SM 100D Fundamentals of College Mathematics
3 non-degree credits
This course prepares students for SM161 or SM163 by introducing them to the operations and properties of the real number system, algebraic expressions, and solving equations. Applications are stressed throughout the course. This course provides three college credits which are factored into the GPA. However, these credits are taken in addition to the total credit requirements of the student's major program. Placement is based upon an entrance mathematics test. Ordinarily, students are expected to complete this course by the end of their first year of college (September to September or January to January). Students who participate in Summer College (August) prior to their first year of school must complete this course by the end of that academic year (May). Students who fail this course twice will be dismissed from the College. (Offered annually)
SM 116 Physical Science
4 credits (AS)
Physical Science is an introduction to various
disciplines of science, namely physics – the science of matter and energy; chemistry
– the science of matter and change; astronomy – the science of the universe
beyond our planet; and geology – the science of Earth and its history. The basic laws that govern physics and
chemistry can also be applied to astronomy and geology. The history of
development of these laws adds to the perspective of how scientific knowledge
has evolved through the course of human history and how science influences our
lives and how it can be used in the future. (Offered spring term) Prerequisite:
SM 161 College Algebra or equivalent.
SM 117 Diversity of
Life
4 credits (AS)
This
course provides a survey of the diversity of life, from bacteria through fungi,
plants and vertebrates, while emphasizing the functioning of an organism within
its world. Topics include the essentials
of energy metabolisms, bodily structures and functions, and the way organisms
interact and evolve with their environments. The laboratory is integrated with
class material, and incorporates experimental design, student demonstrations,
observations, and computer simulations. Fulfills the lab science requirement.
(Offered fall term)
SM 118 Cellular and
Molecular Biology
4 credits (AS)
Students investigate the organization and function
of living cells, from the prokaryotes through the eukaryotes. Emphasis is on the biological molecules;
organelle structure and function; cell division and signaling; cell metabolism;
gene structure and function; genomics and population genetics; and how all of
this can integrate to produce a well-functioning, multicellular organism. Fulfills the lab science requirement.
(Offered spring term)
SM
121 General Chemistry I
4 credits (AS)
General
Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformation. Topics studied are
atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical equations, balancing redox equations,
and chemical bonding. The laboratory emphasis is on the techniques of
quantitative analysis. Three lectures and a laboratory session every week.
(Offered fall term) Prerequisite:
SM 161 College Algebra or equivalent and one year of high school chemistry.
SM
122 General Chemistry II
4 credits (AS)
General
Chemistry II is a continuation of SM 121 General Chemistry I with emphasis on
more advanced aspects of chemistry. Topics studied are molecular structure and
covalent bonding theories, gases, liquids, solids, chemical and ionic
equilibrium, acid-bases, and electrochemistry. The laboratory component
includes molecular models, physical measurements, acid-base chemistry, redox
titrations, some semi-micro qualitative analysis and a research project. Three
lectures and lab every week. Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered
spring term) Prerequisite:
SM 121 General Chemistry I.
SM 140 Environmental Science
4 credits (AS)
In this course, the impact of human activity on the environment is discussed within the context of basic ecological principles. Topics include energy, population biology, resource management and pollution. Lecture and discussion material is combined with field work conducted at local natural areas. Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered fall term)
SM 161 College Algebra
3 credits (AS)
This course features basic algebraic and logarithmic concepts necessary to prepare students for pre-calculus and statistics. Topics include algebraic fundamentals; rational expressions; exponents and radicals; linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, logarithmic and exponential functions; introduction to function inverses; system of equations; matrices. Applications are stressed throughout. (Offered fall and spring terms) Prerequisite: SM 099 or equivalent through placement testing or permission of the instructor
SM 163 Contemporary Mathematics
3 credits (AS)
This course provides a practical alternative to traditional mathematics. The emphasis is on utility and applications to contemporary mathematical problems. Topics investigated will be drawn from management science; mathematics of social choice; size, shape and symmetry; and methods of data collection and description. Applications are stressed throughout. (Offered fall and spring terms) Prerequisite: SM 099 or equivalent through placement testing or permission of the instructor
SM 164 Visual Mathematics
3 credits (AS)
This course familiarizes students with fundamental properties of two and three dimensional geometric shapes and fosters an appreciation for the usefulness of geometry, with an emphasis on design through a projects based approach. Topics include: problem solving; geometric shapes and measurement; perimeter, area and volume; similarity; coordinate and transformation geometry; and Escher tessellations.
SM 165 Pre-Calculus
3 credits (AS)
This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the mathematical concepts and skills needed as prerequisite for Calculus I. Emphasis is placed on developing mathematical reasoning and graphical visualization skills, thus helping students understand how the mathematical concepts can be applied to solve real world problems. Topics studied include graphs, functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and matrices. (Offered fall and spring term) Prerequisite: Successful completion of mathematics placement exam or equivalent or permission of the instructor.
SM 211 Investigating Biology
3 credits (AS)
Students
are introduced to a variety of commonly used field and laboratory techniques
for investigating biological topics.
Emphasis is placed on hypothesis development, sample methodology and
data collection, and the basics of data analysis, interpretation and
presentation. Does not fulfill the lab
science requirement. (Offered fall term) Pre-requisite: SM 117 or SM
118
SM 215 Equine Anatomy and Physiology
4 credits (CS/AS)
The course familiarizes students with the skeletal structure, musculature and internal systems of the horse, including the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, integumentary, special senses and reproductive systems. The course structure includes three lectures and one laboratory session each week. This course fulfills the lab science requirement in the general education core. (Offered fall term) Prerequisite: SM 112 Cellular and Organismal Biology.
SM
219 Aquatic
Biology
4
credits (AS)
The physical and biological aspects of aquatic
ecosystems are investigated. Topics
include the types of major freshwater habitats (ponds, lakes, rivers, bogs and
swamps) and the physiological and behavioral adaptations of animals and plants
in each of these habitats. The
laboratory portion consists of field trips to various habitats, analysis of the
physical factors, and determination of species present. (Offered irregularly). Prerequisite: SM 117 or SM 140.
SM
221 Organic Chemistry I
4 credits (AS)
This
class focuses on a study of carbon-containing compounds upon which living
things are based. It deals with the
structure, bonding and reactivity of compounds that contain mainly carbon and
hydrogen. Emphasis is placed on understanding relationships between molecular
structure and properties and on designing syntheses of organic compounds. The use of spectroscopy in determining the
molecular structure will be included as well.
The laboratory provides hands-on experience with the tools and
techniques of organic chemistry.
Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered fall term, alternate
years) Prerequisite: SM 121 General Chemistry I and SM 122 General Chemistry II.
SM
222 Organic Chemistry II
4 credits (AS)
This
course is a continuation of Organic Chemistry I with emphasis on monofunctional
and polyfunctional organic compounds and multi-step methods of synthesis. Fulfills the lab science requirement.
(Offered spring term, alternate years) Prerequisite: SM 221 Organic Chemistry I
SM 224 General Zoology
4 credits (AS)
This course is a survey of the animal kingdom, covering major invertebrate and vertebrate groups. Emphasis is placed on structural and functional relationships related to evolution and physiology. Lab exercises compare these relationships among diverse taxonomic groups. Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered alternate years)
SM 225/325 Plant Biology
4 credits (AS)
Students explore in more
depth the morphology, anatomy, development, metabolism, physiology and
evolution of plants and their traditionally linked allies, the bacteria and
fungi. Additionally topics emphasize
plant domestication and economic/ecological importance. Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered
spring term) Pre-requisite: SM 117 or SM
118
SM 231 Comparative Vertebrate
Anatomy
4 credits (AS)
Students
investigate the basic anatomy and histology of the principle organ systems of vertebrates
with a focus on comparing the structural variation and adaptations with respect
to taxonomy, evolution and ecological relationships. Lab is integrated with
lectures. (Offered alternate years) Pre-requisite: SM 117 or SM
224
SM 243/343 BioTopics
3 credits (AS)
This
course serves as a spring entry-level course for the biology program.
As such, the topics vary by instructor and year. Example topics include, but are not limited
to, forest ecology, invasive species, oceans, seeds of change, and biology of
parasites. Those students taking the
course for 300-level credit must cover and complete additional material and
assignments. Does not fulfill the lab science requirement. (Offered spring
term)
SM 250/350 Service Learning/Laboratory Experience
1 credit (AS)
An
added component to course offerings in
any semester, this course provides students with public outreach experience
or an additional field/laboratory experience while reinforcing concepts learned in coursework. A contractual agreement between the
instructor and student(s) will outline the objectives of the project and the
credit level to be received at the completion of the project. May be repeated
for credit if associated with a different topic. Prerequisite:
Permission of the instructor.
SM 261 Statistics
3 credits (AS)
Statistics is designed for students interested in social, behavioral and natural sciences, business, and economics. Topics include descriptive statistics; counting methods; probability and probability distributions including binomial, normal, Poisson, and t-distributions; estimation; hypothesis testing; chi-square applications; linear regression and correlation. Technology will include the use of statistical software and will be introduced through workshops. Prerequisite: SM 161 College Algebra or SM 165 Pre-Calculus ("C" grade or better strongly recommended) or permission of the instructor
SM 265 Calculus I
3 credits (AS)
This course is an introduction to calculus with an exploration of the properties of relations and functions, limits and continuity, derivatives, related rates and other applications of the derivative. Students will also be introduced to Integral calculus. Prerequisite: SM 165 Pre-Calculus or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
SM 266 Calculus II
3 credits (AS)
This course is a continuation of SM 265 Calculus I. Students will explore the indefinite and definite integral techniques of integration, applications of the integral, infinite sequences and series, power series and Taylor and Maclaurin series. (Offered annually) Prerequisite: SM 265 Calculus I
SM 302 Wetlands Ecology
4 credits (AS)
A
coordinated lecture/laboratory approach that will emphasize wetlands within the
continental United States. The course will provide a background in both
historical and modern wetland issues; characteristics of freshwater, estuarine,
and marine wetland types, including important plants and animals of each;
processes of wetland determination and delineation; regulatory framework of
wetlands protection; and procedures involved in wetland restoration and
conservation. Students will also gain experience in wetlands research. (Offered
fall term alternate years) Pre-requisite: SM 140 or SM
117 or equivalents, or permission of the instructor.
SM 306 Field Natural History
4 credits (AS)
Field Natural History is the study of organisms in their natural environments. In this class, students will explore the fields, forests and waterways of Central New York through lectures, readings, discussions and laboratories. The student will develop identification and observation skills as well as experience in using digital video equipment and the computer programs associated with this technology. There are three lectures and a lab every week. Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered alternate years)
SM 307 Animal Behavior
3 credits (AS)
This
course surveys the basic principles of animal behavior. We examine the proximate and ultimate causes
of behavior, including the role that ecology, culture, evolution, and genetics
play in behavior. Our focus will be both on the behaviors
themselves and how we, as scientists or critical thinkers, can determine the
causes for any particular behavior. Does
not fulfill the lab science requirement.
(Offered spring term alternate years) Pre-requisite: SM 117 and
SM 118 or equivalents, or permission of instructor.
SM 311 Global Environmental Issues and Perspectives
3 credits (AS)
Environmental problems often transcend countries‘ boundaries. A global perspective towards pressing environmental issues such as resource and energy depletion, sustainability, global warming, and pollution is examined. By using case studies and readings, students will explore how governments and international NGO‘s (Non Governmental Organizations) attempt to address and resolve these problems. (Offered on a rotating basis)
SM 314 Field Botany
4 credits (AS)
This course focuses on field recognition of individual plants and on the ecological structure of botanical communities of Central New York. Emphasis is on identification and ecology of the plants, herbarium preservation as a means of maintaining a record of local flora. There are three lectures and a lab each week. Fulfills the lab science requirement. (Offered alternate years) Prerequisite: SM 112 Cellular and Organismal Biology
SM 315 Genetics
4 credits (AS)
This
course is an introduction to classical genetics, modern developments and
evolutionary trends in genetics. We will
consider major contemporary problems of importance related to genetics, such as
genetic engineering, forensic genetics, and medical genetics. The laboratory is integrated with classroom
topics and incorporates DNA techniques, simulations, recitation/discussions and
experiments. There are three lectures
and a lab every week. Fulfills the lab
science requirement. (Offered spring
term, alternate years) Prerequisite: SM 117 and SM 118 or its equivalent, or permission of
instructor.
SM 331 Animal Physiology
4 credits (AS)
This course presents a detailed study of animal
function within the animal as well as with its physical environment. Topics include sensory systems, homeostatic
control mechanisms like thermoregulation and osmoregulation, as well as the
functional adaptations used by animals to overcome environmental
challenges. (Offered alternate years) Pre-requisite:
SM 117 or SM 224.
SM 342 Principles of Ecology
3 credits (AS)
Ecology
is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their
environment from the functioning of individual organisms to the
perspective of our planet’s environment as an integrated system forming the
basis of a global ecology. This course provides the student with an
introductory overview of this diverse field of study and an appreciation for the
continuing importance of ecological science in guiding human relationships with
our planetary home. Prerequisite: SM 117
or SM 140 or permission of the instructor.
SM 385/485 Internship I
3-6 credits (CS)
Internships consist of off-campus fieldwork based on a learning contract signed by the student, agency supervisor and faculty director. The student participates in internship seminar meetings and an annual group presentation of internship experiences. A written evaluation of the experience is required of the student and agency. The student develops a final report that synthesizes the internship and academic activities. (Offered annually) Pre- or co-requisite: CM 301 Speech and Rhetoric
SM 396 Scientific Inquiry
3 credits (AS)
Students gain intensive practical experience in all aspects of the process of scientific inquiry, including collection of primary and secondary literature and synthesis of relevant information from this literature, development of testable hypotheses, appropriate design and implementation of experiments, data analysis and presentation, scientific writing, and the peer-reviewed publication process. Students become familiar with strengths and weaknesses of important forms of scientific communication, including peer-reviewed primary research and review articles, conference presentations (oral and poster), grant proposals and Web sites. Additional topics include the history of scientific inquiry, ethical conduct of scientists, funding sources, and communicating with public audiences. (Offered annually) Prerequisites: One year of SM laboratory science courses or permission of the instructor
SM 402
Watershed Management
3 credits
(AS)
Students gain an understanding of hydrology and
physical, biological, and chemical characteristics that influence water quality
and quantity and are, therefore, important to watershed management. Topics
include effects of various land uses, chemical and biological water quality
indicators, and techniques for improving water quality and managing water
quantity. An important culminating project is the development of a watershed
management plan. Does not fulfill the
lab science requirement. (Offered spring
term alternate years) Pre-requisite:
SM 140 or SM 302 or permission of the instructor.
SM 411 Cell Biology and Physiology
3 credits (AS)
This
course examines major areas of cell biology, including detailed examination of
the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and membranes, bioenergetics,
cell signaling and cellular and molecular aspects of immunology and
development. (Offered on a rotating
basis, spring term) Pre-requisites: SM 118 and
SM 221
SM
451 Independent Research
2 credits (AS)
Students
conduct laboratory or field research on a project they create in consultation
with one of the biology professors. The
credits and project will be outlined via a contractual agreement between the
student(s) and instructor(s); a final, potentially publishable research report
will be produced by the end of the course.
Offered every semester or annually as either a regularly scheduled
course or an independent study. Pre-requisites:
Permission of the instructor and junior status
SM 470 Environmental Interpretation
4 credits (AS)
Building on concepts learned in the core of the Environmental Biology Concentration of the Environmental Studies program, this course integrates these concepts with the practical approach of communicating and interpreting nature for the general public. Students will further their knowledge of the inhabitants of local environments while designing and implementing environmental exhibits for the college and/or community in the form of slide presentations, informational leaflets, exhibits, and interpretive programs. Prerequisites: Junior/senior standing
SM 499 Capstone Seminar
3 credits (AS)
In the Capstone Seminar students focus on specific academic projects that both integrate the knowledge and skills from their previous course work and prepare them for the next stage of their professional development. The course stresses written, oral and visual communication; pragmatic problem-solving skills; setting and achieving specific goals; teamwork; and self-assessment. Each year at least one section of the Capstone Seminar will be devoted to individual research and creative projects, and one to team-based projects. Additional sections of either format may be offered based on need, student interest, and availability.