Natural Sciences and Engineering
The Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering, in the College of Science and Technology, offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry. Minors are also offered in biology and chemistry. Additionally, courses are offered in the areas of engineering, geology, physical science, physics and astronomy. Students interested in the following professional programs typically pursue preparatory coursework under this division: dentistry, engineering, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physician assisting, and veterinary medicine.
Baumgarner, Bradley Lane, Assoc Professor
Bender, Christopher, Assistant Chair, NSE, Assoc Professor
Caldwell, Sarah, Senior Instructor
Dawadi, Mahesh, Asst Professor
Doyle, Briget Claire, Division Chair, NSE, Assoc Professor
Ferris, David, Assistant Division Chair for Biology, NSE, Assoc Professor
Ferris, Kathleen, Senior Instructor
Harris, Amandela, Instructor
Leonardi, Andrew, Senior Instructor
Mcgovern, Tamara, Instructor
Montgomery, Benjamin, Division Chair, MCS, Assoc Professor
Mueller, Chad, Senior Instructor
Nag, Anita, Asst Professor
Omoike, Anseim, Assoc Professor
Pilgrim, Melissa, Professor
Rosario, Astrid, Assoc Professor
Ruppel, Joshua, Director of Research, Professor
Shorter, Kimberly, Coordinator of Pre-Health, Assoc Professor
Smoak, Julie, Senior Instructor
Storm, Jonathan, Professor
Storm, Melissa, Senior Instructor
Tanner, Scott, Faculty Athletics Representative, Asst Professor
Webb, Virginia, Professor
Astronomy
The universe: physical processes and methods of study. (ASTR U111L is available for additional credit).
Demonstrations, exercises and night viewings. Three hours per week.
Biology
Fundamental principles of biology, including the scientific method, biochemistry, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology. Designed for science majors. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Fundamental principles of biology, including the scientific method, biochemistry, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology. Designed for science majors. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Fundamental principles of biology, including population genetics, evolution, systematics, and the diversity of life. Dissection of preserved specimens is required in laboratory. Designed for science majors. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Fundamental principles of biology, including population genetics, evolution, systematics, and the diversity of life. Dissection of preserved specimens is required in laboratory. Designed for science majors. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Current principles of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, reproduction, development, and plant and animal diversity, as well as societal concerns. Not for major credit. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Current principles of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, reproduction, development, and plant and animal diversity, as well as societal concerns. Not for major credit. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Survey of anatomical terminology, cell structure, and function, tissues, and integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. The conceptual framework, factual knowledge and critical skills reviewed are needed to pursue a career in health information management (HIM). Not for Biology major credit.
Survey of the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and urinary systems with some coverage of human development, human genetics, and immunology. The conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and critical skills reviewed are needed to pursue a career in health information management (HIM). Not for Biology major credit.
Fundamental principles in preparation for study of human anatomy and physiology, including the scientific method, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and cellular biology. Includes study skills specific to learning biological principles. Not for major credit.
Experiments, exercises, demonstrations to accompany BIOL U143. Three laboratory hours per week. Not for major credit.
An exploration of careers in biology and chemistry. Topics include self-assessment, career planning, interviewing, professional networking, resumes, and personal statements.
Basic morphology, ecology, behavior, evolution, identification, and natural history of birds with emphasis on the major groups and species found in South Carolina. Local and regional weekly field trips, including a weekend long trip focused on coastal and marine species identification and their natural history, are required. BIOL U205/BIOL U305 will be offered concurrently. Projects for students enrolled in BIOL U305 will be more in depth and the standard for grading will be more demanding. Students may not receive credit for both courses. BIOL U205 cannot be taken for major credit.
Additional hours in the application of avian field identification techniques and in the observation of the natural history traits and characteristics of the common and important birds of South Carolina and vicinity. BIOL U205L/BIOL U305L will be offered concurrently. Projects for students enrolled in BIOL U305L will be more in depth and the standard for grading will be more demanding. Students may not receive credit for both courses. BIOL U205L cannot be taken for major credit.
Fundamentals of genetics, with an emphasis on human genetics; relevance of recent advances and concerns in contemporary society related to genetic technology. Not for major credit.
Identification, ecology, and natural history of plants, animals, and fungi in the South Carolina Piedmont region. Some physical agility (e.g. hiking, walking on uneven ground) and occasional activities in inclement weather will be required. Not available for Biology major credit.
Fundamentals of plant biology, including characteristics of major groups, life cycles, anatomy, development, ecology, evolution, economic uses, and environmental services. Laboratory exercises include hands-on, outdoors, and digital activities, such as growing plants, using identification keys, and analyzing patterns in plant diversity. Restricted to students in the contiguous United States, excluding CA, OR, and WA. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Not for major credit.
Fundamentals of plant biology, including characteristics of major groups, life cycles, anatomy, development, ecology, evolution, economic uses, and environmental services. Laboratory exercises include hands-on, outdoors, and digital activities, such as growing plants, using identification keys, and analyzing patterns in plant diversity. Restricted to students in the contiguous United States, excluding CA, OR, and WA. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Not for major credit.
Introduction to medically oriented terminology, including roots, prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and common abbreviations. Emphasis on using terminology related to anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnoses, medical procedures, pharmacology, and instrumentation. Not for major credit.
Fundamentals of functional human biology; development of a relevant knowledge of medical issues and concerns in contemporary society such as cloning, emerging diseases, genetic testing, cancer, emphysema, organ transplants and cardiovascular disease. Not for major credit.
Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Not available for biology major credit. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Not available for biology major credit. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, metabolism/nutrition, urinary and fluid balance. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body, including the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, metabolism/nutrition, urinary and fluid balance. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes. Emphasis on microbial growth, the human immune system, antimicrobials, and infectious diseases. Not for major credit. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes. Emphasis on microbial growth, the human immune system, antimicrobials, and infectious diseases. Not for major credit. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Topics include microbial structure, transmission and symptoms of infectious diseases, the history of pandemics, and the effects of infectious diseases on society. Not for major credit.
The interrelationship of humans and their environment emphasizing the impact of pollution on human health. Not for major credit.
Basic, applied, and theoretical ecology and the foundations of evolutionary biology. Laboratories illustrate lecture concepts and provide experience with fundamental skills of biostatistics, hypothesis testing, and scientific writing. Three classes and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic, applied, and theoretical ecology and the foundations of evolutionary biology. Laboratories illustrate lecture concepts and provide experience with fundamental skills of biostatistics, hypothesis testing, and scientific writing. Three classes and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic principles of the origin, evolution, function and diversity of cells. Emphasis is placed on molecular level approaches to the scientific study of eukaryotic cell function, physiology, metabolism, ultrastructure, and evolution, as well as the use of cells relevant to medical, biosocial, and bioenvironmental issues. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic principles of the origin, evolution, function and diversity of cells. Emphasis is placed on molecular level approaches to the scientific study of eukaryotic cell function, physiology, metabolism, ultrastructure, and evolution, as well as the use of cells relevant to medical, biosocial, and bioenvironmental issues. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic morphology, ecology, behavior, evolution, identification, and natural history of birds with emphasis on the major groups and species found in South Carolina. Local and regional weekly field trips, including a weekend long trip focused on coastal and marine species identification and their natural history, are required. BIOL U205/BIOL U305 will be offered concurrently. Projects for students enrolled in BIOL U305 will be more in depth and the standard for grading will be more demanding. Students may not receive credit for both courses. BIOL U205 cannot be taken for major credit.
Additional hours in the application of avian field identification techniques and in the observation of the natural history traits and characteristics of the common and important birds of South Carolina and vicinity. BIOL U205L/BIOL U305L will be offered concurrently. Projects for students enrolled in BIOL U305L will be more in depth and the standard for grading will be more demanding. Students may not receive credit for both courses. BIOL U205L cannot be taken for major credit.
Phylogenetic and comparative aspects of anatomy, physiology, ecology, reproduction and embryology of the invertebrates. Dissection of preserved specimens is required. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Phylogenetic and comparative aspects of anatomy, physiology, ecology, reproduction and embryology of the invertebrates. Dissection of preserved specimens is required. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Comparative aspects of the anatomy of humans and other vertebrates. Strong emphasis is placed on the anatomy of humans, evolutionary history of human anatomical structures, and comparisons to other vertebrates. Dissection of preserved specimens is required. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Comparative aspects of the anatomy of humans and other vertebrates. Strong emphasis is placed on the anatomy of humans, evolutionary history of human anatomical structures, and comparisons to other vertebrates. Dissection of preserved specimens is required. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Phylogenetic survey of the morphology, anatomy, physiology, life cycles, and taxonomy of the major plant divisions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Phylogenetic survey of the morphology, anatomy, physiology, life cycles, and taxonomy of the major plant divisions. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes. Emphasis is placed on molecular processes of microbes, genetics and metabolism of microbes; diversity of microbes, pathogenic microbes and the human immune response to infection. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes. Emphasis is placed on molecular processes of microbes, genetics and metabolism of microbes; diversity of microbes, pathogenic microbes and the human immune response to infection. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic principles of transmission, molecular and population genetics. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Basic principles of transmission, molecular and population genetics. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Comparative aspects of the physiology of humans and other animals. Emphasis is placed on comparative analysis of physiological systems, responses, and adaptations in humans and other animal species. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Comparative aspects of the physiology of humans and other animals. Emphasis is placed on comparative analysis of physiological systems, responses, and adaptations in humans and other animal species. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Disruptions of normal physiology, processes that bring about disruptions, and manifestations of disruptions.
Historical development of evolutionary theory; natural and sexual selection; micro-and macroevolution; mass extinctions; current concepts of phylogeny and systematics; human evolution. Laboratories illustrate lecture concepts as well as readings from the primary literature. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Historical development of evolutionary theory; natural and sexual selection; micro-and macroevolution; mass extinctions; current concepts of phylogeny and systematics; human evolution. Laboratories illustrate lecture concepts as well as readings from the primary literature. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Supervised work experience in biological science. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. A contractual agreement signed by the supervisor, the student, the instructor and the department chair is required. Pass/Fail credit.
Supervised participation in the preparation and teaching of undergraduate biological sciences laboratories. Duties include preparation of lab reagents, sample collection, and assisting lab instructors during laboratory periods. Not available for Biology major credit.
Intensive study in selected areas. Individual topics are announced.
Directed research project.
Morphogenic patterns of embryonic development along with their molecular and cellular bases; and mechanisms of differentiation. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Morphogenic patterns of embryonic development along with their molecular and cellular bases; and mechanisms of differentiation. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
The major classes of vascular plants found in South Carolina with an emphasis placed on plant reproductive biology, evolutionary relationships among groups, and species identification skills. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
The major classes of vascular plants found in South Carolina with an emphasis placed on plant reproductive biology, evolutionary relationships among groups, and species identification skills. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
The microscopic anatomy of human cells, tissues and organs. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
The microscopic anatomy of human cells, tissues and organs. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Parasites of animals, with emphasis on the immunological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of human parasitism. Dissection of specimens is required. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Parasites of animals, with emphasis on the immunological, clinical and epidemiological aspects of human parasitism. Dissection of specimens is required. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Identification and classification of behavior patterns exhibited by various species of animals; the development of behavior; proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Three hours class and three hours laboratory per week.
Identification and classification of behavior patterns exhibited by various species of animals; the development of behavior; proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Three hours class and three hours laboratory per week.
Introduction to neuroanatomical-functional relationships. Topics include neurodevelopment, anatomical organization of major nuclei and tracts, neurochemical mechanisms, neural integration of behavior, and the neuroanatomy of mental illness.
Introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response. Topics include anatomy of the lymphoid system, and innate immune response, lymphocyte biology, antigen-antibody interactions, humoral and cellular effector mechanisms; control of immune responses, and the evolution of immunodefense mechanisms. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response. Topics include anatomy of the lymphoid system, and innate immune response, lymphocyte biology, antigen-antibody interactions, humoral and cellular effector mechanisms; control of immune responses, and the evolution of immunodefense mechanisms. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Structure and functions of nucleic acids and proteins; molecular arrangement of prokaryotic, and eukaryotic genomes; the processes of DNA replication, DNA repair, gene transcription, and protein translation; control and coordination of gene activity as they relate to cellular processes in normal and disease states. Techniques used in contemporary molecular biology labs including recombinant DNA, electrophoresis of nucleic acids and proteins, Western blotting, and bioinformatics are covered in the laboratory. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Structure and functions of nucleic acids and proteins; molecular arrangement of prokaryotic, and eukaryotic genomes; the processes of DNA replication, DNA repair, gene transcription, and protein translation; control and coordination of gene activity as they relate to cellular processes in normal and disease states. Techniques used in contemporary molecular biology labs including recombinant DNA, electrophoresis of nucleic acids and proteins, Western blotting, and bioinformatics are covered in the laboratory. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to viruses. Topics include viral structure, viral replication cycles, and viral diversity with an emphasis on human viruses and their effects on human and public health.
Interactions of organisms and the environment; ecosystems structure and functions. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Interactions of organisms and the environment; ecosystems structure and functions. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Chemistry
Survey of inorganic and solution chemistry. Non-science majors only. Three classes or three class hours, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Survey of inorganic and solution chemistry. Non-science majors only. Three classes or three class hours, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
General chemical fundamentals and how these principles apply to societal issues such as the environment, genetics, and health. Recurring themes include critical evaluation of information from the media and the web, consideration of the risks and benefits of recent scientific advances for society. Non-science majors only. (CHEM U106 laboratory is available for additional credit.)
Experiments, exercises, and demonstrations to accompany CHEM U106. Three laboratory hours per week. Non-science majors only.
General chemistry basics, organic functional groups, and structure and function of biological macromolecules in living systems. Non-science majors only. Three lecture, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
General chemistry basics, organic functional groups, and structure and function of biological macromolecules in living systems. Non-science majors only. Three lecture, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Chemical principles with emphasis on stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, and molecular structure. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Chemical principles with emphasis on stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding, and molecular structure. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, and inorganic qualitative analysis. Three class hours, one recitation, and three laboratory hours per week.
Chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, and inorganic qualitative analysis. Three class hours, one recitation, and three laboratory hours per week.
An exploration of careers in biology and chemistry. Topics include self-assessment, career planning, interviewing, professional networking, resumes, and personal statements.
Survey of the chemistry of carbon compounds and introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry. (Not for major credit in chemistry or biology).
Survey of the chemistry of carbon compounds and introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry. (Not for major credit in chemistry or biology).
A continuation of CHEM U211. Survey of the chemistry of carbon compounds and introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry. (Not for major credit in chemistry or biology).
Survey of the chemistry of carbon compounds and introduction to the basic principles of organic chemistry. (Not for major credit in chemistry or biology).
Principles of gravimetric, volumetric, and basic instrumental methods of analysis. Three class hours per week.
Practice of volumetric, gravimetric, and simple instrumental methods of analysis. Three laboratory hours per week.
Nomenclature, properties, reactions, and syntheses of carbon-containing compounds. Focus is on alkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, epoxides, ethers, and free radicals.
A survey of laboratory methods of organic chemistry. Three laboratory hours per week.
Nomenclature, properties, reactions, synthesis, and spectroscopic characterization of carbon-containing compounds concentrating on amines, arenes, carbonyl-containing molecules, conjugated dienes, and organometallic compounds.
A survey of laboratory methods of organic chemistry. Three laboratory hours per week.
The chemistry underlying the fate and transport of chemicals in the environment (air, water, and soil), and their effects on the ecosystem. Topics include ozone cycle, smog, acid rain, greenhouse effect, acid mine drainage, pollution, analytical technologies used to screen for various classes of contaminants, drinking and wastewater treatments, energy use and problems, remediation of water and soil.
Application of physical and physiochemical methods to air, water and soil analysis.
Supervised work experience in chemistry. A minimum of three hours per week is required for each credit hour. A required contractual agreement is signed by the supervisor, the student, the instructor, and department chair. Pass/Fail credit.
Directed research project introducing the student to the methods of chemical research. A written report on work accomplished is required at the end of each semester. Research involves laboratory work as determined by the instructor.
Atomic structure, molecular orbital theory, coordination compounds, crystal structures, acid/base chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and a systematic study of the periodic table.
Syntheses with high pressure reactions, the use of unfamiliar solvents, high temperature and inert atmosphere, and the application of infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy to inorganic chemistry. Three laboratory hours per week.
Theory, instrumentation, and applications of modern instrumental techniques. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Theory, instrumentation, and applications of modern instrumental techniques. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Development and application of methods of obtaining and interpreting spectrometric data in terms of structural organic chemistry. Topics include infrared, ultraviolet, visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Fundamentals of macromolecular science with an emphasis on synthesis and characterization.
Chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics.
Applications of experimental and computational techniques to the study of chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics and physical properties of substances. Three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, spectroscopy, and statistical mechanics.
Applications of experimental and computational techniques to the study of quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and molecular structure. Three laboratory hours per week.
Fundamentals of the drug discovery process. Topics include drug targets, lead discovery and optimization, drug synthesis, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, the Food and Drug Administration approval process, and pharmaceutical case studies.
Structure and function of the major classes of biological compounds and biological membranes. Content includes a kinetic and equilibrium based approach to biological transport and catalysis, signaling, and an introduction to bioenergetics.
Chemistry of biological information pathways. DNA, RNA, and protein metabolism, organization of genes on chromosomes, regulation of gene expression, and applications of these topics to biotechnology problems are covered.
A survey of laboratory methods in biochemistry. Three laboratory hours per week.
Integration and assessment of chemical knowledge at an advanced level, exploration of ethical issues, research, and oral presentation.
Engineering
Introduction to the engineering profession, professional concepts, ethics, and responsibility; review of the number system and unit conversions; and introduction to computer programs. Coursework integrates the following important skills: technical problem solving and engineering design, ethical decision-making, teamwork, and communicating to diverse audiences.
Geology
Methods and procedures of science for interpretation of the earth. The natural processes and their products — the minerals, rocks, fossils, structure and surface forms of the earth are considered. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between hypothesis, experiment, and observable fact which characterize productive physical science. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Methods and procedures of science for interpretation of the earth. The natural processes and their products — the minerals, rocks, fossils, structure and surface forms of the earth are considered. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between hypothesis, experiment, and observable fact which characterize productive physical science. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
The practice of geology as an historical science with emphasis on the methods of analysis, nature of the record, and guiding principles that have allowed geologists to decipher the history of the earth. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
The practice of geology as an historical science with emphasis on the methods of analysis, nature of the record, and guiding principles that have allowed geologists to decipher the history of the earth. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to the science of geology and the major earth cycles with emphasis on the application of geology to environmental issues and earth processes, such as energy resources, water pollution, and geological hazards. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Introduction to the science of geology and the major earth cycles with emphasis on the application of geology to environmental issues and earth processes, such as energy resources, water pollution, and geological hazards. Three class and three laboratory hours per week.
Investigates the geologic aspects of several types of natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, etc.) and emphasizes both impacts of natural hazards and ways of mitigating risk from the hazards. Case studies of specific events are used to highlight the social, economic, environmental and human impacts of natural disasters.
Investigation of the geological processes responsible for the land forms and natural resources of the southeastern United States. Three class hours per week and field trips are required.
Directed research project depending on student interest and needs.
Physics
Introduction to the concepts, ideas, and methods of physical science with emphasis on the principles of classical and modern physics and chemistry.
Experiments, exercises, and demonstrations to accompany PHYS U101.
Mechanics, heat, sound, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week. No previous background in physics is assumed.
Mechanics, heat, sound, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Mechanics, heat, sound, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Mechanics, heat, sound, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Mechanics, heat, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics taught from a calculus level. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Mechanics, heat, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics taught from a calculus level. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Mechanics, heat, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics taught from a calculus level. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.
Mechanics, heat, wave motion, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics taught from a calculus level. Three class, one recitation, and two laboratory hours per week.