Department of Natural Science

A course in descriptive astronomy in which emphasis is placed upon the basic principles involved. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. 

An introduction to the fundamental principles of biological activity and scientific methodology. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Fall and Spring Terms.

Not accepted for major or minor credit. A study of the principles of biology focusing on human issues, including diseases, impact of human population on ecosystems, physiological functions of the human body, and role of biotechnology in our society. The ethical aspects of various issues will be discussed. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee.

Student cannot take BIO 105 and BIO 106.

Not accepted for Biology major or minor credit. This course is an introduction to the basic principles of biology focusing on humans as biological creatures. Topics include anatomy and physiology, physical fitness, nutrition, genetics, health, disease, human evolution, and human ecology. Lecture only. Meets the GEP requirements for Natural Science and Wellness.

Student cannot take BIO 105 and BIO 106.

This course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of how the human body functions. Topics include its levels of organization and the structure and function of the major organ systems. This course is not acceptable in programs requiring two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology (e.g., Pre-Nursing, Pre-Med, and most Allied-Health Professions programs).  Not accepted for Biology major and minor credits. Lab Fee.

This course introduces students to the variety of plants that live locally and form much of the spring bloom. Lectures will cover a broad range of general botany and ecology topics. Weekly laboratories will be held outdoors at a variety of plant habitats. Students will learn many of the local plants during laboratory, and they will perform field experiments and collect ecological data. Lecture and laboratory. Not accepted for major or minor credit. Lab fee.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

Selected topics in introductory level biology.  Four hour course will have a laboratory component. Some offerings may be eligible for major or minor credit. Special topic: Human Nutrition will meet the GEP requirement for wellness. Lab Fee.

This is a general introduction to biology for all students, non-majors and potential majors. It serves as a natural science general education class. The course covers concepts and principles in the areas of organismal biology evolution, biodiversity, and ecology. Lab Fee.

This is a general introduction to biology for all students, non-majors and potential majors. It serves as a natural science general education class. The course covers concepts and principles in the areas of genetics (heredity and molecular biology), cell structure and function (Metabolism), and other areas. Lab Fee.

A study of the morphology, taxonomy, and physiology of representative types from the Animal Kingdom. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term.

An introduction to plants, their activities, and their relationship to humans. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

A study of both gross and microscopic anatomy of the organ systems of the human body with emphasis on the relationship between form and function. The laboratory portion will involve study of the anatomy of all the organ systems using models, histological slides and skeletal materials, as well as dissection of preserved non-human mammals. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring terms or as needed. Students may not receive academic credit for both BIO 205 or BIO 305.

A study of the functions of the basic human organ systems. Physiological processes will be related to organ structures and integrated with the functioning of the whole organism. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

An introduction to the basic and fundamental concepts in the field of neuroscience. The course introduces and provides an overview of several core neuroscience areas, including the anatomy and physiology of neurons, synaptic transmission, cellular signaling, nervous system development, plasticity, and cellular and molecular mechanisms of several nervous system functions - MB. It also involves discussions on neuropathology and research models and methods. Lecture periods may occasionally be used to complete basic hands-on/lab-like experiences or to discuss literature to promote student exploration and appreciation of neuroscience. Topics are discussed primarily in the context of vertebrates with emphasis on the human nervous system.

A study of the human reproductive system with primary emphasis on anatomy and physiology. Consideration also will be given the psychological, religious, and ethical aspects of human sexuality. Lecture.

A study of the fundamental principles of heredity with emphasis on its molecular basis. Experimental work with Drosophila melanogaster, bacteria, and viruses will be included. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term.

A survey of the theory, history, and principles of evolutionary biology. Both macro-evolutionary and micro-evolutionary topics are covered, and primary literature is discussed. Offered Spring Term.

A study of the taxonomy of the vascular plants with emphasis on the angiosperms. Laboratory will include work in the field. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

A comparative study of the development of selected vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. 

A comparative study of the origin, structure, and function of organ systems of humans and other selected vertebrates. The gross anatomy of organ systems in relation to their functions are studied. Laboratory includes a hands-on approach to the identification of anatomical structures. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term. Students may not receive academic credit for both BIO 205 or BIO 305.

A study of the morphology and biology of invertebrates. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Lab fee.

A taxonomic approach to the ecology, physiology, and pathology of parasites, with emphasis on those of medical and veterinary importance. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

This course is a study of the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Different areas of cellular biology including the synthesis and function of macromolecules such as proteins; membrane and organelle structure and function; bioenergetics; and cellular communication will be examined. Examples of relevant human disorders will also be used to help the student understand consequences of cellular dysfunction. Laboratory sections are designed to illustrate cellular phenomena, as well as introduction to techniques and procedures commonly utilized in modern cell and molecular biology research. Lab Fee.

A study of human physiology associated with exercise of varying intensities. Emphasis is placed on physiological mechanisms of nutrition, energy metabolism, neuromuscular and skeletal function, and neuroendocrine control of several body systems during exercise.

A study of the physiology and morphology of bacteria, algae, and fungi, and their roles in sanitation, agriculture, and medicine. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

A study of the mechanisms of the immune defense of the human body. Vaccination, grafting, tumor immunology, and autoimmune diseases are also discussed. Lecture.

Selected topics in advanced biological study. Lab Fee.

This course fulfills the research requirement for the biology major. This course introduces students to scientific research from both philosophical and practical perspectives. Activities include reading and discussions of philosophical approaches to science and biology and research project design and criticism.

A special course covering the modern techniques for the teaching of biology on the secondary level. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. Offered Summer Session I.

The study of molecular mechanisms lying behind the workings of the cell, with emphasis on DNA, RNA and proteins. Both lecture and laboratory will involve the study and use of modern biotechnological protocols and procedures. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

This course will explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to cancer development. Mechanisms causing changes in normal growth and division process leading to the formation of tumors will be explored through discussing journal articles. Lecture only.

A study of the principles governing the relationships between organisms and their environment. Laboratory will include extensive field work. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

The study of animal tissues with emphasis on how structure and function interrelate. The laboratory emphasizes tissue recognition at the microscopic level. Lecture and laboratory. Lab fee.

A special course to afford the student practical work experience for academic credit. Open to juniors and seniors with an adequate background in biology. A journal and oral report of the internship are required. Credit and work to be arranged according to the experience desired. Pass/fail grading.

Capstone course for Biology major. Directed reading, study, and discussion designed to reemphasize the fundamental principles of biology, to correlate and summarize the coursework of the major program and related fields, to introduce new areas and ideas, and to provide advanced experience in literature review, writing and oral presentation. Conferences as needed. Offered Fall Term. Writing intensive and capstone.

This course is for qualified students pursuing honors in biology. Students perform independent research and write a thesis under the direction of a biology faculty member.

Any 300- or 400-level chemistry laboratory course.

Selected topics in introductory level chemistry for students not intending to pursue a science major. Lecture-only. Offered periodically.  Not for major or minor credit.

This course is an introduction to chemical concepts in the environment. This course serves as a Natural Sciences GEP requirement and counts toward the Environmental Studies Major. Students cannot receive credit for both this course and CHM 190. Topics include Atmospheric Chemistry, Radiation, Climate Change, Energy Production, Water, Chemistry, Polymers and Plastics and Hazardous Chemical Pollution.

Must be taken with CHM 107L. 

This course is intended for non-science majors and/or students who desire to learn more about the chemistry and science of food. Topics will include different types of food, the growth and production of food, cooking methods, the storage of food, fad diets, and the food needs of humans as they relate to “hot topics” that influence our current society and the future of our world.

A special program offering the student the opportunity to learn about chemical applications in the United States and in foreign countries. The student will incur additional costs.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

A laboratory course designed for non-science majors that provides an introduction to current innovations and research in chemistry. Specific topics will be selected by the instructor but could include forensics, medicine, food, environmental issues and nuclear chemistry. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab Fee. Offered alternate Fall Terms.

This is the first course in an introductory four semester sequence intended for chemistry and biochemistry majors, minors and pre health students. The course lays the foundation for further coursework in chemistry. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, various chemical reactions, chemical bonding models, and an introduction to chemical thermodynamics and equilibrium. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab Fee.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

This is the second course in the four semester introductory chemistry sequence for majors, minors and pre health students. A systematic survey of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides. Study includes structure, functional groups, nomenclature, stereochemistry, reactions, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopy (IR and NMR), with an emphasis on the connection between structure and reactivity. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab fee. Offered every Spring Term

This is the third course in the four semester introductory chemistry sequence for majors, minors and pre health students. A systematic survey of aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives, and amines. Study includes structure, functional groups, nomenclature, stereochemistry, reactions, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopy (IR and NMR), with an emphasis on the synthesis of organic compounds. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab fee. Offered every Fall Term.

A team-taught course open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and to others who meet Honors Program guidelines; course is taught by faculty from two different departments. All students registering for this course must register not only through the Honors Program but also with their adviser and the Registrar’s Office. Offered periodically.

The actual structure of an organic compound cannot be determined from its bulk properties but must be unraveled using indirect spectroscopic evidence. Interpretation of the data gathered from IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry will be used to solve the structures of various organic compounds.

Major Elective. 
 

As the first of two capstone courses for chemistry and biochemistry majors, this course provides students with the opportunity to a) delve deeply into a current area of chemical or biochemical research, b) write a formal proposal for their own independent research project, c) carry out that research project, and d) communicate the results of their research via a formal oral presentations. Course is completed in the student’s junior year. Offered every Spring Term. Major Credit.

This is the fourth course in the four semester introductory chemistry sequence for majors, minors and pre health students. Study of the synthesis and behavior of inorganic substances. Topics include certain aspects of thermodynamics, transition metal chemistry, group theory, atomic and molecular bonding theories, and electrochemical processes as they pertain to inorganic compounds and materials. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab Fee. Offered every Spring Term.

A study of the chemical substances that are major causes of pollution in our environment and of the techniques used to detect their presence and/or prevent their release into the environment. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab fee. Offered periodically during the Jan term.

This is one course of a two-part physical chemistry sequence that studies the underlying physical concepts important to chemistry. This course goes in-depth to study the mathematical relationships and physical interpretations of those relationships. Topics include the properties of gasses, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics. Lecture and laboratory format. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

This is one course of a two-part physical chemistry sequence that studies the underlying physical concepts important to chemistry. This course goes in depth to study the physical structure of atoms and molecules, bonding theory, quantum mechanics, modern computational methods, and spectroscopy. Lecture and laboratory format. Offered alternate Spring Terms.

This is a 2 credit, upper level, seminar type class designed for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. This course will focus on reading and discussing primary literature articles around the topics of polymers and polymeric materials. Course material will start with a general introduction and history of polymeric science. The majority of the class will concentrate on current advances in the field over the last 10 years. Students will be expected to participate in weekly discussions, lead discussions, give formal presentations, and write literature reviews.

This course will involve the quantitative analysis of chemical phenomena via chemical analyses,
instrumental analyses, statistical analyses, and the interpretation of the resulting measurements.

*Course replaces CHM 251 and CHM 410 as of Fall 2024.

A course designed as a continuation of important theoretical concepts, reaction types, and reaction mechanisms of organic chemistry. Topics include molecular orbital theory, heterocyclic compounds, polymers, pericyclic reactions. Lecture only. Offered periodically during the Jan Term

The second of two capstone courses for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Course is completed in the student’s senior year. Offered during Spring Term. Capstone. Writing Intensive.

A study of the structure and function of biological molecules, with a major emphasis on proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Important concepts will include bioenergetics, biological catalysis, and introductory metabolic pathways as interacting regulated systems. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab fee; Offered alternate Fall Terms.

A continuation of Chemistry 415. Topics to include advanced metabolism, mechanisms of replication, transcription, translation, and signal transduction pathways. The laboratory portion of the course will involve team based research projects. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab fee; Offered alternate Spring Terms

Advanced laboratory research experience with a faculty member. Students will be expected to submit an abstract to a regional, state or national conference. May be repeated. A maximum of three credit hours can be applied as elective credit towards the major.

This course is for qualified students pursuing honors in chemistry. Students perform independent research and write a thesis under the direction of a chemistry faculty member.

An introduction to the environment as it relates to humans. This interdisciplinary course explores the way that humans impact and are impacted by their natural environment.  Students may not earn credit for both ENV 101 and ENV 102.  

An introduction to the environment as it relates to humans.  This interdisciplinary course explores the way that humans impact and are impacted by their natural environment.  Students may not receive credit for both ENV 101 and ENV 102.  Non-lab science course.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

Selected topics in introductory level environmental science. Four-hour courses will have a laboratory component. Some offerings may be eligible for minor credit. Lab Fee for those offerings that have a laboratory component.

Through this practicum, students will receive hands-on work related to environmental concerns.  Students interested in this course should discuss possible venues for work prior to registration.  Students should work 30 hours.  Graded pass/fail.   

Through this practicum, students will receive hands-on work related to environmental concerns.  Students interested in this course should discuss possible venues for work prior to registration.  Students should work 30 hours.  Graded pass/fail.   

Through this practicum, students will receive hands-on work related to environmental concerns.  Students interested in this course should discuss possible venues for work prior to registration.  Students should work 30 hours.  Graded pass/fail.   

his course affords students practical work experience in Environmental Studies.  Students must meet with the internship director prior to the semester to plan specific activities and requirements.  Students must work for a total of 120 hours to earn 3 credits for the internship. At the end of the semester, students must turn in a journal documenting their internship experiences and give a 15-minute presentation on that experience to students and professors in the program.  

Not accepted for major or minor credit. A laboratory course emphasizing the theories of geology, the techniques of rock, mineral and fossil identification and classification, their habits and uses and local geology. Lecture and laboratory format. Lab Fee. Offered during the January Term.

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3- or 4-credit hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number.  Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix but with a common course number. Special emphasis is given to cultivating critical thinking, effective speaking, and writing skills. 

A survey of some of the major concepts in physics. Designed for the non-scientist with limited background in mathematics. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee.

Selected topics in introductory-level physics.  

A course that explores how the basic concepts of physics apply to electronic devices.  This course includes lectures on the function and operation of electronic devices, with concentrations on electric charge and electrostatic force; materials structures and their electronic properties; electromagnetics; and circuit elements.  Designed for non-science majors with limited background in mathematics.  Lectures and labs.  Lab fee

A course of mechanics, properties of matter, heat, and sound. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. Quantitative GEP requirement.

Study of light, static and current electricity, magnetism, and modern physics. Lectures and laboratory. Lab fee. Offered yearly. Quantitative GEP requirement.

Selected topics in the study of advanced or applied physics at a level appropriate for junior-senior students.

Elective credit.