Information for Entering Students
Natural Sciences
See also the Biological Sciences and the Physical Sciences course listings on this website.
NTSC 10100-10200-10300-10400 Evolution of the Natural World I-II-III; Environmental Ecology is a four-quarter sequence that students in the humanities and social sciences can choose as an alternative way to meet the general education requirements in the physical and biological sciences.
This sequence is open only to first- and second-year students and to entering transfer students, with preference given to first-year students. Courses must be taken in sequence. If this sequence is chosen, students must also register for two appropriate courses in the mathematical sciences, or one additional course in the biological or physical sciences.
NTSC 10100-10200-10300-10400. Evolution of the Natural World I-II-III; Environmental Ecology.
This sequence meets the general education requirement in the physical and biological sciences for humanities and social sciences students. Open only to first- and second-year students and to first-year transfer students, with preference given to first-year students. Must be taken in sequence. This is an integrated four-quarter sequence that emphasizes the evolution of the physical universe and life on Earth, and explores the interrelationships between the two.
NTSC 10100. Evolution of the Natural World I: Evolution of the Solar System and the Earth. 100 Units.
This course examines the physical and chemical origins of planetary systems, the role of meteorite studies in this context, and a comparison of the Earth with neighboring planets. It then turns to chemical and physical processes that lead to internal differentiation of the Earth. Further topics include the thermal balance at the Earth's surface (glaciation and the greenhouse effect), and the role of liquid water in controlling crustal geology and evolution. (L)
NTSC 10200. Evolution of the Natural World II: Evolution of the Universe. 100 Units.
This course is designed to encourage a sense of awe, appreciation, and understanding of the topics investigated in modern astrophysics, such as the origin of the universe, the formation and evolution of the sun and the Earth, the nature of space and time, and the search for other planets and life in the universe. Students also experience the predicting, testing, and investigative nature of science.
NTSC 10300. Evolution of the Natural World III: Biological Evolution. 100 Units.
This course is an introduction to evolutionary processes and patterns in present-day organisms and in the fossil record and how they are shaped by biological and physical forces. Topics emphasize evolutionary principles. They include DNA and the genetic code, the genetics of populations, the origins of species, and evolution above the species level. We also discuss major events in the history of life, such as the origin of complex cells, invasion of land, and mass extinction. (L)
NTSC 10400. Environmental Ecology. 100 Units.
This course emphasizes basic scientific understanding of ecological principles that relate most closely to the ways humans interact with their environments. It includes lectures on the main environmental pressures, notably human population growth, disease, pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, and harvesting. We emphasize the ongoing impacts on the natural world, particularly causes of population regulation and extinction and how they might feed back on to humans. Discussion required.
For students who entered the College in academic year 2012-2013.