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Natural Science
Interdisciplinary Courses and Programs
COURSES
Natural Science (NSCI)
NSCI 1. The Art and Practice of Medicine (1; max total 4 units)
Primarily for prehealth care students. Delivery of health care today. Concepts
of the art of medicine presented by community physicians and specialists.
CR/NC grading only
NSCI 1A. Integrated Science: Physics and Chemistry (4 units)
Prerequisite: MATH 10A with a grade of C or higher. Integrated science:
basic concepts and misconceptions in physics and chemistry and their relation
to the everyday environment. Memorable demonstrations in lecture, household-related
experiments, and experiments of special interest to K-6 teachers. (3 lecture,
2 lab hours) Meets G.E. B1 requirement only for liberal studies majors.
NSCI 4. Science and Nonsense: Facts, Fads, and Critical Thinking (3 units)
Use of language, thought, and logic in science, distinguishing science fact
from science fiction. Inductive and deductive methods, judgment, opinion,
belief, and knowledge. A critical examination of contemporary pseudoscientific
issues (creation "science," UFOs, astrology, etc.) G.E. Foundation
A3.
NSCI 15. Environmental Science: An Integrative Course (3 units)
A study of the interrelationships among the anthropological, biological,
and geological aspects of man/woman and the natural environment. Team taught.
CR/NC grading only. (Field trip fee, $300)
NSCI 40T. Topics in Natural Sciences (1-4; max total 12 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Interdisciplinary topics covering
such subject matter areas as environmental studies and the impact of science
on society.
NSCI 100 and 100S. Chemistry for Liberal Studies (3 units)
Not open to engineering students. Prerequisites: NSCI 1A and 1B. Emphasizes
chemistry as a process rather than a collection of facts, laws, theories,
and content in California K-8 Science Standards. Designed especially for
students planning careers in K-8 teaching. S sections include a service-learning
requirement.
NSCI 101. Biology for Liberal Studies (3 units)
Not open to engineering students. Prerequisites: NSCI 1A and 1B. Emphasizes
biology as a process rather than a collection of facts, laws, and theories.
Designed especially for students planning careers as elementary school teachers.
NSCI 102. Physics and Astronomy for Liberal Studies (3 units)
Not open to engineering students. Prerequisites: NSCI 1A and 1B. Introductory
physics and astronomy with emphasis on hypothesis formation, analysis, and
testing. Everyday observations and materials will be used to the extent
possible to facilitate the transfer of concepts and techniques to the elementary
classroom. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours)
NSCI 106. Reigning Theories of Science (3 units)
Examination of historically important scientific theories from the perspective
of science as a human enterprise. Role of philosophy, religion, culture,
and nationalism in the acceptance/rejection of theories. Research paper,
class presentation required.
NSCI 110. Practicum in Medicine (1-2; max total 6 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. The Academic Research Associate
Program is offered in association with the UCSF Fresno Medical Education
Program and the Department of Emergency Medicine. Premedical students, working
at University Medical Center with health professionals, will aid biomedical
research efforts and have opportunities for clinical observation. CR/NC
grading only.
NSCI 115. Environmental Earth and Life Science (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Environmental problems
related to population, energy and resource use, and pollution. Examines
social and ethical issues along with technological and scientific factors.
Independent work on case studies required. G.E. Integration IB.
NSCI 116. Energy, Technology, and Society (3 units)
Not open to engineering students. Prerequisites: NSCI 1A and 1B. Examines
the role that chemistry, physics, and technology play in our society. Designed
especially for students planning careers as elementary school teachers.
NSCI 120. Biotechnology and Its Impact on Society (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B; courses in biology and
chemistry (high school or college) strongly recommended. Introduction to
the tools of modern biotechnology including recombinant DNA, gene therapy,
cloning, monoclonal antibodies, DNA fingerprinting, and the Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR). Addresses applications of biotechnology to medicine, agriculture,
the environment, and forensics, as well as their ethical implications. G.E.
Integration IB.
NSCI 121. Blood: Science, Art, and Folklore (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B; courses in biology and
chemistry (high school or college) strongly recommended. Introduction to
blood - its unique chemical, physical, and biological properties and its
importance in medicine and forensics. Explores the significance of blood
images for artistic and religious symbolism in both contemporary and historical
cultures. G.E. Integration IB.
NSCI 125. Revenge of the Killer Microbes (3 units)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B; courses in biology and
chemistry (high school or college) strongly recommended. Introduction to
the adversarial relationships between disease-causing microorganisms and
human affairs, both currently and historically. Explores the unique defense
and counter defense mechanisms that have developed in a variety of microbes
and the human immune system. Addresses health care issues related to disease
prevention and control. G.E. Integration IB.
NSCI 140T. Topics in Natural Sciences (1-6; max total 12 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Interdisciplinary topics covering
such subject matter areas as medical technology and ecology. (May include
lab hours)
NSCI 180. Practicum in Secondary Science Teaching (2 units)
Concurrent enrollment in EHD 155B required; for single subject life/physical
science student teachers. Application of best science teaching research;
practice; emphasis on reflection/discussion of current teaching, effective
management of students/time, authentic assessments, laboratory /curriculum
resources, sheltered techniques, student motivators. (Formerly BIOL 280)
GRADUATE COURSE
Natural Science (NSCI)
NSCI 240T. Topics in Natural Sciences (1-4; max total 8 units)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Interdisciplinary topics in the
natural sciences at the graduate level covering such subjects as advanced
techniques. Sample topics are Radiation Techniques in Biology and the
Physical Sciences and Recent Advances in Psychophysiology. (May
include lab hours)
IN-SERVICE COURSE
Natural Science (NSCI)
NSCI 380T. Topics in Natural Sciences (1-4; max total 6 units)
Studies in the natural sciences integrating topics from biology, chemistry,
geology, mathematics, physics, and psychology.
Natural Sciences Interdisciplinary Degrees
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