Math & Science
Degrees and Certificates
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Agriscience - NAVIT, Certificate of Proficiency -
STEM Research Certificate, Certificate of Proficiency
Courses
AGR 102: Animal Industry
Credits 3.0This course provides a comprehensive overview of the livestock and poultry industries, emphasizing the application of biological science in contemporary livestock practices, with particular attention to production, marketing, and distribution.
AGR 111: Principles of Plant Science
Credits 3.0This course provides a comprehensive overview of plant science and crop technology, emphasizing plant form and function, structural development, nutrition, soil and water management, mineral management, and plant reproduction.
AGR 135: Conservation and Natural Resources
Credits 3.0This course presents fundamental ecological concepts and examines their relevance to human-induced impacts on ecosystems, with emphasis on contemporary environmental challenges. Topics include the use and protection of natural resources such as soil, water, forests, minerals, plants, and animal life. The course covers ecological principles, the history of the conservation movement, current issues in resource utilization, and the role of citizens in conservation.
AGR 230: Gardening and Landscaping
Credits 3.0This course is designed for homeowners, gardeners, and landscapers. Students will explore an interest in gardening and landscaping as a hobby, for professional growth, or to broaden their knowledge of horticulture. Students will gain expertise in gardening and landscaping principles tailored for desert and semi-arid environments, encompassing both conventional and organic practices. Completing this course fulfills the training requirements for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program.
AGR 285: Establishing and Running an Agribusiness
Credits 3.0This course explores essential economic concepts and highlights important Arizona laws that shape the world of plant nurseries, landscaping companies, and agribusinesses.
AST 103: Introduction to Astronomy
Credits 4.0This course is a survey of modern astronomy introducing cycles of the sky, astronomical observations, history of astronomy, gravitation, light, optical instruments, stellar evolution and classification, galaxies, cosmological theories, survey of the solar system, and life in the universe.
AST 131: Introduction to Astronomy Research
Credits 1.0 3.0This course provides an introduction to research for undergraduate students. It is structured to support research teams in completing manageable scientific projects. Teams collaborate with their instructor to conduct research, make observations, analyze original data, and write and edit a team paper. Each paper is reviewed by an external evaluator before submission for publication. The course intentionally limits the complexity of research projects to facilitate learning. Its objectives include familiarizing students with research methodologies and tools and guiding them through the process of scientific writing and editing. Interaction occurs primarily among students and instructors. Successful completion of this course prepares students for the more advanced workshop, Advanced Astronomy Research (AST 231).
AST 231: Advanced Astronomy Research
Credits 1.0 3.0This course facilitates undergraduate research teams in completing scientific research projects. Research activities are conducted through video conferencing, and teams attend weekly staff meetings with their research supervisor and other teams. Each student team independently manages research tasks, acquires and processes observations from a remote robotic telescope, analyzes original data, prepares and revises a team paper, solicits external review, and submits the paper for publication.
AST 237: Astronomy Research Dissemination
Credits 1.0 3.0This course instructs students in preparing and presenting their team's research findings as an oral presentation or a poster at a scientific conference. It is designed to support students in presenting completed research at a designated conference. Students learn to develop presentations that align with conference organizers’ expectations, structure content logically, and adhere to established guidelines for effective communication. The course provides guidance and support throughout the presentation process. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage fully in the scientific conference experience by networking with other researchers, visiting exhibitor booths, and fostering new professional relationships and collaborations. A final written report enables students to synthesize and reflect on their conference experience.
BIO 100: Biology Concepts
Credits 4.0This hands-on course explores the biology of both plants and animals within the context of their environment, spanning levels of organization from molecules to the biosphere. Designed for non-science majors, it fulfills liberal studies requirements and emphasizes current, real-world issues in biology and ecology.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 100L is required.
BIO 160: Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
Credits 4.0This course is an introductory survey of human anatomy and physiology. It is designed for non-science majors. The course provides a broad overview of all major body systems—including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems, with emphasis on structure and function.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 160L is required.
BIO 181: General Biology I
Credits 4.0An introduction to the structural and functional organization of living organisms at a cellular level. Prior completion of one year of high school/college-level chemistry and/or a previous biology course is recommended for success in this course.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 181L is required.
BIO 182: General Biology II
Credits 4.0A continuation of BIO 181. This course provides an overview of biological diversity, covering the structure and function of microorganisms, plants, and animals—including both invertebrates and vertebrates. Students will also explore foundational concepts in human anatomy and physiology. Additional topics include population ecology, community dynamics, and the characteristics of major ecosystems and biomes.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 182L is required.
BIO 201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Credits 4.0This course provides in-depth examination of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and sensory systems. Students will explore these systems through an integrated approach that includes lecture-based content and hands-on laboratory experiences. Designed for students pursuing health science or nursing pathways.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 201L is required.
BIO 202: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Credits 4.0This course explores the structure and function of the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, lymphatic and endocrine systems. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, students will investigate key principles of homeostasis and organ system integration.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 202L is required.
BIO 205: Microbiology
Credits 4.0This course provides a foundational introduction to microbiology, with emphasis on the structure and function of microorganisms, microbial diversity, mechanisms of pathogenicity, and host immune responses. Laboratory exercises reinforce theoretical concepts through microscopy, aseptic technique, culturing methods, and diagnostic procedures. Designed for students majoring in life sciences or preparing for careers in the health professions.
Concurrent enrollment in BIO 205L is required.
CHM 130: Fundamental Chemistry
Credits 4.0This course introduces the fundamental principles of chemistry. It is designed for students with no background in chemistry. The course focuses on relating chemistry concepts to real life. Laboratory activities are designed to reinforce chemistry concepts while actively engaging the student in the learning process. Topics covered in the course include measurement, problem solving, matter and energy, atomic and molecular theory, chemical bonding, the mole concept and basic stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, acid-base chemistry, redox chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 130L is required.
CHM 138: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
Credits 4.0This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of chemistry as a foundation for allied health fields including Nursing and Allied Health programs. It is an introduction to general principles of inorganic chemistry including measurements, atomic structure, bonding, nomenclature, states of matter, solutions, and nuclear chemistry. The course also includes topics in organic and biochemistry including hydrocarbons, organic functional groups, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 138L is required.
CHM 151: General Chemistry I
Credits 4.0General Chemistry is a two-semester sequence. General Chemistry I explores the fundamental principles of chemistry including the nature of matter, measurement, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, the mole concept and stoichiometry, and properties of gases. Critical thinking strategies are applied through inquiry-based laboratory activities. At least one year of high school algebra is recommended prior to taking this course.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 151L is required.
CHM 152: General Chemistry II
Credits 4.0This course continues the study of fundamental principles and laws of chemistry covering the topics of chemical kinetics, equilibria, ionic and redox reactions, acids-base chemistry, thermodynamics, nuclear chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Critical thinking strategies are applied through inquiry-based laboratory activities.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 152L is required.
CHM 235: General Organic Chemistry I
Credits 4.0The course covers the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, with a focus on reactivity and synthesis. Topics include chemical bonding, molecular structure and properties, stereochemistry, an overview of organic reaction mechanisms, reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, and the structure, synthesis, and reactivity of alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides. The course further explores nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, structure determination using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, aromaticity, and electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 235L is required.
CHM 236: General Organic Chemistry II
Credits 4.0This course is a continuation of CHM 235, focusing on the general principles of organic chemistry with an emphasis on reactivity and synthesis. Topics covered include alcohols, ethers, epoxides, sulfides, conjugated systems, aromatic compounds, ketones, aldehydes, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, enols, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids, and polymers.
Concurrent enrollment in CHM 236L is required for this course.
MAT 100: Applied Mathematics
Credits 4.0This introductory course applies fundamental mathematical principles to real-world contexts. Topics covered include numerical operations, metric and English measurement systems, introductory algebra, and the practical use of formulas. The course also addresses the applications of ratios and proportions, graphing, geometry, and right-triangle trigonometry.
MAT 111: Elementary Algebra
Credits 4.0This course offers a foundational introduction to algebraic concepts. Students will explore topics such as simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities, graphing on the coordinate plane, working with exponents and polynomials, factoring techniques, and solving systems of equations.
MAT 121: Intermediate Algebra
Credits 4.0This course builds on concepts introduced in Elementary Algebra, providing a deeper exploration of algebraic principles. Topics include functions, advanced equations and inequalities, systems of equations, polynomial operations, and the manipulation of rational and radical expressions and functions.
MAT 142: College Mathematics
Credits 3.0This course covers quantitative methods, including ratios and proportions, exponential functions, statistics and probability, finance, discrete mathematics, graphical representations, and additional selected topics. Emphasis is placed on applying foundational college-level mathematical concepts to real-world problems.
MAT 151: College Algebra
Credits 4.0This course serves as a foundational step toward calculus, focusing on the analysis of functions and their applications. Topics include equations, graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions, matrices, and conic sections. Optional topics may cover sequences, series, and other precalculus concepts. This course is designed to prepare students for more advanced study in mathematics and related fields.
MAT 156: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
Credits 3.0 2.0This course explores the foundational concepts and structures that support effective mathematics instruction in grades K–8. Topics include the base-ten number system, operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, as well as problem-solving strategies, ratios, proportions, and key ideas from number theory. Emphasis is placed on developing a deep conceptual understanding to support classroom teaching and student learning.
MAT 157: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
Credits 3.0 2.0This course continues the exploration of foundational mathematical concepts for effective instruction in grades K–8. Emphasis is placed on algebraic thinking, measurement, and geometry, including perimeter, area, volume, surface area, symmetry, transformations, constructions, and scale. Students also study data analysis, statistics, and introductory probability, with a focus on reasoning, representation, and communication appropriate for the elementary and middle school classroom.
MAT 160: Introduction to Statistics
Credits 3.0This course introduces the fundamental principles and techniques of statistics as applied to the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of data. Topics include frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, probability theory, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and linear regression and correlation. Designed for students in business, behavioral sciences, social sciences, and other fields requiring data-informed decision making. This course is equivalent to PSY 220.
MAT 181: Trigonometry
Credits 3.0This course focuses on the study and application of trigonometric functions and identities. Topics include angle measurement, right and oblique triangle solutions, the unit circle, graphing trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, and analytic techniques such as verifying identities and solving trigonometric equations. Additional topics include vectors, polar coordinates, and complex numbers, including powers and roots using De Moivre’s Theorem. This course is designed for students intending to pursue Calculus and STEM-related fields.
MAT 210: Elements of Calculus
Credits 4.0This course introduces differential and integral calculus with a focus on elementary functions and applications in business, economics, and the social sciences. Emphasis is placed on practical modeling and problem-solving rather than theoretical depth.
MAT 221: Calculus I
Credits 5.0The course offers an introduction to the calculus of single-variable functions, covering limits, fundamental principles of differentiation and integration, techniques for finding derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions, and applications of derivatives.
MAT 231: Calculus II
Credits 4.0The course covers concepts, techniques, and applications of integration and infinite series, and introduces differential equations. Topics include integration methods such as substitution, integration by parts, partial fractions, and integration tables. Additional subjects are numerical methods for integration, applications of integration, infinite series, Taylor series and polynomials, separable differential equations, and parametric and polar curves.
MAT 241: Calculus III
Credits 4.0The course covers multivariable calculus, including multiple integration, partial differentiation, optimization, and vector calculus. Additional topics include line and surface integrals, parametric curves, vectors, geometry, and differentiation and integration in Euclidean n-space. The course emphasizes the application of divergence, curl, Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, and the Divergence Theorem to vector fields.
PHY 101: Introduction to Physics
Credits 4.0This course is designed for students with no background in physics. Students are introduced to the key concepts of physics as they relate to the world around us. Topics include forces and motion, heat, waves, electricity and magnetism, and sound and light.
PHY 111: General Physics I
Credits 4.0The course introduces fundamental principles of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. Problem-solving is conducted at the trigonometric level. Topics include time-and-motion studies, forces on stationary and moving objects, waves and sound, and heat and energy.
PHY 112: General Physics II
Credits 4.0The course introduces fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, and optics. Problem solving emphasizes algebraic methods, with some trigonometric applications. Topics include electricity, magnetism, light, physical optics, geometric optics, and atomic structure.
SCI 101: Community Science for Global Futures
Credits 3.0This active learning style class will introduce students through the process of working with a community group. With mentoring, students will observe and support the design, research, and completion of a service project that advances a community priority or addresses a community challenge related to natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement as well as global futures. Students will be in a mentee relationship within a team. Students will be in a team that learns how to build relationships, understand community priorities, design projects that advance those priorities, and connect the work to personal and career goals. The class has four elements: 1) online materials that introduce key ideas and skills, 2) in-person workshops students work in teams, and individual homework, including 3) working on the project and 4) reflecting on the project.
SCI 201: Community Science Research for Global Futures
Credits 3.0Students will take a leadership role in working with a community group to design, carry out, and complete a project that advances a community priority or addresses a community challenge related to natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement as well as global futures. Students build relationships, understand community priorities, design projects that advance those priorities, organize and carry out project work, share the results broadly, and connect the work to personal and career goals. The class has four elements: 1) online materials that introduce key ideas and skills, 2) in-person workshops students work in teams, and individual homework, including 3) working on the project and 4) reflecting on the project.