Science and Technology Department: Bryant University

Courses

The Science and Technology department offers a range of courses to satisfy the interests and requirements for Bryant students.

SCI251 - General Biology
This lecture course is intended as a one-semester overview of biology. Emphasis is placed on the foundations of modern biology, including scientific methodology, a survey of organisms, cell theory, evolution, genetics (both classical and molecular), and ecology. Applications, such as biotechnology, are included when appropriate. This course may be taken with a laboratory to fulfill the laboratory requirement.

SCI260 - General Science
The purpose of this survey course is to give the student a broad overview of modern science and to serve as a starting point for the study of other sciences. Topics include overviews of the major unifying principles of Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology, Meteorology, and Astronomy. Emphasis will be placed on scientific methodology and on the integration of the various science disciplines with each other and with other disciplines.

SCI262 - Physical Geology
This course explores the cyclicality of geologic processes that shape the earth. Volcanic activity and earthquakes contribute to the building of mountains. Rivers and oceans help to destroy mountains. This simplistic idea is expanded to give the student a very good idea of "how the earth works." This course may be taken with a laboratory to fulfill the laboratory requirement.

SCI263 - Astronomy
This general introductory course explores the fundamentals of astronomy. All branches of modern astronomy are covered. Major topics include the historical development of astronomy, the solar system, and the universe beyond. This course may be taken with a laboratory to fulfill the laboratory requirement. (3 lecture hours)

Session Cycle: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Yearly Cycle: Annual - 3 semester hours

SCI264 - Physics
This course deals with some areas of physics, such as mechanics, heat, waves, sound, light, electricity, and modern atomic physics, primarily from a conceptual point of view. This course will be especially useful to students who plan to enter an industry in which an understanding of the physical laws of nature is desirable. This course may be taken with a laboratory to fulfill the laboratory requirement.

SCI265 - Chemistry
Recommended for students who plan to enter an industry where a general knowledge of chemistry is desirable, the general principles of inorganic chemistry are covered in this course. The fields of organic chemistry and biochemistry are also surveyed. Atoms, molecules, and their chemical reactions are studied in-depth and the use of chemicals in industry and the use of chemicals by living things are examined. This course may be taken with a laboratory to fulfill the laboratory requirement.

SCI266 - Oceanography
The study of oceanography will provide students with an appreciation and a general familiarity with the ocean and with both coastal and open marine environments. This course will have an interdisciplinary focus in that it will emphasize the interactions that occur among the biological, chemical, geological, and physical phenomena of various marine environments from the beach to the open ocean.

SCI285/385/485 - Special Topics in Science
This course focuses on selected topics in science, particularly topics that might raise ethical issues, address technological breakthroughs or review recent scientific research. Activities may include specialized research or writing projects, discussion of issues, oral presentations, guest speakers, and field trips. (3 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: at least one college-level science course

SCI287 - Meteorology
Meteorology is the study of our atmosphere, its structure, composition and origin as well as its dual roles as protector and devastator of the earth. The study of humidity, cloud formation, precipitation, winds, air masses, cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes will lead to weather forecasting. Such environmentally important issues as global warming and the ozone hole will be analyzed from several viewpoints.

SCI299/399/499 Honors: Special Topics in Science
Honors courses provide the opportunity for exceptional achievement. Instructors use methods and introduce concepts that will challenge the highly motivated student. Often interdisciplinary in approach and sometimes team taught, honors courses typically offer students occasions to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

SCI351 - Ecology
This course provides a review of ecological principles and selected research studies underlying these concepts, identifies techniques used by ecologists, and presents an overview of local and global environmental issues, including strategies for sustainability. In addition, the course emphasizes critical analysis of environmental problems and examines individual, group, and governmental roles important to improving environmental quality. This course may be taken with a laboratory to fulfill the laboratory requirement.

SCI354 - Nutrition
Nutrition concerns the study of processes by which organisms ingest, digest, absorb, utilize, and excrete foods. Students will learn human diet and nutritional needs and develop the ability to think critically about nutrition claims and counterclaims in the marketplace. Recent advances in nutrition research, such as those relating to weight loss, performance enhancement, and mood control, will also be covered.

Prerequisite: SCI251

SCI355 - Energy Management Strategies
In this course students review the principles of energy transformation, explore alternative energy resources and their feasibility, and assess current and future energy policy formation. In addition, students examine the economic and ecological impacts of various policy options and provide assistance in structuring institutional management plans for efficient energy use.

SCI356 - Introduction to Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the commercial application of living organisms involving the deliberate manipulation of their DNA. As such, biotechnology broadly impacts commercial markets in human and animal health care, agriculture and horticulture, and the forensic sciences. Students will learn, through lectures and "hands-on" laboratory experiences, about the biotechnology products and "new life forms" which have been or are about to be commercialized. Although this course involves significant "hands-on" experiences, it does not fulfill the laboratory requirement.

Prerequisite: SCI251 or SCI265

SCI358 - Human Sexuality
This course will instruct students in the cultural and social legacy of sexuality in American society. Students will also learn the details of human reproduction, development, and sexual maturation and consider the impacts of new technologies on reproductive health care. Sexually transmitted diseases, their biology and social implications, will also be covered.

Prerequisite: SCI251

SCI366 - Applied Coastal Oceanography
This course will teach the student how different types of coastlines are molded from waves, tides, and sediment supply. It will also show the different tools, methodologies, and applications that are available to the coastal surveying service industries. Group projects involve the preparation of technical/cost proposals to solve coastal geo-technical problems and, finally, to locate sunken treasure.

SCI370 - Applied Genetics
"Applied Genetics" provides an in-depth understanding of state of the art DNA technology and its applications in biological sciences, forensic sciences, environmental sciences, and paleontological and archeological studies. Both theoretical and experimental aspects of analyzing DNA from degraded issues will be emphasized. Current issues on molecular genetics and how genetic information is used in different scientific disciplines and their impact on the students future business career will also be emphasized.

Prerequisite: SCI251 and SCIL251, or SCI265 and SCIL265

SCI371 - Human Impact on Land and Life
The human population, growing exponentially, is requiring an increasing amount of natural resources and generating a corresponding increase in wastes. The results are stressing our environment to the point of fatigue. This course covers environmental issues in land management, wildlife protection, and human health. Topics include an examination of the environmental problems presented by our technological development and growth. Tools and techniques for analysis in problem solving and risk assessment will be emphasized.

SCI372 - Sustaining Air and Water
Increased air and water pollution has impacted our way of life. Air and water pollution have also become important considerations in many business decisions. Therefore, an understanding of air and water pollution is essential. This course covers their environmental impact, causes, and current treatment and prevention efforts on a global scale. Topics include acid rain, global warming, ozone layer depletion, ocean dumping, river and lake management, and groundwater contamination. Developing problem solving and risk assessment skills will be emphasized.

SCI373 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Can machines think? What does this really mean? This course provides an introduction to the topic of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. The lab part of the course provides hands-on experience in the making of thinking machines. The lecture part of the course will focus on the theory of artificial intelligence and robotics, but will also include some hands-on projects and competitions. The course (both the lab and the lecture) will serve as an introduction to programming in Matlab, and the use of robotic hardware. The course will present methods for solving difficult decision-making problems. The lecture and lab must be taken concurrently. Some programming experience is recommended.

SCI375 - Environmental Study in China
Scientific data are essential to evaluate, understand, and manage environmental problems. This course provides basic scientific information regarding environmental issues in the larger context of cross-cultural predicament. Through reading, discussion, and guest lectures, students will gain insights into the critical role that science and technologies have played in environmental studies. Using China as an example, this course offers an in-depth look into the environmental challenges that the country is facing. Students will learn how to assess scientific data behind environmental debates and will examine how environmental issues are connected to society and business. The course also offers intellectual preparation for students who travel to China for environmental research.

Prerequisite: at least one college-level science course

SCI391 - Science Internship
The science internship provides the student with an opportunity to gain on-the-job experience and to apply scientific principles and procedures learned in the classroom in a work environment. The student is required to meet regularly with a faculty advisor, keep a daily log of activities, complete a paper or specific research project, and prepare an evaluation of the experience at the end of the internship.

Prerequisite: approval of a supervising faculty member and department chair

SCI397/497 - Directed Study in Science
This course is tailored to fit the unique interests of a student interested in science. Faculty and student will design a program for the study of a practical aspect of science and/or technology. The end product of this study would be a paper describing the scientific methodology, results, and conclusions of the research, or the equivalent.

Prerequisite: approval of a supervising faculty member and department chair

SCI455 - Environmental Policy
This course will present an overview of environmental policy alternatives, emphasizing the interrelationship of science, business, and government in policy formation and implementation. Global issues will be included, with special attention directed toward international efforts to achieve consensus on sustainable growth policies that encompass economic realities, technological innovation and a sensible legal and regulatory framework.

Prerequisite: at least one science course

SCI456 - Biotechnology Seminar
This course guides students to integrate the scientific and business aspects of their Bryant education. Under the supervision of the course instructor and other professionals from the biotechnology industry, students working in small groups will simulate the founding and management of the first ten years of a new biotechnology company. The simulation reflects the unique problems and challenges for biotechnology entrepreneurs and managers in evaluating the commercial potential of research ideas, marketing and business planning, financing, overcoming regulatory hurdles, consumer psychology, and ethical considerations. Students will make formal presentations on these subjects throughout the term as they build their companies.

Prerequisite: SCI356

SCIL251 - General Biology Lab
This laboratory course is intended to complement the General Biology lecture course. Familiarity with a variety of organisms, techniques, and concepts is obtained through a direct, hands-on approach.