Science Education – Curriculum
Here you will find course descriptions for the courses required to complete the Science Education degree program.
For more information, please check the MACU Course catalog.
BY 151 General Zoology
This course provides an introduction to the classification, relationships, structure, and function of major animal phyla. Emphasis is placed on levels of organization, reproduction and development, comparative systems, and a survey of selected phyla. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate comprehension of animal form and function including comparative systems of selected groups.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 231 General Botany
This course is intended to provide an introduction to plant biology. Topics include plant structure and physiology, development, classification, diversity, and the roles plants play in ecological systems. Emphasis will be placed on the plant kingdom in terms of structure, ecology, and exploring the nature of the major plant biomes.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 341 Cell Biology
This course is an introduction to the regulation of cellular structure and function at the molecular level with an emphasis on the integration of biological and chemical aspects at the molecular level.
Prerequisite: BY 323 and CH 152 with a grade of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
BY 371 Genetics
A basic knowledge of Mendelian genetics and inheritance will be presented with such topics as meiosis, cytogenetics and population genetics. Emphasis is placed on DNA organization, protein synthesis, gene control and recombinant DNA technology and human genetic disorders.
Prerequisite: BY 141 and CH 152 with a grade of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 481 Intro to Biological Research
This course will provide the student with beginning experience to the methodology of biological research, experimental design and scientific writing. Topics range from ecology and the environment to genetics, evolution and ethics in biological issues. Students will work in a one-on-one arrangement with an assigned science professor.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Total Credit Hours: 3
CH 151 General Chemistry I
This course is a study of the basic principles of matter, including stoichiometry, atomic theory, bonding theories, gas laws, and acid/base theory. Laboratory experiments will emphasize lecture concepts and be an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: Recommend 1 year of high school algebra
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
CH 152 General Chemistry II
This is a continuation of CH 151. Advanced topics covered in this course include: equilibria, acids and bases, complexes, sparingly soluble compounds, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and solution theory. Descriptive inorganic chemistry is also introduced. Laboratory exercises will emphasize lecture concepts and be an integral part of the course.
Prerequisite: MA 171 Pre-calculus, CH 151 with a grade of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
PY 151 Physics I
The introduction of a two-semester survey of classical physics, focusing upon the motion of solids and fluids as governed by Newton’s Laws, the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular motion.
Prerequisite: MA 161 or equivalent
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Total Credit Hours: 4
PY 152 Physics II
This course is a continuation of PY 151 and covers the quantum mechanics of simple systems, atoms, and molecules; covering electrostatics, electrical circuits, magnetism, Maxwell’s Equations, electromagnetic radiation, light and sound. The course requires two hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week.
Prerequisite: PHY 151 with a grade of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Total Credit Hours: 4
PY 201 Intro to Earth Science
An introduction to the physical processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Internal processes (plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building) and external processes (weather and climate, weathering, mass wasting, erosion) are investigated so that the pattern of landforms around the world can be better understood. The Earth’s structure, materials, and history are also covered.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Total Credit Hours: 4
12 hours of electives from the following:
BY 168 Anatomy and Physiology I
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, cytology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 169 Anatomy and Physiology II
This course provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems as well as metabolism, nutrition, acid-base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.
Prerequisite: BY 168
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 275 Principles of Microbiology
A study of microorganisms with an emphasis placed on pathogenesis, principles of immunity and resistance to disease. Content of the course will include a study of microbial cell structure, physiology, environmental requirements, growth, modes of reproduction and genetics. The lab time will introduce students to the basic microbiological techniques used in the laboratory for the isolation, growth and/or identification of medically important bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Prerequisite: BY 169 or BY 141 with a grade of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 323 Biochemistry
An introduction to cellular chemistry with topics presented in association with biological systems. Topics include protein structure and enzyme function, carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis and function and genetic engineering.
Prerequisite: CH 302
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
BY 351 Ecology
This course introduces students to modern ecology concepts. Topics include: adaptation of organisms to the environment; factors that influence the distribution and abundance of species; population structure, laws of thermodynamics and regulation; community development (succession), structure and function; food webs, energy flow, and nutrient cycling.
Prerequisite: BY 151 and BY 231 with grades of C or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
CH 301 Organic Chemistry I
This course is an introduction to the study of organic compounds. The structure, nomenclature, synthesis and reactions of the major classes of organic compounds are studied, along with the major themes of reaction mechanisms and spectroscopic methods of identification.
Prerequisite: CH 152 with a grade of C- or higher or permission of instructor
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4
CH 302 Organic Chemistry II
This is a continuation of CH 301. Topics of study will include reactions of aldehydes, ketones, phenols and alcohols.
Prerequisite: CH 301 with a grade of C- or higher
Class Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 4