, heart, skeleton, external genitalia and internal sex organs. Lab 3 hours. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided BIOL 241 is also completed.)

Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: BIOL 392E. For non-science majors to acquaint them with the classification, behavior, ecology and distribution of the more important plants and animals of Southern California. Lecture 3 hours. (Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in Natural Sciences will satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing BIOL 392E.)

Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. Not for credit in Biology major. From the shore to the depths, analysis of the diversity of life in the world’s oceans with emphasis on the Southern California biota. (Lecture and lab available for General Education, Natural Sciences.) (IC)

Prerequisites: BIOL 100/L or BIOL 101/L or BIOL 102/L or BIOL 106/L or BIOL 107/L passed with grades of “C” or better; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: BIOL 362L. Introduction to current topics in genetics and their impact on society and life, in language that is non-technical. Learn about the application of genetics to agriculture, environment, human health and medicine. Understand issues pertaining to genetic engineering, cloning, gene therapy, stem cells etc. Not for credit in Biology major. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours. (Lecture and Lab available for General Education, Natural Sciences.) (IC)

3 hours per week or equivalent. Course Fee.

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the ELM examination or satisfying the exemption requirements. One-semester preparatory course that focuses on developing problem-solving skills based on an introduction to the field of chemistry. Application of the scientific method, modern ideas concerning atomic and molecular structure, principles of compound formation, and chemical nomenclature and calculations involving scientific units are emphasized. Selected topics in applied chemistry and the application of chemical principles to life and environmental sciences are explored. Engineering and Science majors should consult with their advisors before enrolling in this course. Credit cannot be earned in both CHEM 100 and CHEM 103. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing CHEM 100L. 3 hours lecture per week.

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the ELM Examination or satisfying the ELM exemption requirement. Corequisite: CHEM 100. Optional laboratory course to accompany CHEM 100 in which the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and basic laboratory techniques are presented. May be used to satisfy the laboratory requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided CHEM 100 is also completed. One 3-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on the Chemistry Placement Test (CPT) or a grade of “C” or higher (“C-” is unacceptable) in CHEM 100 taken at CSUN only. Corequisite: CHEM 101L. Basic course in the fundamental principles and theories with special emphasis on chemical calculations. Includes a discussion of the kinetic molecular theory, atomic structures, the periodic table, solutions and oxidation-reduction. Recitation portion deals with problem solving, review of the lecture material and quizzes. Lab section emphasizes basic lab skills, quantitative relationships in chemistry and inorganic preparative procedures. Completion of CHEM 101/L satisfies General Education Natural Sciences, including the corresponding lab requirement. 3 hours lecture; 1 hour recitation per week; one 3-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite: CHEM 101/L with a minimum grade of “C-” in CHEM 101. Corequisite: CHEM 102L. Continuation of CHEM 101. Introduction to kinetics, gas phase and solution equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, radio, organic chemistry and the descriptive chemistry of the more familiar metals and nonmetals. Recitation portion deals with problem solving, review of the lecture material and quizzes. Lab section consists of experiments dealing with kinetics, acid-base and solubility equilibria, selected reactions of metals and nonmetals, and qualitative elemental analysis. Completion of CHEM 102/L satisfies General Education, Natural Sciences, including the corresponding lab requirement. 3 hours lecture; 1 hour recitation per week; one 3-hour lab per week.

Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the ELM Examination or satisfying the ELM exemption requirements. Corequisite: CHEM 103L. Not open to engineering, biology or physical science majors. Designed to stress fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry, the structure of atoms and molecules, the periodic table, states of matter, chemical calculations involving stoichiometry and simple algebraic operations. Credit cannot be earned in both CHEM 100 and 103. Students can use this course to satisfy the General Education, Natural Sciences laboratory requirement. 3 hours lecture and one 3-hour lab per week.

Prerequisites: CHEM 103/L. Corequisite: CHEM 104L. Not open to engineering, biology or physical science majors. Continuation of CHEM 103/L. Properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases. Chemistry of simple organic compounds and common elements. Students can use this course to satisfy the General Education, Natural Sciences laboratory requirement. 3 hours of lecture and one 3-hour lab per week.

One-semester course introducing chemistry and its relation to technological advances and their impact on our society and the environment. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing CHEM 110L. 3 hours lecture per week.

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: CHEM 110 or CHEM 100. No credit for Science and Engineering majors. Laboratory exercises introduce the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and basic laboratory techniques. May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided CHEM 100 or 110 also is completed. One 3-hour lab per week.

Study of the natural environment—nature, distribution and relationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology and soils. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences.)

Corequisite: GEOG 101 or equivalent. Observations, experiments and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with techniques utilized by physical geographers. 2 hours lab. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Science Section of General Education.)

Study of atmospheric processes. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences.)

Corequisite: GEOG 103. Observations, experiments and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with the nature of California’s weather and climate. 2 hours lab per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Science Section of General Education.)

Corequisite: GEOG 111L. Severe global climate change will have disastrous consequences for Earth’s population. This course will develop the basic science behind the predictions for Earth’s climate, and explain why human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases, is the main driver of global warming. Course topics include the causes of climate change, its impacts, projections for the future, possible mitigation, and economic barriers imposed by the global capitalist system. Laboratory exercises include climate prediction modeling, the use of proxy data, and examination of the impacts of climate change. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab/week. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from either GEOG, SUST, or SCI 111/L. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences lecture and laboratory requirements.)

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOG 103 or ASTR 152 or GEOL 100 or GEOL 110 or GEOL 122; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explanations of rain, wind, smog, etc. Basic principles of energy transfer. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences.)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory or Corequisite: GEOG 316L. Introduction to the principles of environmental geography with special emphasis on the connections between human activities and the physical (natural) environment. Emphasis will be placed on identifying the historical and contemporary impact of humans on the natural environment. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in the Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOG 316L. 3 hours lecture.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Preparatory or Corequisite: GEOG 316. Practical exercises on spatial patterns of demographics and natural resources, air pollution, land degredation, energy use and generation, and the potential for sustainability. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in the Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lecture requirement by completing GEOG 316. 2 hours lab.

Prerequisites: GEOG 101 or GEOL 101; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: GEOG 365L. Analytical and descriptive study of physical processes responsible for development and evolution of Earth’s surface features. Aspects of local geomorphology will be observed on field trips. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours field activity. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences.) (IC)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Observations, experiments and demonstrations designed to familiarize students with the scientific investigation of environmental hazards. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences.)

Studies of the geologic materials and processes that shape our Earth and environment are explored as they relate to our everyday lives. Topics include global tectonics; earthquakes and other geologic hazards; glacial, river and coastal processes that form our landscapes; water, mineral and energy resources; and waste disposal and pollution. Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences section of General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 102. Students may not receive credit for both GEOL 100 and 101. 3 hours lecture, field trip.

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 100 or GEOL 101. Identification of rocks and minerals. Introduction to topographic maps and how they are used to interpret geologic processes and geologic history. Interpretation of geologic maps and data relating to earthquakes and plate tectonics. Satisfies the lab requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided either GEOL 100 or 101 is completed. 3 hours lab, field trips.

Corequisite: GEOL 107L. This online lecture and laboratory combination explores how Earth science issues that impact society are depicted in film and television and how these depictions influence the viewers’ perceptions of Earth science. Students will learn fundamental concepts of Earth science, and how to evaluate the appropriateness and accuracy of Earth science portrayed in fictional and documentary film and television. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences, fulfills lecture and lab credit.)

Introduction to the dynamic study of the Earth’s evolution, including changes in its crust, oceans, atmosphere and climate and how these changes, woven into the fabric of geologic time, affected major groups of plants and animals, including dinosaurs and humans. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 112.

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 110. Course content includes introduction to fossil, relative-age relationships and construction and interpretation of maps and cross-sections that emphasize paleogeography and sedimentary rocks. May be used satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided GEOL 110 is completed. 3 hours lab, 1-day field trip.

Introduction to the oceans. Evolution of the ocean basins, their environment and resources. Aspects of biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 123. 3 hours lecture, field trips.

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 122. Introduction to oceanographic data, its collection and interpretation. May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Sciences of General Education provided GEOL 122 also is completed. 3 hours lab, field trips.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the relationship between humans and the Earth and the application of geology to environmental problems. Topics include geological hazards, pollution, mineral and energy resources, land use planning and environmental impact. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in the Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 301. 3 hours lecture, field trips.

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 300. Introduction to geologic materials and processes as they are applicable to the human environment. Included are practical exercises on rocks, minerals, geologic maps and water, mineral and energy resources. Earthquake, volcanic, landslide and flood hazard evaluations are also performed. 3 hours lab, field trips. May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Sciences of General Education provided GEOL 300 also is completed.

Prerequisite: MATH 103 or MATH 104 or MATH 105, or a score on the Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) sufficient for entry into MATH 255A. Introductory course in physics. Topics covered include mechanics, heat and sound. (Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement in General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing course PHYS 100AL.)

Prerequisite: MATH 103 or MATH 104 or MATH 105 or a score on the Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) sufficient for entry into MATH 255A. Preparatory or Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 100A. 3 hours per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences, General Education, provided PHYS 100A also is completed.)

Prerequisite: PHYS 100A. Continuation of PHYS 100A. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. (Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement in General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing course PHYS 100BL.)

Prerequisite: PHYS 100A. Preparatory or Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 100B. 3 hours per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences, General Education, provided PHYS 100B also is completed.)

Prerequisite: MATH 150A or MATH 255A; Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: MATH 150B or MATH 255B. Dynamics and statics of particles and rigid bodies, harmonic vibrations and fluid mechanics. (Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement in General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing course PHYS 220AL.)

Prerequisite: MATH 150A or MATH 255A. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: MATH 150B or MATH 255B and PHYS 220A or PHYS 225. 3 hours per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences, General Education, provided PHYS 220A or PHYS 225 also is completed.)

Prerequisites: PHYS 220A; MATH 150B or MATH 255B. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: MATH 250. Electric and magnetic fields, circuit theory and electromagnetic induction. (Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement in General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing course PHYS 220BL.)

Prerequisite: PHYS 220A and MATH 150B or MATH 255B. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: MATH 250 and PHYS 220B or PHYS 226. 3 hours per week. (May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences, General Education, provided PHYS 220B or PHYS 226 also is completed.)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: PHYS 305L. This course is currently taught entirely and only online. History and development of the science of sound and music, physical concepts necessary for the study of wave motion, mechanics of the construction of sound and musical tones, and basic physical principles involved in the production of sound in instruments and the human voice, including studies of the production of language. A good understanding of the composition of sounds and musical tones is obtained without detailed mathematics through experiments carried out in the home or other locations using the students computer with installed software. A final project is required. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences.) (IC)

Corequisite: SCI 111L. Severe global climate change will have disastrous consequences for Earth’s population. This course will develop the basic science behind the predictions for Earth’s climate, and explain why human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases, are the main driver of global warming. Course topics include the causes of climate change, its impacts, projections for the future, possible mitigation, and economic barriers imposed by the global capitalist system. Laboratory exercises include climate prediction modeling, the use of proxy data, and examination of the impacts of climate change. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab/week. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from either SCI 111/L, GEOG 111/L, or SUST 111/L. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences lecture and laboratory requirements.)

Corequisite: SUST 111L. Severe global climate change will have disastrous consequences for Earth’s population. This course will develop the basic science behind the predictions for Earth’s climate, and explain why human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases, is the main driver of global warming. Course topics include the causes of climate change, its impacts, projections for the future, possible mitigation, and economic barriers imposed by the global capitalist system. Laboratory exercises include climate prediction modeling, the use of proxy data, and examination of the impacts of climate change. 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab/week. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from either SUST 111/L, GEOG 111/L, or SCI 111/L. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences lecture and laboratory requirements.)