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Science and Mathematics
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 wellfunctioning,
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
Academic Catalog | Cazenovia College | www.cazenovia.edu 175