An 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 may not receive credit for both ASTR 152 and ASTR 154. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science.
Prerequisite: Multiple Measures Placement in GE-level Mathematics, or exemption. One semester course based on a systematic, semi-empirical approach to the submicroscopic world of chemistry. Development of modern ideas concerning atomic and molecular structure, principles of compound formation, and chemical reactivity 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. 3 hours lecture per week. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing CHEM 100L.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory score on the Chemistry Placement Test (CPT) or a grade of “C” or higher (“C-” does not satisfy the prerequisite) in CHEM 100 taken at CSUN only. Corequisites: CHEM 101D and CHEM 101L. Basic course in the fundamental principles and theories of Chemistry with special emphasis on chemical calculations. Includes a discussion of the kinetic molecular theory, atomic structures, the periodic table, solutions and oxidation-reduction. All three components of this course (CHEM 101, CHEM 101D, and CHEM 101L) must be completed before enrollment in CHEM 102/CHEM 102D/CHEM 102L. 3 hour lecture per week. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing CHEM 101L.
Prerequisites: CHEM 101, CHEM 101D, and CHEM 101L with a minimum grade of “C-” in CHEM 101. Corequisites: CHEM 102D and CHEM 102L. Continuation of CHEM 101. Introduction to kinetics, gas phase and solution equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics and radio/nuclear chemistry. All three components of this course (CHEM 102, CHEM 102D, and CHEM 102L) must be completed before enrollment in CHEM 333/CHEM 333D/CHEM 333L and/or CHEM 321/L. 3 hour lecture per week. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing CHEM 102L.
Prerequisite: Multiple Measures Placement in GE-level Mathematics, or exemption. 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. 3 hours lecture per week. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing CHEM 103L.
Prerequisites: CHEM 103 and CHEM 103L. 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. 3 hours lecture per week. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing CHEM 104L.
Study of the natural environment–nature, distribution and relationships of climate, landforms, vegetation, hydrology and soils. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOG 102.
Study of atmospheric processes. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOG 105.
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 may not receive credit for both GEOL 100 and GEOL 101. 3 hours lecture, field trip. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOL 102.
Introduction to the dynamic study of the Earth’s evolution, including changes in the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. This course focusses on how these changes, woven into the fabric of geologic time, affected major groups of plants and animals, including dinosaurs and humans. Students may not receive credit for both GEOL 110 and GEOL 113. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science or Area 5B Biological Science.
Introduction to the oceans. Evolution of the ocean basins, their environment and resources. Aspects of biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing GEOL 123.
Adverse impacts to this environment affect the well-being of humans and other living organisms. This course provides an understanding of how human impacts to the Earth system have caused environmental change across the planet. Students will learn principles of geology, ecology, atmospheric sciences, and examine today’s most pressing environmental issues including human population growth, biodiversity loss, air, water, and soil pollution, climate change, energy-use conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Students will also gain an understanding of the ways in which the challenges of environmental degradation are (or are not) being addressed by society and government. 3 hours lecture. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science or Area 5B Biological Science.
Prerequisite: MATH 105 or MATH 106, or sufficient preparation for entry into MATH 150A or MATH 255A. Introductory course in physics. Topics covered include mechanics, heat and sound. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing PHYS 100AL.
Prerequisite: PHYS 100A. Continuation of PHYS 100A. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing PHYS 100BL.
An introduction to the most interesting and important topics in physics and their implications for current events, stressing conceptual understanding rather than math, and critically analyzing scientific information. Topics covered include energy conservation, radioactivity, nuclear physics, the theory of relativity, lasers, explosions, earthquakes, UFOs, climate change, and quantum physics. 3 hours of lecture per week. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science.
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. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing PHYS 220AL.
Prerequisites: PHYS 220A; MATH 150B or MATH 255B. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: MATH 250. Electric and magnetic fields, circuit theory and electromagnetic induction. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing PHYS 220BL.
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. 3 hours lecture per week. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from either SCI 111, GEOG 111, or SUST 111. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing 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, 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. 3 hours lecture per week. Students receive credit for only one course chosen from either SUST 111, GEOG 111, or SCI 111. Available for General Education, Area 5A Physical Science. Students may satisfy the Area 5C Science Laboratory Activity requirement by completing SUST 111L.