Course Descriptions

MUS 108 - History of Music: Renaissance to 1800

MUS 109 - Ragtime to rock: American Popular Music

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate a clear grasp of the basic categories of American popular music styles.  This includes the phrases and development, and essential stylistic characteristics of each, their chronology, some representative performers and/or composers, as well as any cross-influences between them, along with terminology for understanding and discussing other forms of music.

MUS 111 - 19th Century Music

MUS 112 - 20th Century Music

MUS 114 - History of Opera

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Recall and be knowledgeable of great operas and arias from repertoir of Opera Seria of Baroque Period, Opera Buffa and Singspiel of the Classical Period, the golden age of opera in the Romantic Period, as well as masterworks and current operas of the 20th Century.
2.  Demonstrate knowledge of the operas of Caccini, Monteverdi, Purcell, Handel, Mozart, Verdi, Donizetti, Bizet, Gounod, Wagner, Strauss, as well as current composers.

MUS 115 - Ear Training I

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Sing simple major and minor songs using standard solfegge techniques.
2.  Sing major and minor triads, major and minor intervals of Major 2-aPerfect 5th, as well as major scales, and minor scales including natural, harmonic, and melodic minor.
3.  Write four measure, two-part examples of melodic dictation, and simple 4 measure examples of rhythmic dictation.

MUS 116 - Ear Training II

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Sing medium level major and minor songs using standard solfegge techniques.
2.  Sing and master singing in alto and other clefs.
3.  Sing and identify intervals of major 6ths, 7ths, and tri-tones, and be able to sight sing using kodaly hand signals.
4.  Sing various levels of chord progressions and be able to write Soprano/Alto/Bass examples of melodic dictation.
5.  Master four measure examples of rhythmic dictation.

MUS 117 - Ear Training III

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Sing and identify all intervals.
2.  Sing more advanced musical examples employing modulation.
3.  Sing advanced chord progressions, as well as chords in root, first, and second inversions.
4.  Write four measure soprano/alto/tenor/bass examples, as well as four measure rhythmic dictation employing syncopation.

MUS 120 - Piano Class I

MUS 121 - Piano Class II

MUS 160 - Sound Engineering I

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Know how to conduct a recording session.
2.  Correctly select and place microphone(s) with a vocalist or instrumentalist to achieve the maximum interface with Pro Tools.
3.  Correctly label vocal and instrumental recording tracks.
4.  Assign inputs and outputs.
5.  Assign “Effects” to specific channels in Pro Tools using the “Diamond Bundle.”
6.  Create “Auxiliary Channels” and “Master Tracks.”
7.  Successfully record a small ensemble and prepare the digital tracks for advanced sound editing and mixing techniques.

MUS 161 - Sound Engineering II

MUS 170 - Music and Computers

MUS 180 - Jazz Improvisation

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Construct a solo in the jazz style.
2.  Employ digital playing over chord changes.
3.  Utilize modes in soloing.
4.  Demonstrate chord extensions and altered chords in their soloing.
5.  Perform five jazz “standards” from memory.
6.  Integrate the blues form and style into soloing.
7.  Demonstrate “turn arounds” in their playing.
8.  Plan the creation of a solo as it relates to range and rhythmic intensity.

MUS 183 - Lead and Blues Guitar Playing

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Perform the “blues scale” in all keys.
2.  Construct a solo based on the “pentatonic scales.”
3.  Demonstrate “blues licks.”
4.  Perform “blues chords” in any key.
5.  Perform chord substitutions.
6.  Demonstrate the diminished scale and whole tone scales.
7.  Play a solo using the seven ancient church modes.

MUS 184 - Songwriting

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Write a song suitable for recording.
2.  Negotiate the selling and promotion of copyrighted music.
3.  Record a rough demo of their music.

MUS 185 - Beginning Guitar

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Play at least fifteen different chords.
2.  Read basic musical rhythms in treble clef.
3.  Demonstrate correct picking and fingering techniques.
4.  Discuss and demonstrate chord and scale theory.

MUS 186 - Guitar Ensemble

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have participated in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indigenous to the guitar ensemble repetoire.

MUS 187 - The Guitar: Its History and Music

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Identify the development of stylistic guitar techniques beginning with the sixteenth century.
2.  Demonstrate and discuss various tunings and stringings.
3.  Identify recognized contemporary performers in varying styles.
4.  Correctly place the guitar’s musical literature within the defined epochs of music history.

MUS 188 - Practical Music Theory for the Performing Musician

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Construct and identify the various fundamental elements of music listed in the course description.
2.  Demonstrate the application of the course material through the critical analysis of musical compositions and popular songs.

MUS 189 - Flute Ensemble

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Participate in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indigenous to the flute repetoire.

MUS 190 - The College Choir

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate correct breath support.
2.  Demonstrate enhanced sight-reading skills.
3.  Demonstrate the identification of music from various historical eras.
4.  Demonstrate correct performance practice of various styles of vocal masterpieces spanning the Rennaissance through the Twentieth Century.

MUS 191 - Music Performance

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have been involved in an approved community-based musical ensemble that will have further developed their performance abilities in either vocal or instrumental music.

MUS 192 - Woodwind Ensemble

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have participated in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indigenous to the woodwind repetoire.

MUS 193 - Brass Ensemble

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have participated in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indiginous to the brass repetoire.

MUS 194 - Voice Class I

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Sing simple class songs, as well as a more advanced solo song/aria employing standard techniques for good vocal production.
2.  Sing with proper breath support, and will demonstrate frontal and pharyngeal resonance, proper diction, and vowel equalization.
3.  Sing songs or arias with an understanding of proper vocal pedagogy.

MUS 195 - Jazz Ensemble

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have participated in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indiginous to the big band jazz repetoire.

MUS 196 - String Ensemble

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have participated in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indiginous to the string repetoire.

MUS 197 - Applied Music I

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate freshman level performance skills and techniques in their respective applied area (voice or instrumental) that meet, or exceed the requirements established at transfer institutions.

MUS 198 - Applied Music II

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate freshman level (second semester) vocal or instrumental performance skills and techniques in their respective applied areas that meet, or exceed the requirements established at various transfer institutions.

MUS 199 - Intermediate Guitar

MUS 201 - College Band

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Have participated in a concert that demonstrates their abilities to rehearse, analyze and perform music indigenous to the concert band repetoire.

MUS 260 - Sound Engineering III

MUS 261 - Sound Engineering IV

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Know how to record small and large musical ensembles.
2.  Know the different requirements needed to record various styles of music such as classical, rock, jazz and folk.
3.  Use advanced production, editing and recording techniques with the Pro Tools system.
4.  Arrange, produce and mix an independently recorded project.

MUS 290 - Chamber Singers

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Sight read simple and complex music using the solfege sight-reading system.
2.  Have mastered the rules of correct diction while singing in several languages, including Latin, French, Italian, German, and English.
3.  Identify stylistic differences among works from all musical periods, including Renaissance madrigals, traditional folk music, American spirituals, twentieth-century choral music, and contemporary choral music.
4.  Incorporate correct small ensemble techniques into their singing of a cappella and accompanied music.
5.  Practice proper breath support and correct vocal techniques in choral singing.

MUS 294 - Voice Class II

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Continue to sing moderately complex class songs as well as a more advanced solo song/aria employing standard techniques for good vocal production.
2.  Demonstrate singing with proper breath support, and will demonstrate frontal and pharyngeal resonance, proper diction, and vowel equalization.
3.  Continue to sing more advanced songs or arias with an understanding of proper vocal pedagogy.

MUS 296 - Internship

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Integrate their experience with the workings of arts/business/educational organizations into developing a larger perspective of their chosen area of music.
2.  Apply the knowledge gained within a particular field related to their career path.
3.  Learn to budget time in relation to required tasks.
4.  Establish a network of contacts in their chosen area.
5.  Develop a list of references for future employment.

MUS 297 - Applied Music III

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate sophomore level (first semester) vocal or instrumental performance skills and techniques in their respective applied areas that meet or exceed the requirements established at various transfer institutions.

MUS 298 - Applied Music IV

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate sophomore level (second semester) vocal or instrumental performance skills and techniques in their respective applied areas that meet or exceed the requirements established at various transfer institutions.

MUS 299 - Independent Study: Music

Dependent on the specific approved activity.

PED 100 - Archery

PED 103 - Backpacking (CV)

PED 106 - Badminton (CV)

PED 107 - Ballet I (CV)

PED 108 - Ballet II (CV)

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Recognize, demonstrate, and discuss the fundamentals of intermediate ballet technique.
2.  Identify the tools necessary to plan a beginning ballet class.
3.  Demonstrate coordination skills gained through the execution and repetition of exercises.
4.  Show a heightened body awareness developed during their final project.

PED 110 - Basic Ice Skating (CV)

PED 118 - Solutions in Fitness and Wellness

PED 119 - Solutions in Fitness and Wellness

PED 120 - Foundations of Exercise

PED 121 - Golf

PED 122 - Horsemanship

PED 123 - Exploration of Movement

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Discern and participate in typical patterns of movement.
2.  Recognize and develop alternative patterns of movement.
3.  Express themselves differently through their body language.
4.  Perform patterns of movement with greater self confidence.
5.  Articulate in writing:
     a)  Why the student believes preconceived restrictions hinder potential.
     b)  How through movement and gesture a student could increase pride and self expression.
     c)  How differences in perception are made similar through creative movement.

PED 124 - Track & Field (CV)

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Understand what events comprise a track and field meet.
2.  Compete in the track and field events of their choice.
3.  Have participated in two to four track and field meets.
4.  Understand why it is important to exercise regularly and the benefits of doing so.

PED 127 - Jogging (CV)

PED 130 - Karate (CV)

PED 135 - Jazz Dance I (CV)

PED 137 - Jazz Dance II (CV)

PED 139 - Self-Defense

PED 140 - Dance Pilates (CV)

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate proper breathing techniques.
2.  Identify a series of appropriate warming up exercises.
3.  Perform correct maneuvers and sequence of exercises that strengthen muscles and increase flexibility and cardiovascular funtion.
4.  Recognize when over-exertion and overuse can occur and take steps to avoid injury.
5.  Show how to go through a proper cool down.

PED 143 - Cross-Country Skiing (CV)

PED 144 - Aerobics (CV)

PED 146 - Aerobics (CV)

PED 147 - Soccer (Women) (CV)

PED 148 - Soccer (Men) (CV)

PED 149 - Snorkeling

PED 150 - Personal Nutrition

PED 155 - Trim and Tone (CV)

PED 168 - Exploring Healthy Lifestyles

PED 169 - Tennis (CV)

PED 170 - Trail Riding

PED 171 - Principles of Training and Conditioning

1.  The course will provide to students a better understanding of the components of a healthy and fit lifestyle.
2.  The course will provide to students a better understanding of the relationships among functioning systems and improved skill in the application of the principles of training and conditioning in an effort to improve those systems.
3.  The course will assist students in assessing their own personal fitness levels and in developing their own personal life-long fitness programs.

Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Better recognize, understand, and relate to the material presented.
2.  Have developed their own personal life-long fitness programs that reflect the material presented.

PED 172 - Volleyball (CV)

PED 173 - Fitness Walking (CV)

PED 175 - Weight Training

PED 207 - Women’s Varsity Lacrosse

Each participant will be expected to show and demonstrate skill and improvement in the following topics:

1. teamwork concepts
2. passing
3. catching
4. cradling
5. field rules
6. team defense
7. checking
8. clears
9. fast breaks
10. team offense and scoring
11. women’s lacrosse etiquette
12. safety of fellow players

PED 269 - Tennis II

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate consistency in their basic skills of forehand, backhand, volley, and serve.
2.  Execute a slice, lob, and overhead, and utilize each in play.
3.  Pass a quiz recalling the rules for a singles and a doubles game.
4.  Employ learned singles strategies during a game.
5.  Employ learned doubles strategies during a game.

PED 299 - Independent Study

PHI 102 - General Philosophy

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Identify the major areas of study in philosophy.
2.  Describe some of the major theories of metaphysics in Western philosophy.
3.  Describe some of the major theories of epistemology in Western philosophy.
4.  Describe some of the major ethical theories in Western philosophy.
5.  Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental conventions of philosophical argument.

PHI 104 - Philosophy of Religion

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Describe the general scope of the philosophy of religion.
2.  Identify some of the major approaches to the philosophy of religion.
3.  Describe some of the major theories regarding the existence of God.
4.  Identify some of the major philosophical problems having to do with the relationship of religion to other areas of thought.
5.  Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental conventions of argument in the philosophy of religion.

PHI 105 - World Religions

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate an understanding of some of the concepts and methods of the comparative study of religion.
2.  Apply those concepts and methods in order to think critically about religious history, doctrines, and practices.
3.  Express a broad understanding of the major religions of the world.
4.  Demonstrate an understanding of ideas that will help them to communicate more effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds and to understand global developments related to religion in the contemporary world.

PHI 201 - Ethics: Moral Philosophy

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Describe the general scope of moral philosophy.
2.  Identify some of the major classical theories in moral philosophy.
3.  Identify some of the major contemporary perspectives on moral philosophy.
4.  Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental conventions of argument in moral philosophy.

PHI 202 - Logic

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Distinguish between deductive and inductive arguments.
2.  Identify a valid, sound argument and a strong, cogent argument.
3.  Identify at least a dozen types of informal fallacies in written arguments.
4.  Identify and write categorical propositions.
5.  Determine the validity of immediate inferences involving categorical propositions.
6.  Determine the mood and figure of a categorical syllogism.
7.  Determine the validity of syllogisms using the Square of Opposition.
8.  Determine the validity of syllogisms using Venn diagrams.
9.  Determine the validity of enthymemes.
10.  Translate ordinary language arguments into syllogisms in order to analyze them logically.
11.  Translate ordinary language statements into propositional logic.
12.  Analyze an argument by means of truth tables.
13.  Analyze an argument using indirect truth tables.
14.  Translate paragraphs into propositional logic symbolism.
15.  Apply the 18 laws of natural deduction to determine the validity of arguments in propositional logic.
16.  Use indirect truth to determine validity of arguments in propositional logic.
17.  Use conditional proof to determine validity of arguments in propositional logic.
18.  Use existential and universal quantifiers in correct syntax for predicate logic.
19.  Translate ordinary language statements in predicate logic formulas.
20.  Apply the 18 laws of natural deduction to determine validity of arguments in predicate logic.
21.  Apply the change of quantifier rules to arguments in predicate logic.
22.  Use the counter-example method to prove invalidity in predicate logic.
23.  Use the finite universe method to prove invalidity in predicate logic.
24.  Correctly translate relational predicates with quantifiers.

PHI 203 - Philosophical Issues in American Education

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Trace the philosophy of education in American schooling.
2.  Identify the historical importance of the philosophy of education in American education.
3.  Explain the individual philosophies of the major educational philosophers and their impact on American schooling.
4.  Develop their own philosophy of education.
5.  Explore major educational trends in American schooling.
6.  Identify the philosophies that influence educational reform in American schooling.
7.  Evaluate the impact that philosophies of education have had on American schooling.
8.  Analyze and evaluate the success of America’s educational reform movements.
9.  Identify current American educational policy.
10.  Interpret current American educational policy.
11.  Evaluate the success of American education policy in the nation’s schools.

PHI 206 - Social and Political Philosophy

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Describe the scope of social and political philosophy.
2.  Identify some fo the major classical theories of social and political philosophy.
3.  Identify some of the modern theories of social and political philosophy.
4.  Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental conventions of argument in social and political philosophy.

PHI 299 - Independent Study: Philosophy

Course outcomes will be determined by the instructor with the consent of the department chair and Dean of Liberal Arts.

PHS 111 - Earth Investigations

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  List and explain the steps in the scientific method.
2.  Develop a hypothesis, test, modify, compare other hypotheses, and come to consensus on a theory as to what is hidden from view by using a cube with a hidden side.
3.  Write an original scientific research project.  Students will form a hypothesis, design data collection and an analysis schemes to prove or disprove their hypothesis.  Students will learn how to write a scientific report by using a standardized scientific paper format.
4.  List the elemental composition of the Earth’s crust and apply how these elements combine to form minerals.  Students should also be able to use the definition of a mineral and their physical properties to identify minerals.
5.  Describe the classification schemes of the three rock groups and use these systems to identify common rocks.
6.  Assess the durability and weathering of different rocks and minerals used as building materials across campus.
7.  Create a timeline of Earth’s History, including Geologic, Biologic, and Atmospheric events.
8.  Describe how Alfred Wegener’s hypothesis of continental drift was eventually proved by modern evidence to construct the Theory of Plate Tectonics decades after his death.
9.  Identify the height in the atmosphere at which various objects or phenomena occur.
10.  Explain the greenhouse effect as it relates to global climate change and cite environmental consequences of unimpeded global warming.
11.  Explain ozone depletion:  its causes and environmental consequences.
12.  Create a graph of the seasonal daylight changes at various latitudes throughout one earth year.
13.  Create a wind rose of Binghamton’s resultant wind direction.
14.  Articulate possible reasons for climatic differences when comparing two or more cities.
15.  Describe Binghamton’s climate.
16.  Construct a brief history of the development of modern astronomy.
17.  Describe the nebular theory of stellar and planetary development.
18.  Classify the celestial objects in our Solar System and argue whether Pluto should have been reclassified as a dwarf planet.
19.  Explain the basic properties and sizes of the 8 major planets and minor celestial objects in our solar system.
20.  Describe the characteristics, changes in apparent size of the Moon, eclipses, and phases of the moon.

PHS 112 - Interactions with the Natural World

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Distinguish among the following:  theory, hypothesis, inference, observation.
2.  Formulate hypotheses about phenomena under discussion; design and perform simple experiments to test the hypothesis; analyze and interpret data from the experiment to support or refute the hypothesis.
3.  Describe the components and organization of our solar system and understand the scale of planetary distances and sizes in our solar system.
4.  Describe some major conditions necessary to develop and sustain life on an astronomical body.
5.  Plot a scale diagram of Earth’s geologic history and recognize the interdependence of geologic, meteorologic and biologic events along this time line.
6.  Describe and demonstrate the changes in daylight during a year and explain the reasons for these changes; describe adaptations of organisms to daylight and darkness and to seasons.
7.  Describe the temperature and pressure characteristics of Earth’s atmosphere and list its component gases and their major functions.
8.  Distinguish between the processes of photosynthesis and respiration and describe simple experiments which can demonstrate each process.
9.  Describe how heat is transferred within and to the atmosphere and to Earth’s surface; describe major factors which affect the heating of Earth’s surface.
10.  Describe and perform the main physical tests and observations necessary to identify rocks and minerals.
11.  Distinguish between plant and animal cells and describe the main components of both.
12.  Discuss the evolution of Earth in terms of biologic change and in terms of plate tectonics.
13.  Complete projects to investigate characteristics of plants and animals.

PHS 113 - Astronomy - Exploring the Universe

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Explain the motion of the planets, Sun, and stars in the sky as seen from different locations on Earth.
2.  Describe the motion of the Moon and how it creates tides and eclipses.
3.  Describe the development of astronomical theories and models, from early Greek observations through the Copernican revolution to modern day.
4.  Use and understand the underlying concepts of astronomical tools such as telescopes, spectrometers, and star charts.
5.  List the members of the solar system, describe their characteristics, and explain theories concerning their information.
6.  Explain the structure of the Sun, the production of solar energy, and the interaction of the Sun with the Earth.
7.  Explain the methods used to measure stellar distances, masses, luminosities, diameters, densities, and populations.
8.  Explain stellar evolution from cloud collapse through main sequence lifetime to compact object creation.
9.  Describe the structure, formation, and evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies, including active galaxies.
10.  Describe the universe and its evolution in the Big Bang model.

PHS 114 - Meteorology: Investigating the Weather

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Describe the layers of the atmosphere, both in chemical composition and temperature distribution.
2.  Define temperature, pressure, and humidity.
3.  Identify different types of meteorological instrumentation.
4.  List the types of precipitation and their causes.
5.  Describe the process of cloud formation.
6.  Identify different cloud types.
7.  Define lapse rates and their uses in meteorology.
8.  Describe the earth’s heat balance through convection, conduction, radiation, absorption, and scattering.
9.  Describe seasonal variations at different locations and state their causes.
10.  Describe the general circulation patterns of the earth, on both a large and small scale.
11.  Define the jet stream and its effect on U.S. weather patterns.
12.  List the air masses that effect the continental U.S.
13.  Describe cyclogensis, pressure systems and their formation with respect to fronts and their effect on our weather.
14.  Describe the conditions necessary for severe weather development.

PHS 115 - Physical Geology: The Dynamic Earth

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Describe the composition of the Earth, especially the crust.
2.  Distinguish between a mineral and a rock and describe characteristics of each.
3.  Describe the formation of the three major rock types; list the names and characteristics of some common examples of each type, especially those of local or state importance.
4.  List the agents of erosion and various formations resulting from erosion and deposition, especially relating to mass wasting, streams, glaciers and groundwater.
5.  Distinguish major types of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions and their effects on humans.
6.  Describe the causes, detection, prediction and effects of earthquakes.
7.  Construct a model of the Earth’s interior based on evidence from seismic waves.
8.  Describe and diagram the main types of faults and folds and list the forces causing them.
9.  Describe the Plate Tectonic theory and give supporting evidence; describe major plate tectonic events in the Earth’s history.
10.  Explain the relationship between plate tectonics and volcanism, earthquakes and mountain building.

PHS 116 - Global Warming:Energy and the Environment

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Use the concept of rates to describe various processes and problems.
2.  Define velocity, acceleration and displacement.
3.  List Newton’s Laws of motion and predict motion of objects using Newton’s Laws.
4.  Define and use the concepts of work and energy to solve problems.
5.  Use the concept of a model.
6.  Describe and solve problems using the concepts of gravity, electric charge, and magnetic force.
7.  Describe the origin and treatment for particulate and gaseous air pollution.
8.  Define and use the basic principles of thermodynamics to describe the operation of various plants and the treatment of thermal pollution.
9.  Describe the operation of a nuclear power plant and the possible consequences thereof.
10.  Describe the energy technology of the future and the possible consequences thereof.
11.  List and discuss the problems associated with the alternatives to conventional motor vehicles.
12.  Describe a sound wave, the human ear, and noise pollution.
13.  Discuss the prospects for mass transportation.
14.  Describe remote sensing of materials.
15.  Discuss the prospects for materials recycling.

PHS 117 - Exploring Everyday Phenomena

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Make length, area, and volume measurements using standard metric units.
2.  Understand and be able to find the density of various types of materials.
3.  Understand and give evidence for the idea that matter consists of tiny particles called atoms.
4.  Understand the basic properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
5.  Understand that energy comes in many forms, is conserved, and may be converted from one form to another, but that the conversion will involve some losses in useful energy.
6.  Describe methods of heat transfer:  conduction, convection and radiation.
7.  Describe the operation of and the work, force, distance relationships involved in simple machines.
8.  Understand the results of simple experiments in electrostatics and magnetism.
9.  Understand the components of electrical circuits and be able to wire simple circuits.

PHS 123 - Natural Disasters

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  State the statistics regarding different types of natural disasters and the highest cause for loss of life and property.
2.  Identify the different types of earthquakes and what impacts different soils have on earthquake damage.
3.  Identify the different types of volcanoes and which type has a higher probability for loss of life or property; also be able to identify where volcanoes occur.
4.  State the causes for mass movements.
5.  Identify regions prone to tsunamis, state the measures used to predict or warn the public about approaching tsunamis.
6.  Describe the different types of severe weather and how each is formed.
7.  Describe why Binghamton, NY is prone to flooding and what a 100-year flood means.
8.  Identify the relationship between wind and pressure as it relates to the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane force winds.  Identify the major causes for loss of life during a hurricane.
9.  State evidence that supports global climate change and state the causes of global climate change.

PHS 125 - Historical Geology: The History of Life and Planet Earth

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

Geologic Time
1.  Assess the difference between catastrophism and uniformitarianism.
2.  Compare various historical attempts to age-date the Earth including the Judeo-Christian Bible, the accumlation of sediments, accumulation of salt in the oceans, and the rate of heat loss by conduction.  Compare age of the Earth estimates of each technique, appraise the assumptions and weaknesses of each of these attempts.
3.  Describe Steno’s principles and apply to specific geologic situations to unravel the geologic history of each.
4.  Differentiate fossils from index fossils and explain how they are used to correlate sedimentary layers around the world.
5.  Define radioactivity and half-lives and apply these principles to sequence the events in geologic block diagrams.
6.  Prepare a geologic time scale:  Pre-Cambrian, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.
Evolution
1.  Discriminate how science differs from religion on evolutionary thought.
2.  Assemble a history of the development of evolutionary thought from Aristotle to Darwin.
3.  Differentiate between what Darwin did and didn’t say about evolution.
4.  Analyze what Darwinism is:  adaptation, random genetic variation, natural selection, sexual selection, non-constancy of species, gradualism.
5.  Organize and describe the proofs for biologic evolution.
6.  Define population, species, speciation and extinction.
7.  Identify different types of evolution:  divergent, convergent, parallel.
8.  Discriminate between evolutionary trends of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
9.  Differenciate between Linnean and Cladistic classification.  Examine the advantages and limitations of each.
The Pre-Cambrian
1.  Describe the formation of the solar system, especially the Earth and its early history.
2.  Differentiate between Archean and Proterozoic rocks, atmospheric conditions, life forms and orogenies.
3.  Construct the steps necessary in the Evolution of life and photosynthesis.
4.  Describe the significance of the Edicaran fauna.
The Paleozoic
1.  Organize the general characteristics of life, paleogeography, extinctions, regional examples, etc. of the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian worlds.
2.  Describe the significance of the Burgess Shale.
3.  Construct a Devonian history and paleogeography of South-Central New York State.
The Mesozoic
1.  Inventory the general characteristics of life and paleography of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous worlds.
2.  Describe the general characteristics of the evolution and types of dinosaurs (saurischian and ornisthischian).  Discriminate between the general groups of dinosaurs.  Differentiate between the evidence for some groups of dinosaurs being endothermic, ectothermic.
3.  Sort the differing theories on the extinction of the dinosaurs.  List the pros and cons to both an extraterrestrial cause and volcanic cause of the extinction.
The Cenozoic
1.  Inventory the general characteristics and paleogeography of the Cenozoic worlds.
2.  Describe the general characteristics of the evolution and types of mammals.
3.  Explore competing theories on the evolution of humans from primate ancestors.
 

PHS 226 - Oceanography

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Explain the geologic history of the oceans.
2.  Describe the fundamental physical properties of seawater, and explain the temporal and spatial variation in these properties.
3.  Describe the major water currents and circulation of ocean waters with these currents.
4.  Explain the formation of waves and understand the differences between the major wave types.
5.  Explain why coastal waters are biological, highly productive and diverse.
6.  Explain why the future productivity of such coastal water regions is uncertain.
7.  Explain how the ocean influences life on land and the role it plays in global climate.

PHS 291 - Special Topics in Physical Science

PHS 292 - Special Topics in Physical Science

PHS 293 - Special Topics in Physical Science

PHS 298 - Physical Science Senior Seminar

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Demonstrate the ability to search a scientific journal database for information specific to their interest.
2.  Understand how to read and interpret scientific paper.
3.  Demonstrate the ability to convey complicated topics in an understandable way to their peers.
4.  Summarize the information learned from an oral presentation and ask relevant questions.
5.  Conduct a formal presentation on a current topic in physical science.

PHY 090 - Preparatory Physics

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Discriminate between fundamental and derived units of measurement.
2.  State an appropriate SI unit for each physical quantity studied throughout the course.
3.  Correctly assess the number of significant figures in a given or measured quantity.
4.  Perform calculations with inputs of differing accuracy and state the result with the appropriate number of significant figures.
5.  Perform calculations involving numbers in scientific notation.
6.  Perform unit conversions within the SI system and between SI and the English system.
7.  Measure physical quantities in the laboratory.
8.  Analyze experimental data and graphs.
9.  Solve algebraic motion problems.
10.  Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities.
11.  Find the components of a vector.
12.  Determine a vector given its components.
13.  Add vectors.
14.  State Newton’s laws of motion.
15.  Solve simple problems using Newton’s Second Law.
16.  Discriminate between weight and mass.
17.  Solve problems involving equilibrium of forces.
18.  Define concepts of work and power.
19.  Distinguish among gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy and elastic potential energy.
20.  State the work energy theorem and conditions under which it leads to conversation of total mechanical energy.
21.  Solve problems using the work energy theorem, or the law of conservation of energy, where appropriate.
22.  Distinguish between temperature and heat.
23.  Solve problems involving thermal equilibrium and heat transfer.
24.  Explain the physical principles behind the operation of a thermometer.
25.  Describe the present theory of the composition of matter in terms of the Standard Model of Elementary Particles.
26.  Solve electrostatic force problems using Coulomb’s Law.
27.  Use Ohm’s Law to solve simple problems.
28.  Compute electric power, electric energy and cost of operation of ordinary household appliances.
29.  Solve simple series and parallel circuit problems.
30.  Define open and short, and state the consequence of having each in a series or in a parallel circuit.
31.  Define electric  and magnetic fields.
32.  Describe the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction.
33.  Distinguish among the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum on the basis of wavelength, frequency, and energy.
34.  Use the mathematical relationships among wavelength, period, frequency, and speed to solve problems.
35.  Compute the energy of electromagnetic radiation given either its frequency or wavelength.
36.  Describe the relationship between electromagentic energy and transitions between electron energy levels.