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Check out our Science Complex. At Grace you will receive a faith-based general science degree. See the Ways of Grace & our Science Major.

General Science Course Descriptions

General Science Course Descriptions

As a general science major at Grace College, you’ll receive a broad scientific education that will give you a depth of knowledge across several disciplines. At Grace College, we believe that faith and science are not just compatible but complementary. Faith influences our interpretation of science, and science reveals more to us about God’s work and being.

Science and Math Courses (28 Credits)

This course is a traditional introductory calculus course. We will study functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. Applications of the derivative and the fundamental theorem of calculus will be particular highlights of this class as well as integrals and derivatives of logarithms and exponential functions. Students must enroll concurrently in MAT 1240. Four hours.

The laboratory is designed to support MAT 1230 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

Principles of structure, function, and cellular organisms. Includes an introduction to the scientific method, characteristics of cytoplasm and basic cytology, energy acquisition and release and heredity. Also includes basic plant structure and function. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 1620. Four hours.

A continuation of BIO 1610. Includes structure, function and interrelationships of the organ systems of animals with particular attention to the human body. Also includes introductory taxonomy, surveying the major groups of plants and animals. Prerequisite: BIO 1610/1620 or permission of the instructor. Students must enroll concurrently in BIO 1720. Four hours.

This course is designed to investigate all topics normally found within the American Chemistry Society recommended guidelines (i.e., atomic structure, physical measurements, chemical reactions and balancing equations, percent composition, solubility and precipitation, redox chemistry, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum chemistry, VSEPR theory, molecular orbital theory, unit cells and unit cell calculation, and intermolecular forces) for a first-semester freshmen chemistry course. Students must enroll concurrently in CHM 1620. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry; minimum of Algebra II completed in high school. Four hours.

This is the second part of a two-semester sequence in general chemistry. This course studies and problem solves topics in solution chemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, acid-base equilibria, electrochemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 1610/1620. Students must enroll concurrently in CHM 1720. Four hours.

The first half of a basic course covering the topics of kinematics, dynamics, energy, waves and sound. Prerequisite – One of the following: MAT 1120, MAT 1230/40, ACT Math score of at least 26, SAT Math score of at least 610, passing of department placement exam, or permission of the instructor. Students must enroll concurrently in PHY 2150. Four hours.

The second half of a basic course covering the topics of thermodynamics, properties of matter, electricity, magnetism, light optics, atomic and nuclear physics. Emphasis is on an understanding of the physical principles operative in biological systems and on the application of physical methods in biology and medicine. Prerequisite: PHY 2140/2150. Students must enroll concurrently with PHY 2170. Four hours.

Senior Seminar (3 Credits, choose one of the following)

This is a capstone course for mathematics and mathematics education majors. This course will cover several topics that draw together the various mathematical disciplines, and will portray the global perspective of mainstream mathematics. This course may meet in conjunction with other capstone courses within the science division for a portion of the semester. Prerequisites: declared mathematics or mathematics education major; and MAT 2250. Three hours.

This course is designed as a capstone course for science majors and is meant to teach valuable skills and give experience with tools needed for science careers or post-graduate education. Coursework is designed to challenge the student to integrate their current biological knowledge with a Biblical worldview, as well as to consider their future role as a Christ-follower in the workforce. Prerequisites: BIO 3110 and senior class standing, or consent of the instructor. Three hours.

Internship or Research (3 Credits, choose from the following)

This course is designed to award college credit to students who participate in a life science internship. Internship opportunities can range from working alongside zookeepers and wildlife managers to participating in bench science at Q/A and research laboratories. Students must commit to a total of 40 hours per credit at the internship site which can also include the time needed for completing the required internship journal assignments. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation during the duration of the internship opportunity and must complete an off-campus safety training course prior to starting the internship. Prerequisite: BIO 1610/1620 and BIO 1710/1720, or consent of the instructor. One to three hours.

A course designed to give the student an opportunity to do individual research on special problems in biology. Prerequisite: BIO 1710 and BIO 2310 or consent of the biology program director. One to three hours. Maximum of six hours permitted.

This course is designed to provide the chemistry major an opportunity to gain experience in a chemistry lab. The successful student’s internship will likely be in the form of a chemistry laboratory technician opportunity found within an industry’s R & D (Research & Development) department or QC (quality control), however other positions may also be available. The student is expected to learn the skills needed to successfully work within this internship, grow in their responsibilities, keep all company information private, and leave the internship with a letter of recommendation from the company’s human resource department. This internship is not limited to industry. For instance, the student could be a water-quality chemist for our local zoo. One to three hours

A course designed to give the student an opportunity to do individual research in an area of special interest in chemistry. A written report or professional presentation of the results at an external meeting at the regional or national level is required. Prerequisite: consent of the faculty research advisor. This course is designed to train the student in relevant research investigation, problem solving, acquisition of scientific data, library research, and dissemination of research results to a broader public. The student is expected to become a member of a scientific society or academy and promote their science at local and/or regional/national venues. The student is expected to commit 40 hours of research work per credit hour earned. This time commitment is fulfilled through laboratory and out-of-lab requirements. One to three hours. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

Research projects or internships to be chosen in the areas of environmental science and outreach in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the environmental science program director. One to six hours.

Designed for research on a topic of interest. One to three hours.

Science Electives (6-8 Credits, choose two of the following)

A survey of origin theories with emphasis on creation/evolution. Explores fossils, design, thermodynamics, chronology, flood geology, life in space, and current creation research. Three hours.

This course is designed to guide students in the exploration of human anatomy, functional anatomy, fundamental movements and select movements. This will include an in-depth examination of the musculoskeletal framework through structure, function, and application in sport and exercise. Three hours.

The design of the course is geared toward an in-depth study of the anatomy of the heart. Students will engage in assessment and testing of the heart in a resting and active state. An examination of abnormalities found in general, athletic, pediatric, women, and special populations. ECG testing and equipment skills proficiency along with data interpretation will be included as well. Prerequisites: BIO 2010/2020, or BIO 3210/3220. Three hours. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

This course examines the structural components of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems. In addition, there is a comprehensive review of the body’s response to exercise, optimal work capacity during exercise training, and limitations due to environmental factors, age, sex, and physical health. Prerequisites: BIO 2040/2050 or BIO 3310/3320. Three hours. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.