One course from the list below and the appropriate related laboratory section for a total of 4 credits.
We dreamed an organization dedicated to young people like us [...] who dared to dream of a world where both forests and islands stay rooted who believe that this world is worth fighting for
Explore how physical and natural systems work and are sustained.
Explain how different peoples perceive, affect, and are affected by physical and natural systems.
Design and evaluate experiments to discover more about life and environment.
Identify when information is based on scientific research.
Courses
Course Number
Name
Description
ANTH 1135
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Description
How did humans become socially complex, highly cooperative, big-brained apes that eat meat and walk on two legs? This course explores the evolutionary processes that have shaped our species. We begin by learning how evolution works, from small changes in DNA to the formation of new species. Next, we study how natural selection has shaped non-human primate anatomy, social organization, and behavior. We then use this knowledge to interpret changes in anatomy and behavior in the human fossil record, tracing the evolution of bipedalism, large brains, prolonged childhood, long life spans, menopause, cooking, and the nuclear family. Finally, we explore modern human adaptations in greater detail, including language, cooperation, and culture. By the end of the course you will have a better understanding of how human anatomy and behavior evolved and what kind of primate you are.
ANTH 1135L
Introduction to Biological Anthropology Laboratory
Introduction to Biological Anthropology Laboratory
Description
How did evolution shape the human lineage over the past 5 million years? This class looks at the evidence in a hands-on laboratory setting. You will start by investigating the mechanisms that drive evolution, including mutation, genetic drift, and natural selection. You will evaluate similarities in traits and DNA among species to see how scientists reconstruct evolutionary relationships. You will also work with UNM's extensive fossil cast collection, which contains replicas of the bones of monkeys, apes, and early humans, including Australopithecines like Lucy, and Neanderthals like the old man of La Chapelle. By the end of the class, you will be able to distinguish the skeletons of different species from one another, and deduce how these animals moved, what they ate, and even how they behaved socially. This class will prepare you for upper division classes in human biology, genetics, paleoanthropology, primatology, and human behavioral ecology.
ANTH 1170
Human Life
Human Life
Description
The human life course differs dramatically from even our closest primate relatives. How, why, and when did features like long lifespans, menopause, and prolonged childhood evolve? In the first half of this course, students will learn how natural selection, sexual selection, and life history theory can be used to better understand the building blocks of a human life from womb to tomb. In the second half, we will apply the principles of behavioral ecology to examine the incredible diversity in the human experience, from small-scale societies who subsist by hunting and gathering, to industrialized populations like our own. How do our biology and behavior allow us to adapt to so many different environments? Do we always behave adaptively? Ultimately, students will consider how the decisions and events in their own lives may have been shaped by a deep evolutionary history
ANTH 1170L
Computer Lab in Human Evolutionary Ecology
Computer Lab in Human Evolutionary Ecology
Description
Humans live long lives, navigating complex decisions over 75 or more years. To live this long requires expending effort into growing and storing energy to survive and reproduce. Evolutionary anthropologists have developed numerous hypotheses to explain how physiological and behavioral 'decisions' affect the human life course. How do they gather and analyze the evidence that they use to test their hypotheses? In this course, you will learn first-hand how to collect, analyze, and describe data used to test scientific hypotheses. You will learn to gather several types of relevant data, including anthropometric (measuring people) and observational (watching people). You will enter the data into a computer and perform basic analyses that you will summarize for your peers. Students completing the course will have gained skills in basic research design and implementation that contribute to understanding how the life course has been shaped by natural selection.
ANTH 1211
Archeological Method and Theory
Archeological Method and Theory
Description
How do archaeologists investigate the past? What can we learn about human behavior from the material remains people leave behind? This course introduces the methods and goals of modern anthropological archaeology, including the techniques used to identify archaeological sites, analyze artifacts, and reconstruct past landscapes and lifeways. Students will learn how archaeologists examine topics such as diet, health, social organization, inequality, and ideology. The class will also critically evaluate archaeological information presented in the media and consider ethical issues related to the protection of cultural and sacred sites and the rights of descendant groups.
ANTH 1211L
Archeological Method and Theory Lab
Archeological Method and Theory Lab
Description
How do archaeologists investigate the past? What can we learn about human behavior from the material remains people leave behind? This course introduces the methods and goals of modern anthropological archaeology, including the techniques used to identify archaeological sites, analyze artifacts, and reconstruct past landscapes and lifeways. Students will learn how archaeologists examine topics such as diet, health, social organization, inequality, and ideology. The class will also critically evaluate archaeological information presented in the media and consider ethical issues related to the protection of cultural and sacred sites and the rights of descendant groups. (A lab course alongside ANTH 1211: Archaelogical Method and Theory)
ANTH 2190C
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Anthropology
Description
This course is designed to introduce students to the forensic investigation of death. Emphasis will be on current methods and techniques and include the role of the anthropologist as an integral member of the investigation process.
ASTR 1115
Introduction to Astronomy
Introduction to Astronomy
Description
What is your place in the Universe? How did you come to be here? Are we alone? These are the fundamental questions that astronomy can provide answers to. In this class you will learn about everything in the Universe starting with the Earth, the Moon, other planets, and Exoplanets, and moving on to the Sun and stars, galaxies, and the origin and evolution of the universe. Along the way you'll find out about things like telescopes on the forefront (including many in New Mexico), space exploration, black holes and Einstein's Theories of Relativity. Learn about what we know and what we don't know about the Universe. And, crucially, learn how we know what we know.
ASTR 1115L
Introduction to Astronomy Lab
Introduction to Astronomy Lab
Description
How do astronomers use telescopes to make measurements? With this computer-based lab you will learn how to make your own measurements and thus reveal the nature of astronomical objects and the laws that govern the Universe.
BIOL 1110
General Biology
General Biology
Description
This course is a general introduction to the science of biology. You will learn how living things function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, and how populations evolve, grow, interact, and respond to changes in climate. We will discuss past and current biological research in order to demonstrate where our biology knowledge base comes from. We will explore some of the latest biological discoveries that are being made in part due to continuously improving biological technologies. A better understanding of biology can help you enact a healthier life-style and make you a better citizen of the world.
BIOL 1110L
General Biology Lab
General Biology Lab
Description
This lab course may be taken concurrently with or subsequent to its companion lecture course, BIOL 1110, General Biology. We will explore current biological research at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels. Topics include microbial diversity, drug development, biological macromolecules, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA fingerprinting, genetic engineering, Mendelian genetics, evolution, and population growth. You will use laboratory techniques such as microscopy, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and agar plating of microbial cultures. You will learn to apply the scientific method to investigate wide-ranging topics in biology.
BIOL 1140
Biology for Health Sciences
Biology for Health Sciences
Description
Principles of cell biology, genetics and organismic biology. Credit not allowed for both 123 and 110. Not accepted toward a Biology major.
BIOL 1140L
Biology for Health Sciences Lab
Biology for Health Sciences Lab
Description
This lab course may be taken concurrently with or subsequent to its companion lecture course, BIOL 1140, Biology for Health Sciences. We will explore biological principles at the molecular, cellular and organismal, and population levels. Topics include biological macromolecules, cell structure, enzyme activity, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, homeostasis, cell division, meiosis, Mendelian genetics, gene expression, microbial diversity, disease control, and evolutionary medicine. You will use laboratory techniques such as microscopy, respirometry, gel electrophoresis, and agar plating of microbial cultures. You will learn to apply the scientific method to investigate health-related topics in biology.
CHEM 1110C
Chemistry in Our Community Lecture and Lab
Chemistry in Our Community Lecture and Lab
Description
Climate change? Alternative Energy? Fracking? Paper or Plastic? Learn just enough Chemistry to understand these and other issues important to our future. Current local, national, and international events and news will guide course material and class discussions.
CHEM 1120C
Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory for Non-Majors
Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory for Non-Majors
Description
One-semester course in general chemistry, especially for non-science majors in the health sciences except premedicine and medical technology. Three lectures, 3 hours demo lab/recitation. Credit not allowed for both CHEM 1215 and CHEM 1217. Prerequisites for course:
Complete 1 of the following
Earned a minimum grade of C in at least 1 of the following:
MATH1215Z - Intermediate Algebra IC (1)
MATH103 - Intermediate Algebra Part III (1)
MATH1220 - College Algebra (3)
MATH121 - College Algebra (3)
MATH1240 - Pre-Calculus (3)
MATH150 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics (3)
MATH1430 - Applications of Calculus I (3)
MATH180 - Elements of Calculus I (3)
MATH1440 - Applications of Calculus II (3)
MATH181 - Elements of Calculus II (3)
MATH1512 - Calculus I (4)
MATH162 - Calculus I (4)
MATH1522 - Calculus II (4)
MATH163 - Calculus II (4)
MATH2531 - Calculus III (4)
MATH2530 - Calculus III (4)
MATH264 - Calculus III (4)
MATH1215 - Intermediate Algebra (3)
Or earn test score of: or ACT Math =>22 or SAT Math Section =>540.
CHEM 1215
General Chemistry I for STEM Majors
General Chemistry I for STEM Majors
Description
Is a chemical unnatural? Something to be avoided that is bad for you? In fact, every single physical object that you will ever encounter has a chemical basis! Water? Food? Trees? Metals? Air? All are made of atoms and molecules, and hence, are chemicals! Understanding the atoms and molecules that make up everything around us helps develop creative solutions to the challenges facing society. Chemistry 1215, first semester general chemistry for science majors, provides the basics to understand the world around you through experimentation and analysis, summarizes some seminal historical experiments, and covers stoichiometry and gas laws. Should you pay extra for premium gasoline? The answer lies in thermochemistry. We finish with chemical bonding and VSEPR theory which explain important properties of everyday substances. At the end of the semester, you will be one step closer to understanding the universe, and ready to delve into Chemistry 1225.
CHEM 1215L
General Chemistry I Lab for STEM Majors
General Chemistry I Lab for STEM Majors
Description
Do you know the first chemistry instructional laboratory, pioneered by Justus Freiherr von Liebig, a German organic chemist, was built for the the purpose of giving students a training of true research skills and strategies? In the same vein, 200 years later, our CHEM 1215 and 1215L were designed to provide you a rich environment for a first-hand account of how 21th century chemists work in the laboratory. Whether this is your first lab experience, or you have many years of high school chemistry lab, these courses bring the context of why and when each research skill is needed and lay the foundation for good laboratory practices required by your future courses or by an undergraduate research experience. You will learn a range of research skills from experimental design to scientific argumentation. You will find the topics of these labs connecting to your daily life and the lab activities challenging and fun!
CHEM 1225
General Chemistry II for STEM Majors
General Chemistry II for STEM Majors
Description
A continuation of CHEM 1215, we explore fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. We learn how properties of a molecule determine behavior of the material: for example how the unique properties of water make life on our planet feasible. Chemical kinetics builds a framework to understand how molecules called enzymes speed up chemical reactions necessary for life. In electrochemistry, we explore how the concentration sensors used on Mars rover missions function. The heart of the semester is applying the concept of chemical equilibrium to predict the relative amounts of products and reactants in an equilibrium mixture for any reaction. This enables us to control any reaction to optimize the yield of products, understand why kidney stones form and also the basis of important biochemical processes. By the end of the course, you'll understand the fundamental driving force for all processes, the thermodynamic concept of entropy.
CHEM 1225L
General Chemistry II Lab for STEM Majors
General Chemistry II Lab for STEM Majors
Description
Do you know the first chemistry instructional laboratory, pioneered by Justus Freiherr von Liebig, a German organic chemist, was built for the the purpose of giving students a training of true research skills and strategies? In the same vein, 200 years later, our coursees were designed to provide you a rich environment for a first-hand account of how 21th century chemists work in the laboratory. Whether this is your first lab experience, or you have many years of high school chemistry lab, these courses bring the context of why and when each research skill is needed and lay the foundation for good laboratory practices required by your future courses or by an undergraduate research experience. You will learn a range of research skills from experimental design to scientific argumentation. You will find the topics of these labs connecting to your daily life and the lab activities challenging and fun!
CS 108L
Computer Science for All
Computer Science for All
Description
This course offers an introduction to computer science through modeling and simulation. Students will learn agent-based modeling of complex systems and see the applicability of computer science across fields. Course cannot apply to major in computer science or any other SOE major.
ENVS 1130
The Blue Planet
The Blue Planet
Description
To understand global change and environmental concerns, this course weaves together an understanding of Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere and oceans and how ecosystems are linked to the physical environment. Students are encouraged, but not required, to enroll concurrently in 1130L.
ENVS 1130L
The Blue Planet Laboratory
The Blue Planet Laboratory
Description
Activity oriented companion lab for environmental science (GEOL 1120, formerly ENVS 101). You will simulate basic principles of ocean circulation, use computer models to evaluate atmospheric gases, use experimentation to simulate groundwater flow, learn how to collect and analyze water chemistry data from the Rio Grande, and learn about other topics such as fracking and natural hazards.
GEOG 1160
Home Planet: Land, Water, Life
Home Planet: Land, Water, Life
Description
What makes the natural world work the way it does? This class explores the interrelations of ecology, geology, meteorology, and hydrology on our home planet. Students will have the opportunity to explore intersecting patterns of environmental geography and human communities, using maps and other geospatial techniques. The class uses a combination of lectures and activities to help students understand earth's environmental regions, processes, and issues. Students who take this class will gain a basic understanding of earth science, as well as map-reading skills that are useful outside of school, and crucial to understanding environmental issues. This course prepare students for next-level courses in Geography & Environmental Studies, including classes in mapping and spatial analysis.
GEOG 1160L
Home Planet Lab
Home Planet Lab
Description
Exercises designed to complement 101. Applied problems in the spatial processes of the physical environment. Map construction and reading, weather and climatic analysis, classification of vegetative and soil associations, landform distribution analysis. Two hours lab.
GEOL 1110
Physical Geology
Physical Geology
Description
A fascinating tour of our dynamic planet as you learn about how Earth works. Explore earth materials (rocks and minerals), Learn how earthquakes and volcanoes relate to the steady motion of Earth's surface and interior. You will also learn about why landslides happen, how mountains form, the processes that shape landscapes, and the flow of rivers and groundwater. You will understand the science behind energy and mineral resources and climate change. Students are encouraged but not required to enroll concurrently in GEOL 1110L (Physical Geology Lab).
GEOL 1110L
Physical Geology Lab
Physical Geology Lab
Description
Activity oriented companion lab for physical geology (GEOL 1110). You will examine and identify minerals and rocks, evaluate geologic risks (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods), study simulated groundwater flow, learn how to read topographic maps, along with learning about other topics that increase awareness of the origin of New Mexico landscapes. Students are encouraged to enroll concurrently with GEOL 1110 but can also be taken after 1110.
GEOL 2110C
Historical Geology Lecture and Lab
Historical Geology Lecture and Lab
Description
Origin and history of the Earth including age of the planet and dating of rocks, changing configurations of oceans and continents as a result of plate tectonics, records of climate change, history of formation and erosion of mountain chains, origin and evolution of life and causes of extinction. Required field trip and lab exercises permit understanding of how Earth history is interpreted from the geologic rock record.
HNRS 2331
Science in the 21st Century
Science in the 21st Century
Description
This course introduces principles from scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and astronomy. It will familiarize students with scientific inquiry and an understanding of the role of the sciences in society and culture. Restriction: admitted to Honors College. Prerequisites for course:
Complete all of the following
Earned a minimum grade of C in at least 1 of the following:
HNRS1120 - Honors Legacy Seminar (3)
UHON121 - Honors Legacy Seminar (3)
UHON122 - Honors Legacy Seminar (3)
HNRS 2331L
Science in the 21st Century (Lab)
Science in the 21st Century (Lab)
Description
This optional lab corresponding to UHON 203 uses direct experimental work, field study, and other practical applications to introduce scientific method and inquiry in one or more of the basic sciences. Corequisite: UHON 203. Restriction: admitted to Honors College. Prerequisites for course:
Complete all of the following
Earned a minimum grade of C in at least 1 of the following:
HNRS1120 - Honors Legacy Seminar (3)
UHON121 - Honors Legacy Seminar (3)
UHON122 - Honors Legacy Seminar (3)
NTSC 1110*
Physical Science for Teachers
Physical Science for Teachers
Description
For pre-service K-8 teachers only. A broad, interdisciplinary introduction to the science of geology, chemistry, physics and astronomy, with emphasis on the sciences processes, inquiry and the integration of technology. The course is activity-based, utilizing a problems-and-issues based approach; various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students; some field trips may be required.
NTSC 1120*
Life Science for Teachers
Life Science for Teachers
Description
For pre-service K-8 teachers only. An activity-based study of science topics including botany, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and zoology with emphasis on science processes, inquiry and the integration of technology. Various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students; some field trips may be required.
NTSC 2110*
Environmental Science for Teachers
Environmental Science for Teachers
Description
For pre-service K-8 teachers only. An activity-based interdisciplinary study of major issues in environmental science with emphasis on science process, scientific investigations and field-based activities and the integration of technology. Course topics include current issues on population, healthy ecosystems and natural resources. Various teaching methods are modeled and practiced by students.
PHYS 1115
Survey of Physics
Survey of Physics
Description
From bicycles to airplanes, from power plants to cameras, we have all looked at these incredible technologies and wondered how they work. A quick search will yield information on the parts from which they are made. But these devices, integral to our everyday lives, are much more than the sum of their parts. This course is designed as an introduction to the world of physics for non-science majors. It explores a variety of topics, including forces, electricity, magnetism, radiation, relativity, and quantum mechanics. These topics are framed in the context of their applications to our everyday lives and technologies. A student leaving this course should gain not just an appreciation for the impact that physics has on the world around them, but also a toolbox that allows them to understand and describe how things work. Physics is not just for scientists of years past, physics is for everybody!
PHYS 1115L
Survey: Physics You Need for Life Laboratory
Survey: Physics You Need for Life Laboratory
Description
A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1115. Two hours lab.
PHYS 1125
Physics of Music
Physics of Music
Description
Why do you hear what you hear? How do your ear and brain work together to register sound? How do musical instruments create sound? How do we even describe sound? In this class, you will learn all about the physics of sound and music. Learn important concepts about waves in general, and sound waves in particular, and apply those concepts to understanding how we make and hear music.
PHYS 1125L
Physics of Music Lab
Physics of Music Lab
Description
Musical instruments and physics come together in the laboratory. Learn measurement techniques with a hands on approach to science and arts. Lab exercises combine concepts of physics with principles of music.
PHYS 1230
Algebra-based Physics I
Algebra-based Physics I
Description
Prepare yourself for a career in a medical profession with this algebra-based introduction to the basics of physics: Kinematics, dynamics, energy, rotation, fluid, thermodynamics, and oscillations. Prerequisites for course:
Complete 1 of the following
Earned a minimum grade of C in at least 1 of the following:
MATH1240 - Pre-Calculus (3)
MATH150 - Pre-Calculus Mathematics (3)
MATH1250 - Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus (5)
MATH153 - Precalculus and Trigonometry (5)
MATH1430 - Applications of Calculus I (3)
MATH180 - Elements of Calculus I (3)
MATH1512 - Calculus I (4)
MATH162 - Calculus I (4)
Or earn test score of: ACT Math =>28 or SAT Math Section =>660 or ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions =>284
PHYS 1230L
Algebra-based Physics I Lab
Algebra-based Physics I Lab
Description
A modern approach to lab reflects the results of physics education research on student learning. Experiments cover kinematics, force, momentum, energy, torque, oscillations, waves and thermodynamics. Prerequisites for course:
Completed with a minimum grade of C or concurrently enrolled in all of the following:
PHYS1230L - Algebra-Based Physics I Laboratory (1)
PHYS 1240
Algebra-based Physics II
Algebra-based Physics II
Description
Continue your studies of algebra-based physics with topics that will be used every day in your future career as a medical professional: Electricity, circuits, magnetism, optics, and selected topics of modern physics. Prerequisites for course:
Earned a minimum grade of C in at least 1 of the following:
PHYS1230 - Algebra-Based Physics I (3)
PHYC151 - General Physics (3)
PHYS 1240L
Algebra-based Physics II Lab
Algebra-based Physics II Lab
Description
A lab that covers electricity, magnetism and optics. In a sequence of guided inquiry labs, students directly observe phenomena related to electric charge, field, potential, current and resistance, magnetic field and magnetic induction, optical reflection, refraction and interference. Experiments couple physical observations with interactive computer simulations or animations to enhance understanding. Prerequisites for course:
Completed with a minimum grade of C or concurrently enrolled in all of the following:
PHYS1240 - Algebra-Based Physics II (3)
PHYS 1310
Calculus-based Physics I
Calculus-based Physics I
Description
Prepare yourself for a career in engineering or the sciences with this calculus-based introduction to the basics of physics: Kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, Newton's law of gravity, and oscillations. Prerequisites for course:
Completed with a minimum grade of C or concurrently enrolled in all of the following:
MATH1512 - Calculus I (4)
PHYS 1310L
Calculus-based Physics I Lab
Calculus-based Physics I Lab
Description
A modern approach to lab reflects the results of physics education research on student learning. Experiments cover kinematics, force, momentum, energy, torque, oscillations, waves and thermodynamics. Prerequisites for course:
Completed with a minimum grade of C or concurrently enrolled in all of the following:
PHYS1320L - Calculus-Based Physics II Laboratory (1)
PHYS 1320
Calculus-based Physics II
Calculus-based Physics II
Description
Continue your studies of calculus-based physics with the topics that underlie the majority of todays technology: Electricity, circuits, magnetism, and thermodynamics. Prerequisites for course:
Complete all of the following
Earned a minimum grade of C in each of the following:
PHYS1310 - Calculus-Based Physics I (3)
Completed with a minimum grade of C or concurrently enrolled in all of the following:
MATH1522 - Calculus II (4)
PHYS 1320L
Calculus-based Physics II Lab
Calculus-based Physics II Lab
Description
A lab that covers electricity, magnetism and optics. In a sequence of guided inquiry labs, students directly observe phenomena related to electric charge, field, potential, current and resistance, magnetic field and magnetic induction, optical reflection, refraction and interference. Experiments couple physical observations with interactive computer simulations or animations to enhance understanding. Prerequisites for course:
Completed with a minimum grade of C or concurrently enrolled in all of the following:
PHYS1320 - Calculus-Based Physics II (3)
*These courses are only offered through the UNM Branch Campuses.
