Course Descriptions       ¤ Lewis-Clark State College Catalog   2009-2011

NATURAL SCIENCES
(NATURAL SCIENCES DIVISION)

Subject Number Min.
Cr.
Max.
Cr.
Description
NS-150 INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL SCIENCES 3   An introduction to science as a way of knowing.
      Examples are chosen from astronomy, genetics,
      genetic engineering, evolution and other timely
      topics.
      Pre-requisite:   ENGL 101.
 
NS-171 INTEGRATED SCIENCE I 3   First of a two-semester sequence designed for the
      LCSC pre-service teachers to teach science in the
      elementary grades. NS171 provides a college-level
      understanding of the scientific knowledge base for
      the physical sciences taught in grades K-8 in most
      states.
      Pre-requisite:  a grade of "C" or better in MATH
      108 or MATH 137 or satisfactory math placement.
 
NS-172 INTEGRATED SCIENCE II 3   Second of a two-semester sequence. NS 172 provides
      a college-level understanding of the scientific
      knowledge base for the life and earth sciences
      taught in grades K-8 in most states.
      Pre-requisite:  a grade of "C" or better in NS
      171
NS-173 INTEGRATED SCIENCE I RECITATION 1   Students will have the opportunity to practice
      solving problems relating to fundamental physical
      scientific concepts in order to prepare themselves
      to teach science in the elementary grades with
      competence. The opportunity to become more
      familiar with scientific terminology will also be
      given.
NS-190 DIRECTED STUDY IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-192 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-270 SCIENCE OUTREACH 1   A course where students will learn about and
      participate in science outreach, involving visits
      to local elementary and secondary schools as well
      as those conducted on the LCSC campus. Students
      will assist others (both faculty and students in
      NS 470) in the presentation of outreach programs
      and will gain valuable skills in both outreach
      preparation and interpersonal communication.
NS-275 FIELD EXPERIENCES IN SCIENCE 2   A field-based experience integrating a variety of
      disciplines including, but not limited to, field
      biology, earth science, environmental chemistry,
      astronomy, and cultural history.
      No pre-requisites required.
NS-290 DIRECTED STUDY IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-291 WORKSHOP IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-292 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-295 PRACTICUM IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-296 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN NATURAL 1 12 This course combines instruction with on-the-job
SCIENCE     experience and thus adds a new dimension and
      relevance to the student's education. Contact the
      Division Chair for further information.
NS-299 RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP 1 12  
NS-350 ETHICS: 3   The primary purpose of the integrative 350 core
      course is to develop interdisciplinary abilities
      in ethical clarification with reference to at
      least two major contemporary issues.  These
      courses focus principally on ethical concerns.
      Topics include the following subjects:
      POWER, PROGRESS AND ETHICS
      Contemporary ethical issues, such as human health
      and the environment, will be treated from a
      variety of scientific and literary perspectives.
      The complex consequences of decision making in
      science on community welfare will be explored.
      Discussion, personal and literary accounts and
      social history will provide a variety of
      perspectives on these issues.  This course is
      cross-listed with HUM 350.
      ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTION OR SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
      Lectures, films, and discussions focus on the
      variety of effects caused by human intervention in
      natural ecosystems in the first course and on the
      impact of recent developments in science and
      technology on society in the second.
      Pre-requisite:  Completion of the skills component
      of the General Education Core or permission of the
      instructor.
 
NS-380 SENIOR SEMINAR 1   Reading and research involving primary literature
      in the student's field of study. Topic-driven
      research will result in written and oral
      presentations.
NS-390 DIRECTED STUDY IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-395 PRACTICUM IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-398 SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSAL 2   Preparation of the proposal for Senior Research
      projects to be completed in NS499. Students will
      become familiar with the procedure by which
      proposals are prepared and submitted to funding
      agencies like the National Science Foundation
      (NSF). The format of the proposal is based on NSF
      proposal requests. The course will ensure that the
      research projects are well conceived, carefully
      planned, and have a reasonable chance of
      succeeding. All senior-research proposals are
      reviewed by a board of Natural Science faculty
      members. Proposals may be accepted, accepted with
      revisions, or returned for major revisions with a
      request for resubmission during the next
      semester's review.
      Pre-requisite: Junior Standing.
NS-399 RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP 1 3  
NS-470 SCIENCE OUTREACH 1   A course where students will learn about and
      participate in science outreach, involving visits
      to local elementary and secondary schools as well
      as those conducted on the LCSC campus. Students
      will also be responsible for designing and
      implementing at least program in the classroom
      setting, and will participate in peer assessment
      of other students' presentations, gaining valuable
      skills in outreach preparation and both
      interpersonal and large group communication.
      Pre-requisites: A grade of "C" or higher in
      Biology 181 or Chemistry 112 & NS 270.
 
NS-475 FIELD EXPERIENCE 2   A field based experience integrating a variety of
      disciplines including, but not limited to, field
      biology, earth science, environmental chemistry,
      astronomy, and cultural history.  Requires written
      and/or oral presentations as a part of the field
      experience.  No pre-requisites required.
NS-490 DIRECTED STUDY IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-491 WORKSHOP IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-492 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-495 PRACTICUM IN NATURAL SCIENCE 1 12  
NS-496 COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN NATURAL 1 12 This course combines instruction with on-the-job
SCIENCE     experience and thus adds a new dimension and
      relevance to the student's education. Contact the
      division chairperson for further information.
NS-499 RESEARCH PROJECT AND SEMINAR IN 1 3 Students will conduct and communicate the results
NATURAL SCIENCE     of a research project in the Natural Sciences
      Division.  Topics may include the historical,
      philosophical, cultural and environmental aspects,
      and the processes of natural science.
      Requirements of students include satisfactory oral
      presentation and defense of their research and
      submission of a written report approved by their
      advisor to the Natural Sciences Division.
      Pre-requisite: NS 398.