Academic Advising
The number in parentheses after each course title is the number of credit hours you will earn if you pass the course.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
CS 114 – Introduction to Computer Science (3)
This is an introductory programming course designed for students who may not be ready to jump into CS 214. It is designed to give students a first look at Computer Science principles using a modern programming language that utilizes a more simple syntax than Java. It is an introduction to computer algorithms, problem specification, correctness, computer structure, sets, truth tables, functions, and iteration. It will present the basic principles of a current programming language. Credit cannot be given for CS 114 after or in the same semester as credit is given for CS 214. Credit cannot be given for CS 114 and CS 211 or CS 212 or CS 201.
CS 214 – Principles of Computer Science (3)
Introduction to computer program design, testing, documentation, simple data structures, references, sorting, searching, and algorithm development. Credit cannot be given for both CS 214 and CS 202. This is the first in a sequence of programming courses for computer science, information systems, and cybersecurity majors. It is designed to give students the fundamentals of computer programming necessary for higher level courses. This course is taught using a modern Object-Oriented programming language (Java).
NON-LAB SCIENCES
CHEM 114 – Chemistry of Health (3)
A fundamental chemistry course focused on applications to human health. Does not count toward majors in biology, medical sciences option, or chemistry, pharmacy option.
GEOL 113 – Energy and Earth Resources (3)
Introduction to energy, water, soil, and mineral resources and the impact of their use on the environment. Does not count toward major or minor in geology.
GEOL 115 – Oceanography (3)
Oceanography is an interdisciplinary science that involves our endeavor to understand how the ocean works. This course also explores how ocean basins form through plate tectonic processes, how ocean waters circulate on a large scale and the effect of this circulation on terrestrial environments, nearshore and coastal processes such as waves and tides, longshore drift, etc. Finally, ocean life and fundamental biologic process are explored. Environmental issues and human interaction with the ocean are interwoven into the lectures and text.
PHYS 101 – Introduction to Astronomy (3)
This course is a basic introduction to modern astronomy examining the physical principles of telescopes, gravity, radiation and atoms, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. No physics or mathematical background beyond high school algebra and physical science is assumed.
LAB SCIENCES
BIOL 100 – Biological Concepts (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
A laboratory course relating reproduction, heredity, evolution, ecology, and behavior to human life and the problems of society. A pre-lab to prepare for some lab exercises will be required.
BOT 200 – Introduction to Plant Biology (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
Lecture and lab emphasize basic principles in plant biology including scientific inquiry, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and diversity in plant anatomy and physiology.
MICR 200 – Introduction to Microbiology (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
A lecture and laboratory course recommended for science majors and minors, providing an introduction to microorganisms with emphasis on the biology, methodology, and applied aspect of viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and slime molds.
ZOOL 200 – Introduction to Animal Biology (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
Lecture and lab emphasize basic principles in animal biology including scientific inquiry, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and diversity in animal anatomy and physiology.
CHEM 101 – General Chemistry I (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
A survey course on the application of the general principles of inorganic and organic chemistry to biological, environmental, and applied sciences. Topics covered typically include chemistry–the scientific approach; classifications; measurements–metric system, conversion factors and problem solving, and temperature scales; properties of matter; atoms, molecules and ions; calculation with chemical formulas; chemical equations and reactions; the periodic table and atomic structure; chemical bonds; gases, liquids and solids; solutions; reaction rates and equilibrium; acids and bases; and nuclear chemistry.
CHEM 201 – Inorganic Chemistry I (4) (3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab)
Basic concepts in chemistry. Includes thorough coverage of the mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws and kinetic theory, atomic structure with electron configurations, ionic and covalent bonding, shapes of molecules, thermochemistry, solid and liquid states of matter, and inorganic nomenclature. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative analysis.
CHEM 202 – Inorganic Chemistry II (4) (3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab)
Continuation of CHEM 201. Includes thorough coverage of solutions and their properties, reactions in solutions, acids and bases, precipitation equilibria, acid-base equilibria, qualitative analysis, reaction rates, thermodynamics of chemical processes, and electrochemistry. Laboratory emphasizes qualitative analysis, quantitative measurements, and syntheses.
GEOG 121 – Planet Surface (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
Introduction to earth's landforms, including description, distribution, and the processes responsible for shaping them. May also include opportunities and hazards for humans. Topics include volcanoes, weathering, rivers, glaciation, and shorelines. Plate tectonics and regional studies of the landforms of the United States are also covered. Lab sessions use map and air photo analysis extensively.
GEOL 110 – Our Changing Earth (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
The study of earth’s form and process with special emphasis on surface features, composition of the surface rocks, internal and external structural processes, weathering, and erosion. Specific topics covered include plate tectonics, earth materials, volcanism, soil development, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, stream erosion, landslides, groundwater, glacial processes, wind action, earthquakes, and ocean development. The laboratory covers minerals; volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; plate tectonics; ocean basins; geologic and topographic maps; groundwater availability and pollution; stream erosion; and glaciation.
GEOL 112 – History of the Earth (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
Introduction to the history of the earth’s physical and biological systems. Physical history: 1) genesis of earth-moon system and earth’s core, mantle and early crust; 2) evolution of the atmosphere and oceans; 3) crustal evolution of mountain systems and continents emphasizing North America; 4) interactive dynamics of global cycles (plate tectonics, carbon-oxygen cycle, etc.) as grand unifying schemes in modeling environmental, biological, oceanographic, and climatic histories of the planet. Biological history: 1) origin of life; 2) biological evolution and the fossil record; 3) invertebrate and vertebrate systems of the past; 4) global extinction models; and 5) human origins. Laboratories: Several lab exercises use exhibits in the WIU Geological Museum. Other labs emphasize critical thinking skills used to solve problems in earth history. Capstone laboratory emphasizes application of those skills to reconstruct a detailed chronology of the rock formations of the Grand Canyon region of the American Southwest.
GIS 108 – Digital Earth (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
An introduction to various applications of mapping and navigational technology (Google Earth, photography, GIS & PS) used in daily life. Course involves student presentations and projects focused on basic principles and applications of this technology. Students will become familiar with principles of Digital Earth geospatial tools, understand basic cartographic concepts, and identify the components of GIS, Remote Sensing & GIS.
METR 120 – Intro to Weather and Climate (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
Concepts and processes that govern weather and climate systems: solar energy distribution and seasons, world climates, temperature, humidity, wind and force balances, clouds and precipitation, stability, fronts, cyclones, and severe weather (including tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.).
ZOOL 200 – Introduction to Animal Biology (4) (3 hours lecture; 2 hours lab)
Lecture and lab emphasize basic principles in animal biology including scientific inquiry, cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and diversity in animal anatomy and physiology.
MATH
MATH 101 – Basic Concepts of Math (3)
A study of mathematical ideas with an emphasis on systematic thinking rather than algebraic skill development. Topics including sets, logic, counting and probability, and statistics will provide students with an insight into mathematical reasoning and its applications. They will learn that the breadth of mathematics extends to areas beyond those typically seen in algebra.
MATH 102 – Creative Perspectives in Math (3)
Selected topics in mathematics with an emphasis on applications. Topics may include mathematics of social choice and game theory, management science and graph theory, linear programming, mathematics of finance, geometry and symmetry.
MATH 123 – Modeling with Mathematical Functions (3)
The application of numeric, geometric, algebraic, and trigonometric models to analyze situations and solve problems from natural, social, and applied sciences, with integrated use of technology.
MATH 133 – Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)
Math 133 is the first semester of a study of the concepts and mathematical techniques of calculus and analytic geometry. Students will see the concepts of limits, differentiation and integration, and applications such as examining the geometric behavior of curves, and maximizing and minimizing variable quantities.
MATH 134 – Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)
Math 134 is the second semester of calculus. Students will study further techniques of integration with applications, additional topics in analytic geometry, and infinite series.
MATH 137 – Applied Calculus I (3)
The basic concepts of calculus and their applications in various settings, particularly those related to business and social sciences.
STAT 171 – General Elementary Statistics (3)
An introduction to statistics requiring a minimum of mathematical preparation. Topics to be covered include descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation, frequency tables, histograms), probabilities, probability distributions, sampling theory, estimation, hypothesis, linear regression, correlation, and nonparametric methods.
Connect with us: