ATMOS 1000: Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth
Class in the atmospheric and snow sciences designed to build useful knowledge and expertise for students with a passion for mountains, powder, and winter sports. This course will explore the contemporary and enduring issues involving the ski industry and water resources and the potential impacts of climate change on mountain sports and culture in Utah and around the world..

ATMOS 1020: Climate Change
Explores the natural and human induced variations in the Earth's climate. Emphasis will be placed on the evidence underlying climate change and the factors that control Earth's climate. Topics range from climate of the Earth's history, present-day global warming, climatic effects of volcanic eruptions, to impacts of climate change on hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts..

Positions in ATMOS have filled for Spring 2025. If you are interested in becoming a Learning Assistant for Summer 2025 or Fall 2025, please click the link below to complete an interest form.

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ASTR 1050: The Solar System
Astronomy--from ancient to modern times. Central theme will be the attempt to understand the nature and origin of our solar system starting with early ideas of the cosmos, proceeding through investigations that led to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and culminating with the observations and discoveries made by the 20th-century space program. Topics will include apparent motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars; seasons and eclipses; principles of light and telescopes. Current films of the planets and their moons, demos and other multimedia activities will enhance the course. The latest Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra and other modern satellite images will supplement the course. Discovery of thousands of planets orbiting other stars will be discussed and related to the creation of our own solar system.

ASTR 1060: The Universe
Modern astronomy--central theme will be modern science's attempt to understand the nature and origin of the universe at large, including the matter and radiation that make it up. Specific topics include stars, exotic stellar objects (white dwarfs, red giants, neutron stars and black holes), supernova explosions, the origin of atomic elements, galaxies, giant radio sources, quasars, clusters of galaxies, the fabric of space and time, and Big Bang cosmology.


Positions in ASTR have filled for Spring 2025. If you are interested in becoming a Learning Assistant for Summer 2025 or Fall 2025, please click the link below to complete an interest form.

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BIO 1610: Fundamentals of Biology I
This course introduces the essential concepts of biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics. Topics include biological macromolecules, mitosis, meiosis, DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, and laws of inheritance.

BIO 1615: Fundamentals of Biology Lab I
This lab course introduces the scientific method through inquiry-based experiments focusing on cells, genetics, and biochemistry.

BIO 1620: Fundamentals of Biology II
This course introduces the immensity of biological diversity and the timeline of the origin and evolution of life on Earth, focusing especially on natural selection, the construction and interpretation of phylogenies, physiology, and ecological relationships.

BIO 2325: Human Anatomy
Instructor will select BIOL2325 LAs.

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CHEM 1200: Prep. for General Chemistry
This course is for students with little or no background in chemistry and is designed to prepare students for General Chemistry. Covers basic topics through lecture and online problems.

CHEM 1210: General Chemistry I
Three lectures and two discussions weekly. The fundamentals of chemistry are covered, emphasizing descriptive, modern and applied chemistry for science and engineering majors. Problem-solving strategies within an applications-oriented framework employ mathematics and conceptual reasoning. Topics include atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, periodicity, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, intermolecular forces (esp. liquids and solids), as well as an introduction to the chemistry of aqueous solutions.

CHEM 1215: General Chemistry Lab I
One lecture and one 3 hour lab per week.

CHEM 1220: General Chemistry II
Three lectures and two discussions weekly. A continuation of CHEM 1210, exploring further problem-solving within an applications-oriented framework, although significantly more in-depth. Topics covered include colligative properties, chemical kinetics, general equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry.

CHEM 2310: Organic Chemistry
Topics include reactions of organic molecules, shapes of molecules, and spectroscopic methods of identifying organic molecules.


CHEM 2320: Organic Chemistry II
A continuation of Organic Chemistry I, emphasizing reaction chemistry and mechanisms of reactions. Properties of a wide array of organic molecules, including biopolymers and organic materials, will be covered.


CHEM 3510: Biological Chemistry I
Structure and function of biomolecules, metabolism, and regulation.

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GEO 2100: Reactive Earth
This course will consist of an introduction to thermodynamic and geochemical concepts and their application to describe geologic processes and phenomena on and beneath the Earth’s surface. Students will learn fundamental chemical and mathematical approaches to quantitatively describe, interpret and predict a wide range of geochemical processes in Earth systems, and will learn the basic chemical and isotopic characteristics of materials making up the Earth’s lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Two lectures, one lab weekly.

GEO 3010: Geophysics
Applications of physical principles to solid-earth dynamics and solid-earth structure, at both the scale of global tectonics and the smaller scale of subsurface exploration. Acquisition, modeling, and interpretation of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical data in the context of exploration, geological engineering, and environmental problems. Two lectures, one lab weekly. ESTC majors see your advisor for permission to take this course.

GEO 3100: Dynamic Earth
This course will focus on the application of continuum mechanics to describe geologic processes and phenomena. We will cover a range of diverse topics spanning the inner and outer Earth including: elasticity, tectonics, heat flow, gravity, electromagnetism, fluid dynamics, faulting, seismology, surface processes, and geological hazards. Students will learn fundamental physical and mathematical approaches to quantitatively describe, interpret, and predict a broad range of dynamic processes in Earth systems. Two lectures, one interactive workshop weekly.

GEO 3180: Paelobiology
Morphology, taxonomy, evolution, and stratigraphic distribution of fossil animals and plants. Two lectures, one lab weekly.

GEO 4500: Field Methods
Practical field skills applicable to geological, geoengineering, and environmental studies developed through weekly field exercises in the Wasatch Front area. Results presented orally in class and/or in written reports targeted to a variety of potential users, including professional colleagues, government agencies, and the general public.

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Math 1010: Intermediate Algebra
Rapid review of elementary algebra; linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations; exponents, radicals, exponentials, logarithms; solving polynomial, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations; applications throughout these topics.

Math 1030: Intro to Quant Reasoning
This course helps students learn how to use some simple mathematical techniques effectively in their own field of study and apply those concepts to practical, real-life situations. Topics covered: sets and Venn diagrams, different systems of units and unit conversions, using percents and estimations, financial mathematics involved in loans and investments, linear and exponential modeling and applications, geometric measurements and scaling. This course is primarily for undergraduate students who will not take any further mathematics, except for statistics/probability.

Math 1050: College Algebra
Functions, inverses and graphs; polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and matrices; applications; arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.

Math 1060: Trigonometry
Trigonometric functions, inverses, equations and identities with applications; introduction to vectors.

Math 1080: Precalculus
Provides in-depth and accelerated review of college algebra and trigonometry to prepare for science-track calculus courses. Most topics from MATH 1050 and MATH 1060 are covered in this course.

Math 1090: Business Algebra
Functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, matrices, Gaussian elimination, exponential and logarithmic functions, growth, periodic and continuously compounded interest, arithmetic and geometric series, annuities and loans.

Math 1210: Calculus I
Functions and their graphs, differentiation of polynomial, rational and trigonometric functions. Velocity and acceleration. Geometric applications of the derivative, minimization and maximization problems, the indefinite integral, and an introduction to differential equations.

Math 1220: Calculus II
Geometric applications of the integral, logarithmic, and exponential functions, techniques of integration, conic sections, improper integrals, numerical approximation techniques, infinite series and power series expansions, differential equations (continued).

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PHYS 1500: Problem Solving in Physics and Astronomy
This is a preparatory course for introductory physics (PHYS 2210). It focuses primarily on developing math and problem solving skills using interesting physics & astronomy content. The course will improve student fluency in algebra, vectors, trigonometry, and basic geometry through regular practice of solving problems. It will also teach students how physicists approach problem solving more generally. Students will also be exposed to derivatives and their physical meaning.

PHYS 2010: General Physics I
An algebra based physics course on the study of motion and heat. The course includes one-dimensional and two-dimensional kinematics, Newton's three laws of motion, circular motion, work and energy, momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics, periodic motion, the three laws of Thermodynamics, temperature, and heat transfer. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Intended for students seeking to enter medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, humanities, and behavioral and social sciences. Those wishing to take this course as a lecture-laboratory course should register concurrently for PHYS 2015.

PHYS 2015: General Physics Lab I
Laboratory experiences in mechanics and thermal physics to accompany PHYS 2010.

PHYS 2020: General Physics II
Continuation of PHYS 2010. An algebra based physics course on electricity, magnetism and light. The course covers Coulomb's law, electric fields in vacuum and matter, electric potential and energy, magnetic fields, Faraday's law, DC and AC circuits. Topics on light cover the relationship between electromagnetism and light, the wave nature of light, geometric optics, lenses and mirrors. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Those wishing to take this course as lecture-laboratory course should register concurrently for PHYS 2015.

PHYS 2025: General Physics Lab II
Continuation of PHYS 2015. Laboratory experiences in electric circuits, electronic instrumentation, computer interfacing, and optics to accompany PHYS 2020.

PHYS 2210: Physics for Science and Engineering I
A calculus based physics course designed to give science and engineering students a thorough understanding of mechanics. Topics include work and energy, vectors, kinematics, forces, Newton's three laws of motion, momentum, circular motion and rotations, angular momentum, Newtonian gravity. All topics are covered in one, two, and three spatial dimensions. Applications include mechanical oscillations, and wave motion. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Those wishing to take this course as a lecture-laboratory course should register concurrently for PHYS 2215.

PHYS 2215: Physics Lab for S&E
Teaches laboratory skills needed by scientists and engineers. Measurement, data analysis, computer graphics display, experimental design and report writing, experimental procedures and results. Experiments in mechanics and waves. Laboratory designed to accompany PHYS 2210.

PHYS 2220: Physics for Science and Engineering II
Continuation of PHYS 2210. A calculus based physics course designed to give science and engineering students a thorough understanding of electricity and magnetism. Topics include electrostatics, electric fields and potentials, magnetic fields and Faradays' law; current flow, resistance, capacitance and inductance; electric circuits and electromagnetic oscillations; electromagnetic waves, geometric and physical optics. All topics are covered in one, two, and three spatial dimensions. Three lectures and two recitations weekly. Those wishing to take this course as a lecture-laboratory course should register concurrently for PHYS 2225.

PHYS 2225: Physics Lab II for S&E
Continuation of PHYS 2215. laboratory designed to accompany PHYS 2220. The course teaches laboratory skills needed by scientists and engineers. Topics include measurement, data analysis, computer graphics display, experimental design and report writing, experiential procedures and results. Students will make experiments in standing waves, sounds, electric circuits, electronic instrumentation, optics and modern physics.

PHYS 2235: Computational Lab
An introductory laboratory course in the computer modeling of physical systems for students in the physics sequences 2210/2220 and 3210/3220. Computer tools to be introduced may include spreadsheets, basic Unix, Python and symbolic mathematics systems such as Maple, Matlab, or Mathematica. Laboratory exercises will be chosen to amplify the understanding of subject matter from introductory classical mechanics.

PHYS 2710: Phys III: Modern Physics
This is the third course in the core physics sequence and focuses on physics largely discovered, and applied, in the early part of the 20th century. Topics include waves, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics.

PHYS 3010: Intermediate Mechanics
This is the fourth course in the core Physics sequence and focuses on intermediate classical mechanics including Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian frameworks, and a geometric approach to special relativity. The course includes a complementary computational physics component where students will learn and practice computational and numerical techniques to solve problems related to the concepts in these areas.

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This course offers undergraduate students the opportunity to deeply engage in the scientific process while gaining essential skills, including observation, written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, in a collaborative environment. Students will develop these skills through cohort-based research experiences (Research Streams) as part of the Science Research Initiative. Each research Stream will be supervised by a faculty mentor from the College of Science. Students will be working on an independent project- the degree to which the student conceptualizes and designs that project is largely up to the mentor. The specific laboratory skills and disciplinary knowledge learned while carrying out research will vary depending on the focus of the research project. In addition to acquiring research Stream specific disciplinary expertise, participation will generally develop skills for reviewing scientific literature, data collection and data analyses, and scientific communication.

SRI Streams
Biophysics of Cancer
Topological Data Analysis
Species Discovery Using DNA Barcoding
Molds that Attack Mushrooms: Mycoparasitism in the Genus Hypomyces
Climate Change and Utah’s High Elevation Ecosystems
Biophysics of Cancer
Underexplored Molecular Architectures
Topological Data Analysis

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