SCM-COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS -- 2003-05 Catalog
College of Science & Mathematics

SCM 100 Orientation to the College of Science and Mathematics (2) (CR/NC)

Application of learning strategies, problem-solving methodologies, academic planning and career selection for students in the science and mathematics disciplines. Concurrent enrollment in specific orientation or content course is desirable. Credit-No Credit grading only. 1 lecture, 1 activity.

SCM 101 Introduction to the Health Professions (1) (CR/NC)

Preparation for a health professions career and examination of various health professions. Emphasis on planning and developing an individual pre-health plan, including academic course selection, obtaining appropriate experiences/activities, and review of the elements of a strong application. Intended for freshmen and sophomores. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 lecture.

SCM 150 Supplemental Instruction Discussion (1) (CR/NC)

Facilitated study and discussion of theory, concepts, and applications of content material from selected courses. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 4 units. 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in the designated section of the associated course.

SCM 201 Orientation to Biotechnology (1)

Introduction to the diversity of fields in biotechnology. Applications in agriculture, nutrition, medicine and environmental problems. 1 activity. Prerequisite: BIO 151 and CHEM 316 or CHEM 312.

SCM 300 Early Field Experience, Science/Mathematics (2) (CR/NC)

A minimum of 20 hours of supervised observation of secondary school science or mathematics classes. These observations will be discussed and evaluated during weekly meetings. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 lectures.

SCM 320 Technology in London (4) GE Area F

Impact of one or two technologies in modern London. How they developed from the scientific/industrial revolution, as seen through London museums and industries. How solutions to modern problems are dependent on available technology. Specific technology chosen by instructor. 2 lectures, 2 activities. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B, and junior standing. Concurrent enrollment in London Study Program.

SCM 325 Genetic Engineering Technology (4) GE Area F

Introduction to the methodology and techniques used in genetic engineering. Applications in agriculture, nutrition, medicine and environmental problems. Potential benefits and problems, including the underlying ethical questions. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Area B, including a chemistry course, and junior standing. Biolocial Sciences and Biochemistry majors will not receive GE Area F credit.

SCM 350 The Global Environment (4) GE Area F
(Also listed as AG/BUS/EDES/ENGR/HUM 350)

Interdisciplinary investigation of how human activities impact the Earth’s environment on a global scale. Examination of population, resource use, climate change, and biodiversity from scientific/technical and social/economic/historical/political perspectives. Use of remote sensing maps. Sustainable solutions. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Completion of GE Areas A and B and junior standing.

SCM 363 Health Professions Internships (2) (CR/NC)

Structured experiences for pre-health students, such as County Health Agency internships designed to promote understanding of social and public purpose of chosen professions, or internships designed to provide observational experiences in a modern clinical setting. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Limited space availability. Application process for enrollment. Total credit limited to 12 units; a maximum of 6 units may be applied toward degree requirement. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; must have been enrolled at Cal Poly for at least two quarters; consent of instructor.

SCM 365 Biosphere 2: Earth Systems Science (6)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Basic principles of geology, geochemistry, geophysics, atmospheric science and oceanography. Global change over varying time scales. Effects of life and society on the environment. 3 lectures, 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 366 Biosphere 2: Conservation Biology (6)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Human population growth, ecological principles, the carbon cycle, island biogeography, water resources, environmental health. 3 lectures, 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 367 Biosphere 2: Human Role in Environmental Change (5)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Policy issues related to the American Southwest, including management of freshwater resources, conservation of biological diversity, and sustainable development. 2 lectures, 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 368 Biosphere 2: Independent Research in Environmental Science and Policy (3)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Team and/or individual laboratory research in environmental science. 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 369 Biosphere 2: Planetary Management Seminar and Laboratory (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Current environmental issues from multiple perspectives. 1 seminar, 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 370 Biosphere 2: Earth, Moon and Planets (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Overall structure of the Solar System. Motions of the celestial sphere. Time and the calendar. Major planets, the Earth-Moon system, minor planets, comets. Life in the Solar System and beyond. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 371 Biosphere 2: Beyond the Solar System (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Survey course in stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Fundamental properties of nearby stars; nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution; novae and supernovae; galaxies; the structure of the universe and theories of its origin, evolution and ultimate fate. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 372 Biosphere 2: Seminar on Puzzles in Our Universe (1)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Current topics may include astrobiology, the discovery of extrasolar planets, and the SETI search. 1 seminar. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 373 Biosphere 2: Stellar Astrophysics (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres, energy generation and nucleosynthesis, novae and supernovae, stellar necrology, interacting binary stars. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: One year of calculus and consent of instructor.

SCM 374 Biosphere 2: Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Structure of our galaxy, the interstellar medium star clusters, properties of external galaxies, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and cosmology. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: One year of physics or astronomy and consent of instructor.

SCM 375 Biosphere 2: Waves, Optics, and Modern Physics (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Classical waves and the wave equation, geometric optics, interference and diffraction, Fourier series and integrals, normal modes, wave-particle duality, the uncertainty principle, basic principles of quantum mechanics, energy levels, reflection and transmission coefficients, the harmonic oscillator. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: One year of physics or astronomy and consent of instructor.

SCM 376 Biosphere 2: Astrophysics of the Solar System (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Mechanics, thermodynamics, basic fluid mechanics, rotational dynamics, radiative transfer, and magneto hydrodynamics. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: One year of physics and consent of instructor.

SCM 377 Biosphere 2: Observational Astronomy (4)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Topics will include: techniques of optical and radio astronomy, asteroid searches, light curves of variable stars, identification of radio and X-ray source optical counterparts, studies of periodic and quasi-periodic signals in stars. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 378 Biosphere 2: Independent Research Projects (3)

Course offered in partnership with Columbia University at Biosphere 2. Individual research projects in small teams. Observational, theoretical, and experimental work in galactic and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. 3 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

SCM 451 Ethics in the Sciences (3)

The practice, performance and application of science from the standpoint of ethics. Includes issues involving plagiarism, data handling, fraud, safety and selected applications in specific science careers. Models for the analysis and resolution of ethical dilemmas are presented. 3 seminars. Prerequisite: Junior standing.