Course Descriptions

Physical Sciences

PS 108 ..................................................Descriptive Astronomy (3)
Prerequisites: None
Surveys in a mostly non-quantitative, descriptive way what we know about the physical universe, its objects and history. Although there are no math prerequisites, the course will include some basic algebraic calculations. The class will involve multimedia-based lecture, discussion, and personal observation of the daytime and nighttime sky.

PS 120 ..................................................Introduction to Physical Geography (3)
Prerequisites: None
Studies the world’s physical environment, with emphasis on weather, climate, vegetation, soil, water, landforms, and their relationship to humans.

PS 130 ..................................................Introduction to Meteorology (Independent Study) (3)
Prerequisites: It is recommended that students complete IT 120 before taking this course
An Independent Study course prepared by the American Meteorological Society covering the composition and structure of the atmosphere, the flows of energy to, from, and through the atmosphere, and the resulting motions produced from small to planetary scales. The physical principles of atmospheric phenomena are stressed in the understanding of weather’s impact on humans, particularly with severe weather. Methods of analysis are developed through the study of current weather as meteorological data are delivered via Internet.
This is an independent study course, but students must be able to access the real-time lab materials on Mondays and Wednesdays between noon and 5 p.m. This schedule may change without advance notice.