Lawson State Community College

 

 

 

Department of Natural Sciences

Course Descriptions

 

Disclaimer:  The course descriptions listed below reflect ALL courses available within the Alabama College System's two colleges.  Not all courses and programs listed are available at Lawson State Community College; however, this guide may be used to compare and contrast course content with that of other institutions.
BIO CHM GLY PHS PHY

 

 

BIOLOGY (BIO)


BIO 101  -  Introduction to Biology I   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

Introduction to Biology I is the first of a two-course sequence designed for non-science majors. It covers historical studies illustrating the scientific method, cellular structure, bioenergetics, cell reproduction, Mendelian and molecular genetics, and a survey of human organ systems. A 120-minute laboratory is required.


BIO 102   -  Introduction to Biology II  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 101 and/or as required by program

Introduction to Biology II is the second of a two-course sequence for non-science majors. It covers evolutionary principles and relationships, environmental and ecological topics, classification, and a survey of biodiversity. A 120=- minute laboratory is required.


BIO 103  -  Principles of Biology I  - 
 4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This is an introductory course for science and non-science majors. It covers physical, chemical, and biological principles common to all organisms. These principles are explained through a study of cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, basic biochemistry, cell energetics, the process of photosynthesis, and Mendelian and molecular genetics. Also included are the scientific method, basic principles of evolution, and an overview of the diversity of life with emphasis on viruses, prokaryotes, and protist. A 120-minute laboratory is required.


BIO 103  -  Principles of Biology II  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103 and/or as required by program

This course is an introduction to the basic ecological and evolutionary relationships of plants and animals and a survey of plant and animal diversity including classification, morphology, physiology, and reproduction. A 180-minute laboratory is required. 

 

BIO 201  -  Human Anatomy and Physiology I   -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103 and/or as required by program

Human Anatomy and Physiology I covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is an orientation of the human body, basic principles of chemistry, a study of cells and tissues, metabolism, joints, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and the senses. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology are featured in the laboratory experience. A 120- minute laboratory is required.


BIO 202  -  Human Anatomy and Physiology II   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103, 201, and/or as required by program

Human Anatomy and Physiology II covers the structure and function of the human body. Included is a study of basic nutrition, basic principles of water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, the endocrine, respiratory, digestive, excretory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. Dissection, histological studies, and physiology are featured in the laboratory experience. A 120-minute laboratory is required.


BIO 220  -  General Microbiology   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103 (Recommended:  4 Semester Hours of Chemistry) and/or as required by program

This course includes historical perspectives, cell structure and function, microbial genetics, infectious diseases, immunology, distribution, physiology, culture, identification, classification, and disease control of microorganisms. The laboratory experience includes micro-techniques, distribution, culture, identification, and control. Two 120-minute laboratories are required.


BIO 110  -  Biology Human Concern   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course is designed to give the non-science major an understanding of humans as biological organisms and as members of ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on biological implications of man's activities. Laboratory is required.

 

BIO 111  -  Human Biology  -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course for the non-science major covers the basic structure and function of the human body. Laboratory is required.
 

BIO 112  -  Human Reproduction and Inheritance  -   Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

Human Reproduction and Inheritance is an introductory genetics course with primary emphasis on human inheritance, reproduction, venereal diseases, birth control, and teratology. No laboratory is required.

 

BIO 113  -  History of Biology  -  3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course, for the non-science major, is a survey of the events and ideas that contributed to the development of modern biology. No laboratory is required.


BIO 120
  -  Medical Terminology  - 
3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course is a survey of words, terms, and descriptions commonly used in medical arts. Emphasis is placed on spelling, pronunciation, and meanings of prefixes, suffixes, and roots. No laboratory is required.


BIO 130  -  Medical Parasitology for MLT  -   2 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103 and/or as required by program

This course covers introductory human parasitology with emphasis on theory and practical techniques for isolation and identification of human parasites. Life cycles, pathology, general treatment, and prognoses are covered. Laboratory is required.

BIO 150  -  Human Biology for LPN  - 
3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course introduces the human body with emphasis on structure, function, and pathology. No laboratory is required.

 

BIO 211   -   Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Occupations I  -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course is the first in a two-course sequence that covers the basic structure and function of the human body. Tissues and the following organ systems are covered: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory is required.


BIO 212
  -   Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health Occupations II   - 
 4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 211 and/or as required by program

This course is the second in a two-course sequence which provides a comprehensive study of the structure and function of the human body. Tissues and the following organ systems are covered: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory, and reproductive. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and physiology principles and their interrelationships. Laboratory is required. BIO 103 or BIO 212 will satisfy the pre-requisite requirement for BIO 220, General Microbiology.


BIO 224  -  Microbiology for Career Programs  - 
 3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103 and/or as required by program

Microbiology for Career Programs is an introduction to microbial life with emphasis on identification and life cycles of bacteria, viruses, and other human parasites associated with disease. Medical aspects are stressed. This course is designed for two-year career programs. Laboratory is required.


BIO 230  -  Human Pathophysiology  - 
 4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 201, 202, 220, and/or as required by program

Human Pathophysiology covers the nature, etiology, prognosis, prevention, and therapeutics of human disease. A 120-minute laboratory is required.

 

BIO 240  -  Field Biology  -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 103 and/or as required by program

This course covers basic principles of taxonomy, classification, and selected ecological concepts. Animal and plant diversity is emphasized through collection, identification, and museum preparation of local for a fauna. Laboratory is required.


BIO 150  -  Directed Studies in Biology I   - 
1-4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

 

BIO 151  -   Directed Studies in Biology II   -   1-4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       BIO 150 and/or as required by program

 

CHEMISTRY (CHM)

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CHM 104   -   Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry   -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       MTH 092 or equivalent math placement score and/or as required by program

This is a survey course of general chemistry for students who do not intend to major in science or engineering and may not be substituted for CHM 111. Lecture will emphasize the facts, principles, and theories of general chemistry including math operations, matter and energy, atomic structure, symbols and formulas, nomenclature, the periodic table, bonding concepts, equations, reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, phases of matter, solutions, pH, and equilibrium reactions. Laboratory is required.


CHM 105  -   Introduction to Organic Chemistry   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

PREREQUISITE: CHM 104 (Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry) or CHM 111 (College Chemistry I)

This is a survey course of organic chemistry and biochemistry for students who do not intend to major in science or engineering. Topics will include basic nomenclature, classification of organic compounds, typical organic reactions, reactions involved in life processes, function of biomolecules, and the handling and disposal of organic compounds. Laboratory is required.


CHM 111  -  College Chemistry I   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       MTH 112 or equivalent math placement score and/or as required by program

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence designed for the science or engineering major who is expected to have a strong background in mathematics. Topics in this course include measurement, nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure, equations and reactions, basic concepts of thermochemistry, chemical and physical properties, bonding, molecular structure, gas laws, kinetic-molecular theory, condensed matter, solutions, colloids, and some descriptive chemistry topics. Laboratory is required.


CHM 112  -  College Chemistry II  - 
 4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       CHM 111 and/or as required by program

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence designed primarily for the science and engineering student who is expected to have a strong background in mathematics. Topics in this course include chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, ionic equilibria of weak electrolytes, solubility product principle, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, oxidation-reduction, nuclear chemistry, an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and selected topics in descriptive chemistry including the metals, nonmetals, semi-metals, coordination compounds, transition compounds, and post-transition compounds. Laboratory is required.

 

CHM 220   -  Quantitative Analysis   -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       CHM 112 and/or as required by program

This course covers the theories, principles, and practices in standard gravimetric, volumetric, calorimetric, and electrometric analysis with special emphasis on equilibrium in acid-base and oxidation-reduction reactions and stoichiometry of chemical equations. Laboratory is required and will include classical techniques in chemical analysis, modern methods of chemical separation, and basic instrumental techniques.


CHM 221  -  Organic Chemistry I    - 
 4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       CHM 112 and/or as required by program

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence. Topics in this course include nomenclature, structure, physical and chemical properties, synthesis, and typical reactions for aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic compounds with special emphasis on reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry. Laboratory is required and will include the synthesis and confirmation of representative organic compounds with emphasis on basic techniques.

 
CHM 222  -  Organic Chemistry II  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       CHM 221 and/or as required by program

This is the second course in a two-semester sequence. Topics in this course include nomenclature, structure, physical and chemical properties, synthesis, and typical reactions for aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, and biological compounds, polymers and their derivatives, with special emphasis on reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and stereochemistry. Laboratory is required and will include the synthesis and confirmation of representative organic compounds with emphasis on basic techniques.

 

CHM 240  -  Introductory Biochemistry  -   4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       CHM 105 or 221 and/or as required by program

This course covers the fundamentals of biochemistry including structure, properties, and activities of biomolecules, biosynthesis of representative classes of compounds, and metabolic pathways and cycles in organisms. Laboratory is required and will be illustrative of the principles considered in lecture including various chromatographic and spectrographic techniques.
 

CHM 250   -   Directed Studies in Chemistry   -  1 Hour

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course is designed for independent study in specific areas of chemistry chosen in consultation with a faculty member and carried out under faculty supervision. This course may be repeated three (3) times for credit.  Laboratory is required.

 

GEOLOGY (GLY)

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GLY 101  -   Introduction to Geology I  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

Introduction to Geology I is the first in a two part sequence dealing with the structure of the Earth including materials, internal and external processes, deformation, energy, and plate tectonics. Laboratory is required.


GLY 102  -  Introduction to Geology II   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       GLY 101 and/or as required by program

Introduction to Geology II is the second in a two-part sequence dealing with a historical perspective of the earth. Topics include items such as Geologic time, Earth's origin, evolution of continents and ocean basins, minerals, energy resources, planetary geology, and mountain building. Laboratory is required.


GLY 100  - 
Survey of Geology                                                                                                     3 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course provides an introductory survey of physical and historical geology. Laboratory is not required.

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (PHS)

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PHS 111  -  Physical Science  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course provides the non-technical student with an introduction to the basic principles of geology, oceanography, meterology, and Astronomy.  Laboratory is required.


PHS 112  -  Physical Science II   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course provides the non-technical student with an introduction to the basic principle of chemistry and physics. Laboratory is required.

 

PHS 120  -  Environmental Science  -  4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course is an interdisciplinary course designed to give the non-science major an introductory survey of the environment. The environment will be studied with an emphasis on topics such as air, soil, water, wild life, forestry and solid waste pollution. Laboratory is required and will emphasize field studies and experimentation.


PHS 121   -  Applied Physical Science I  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course introduces the general principles of physics and chemistry. Topics include measurement, motion, Newton's laws of motion, momentum, energy, work, power, heat, thermodynamics, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and chemical principles. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical environment and be able to apply the scientific principles to observations experienced.


PHS 122  -  Applied Physical Science II   - 

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course introduces the principles of nuclear energy, modern physics, geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. Topics include nuclear chemistry, relativity, composition of the earth, geologic processes and time, ocean currents and tides, eroding beaches, climate, weather, atmospheric influences, and the solar system. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the scientific principles to observations experienced.


PHS 230  -  Introduction to Meteorology  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program

This course is an introductory survey of meteorology emphasizing the hydrologic cycle, cloud formation, weather maps, forecasting, and wind systems. Local weather systems will be given detailed study. Laboratory is required.

  

PHYSICS (PHY)

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PHY 201  -  General Physics I—Trig Based  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       MTH 113 or equivalent and/or as required by program

This course is designed to cover general physics at a level that assures previous exposure to college algebra, basic trigonometry. Specific topics include mechanics, properties of matter and energy, thermodynamics, and periodic motion. A laboratory is required.


PHY 202   -  General Physics II—Trig Based  - 
 4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       PHY 201 and/or as required by program

This course is designed to cover general physics using college algebra and basic trigonometry. Specific topics include wave motion, sound, light optics, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, and modern physics. Laboratory is required.

 
PHY 213  -  General Physics with Cal I   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       MTH 125 and/or as required by program

This course provides a calculus-based treatment of the principle subdivisions of classical physics: mechanics and energy, including thermodynamics. Laboratory is required.


PHY 214  -  General Physics with Cal II   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       PHY 213 and/or as required by program

This course provides a calculus-based study in classical physics. Topics included are: simple harmonic motion, waves, sound, light, optics, electricity and magnetism. Laboratory is required.


PHY 218  -  Modern Physics   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       PHY 214, MTH 227, and/or as required by program

The focus of this course is the development of the theory of relativity, the old quantum theory of Planck, Einstein, Bohr and Sommerfeld, and the new quantum physics of Schroedinger, Heisenberg, Dirac and Pauli. Laboratory experiments illustrate the principles discussed and include but not limited to determination of the speed of light, charge and charge to mass ratio of the electron, the Planck constant and the Rydberg constant. Laboratory is required.


PHY 115  -  Technical Physics   - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       MTH 100 and/or as required by program

Technical physics is an algebra based physics course designed to utilize modular concepts to include: motion, forces, torque, work energy, heat wave/sound, and electricity. Results of physics education research and physics applications in the workplace are used to improve the student's understanding of physics in technical areas. Upon completion, students will be able to: define motion and describe specific module concepts; utilize microcomputers to generate motion diagrams; understand the nature of contact forces and distinguish passive forces; work cooperatively to set-up laboratory exercises; and demonstrate applications of module-specific concepts.

 
PHY 120   -   Introduction to Physics  - 
4 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       MTH 098 or higher and/or as required by program

This course provides an introduction to general physics for non-science majors. Topics in fundamentals of mechanics, properties of matter, heat and temperature, simple harmonic motion, SHM, waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. Laboratory is required.

 
PHY 299  -  Directed Studies in Physics  - 
 1-2 Hours

Prerequisite(s):       As required by program