PS 103 Introductory Geology. (3)

Emphasis placed on the earth’s dynamic systems, their sources of energy, and their constructive and destructive effects on the earth’s crust. Mineralogy and petrology are introduced as well as the various agents of erosion and deposition.

PS 104 Historical Geology. (3)

The earth from its cosmic origin to the present with special regard for the physical events and history of life during each of the great divisions of geological time.

PS 106 Introductory Astronomy. (3)

An introductory survey of our solar system and the universe beyond. Topics will include planetary bodies, satellites, comets, meteors, stars, nebulae, galaxies, pulsars, quasars, black holes, along with recognition of the major constellations and other pertinent material of general astronomical interest.

PS 107 Introductory Physics. (3)

A brief survey of the fundamentals of physics. Topics include kinematics, heat, light, gravity, work, power, energy, and metric conversions. No credit can be earned for this course if the student already has credit for PSP 211, PSP 212, PSP 213, or PSP 214.

PS 108 Introductory Chemistry. (3)

A brief survey of the fundamentals of chemistry. Topics include behavior of atoms and molecules, construction of chemical formulas, bonding, and how it affects macroscopic properties. No credit can be earned for this course if the student already has credit for PSC 111 or PSC 112.

PS 313 Methods and Materials in the Teaching of Science in the Secondary School. (3)

Only open to students admitted to Teacher Education. This course is taught concurrently with BSB 313.

This course is designed to give the student a knowledge of methods in the teaching of science in junior and senior high school. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications, such as laboratory preparation, safety, and teaching and classroom management. Each student will have the opportunity to do some teaching in the general chemistry laboratories at MUW. Students will also review current reference materials on science teaching, as well as state adopted textbooks in chemistry and other physical sciences.

This course does not count toward fulfillment of the requirements for the Physical Science major. It is for teacher certification only.

Physical Science - Chemistry (PSC)

PSC 111 General Chemistry I. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: MA 113 or higher (not MA 123) or demonstrated proficiency in math.

This course is designed to lay the groundwork for future study in chemistry by familiarizing the student with fundamentals of chemistry including naming of chemical species, stoichiometry, and atomic structure in addition to problem-solving.

PSC 111L General Chemistry Laboratory. (1)

Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: PSC 111.

This course reinforces the topics covered in PSC 111 through experimentation.

PSC 112 General Chemistry II. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: PSC 111.

This course is a continuation of PSC 111. The course continues the exploration of chemistry fundamentals with kinetics, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry among other topics.

PSC 112L General Chemistry II Laboratory. (1)

Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: PSC 112.

This course reinforces the topics covered in PSC 112 through experimentation.

PSC 211 Organic Chemistry I. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: PSC 111, 112 (w/labs).

This course is designed to give students a first hand knowledge of the fundamentals of organic chemistry including bonding, organic reactions, reaction mechanism, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy.

PSC 211L Organic Chemistry Lab I. (1)

Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: PSC 211.

A laboratory course complementing the lecture course PSC 211.

PSC 212 Organic Chemistry II. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: PSC 211 (w/lab).

This course is a continuation of PSC 211 and provides a fundamental background for understanding the structure, properties, and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds, especially aromatic compounds, carbonyl, carboxyl derivatives, and biomolecules.

PSC 212L Organic Chemistry Lab. (1)

Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: PSC 212.

A laboratory course complementing the lecture course PSC 212.

PSC 312 Quantitative Analysis. (4)

Laboratory-Lecture. Prerequisite: PSC 112 (w/lab).

This is primarily a laboratory course designed to develop the technique necessary in making quantitative determinations. Typical volumetric and gravimetric determinations are studied. Lecture on theories and computations accompany the laboratory work.

PSC 450 Physical Chemistry I. (4)

Lecture-Laboratory. Prerequisite: PSC 212 (w/lab), PSP 212 or 214, and MA 181, 182. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in MA 283.

This course includes a development of thermodynamics of solids, liquids, and gases; solutions; equilibria; electrochemistry; and kinetics. Emphasis will be placed on deriving mathematical models which describe macroscopic-scale processes.

PSC 451 Physical Chemistry II. (4)

Lecture-Laboratory. Prerequisite: PSC 212 (w/lab), PSP 212 or 214, and MA 181, 182. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment in MA 283.

This course includes an introduction to quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, molecular structure, and statistical mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on developing mathematical models to account for microscopic-scale processes.

PSC 461 Instrumental Analysis. (4)

Lecture-Laboratory. Prerequisite: PSC 312 and PSP 212 or PSP 214. Prerequisite or concurrent enrollment: PSC 212 (w/lab).

This is a course designed to acquaint the student with instruments used in analytical methods. Use and operation of instruments together with theoretical aspects and limitations of each will be included.

PSC 465 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: PSC 112 (w/lab), PSP 212 or PSP 214, and PSC 212 (w/lab).

This course covers bonding structure, coordination chemistry, and organometallics.

PSC 466 Advanced Organic Chemistry. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: PSC 212 (w/lab).

This course covers reaction mechanisms, natural products, theoretical chemistry, and other areas of organic chemistry.

PSC 467 Biochemistry. (4)

Lecture-Laboratory. Prerequisites: BSB 101, 102 (w/labs), PSC 211, 212 (w/labs); BSB 230 highly recommended.

A one semester survey of biochemistry emphasizing protein biochemistry (protein structure and activity, enzyme kinetics, catalytic and regulatory strategies, metabolic pathways) and introducing physical and chemical properties of carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids as necessary to understand protein form and function.

PSC 470 Introduction to Chemical Research. (3)

Prerequisite: PSC 212 (w/labs). May be repeated once (3-3).

Designed for junior and senior chemistry and physical science majors. After consultation with a chemistry faculty adviser the student selects a problem requiring literature and laboratory research. A written report in publishable form is required.

PSC 490 Special Topics in Physical Sciences. (3-4)

Prerequisite: Permission of the Sciences and Mathematics Department Chair. May be repeated once.

This course will provide advanced study in a current topic in the area of the physical sciences to be decided by the instructor. Topics could include spectroscopy, polymer chemistry, or the chemistry of natural products.

Physical Sciences- Physics (PSP)

PSP 211-212 General Physics. (4-4)

Lecture-Laboratory. Prerequisite: MA 114 or 130.

An introduction to the basic principles of classical physics using algebra and trigonometry. Major topics include kinematics, dynamics, energy, heat, electricity, magnetism, light and optics.

PSP 213-214 General Physics (Calculus Based). (4-4)

Lecture-Laboratory. Prerequisite: MA 182.

A calculus-based introduction to the general principles of physics including a treatment of mechanics, work, energy, momentum, elasticity, fluids, vibrations, sound, temperature, heat, electricity, magnetism and light.

Science/Mathematics (SM)

SM 100 Science/Mathematics Seminar. (0)

Pass/No Credit

Open only to Science and Mathematics majors.

Students will be exposed to a variety of research approaches, experiences, and career opportunities enabling them to gain a greater understanding of professional involvement in Science and Mathematics. Students majoring in all Science/Mathematics programs are required to pass four (4) semesters of SM 100 for graduation, except for transfer students with 60 or more transfer hours who are required to pass three (3) semesters of SM 100.

SM 101 Environmental Science I. (4)

Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: MA 113 or higher (not MA 123) or demonstrated proficiency in math.

An introductory course covering global and local topics in environmental science. Fundamental concepts in biology, physics, chemistry, and geology will be examined and applied to contemporary and historical environmental problems so that the student can synthesize the body of knowledge necessary to understand environmental issues.

SM 102 Environmental Science II. (4)

Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: MA 113 or higher (not MA 123) or demonstrated proficiency in math; SM 101.

An introductory course continuing the examination of global and local topics in environmental science begun in SM 101. Emphasis will be given to critical analysis of specific problems and to understanding the models used to investigate these problems.

SM 125 Fortran. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: MA 113.

This course will teach problem-solving methods using Fortran. Application will be made to problems in various fields but mathematical and scientific problems are stressed.

SM 135 Programming in C++. (3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: MA 113.

Problem-solving methods and algorithm development using the computer programming language C++. Emphasis on scientific and mathematical applications.

SM 295 Topics in Mathematics for Teachers. (1-3)

Prerequisite: Permission of Sciences and Mathematics Department Chair.

In-depth content on selected mathematical topics, including their relation and application to the classroom. This course is primarily intended for in-service teachers. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit.

SM 297 Topics in Science for Teachers. (1-3)

Lecture. Prerequisite: Permission of Sciences and Mathematics Department Chair.

In-depth content on selected science topics, including their relation and application to the classroom. This course is primarily intended for in-service teachers. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
 

Department of Sciences and Mathematics
Mississippi University for Women
1100 College Street, MUW-100
Columbus, MS 39701
(662) 329-7376

Fax (662) 329-7238