Department of Science & Mathematics - Curriculum

SCIENCES

ASTRO 100 - GENERAL ASTRONOMY
The solar system, the cosmos, the night sky, origins of modern astronomy, starlight, the sun, stars, the birth, life and death of stars, galaxies, cosmology, the birth, life, and death of the universe.
3 credit hours. Usually offered in the Spring.

BIO 101 - PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I
A course aimed at the non-science major interested in human biological function and structure and the current social and ecological issues relating to these topics. Students receive a sound understanding of the major aspects of human physiology and acquire the knowledge necessary to make informed evaluations of the many personal and social issues that relate to their own health and fitness. A complementary one-credit lab course is also available but this course can be taken without the lab.
3 credit hours. Usually offered every semester.

BIO 102 - PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY II
This course introduces non-science majors to two areas of biology that will have profound effects on society in the future: genetics - where rapid developments are allowing biologists to alter human genes, giving them the power to govern human evolution - and Ecology - where disclosures show the devastating effects that man has had on the environment. The study of these issues helps students examine their political, ethical and scientific dimensions.
3 credit hours. Prerequisite: BIO 101 Usually offered in the Spring or Summer.

BIO 201 – NEW TRENDS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Based on the latest developments of the classic Darwinian theory, the course describes the possible mechanisms by which natural environment shaped, and social environment fine-tuned, the human body and the human mind in the long course of evolution. The close links that can be traced between sexuality, the arts and other branches of human culture, and their biological background are highlighted. This course features a session of laboratory research work on biology, aesthetics and sexual selection, as well as an on site visit to a local Museum or Art Gallery.
3 credit hours. Co-requisite BIO101. Usually offered every semester.

PHYS 101 - EXPLORATIONS IN PHYSICS
An activity-based course in physics and its fundamental laws designed for the non-science major. This course satisfies the laboratory science component of the General Education requirement at AUR, and is designated to provide substantial advanced instruction in Technology and Oral Presentation Skills. Part I covers mechanics with units on Motion, Forces, and Scientific Theories. Part II covers optics with units on Light, Sight, and Rainbows. Two substantive student research projects, in mechanics and optics, are an integral part of the course. Oral and poster presentations will be required. Students will be able to apply Newtonian theories and the physics of light to analyze both ideal and real world events. The course is held entirely in the laboratory. Students will work in groups of two or four at state-of-the-art bench stations equipped with one computer for each two students, specially designed mechanical and optics apparatus and a library of sensors for data acquisition. A data logging program running on the lab PCs allows real time graphical display and analysis of experimental data, such as position, velocity, applied force, light intensity, etc., providing instant sensory feedback of experimental parameters.
4 credits 5 hours. Usually offered every semester.

ENV 101 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The impact of humans on the environment is examined, relating patterns of natural ecosystems to human ecosystems, their functions, inter-relationships, problems, and limitations. The global perspective is studied; population growth, resource use patterns, food production, wildlife and other natural resource depletion, climate change, and economic, political, and legal issues related to problems and solutions.
3 credit hours. Usually offered in the Fall or Summer.

ENV 102 – EXPLORATIONS IN EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
An inquiry based laboratory course designed to support students in constructing a meaningful, conceptual foundation of the earth and environmental sciences.
Activities and experiments help students experience earth and environmental sciences as the dynamic system of patterns it is. All topics of investigation relate to water including water molecules, cooling and heating of water, water pollution, water quality monitoring, and water treatment. An open-ended research project involving field work is completed in small teams.1 credit 2 hours. Co-requisite ENV101. Usually offered every semester.

MATHEMATICS
MTH 001 - PROBLEM SOLVING
This is a developmental mathematics course designed to give students the opportunity to review basic concepts: numeracy, problem solving, basic algebra and co-ordinate geometry as well as to develop confidence. One of the overarching aims of the course is to enhance problem-solving skills in applicable mathematics in order to prepare students for the general education science and mathematics courses.
3 hours, 0 credits. Developmental course. Entrance based on Placement test score.

MTH 102 - BASIC STATISTICS
Basic Statistics looks at the classification of data, averages, dispersion, graphical representation of data, probability, frequency distributions and confidence intervals, tests of hypothesis, non-parametric techniques, linear regression, and correlation. Students undertake project work to enhance practical skills in data collection and analysis.
3 credit hours. Prerequisite: Pass in the mathematics placement examination. Usually offered every semester.

MTH 104 - MATHEMATICS FOR THE LIBERAL ARTS
This course is designed to build quantitative and analytical skills in undergraduates whose major does not require this knowledge explicitly. It is intended to be a terminal course in mathematics for undergraduates, developing mathematical language skills: seeing mathematics as a translation tool and knowing the various languages of mathematics (sets, propositional calculus, algebra). It includes topics such as number systems, linear and quadratic equations, logic, logarithmic and exponential functions, and planar geometry. It will also include practical real-world mathematical skills such as understanding interest rates, credit cards, as well as philosophical, historical and “liberal arts” aspects of mathematics such as fractals and Sacred geometry. A site visit is made to a Roman Church.
3 credit hours. Prerequisite: Pass in the mathematics placement examination. Usually offered every semester.

MTH 123 - COLLEGE ALGEBRA
This course examines advanced topics in algebra; linear equations and systems of linear equations, including solution by matrices, functions (linear and absolute value), inequalities and graphing techniques, systems of linear inequalities in two variables. Quadratic functions, rational functions, radicals equations, conic sections, logarithmic and exponential functions, and inverse functions are also included as well as polynomials and zeros, sequences and series including geometric series.
3 credit hours. Prerequisite: A high pass in the mathematics placement examination. Usually offered every semester.

COMPUTING
CSC 150-Information Processing and Presentation
Introductory and advanced features of popular word-processing (Word) and presentation (PowerPoint) programs. The course will focus in particular on the techniques that combine text and graphics to produce both printer-ready pages for publication and professional multimedia presentations.
1 credit. Usually offered every semester.

CSC151- Data Processing with Spreadsheets
Introductory and advanced features of a popular spreadsheet program.
Classes will be primarily focused on the following: customization of worksheet environment, format and appearance of cell entries, copying and moving formulas, relative and absolute references, functions, graphs, database features, and creation of a hypertextual worksheet structure. Examples in Business and Finance will be used.
The course will focus in particular on the techniques that combine cell contents and graphic features to produce data analysis and representation and that are available for dynamic calculation, statistical data management, data analysis and representation, and non-relational database management.
1 credit. Usually offered every semester.

CSC120-Computers and Information Fluency
Computers are everywhere in today's society: not just on your desk, but also inside your cell phone, mp3 player, and digital camera. Moreover, the Internet has revolutionized communication, access to information, and ways of doing business. This course aims to be a “survival guide” in today's information society: it introduces students to information processing and technology, and goes beyond the still prevalent point-and-click “how to” courses: besides acquiring necessary skills , students learn about the underlying concepts: how a computer works, digital representation of information. Some examples of questions that are answered in this course are: What makes an effective Internet search? How can I determine if information from the Internet is reliable? How is file compression useful? How does a computer “compute”? How is music stored on a computer? How does a computer virus work? In the end, the student will be able to make independent judgments on IT issues and be capable of effectively applying IT tools for their own personal and career goals.
3 credit hours. Usually offered every semester.

FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
FOS 101 -FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
This course provides an introduction to foundation skills and studying at The American University of Rome. This mandatory course is for new AUR students and consists of nine sessions of one-and-a-half hours, all focused around specific topics, including; study skills, information literacy skills, writing skills, IT skills, oral presentations and communication skills.
1.5 hours, 1 credit. Usually offered every semester. **NOTE: This course meets for 1.5 hours per week for the first nine weeks of the semester. 90% attendance required.**

FOS 102 -TRANSFER SEMINAR
This seminar provides an introduction to foundation skills and study at The American University of Rome. It is a mandatory course for transfer students and consists of two three-hour sessions and one six -hour session, focused around specific topics including: study skills, information literacy skills, writing skills IT skills and oral presentations.
0 credits