Physics of Sound 3, 4 s.h.
College Physics I 4 s.h.
must have completed high school trigonometry or achieved a minimum ALEKS score of 75%
Introduction to Earth Science 3, 4 s.h.
Physics I 4 s.h.
This calculus-based physics course is part of a four-semester sequence intended primarily for physics and astronomy majors and other physical science or engineering majors who seek an in-depth introduction to physics (PHYS:1701, PHYS:1702, PHYS:2703, and PHYS:2704). Topics include Newtonian mechanics for point particles and rigid bodies and conservation laws. Grades are determined by homework, midterm exams, a final exam, and performance in lab sessions. The three weekly lectures and one-hour discussion (problem solving) are given by the course instructor, and the weekly lab is conducted by a teaching assistant. Taught only during fall semester.
physics or astronomy major
Introductory Physics I 4 s.h.
Introduction to Environmental Science 3, 4 s.h.
With human population growth and resource consumption growing exponentially, the impact of human interaction with the rest of our environment is increasingly relevant in many fields of study. Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of how Earth's natural systems interact, how these systems affect society, and how they respond to human activity. Environmental Science has the applied goal of solving environmental problems, drawing upon knowledge in disciplines as diverse as ecology, anthropology, economics, and political science. The specific student learning outcomes for the overall course are:
- Ability to critically evaluate popular media articles related to Environmental Science;
- Ability to locate and interpret data relevant to Environmental Science and interpret it;
- Understanding the relationship between their day-to-day life and Environmental Science, particularly in the context of sustainability;
- Recognize the multi-faceted nature of Environmental Science.
This course is taught in a blended environment, including traditional lectures, discussion periods in TILE classrooms, online learning, and both individual and group projects.
Natural Sciences with Lab Natural Sciences without Lab SustainabilityIntroduction to Botany 4 s.h.
THE TEXTBOOK FOR THIS COURSE IS RECOMMENDED. NOT REQUIRED.
Plants play an indispensable role in the world's ecology and civilizations. This course provides an overview of the observation and scientific research which have contributed to our current understanding of plant biology ranging all the way from the molecular level to the Earth's biosphere. Beginning with the basic structural and functional aspects of plant cells, tissues, and organs, the class integrates fundamental aspects of plant biochemistry such as photosynthesis, respiration, mineral nutrition, and growth requirements. Basic genetics is presented from a botanical perspective including the reproductive biology of flowering plants and the pioneering work of Mendel through present-day understanding of DNA structure and function, mutation, evolution, and plant biotechnology. The course also provides a brief survey of plant diversity and evolution spanning some 3 1/2 billion years of history from the origin of life and the oldest algal forms through the evolution of flowering plants. There are two and one half hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. We will also utilize the rooftop greenhouse in adjacent BBE for several of our meetings. Grades are based on selected assignments, two exams (with lecture and lab portions), and the comprehensive final exam. Purchase of the textbook (Biology of Plants, 7th edition, by Raven et al, 2005) is highly recommended; copies of this and related useful references will also be available at the Biology Library reference desk.
one year of high school chemistry
Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe 3, 4 s.h.
Introductory Astronomy II 4 s.h.
This course builds on the astronomical knowledge base acquired in the first semester. Topics include the observed properties of stars, the interstellar medium, the formation and evolution of stars and stellar remnants such as neutron stars and black holes, properties of galaxies and galaxy clusters, and an introduction to cosmology and the history of the universe.
Both lectures and laboratory session emphasize active, team-based learning and problem-solving techniques. In the associated lab sections, students will learn python programming for astronomical data analysis and work with images taken from the Iowa Robotic Observatory and other research-grade telescopes.
four years of high school math
Anatomy is the science of understanding the structure of the human body. This course provides an introduction to the major systems of the body and how they interact with each other. The fact that function is often said to follow structure means that functional elements are a meaningful part of the course. We will emphasize how things look, how they are put together, how their structures relate to function, and how structures adapt to change.
Students taking this course are broadly exposed to a substantial amount of anatomical factual knowledge and are required to precisely identify numerous anatomical structures. While viewing anatomical depictions, students are encouraged to use their observational skills to logically deduce functions based on the structure and potential problems if the structure develops incorrectly. Additionally, through observation, students gain an appreciation for conventional naming and the logic used in naming structures. Based on this logic, students will be able to deduce anatomical facts based simply on names. In this process, students essentially learn a new language which allows them to objectively interpret statements they read or hear related to the human body. Current issues are periodically discussed to provide students an opportunity to apply their acquired skills to everyday life, contributing to an improved understanding of the human body.
Natural Sciences with LabPrinciples of Chemistry II 4 s.h.
Continuation of CHEM:1110; colligative properties of solutions, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical bonding, aspects of industrial chemistry, nuclear chemistry; lecture, discussion, laboratory.
This course is a continuation of CHEM:1110. Course content includes solution properties which depend on concentration, chemical equilibrium and the rules governing solubility and acid/base chemistry, thermodynamics, rates of chemical reactions, a more sophisticated view of atomic and molecular structure and bonding, oxidation-reduction reactions, electrochemistry, coordination compounds, nuclear chemistry, and a survey of the production and use of inorganic and organic chemicals produced in the U.S. Course format consists of three weekly lectures by a professor, one discussion a week led by a TA, and a laboratory component comprised of case-study and laboratory experiment sessions meeting in alternate weeks. The lecture/discussion/exam format is similar to CHEM:1110. The final exam is generally comprehensive over CHEM:1120 topics. This course is intended for science and pre-professional major or anyone planning to take two years of chemistry.
Note: The required course fee includes access to the electronic homework system and an on-line textbook for six months. It is not necessary to separately purchase a license for the electronic homework system. Optionally, students may also purchase a hard copy of the textbook but this is not required.
Age of Dinosaurs 4 s.h.
College Physics II 4 s.h.
This course is intended for pre-medical, pre-dental, and other students who desire an algebra-based physics course (without calculus). This is a continuation of PHYS:1511 covering optics, electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Numerical examples and lab experiments are chosen to illustrate basic physical principles. Course grades are based on mid-term exams, a final exam, lab performance, and class participation. Each week three lectures are given by the course instructor and one three-hour lab is conducted by a teaching assistant. The Discussion Section is a problem-solving session conducted by a teaching assistant.
From Quarks to Quasars 3, 4 s.h.
The course is designed to give students a qualitative understanding of what we now know about the birth of our universe, how we got from there to today, and the fundamental laws of physics governing everything today. Students learn how scientific paradigms were developed and tested with observations, how research fueled improvement in technology, which in turn made us take giant leaps in our capabilities, and thus extend our boundaries of knowledge. The connection between the largest cosmological scales and very small subatomic scales is explored. The course focuses on concepts, with very little mathematics required. Course grades are based on class participation, quizzes, homework, midterms and a final exam.
non-science major
Physics II 4 s.h.
Continuation of PHYS:1701; introduction to fluid mechanics, electricity, magnetism (Maxwell's equations). Offered spring semesters.
This calculus-based course is part of a four-semester sequence intended primarily for physics and astronomy majors and other physical science or engineering majors who seek an in-depth introduction to physics (PHYS:1701, PHYS:1702, PHYS:2703, and PHYS:2704). This continuation of Physics I covers topics in electricity and magnetism, including Maxwell’s equations. Grades are determined by homework, midterm exams, a final exam, discussion sessions, and performance in lab sessions. The three weekly lectures and one-hour discussion (problem solving) are given by the course instructor, and the weekly lab is conducted by a teaching assistant. Taught only in spring semester.
physics or astronomy major
This course is primarily intended for pre-health professionals (e.g. pre-nursing and speech pathology students). It aims to help students achieve an understanding of human biology: cellular, genetic, physiological, and evolutionary. The course may be taken only with a lecture and a lab. There are two lectures per week delivered by a faculty member and one lab per week taught by a TA. Requirements for the lab include attendance, quizzes, and participation in laboratory activities. A laboratory manual is required. This course may NOT be used as a pre-requisite for upper level majors courses in Biology.
one year of high school chemistry
Exploration of the Solar System 3, 4 s.h.
This course is a survey of the solar system: physical properties of the planets, comets, and asteroids; origin of the solar system; search for extrasolar planetary systems; search for life in the universe; current results of recent planetary space missions; night sky observation. High school algebra and geometry are used, but this is not a mathematically intensive course.
Natural Sciences with Lab Natural Sciences without LabEvolution and the History of Life 3, 4 s.h.
Principles of Biology II 4 s.h.
The lab work is designed to reinforce the lecture material by giving students an opportunity to observe organisms and their parts firsthand and do experiments. Live materials are used where possible. Examples of lab exercises include (1) breeding experiments with molds and flies; (2) characterization of recombinant DNA; (3) observations on development of live sea urchin and chick embryos; (4) ELISA immunological assay; (5) simulations of population growth and natural selection; (6) museum and lab study of homology and adaptation; (7) diversity of living organisms; and (8) cladistic phylogeny. Grading is based on three exams (two midterms and one final); lecture clicker questions; and homework, reports, and quizzes covering the lab exercises. Lectures are given by faculty and labs are taught by graduate and post-graduate instructors.
When all sections are full, students will be instructed to contact the department to be placed on the waitlist. You may e-mail the department at biology@uiowa.edu to make this request.
Introductory Physics II 3, 4 s.h.
Principles of Chemistry I 4 s.h.
This course covers the principles of chemistry which serve as an organizing basis for the whole of chemistry: atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, chemical reactions, gases, liquids, solids, changes in state, modern materials (natural and synthetic polymers, inorganic ceramics, and electronic materials), and an introduction to equilibrium. The course is divided into units, each of which concludes with a multiple-choice exam. There is also a comprehensive final. As many as three professors share the teaching duties for these lecture content units and an additional instructor is responsible for material in the laboratory. The course comprises three 50-minute lectures (faculty instructors), a 50- minute discussion session (TA), laboratory case studies (80 minutes in alternate weeks; faculty instructor) and laboratory experiments (170 minutes in alternate weeks; TA). The course requires a significant time commitment (an average of 6 hours in-class and 8-10 hours out of class per week). This course is intended for engineering, science, and pre-professional majors or anyone planning to take two years of chemistry. Students who have not had high school chemistry or who do not have a strong math and/or chemistry preparation should consider taking CHEM:1070 first. The Chemistry Diagnostic Test should provide guidance concerning an adequate chemistry background.
Please note, the D lecture is primarily for Honors students.
Note: The required course fee includes access to the electronic homework system and an on-line textbook for six months. It is not necessary to separately purchase a license for the electronic homework system. Optionally, students may also purchase a hard copy of the textbook but this is not required.
Fundamentals of Environmental Science (ENVS:1085) is an interdisciplinary exploration of how Earth's natural systems interact, how these systems affect society, and how they respond to human activity. The course challenges students to explore how environmental problems can be solved and avoided by drawing upon knowledge in disciplines as diverse as ecology, anthropology, economics, chemistry, and political science. The course is delivered in a blended instructional environment, which includes traditional lectures, discussions and activity sessions in TILE classrooms, laboratory, online learning, peer-reviewed writing exercises, and service learning. The course is required for Environmental Science majors*, who are strongly encouraged to take this course during their first year. Other motivated students seeking a student-centered introduction to environmental science are also encouraged to enroll. Offered fall semesters.
* exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis by contacting the ES Program Coordinator, Andrew Forbes andrew-forbes@uiowa.edu. Situations for an exception include if the student has transferred a 3sh environmental science course from another institution or 3sh of Environmental Science AP credit. In these situations the student enrolled in a 1sh laboratory course (ENVS:1090) to fulfill the requirement. Another exception is if the student has previously received credit in ENVS:1080. However, students considering majoring in Environmental Science are strongly encouraged to take ENVS:1085 rather than ENVS:1080.
Natural Sciences with Lab SustainabilityPrinciples of Biology I 4 s.h.
This is the first semester of a one-year introduction to all aspects of modern biology, from molecular genetics to ecology. It is a rigorous course designed to be appropriate for undergraduate students majoring in the biological sciences and for students in preprofessional programs such as pre-medicine and pre-dentistry, among others. Topics include (1) biology of cells--structure, composition, and duplication; DNA, RNA, and proteins; cell membranes; (2) metabolism--cell respiration and photosynthesis; ATP formation and utilization; (3) biology of plants--organization, transport, nutrient procurement, reproduction and development, control mechanisms; and (4) biology of animals--nutrition, digestion, breathing, regulation of the internal environment, endocrine and neural control, and behavior.
Laboratory work is designed to reinforce the lecture material by giving students an opportunity to observe organisms and their parts firsthand and to do experiments. Live materials are used where possible. Examples of lab exercises include chemical experiments with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; photosynthesis; effects of plant hormones; energy metabolism and mouse dissection; analysis of responses of skeletal and cardiac muscles; and computer simulation of the action potential. Course format consists of six hours of lecture and two three-hour labs each week. Monday morning (7:00-9:00 AM) on three occasions is reserved for a midterm exam. Grading is based on three exams (two midterms and a final exam) encompassing lecture materials and reports and quizzes covering the lab exercises. A lab dissection kit must be purchased. The lecture is conducted by adjunct faculty and the lab is taught by TAs.
Basic Physics 3, 4 s.h.
This course introduces selected topics in physics covering mechanics, fluids, heat, electrical circuits, and modern physics. It does not meet the requirements for the pre-medical and pre-dental majors, but is commonly taken by students to meet preprofessional requirements in pharmacy, medical technology, nursing, and speech pathology. Most of the necessary math is developed in this course. Exams, homework, and quizzes are used (along with lab work for the 4 s.h. option) in determining grades. TA's conduct the on campus three hour lab session each week (4 s.h. option). NO LABS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES.
must have completed high school trigonometry or achieved a minimum ALEKS score of 75%
This course is designed for astronomy majors and undergraduates who wish to learn basic astrophysics from a quantitative perspective. The course includes an introduction to the physical principles needed to understand astronomical phenomena, such as laws of motion, gravitation, and radiation; astronomical instruments; the structure and evolution of the Solar System bodies; properties of exoplanets; and the search for life. Both lectures and laboratory session emphasize active, team-based learning and problem-solving techniques. The lecture is given by the course instructor. In the associated lab sections, taught by teaching assistants, students use research-grade optical telescopes both on campus and the Iowa Robotic Observatory in Arizona and develop some basic skills in scientific programming. Course grades are typically based on weekly homework assignments, in-class activities and participation, midterm exams, a final exam and laboratory work (including a final observing project).
four years of high school math
Foundations of Biology 4 s.h.
Foundations of Biology will examine the unifying concepts that apply to living things. The course is organized into three main conceptual units: Molecules & Cells, Genetics, and Evolution. An integrated combination of readings, lectures and activities will facilitate your learning about contemporary biological knowledge and its scientific underpinnings.
Goals of the Course:
Foundations of Biology will advance your understanding of the following general properties of living things and of the scientific process that led to their discovery:
• Life is based on molecular interactions and obeys the universal laws of chemistry and physics.
• Organisms have common cellular make-up and metabolic processes, including exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, energy extraction, cell division, and cell-cell signaling mechanisms.
• Organisms have a common form of genetic information that is used to specify all the proteins of each organism as well as their correct expression in time and space.
• Organisms have a mechanism of transmission of genetic information that allows for both stability and change in the encoded information.
• All known living organisms are evolved from a single common ancestor, and the features of each have been shaped by natural selection.
• Changes in the planet’s biota are reflected in the relationships among extant organisms, and this history is defined by chance and opportunity.
Human Biology: Nonmajors 4 s.h.
This course is designed for non-science majors and aims to help students achieve a basic understanding of human biology: cellular, genetic, physiological, and evolutionary. The course may be taken only with a lecture and a lab. There are two lectures per week delivered by a faculty member and one lab per week taught by a TA. Requirements for the lab include attendance, quizzes, and participation in laboratory activities. A laboratory manual (for the lab) is required. This course may NOT be used as a pre-requisite for upper level majors courses in Biology.
Natural Sciences with Lab
Introduction to Geology 4 s.h.
Diversity of Form and Function will emphasize the wide array of features of living systems. The course is organized into four conceptual units. The first unit will discuss the diversity of all organisms and their organization into the phylogenic tree of life. The next two units will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the organ systems of animals and plants. The final unit will focus on ecology and the interactions organisms have with each and with their physical environment in an ecosystem. The course will have an accompanying weekly laboratory in which students carry out exercises in these conceptual areas. Course grades will be based on online quizzes, clicker quizzes during lecture, three midterm exams, a final exam, laboratory quizzes, laboratory reports and/or assignments.