Climate Science Course Descriptions
Scroll down to read descriptions of the climate science courses offered at Carthage, or click on these links for additional resources:
Exploring Climate Change
BIO 1011 / 4 credits
This course explores the science of global climate change, focusing primarily on biology. Students will study the effects of climate change on organisms and ecosystems as well as the role living organisms play in maintaining the global climate. Implications of climate science for public policy will also be examined. Lecture and laboratory.
Offered in Alternating Spring
Biogeography
GEO 2450 / 4 credits
Biogeography investigates spatial patterns in the biosphere to show how Earth history, evolutionary and ecological processes, and contemporary environments have shaped patterns of biodiversity. Using a studio classroom setting, biogeography studies spatial distributions of organisms and the factors influencing those distributions, examining the interactions of the physical environment and sustainability of biological organisms through time.
Meteorology
GEO 2550 / 4 credits
A study of meteorology and weather through the analysis of atmospheric processes and the composition of the atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on dynamic meteorology through understanding the processes responsible for weather, climate change, and related environmental issues.
Climatology
GEO 3700 / 4 credits
An overview of atmospheric processes and climatic elements, followed by a more detailed examination of the spatial distribution of climates. Particular emphasis will be placed upon macroscale climates of the global continents and climate change, culminating with microscale applications of the principles and concepts within the local area. Prerequisite: GEO 1600, ENV 1000 or consent of instructor
Fundamental Physics
PHY 1200 / 4 credits
This course covers fundamental physical principles including descriptions of mechanical, electrical, wave, and atomic phenomena. The course highlights ways in which physical principles are used to describe and understand the vast array of observable phenomena in the universe. Students will study applications of physics to a range of important historical and contemporary scientific and technological questions. This course is intended for potential physics majors or students planning further study in the physical sciences. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MTH 1070, 1120, or 1220 or departmental approval
Offered in Fall
Physics I
PHY 2100 / 4 credits
This non-calculus-based course provides an introduction to the essentials of mechanics, heat, and sound for students with no prior training in physics or chemistry. PHY 2100 in combination with 2110 is the preferred sequence for majors in health and life sciences. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisite: High school algebra; students with academic credit for MTH 1120 or who concurrently enroll in MTH 1120 or MTH 1220 require approval of the physics department.
Offered in Fall
General Physics II
PHY 2210 / 4 credits
This course is a continuation of PHY 2200 and provides a calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism, light, and wave phenomena. This course is required for physics majors, engineering students, and chemistry majors. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 2200 and MTH 1220 with a C- or better
Offered in Fall/Spring
Science of Global Climate Change
PHY/GEO 4150 / 4 credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the science of planetary climates for students with a background in physics and/or geography. Emphasis will be placed on the physical processes that control the state of Earth’s climate, which include the roles of energy and moisture, atmospheric circulation, and atmosphere-ocean interaction. Cross-listed in geospatial science.
Prerequisite: GEO 3700, PHY 2200 or consent of the instructor
Offered in Fall/J-Term/Spring