2007-08 - Pitzer College

250 SCIENCE
SCIENCE
114, 115
• A one- or two-semester thesis in Science (190L or 191 or 188L and 190L)
• Mathematics 31, 32, and 111.
• Chemistry 14
• One computer science course chosen in consultation with faculty advisers.
Courses required for the Science and Management major:
• Chemistry 14, 15 (or 29), or both semesters of the AISS course
• Physics 33, 34 (for physics & chemistry tracks), or both semesters of the AISS
course; or Physics 30, 31 (for other tracks)
• Mathematics 30
• Computer Science 50 (or equivalent)
• A writing course
• Economics 51, 52, 86, 160, 161, 151 (CMC)
• Psychology 135
• A one- or two-semester science thesis, and Internship or Practicum
• Additional courses in one of four tracks: chemistry, physics, biotechnology,
environmental management.
This major is designed to train students in science and to provide a grounding in
managerial skills as well as in the liberal arts, in addition to Pitzer core requirements. For
details of each track, contact the Joint Science Department.
Courses required for the Management Engineering major:
• Mathematics 30, 31, 32, 111 (CMC), or equivalent
• Physics 33, 34, or both semesters of the AISS course; Physics 35 101 or 106 or 107
• Economics 51, 52, 86, and one advanced course
• Organizational Studies/Social Science-any two of the following: OS100 or 105;
Sociology 25, 130 or 150; Psychology 135.
• Highly recommended: Chemistry 15, a course in computing, and an
introductory engineering course. Chemical engineers should take organic or
physical chemistry.
A five-year program, offered in conjunction with other institutions, allows students to
receive both a bachelor of arts Degree in Management Engineering from Pitzer and a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the second institution. The first three
years of study are undertaken on the Pitzer campus. After this, students enroll in the
engineering programs at other institutions. Upon completion of the two-year engineering
program, graduates simultaneously receive an engineering degree from the second
institution and a bachelor of arts degree from Pitzer. Formal programs exist with
Columbia University, Washington (St. Louis), University of Southern California, Rensslaer
Polytechnic, and Boston University. Other students typically transfer to such schools as
U.C. Davis, U.C. Santa Barbara, U.C. San Diego, Cal Poly SLO, University of Arizona, and
Cornell. It is essential for students to plan courses carefully and early in the program.
Details of specific course requirements, recommendations, and general program
expectations may be obtained from J. Higdon or other members of the Joint Science faculty.
Special Options
Honors in Science
To be eligible for departmental honors in one of the science majors listed in this
catalogue, students must:
a) achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in courses in the major;
b) write a two-semester thesis considered of honors quality by the department (the
department will base its decision on such issues as original contribution by the
student, written presentation, data interpretation, effort, and initiative;
c) attain an average GPA of 3.5 or better in Science 188L and 190L, including a grade
of A1 (3.5) on the written thesis and satisfactory participation in the two semesters
of Senior Honors Seminar, including attendance, posters, and oral presentations.
AP Credit
Biology: An AP score of 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam will be granted one elective
course credit towards graduation, but will not be counted towards a biology major
requirement. Placement in upper-level biology courses is only done by examination by
the Biology Department.
Chemistry: An AP score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam will be granted one elective
course credit towards graduation. Decisions on possible placement into Chemistry 15 (or
29) will be determined on an individual basis after consultation (and examination for 29)
by the Chemistry Department.
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Physics: An AP score of 4 or 5 on the AP Physics exam will be granted one elective
course credit towards graduation, but will not count towards a major requirement in
Physics or Engineering. Decisions on waiver of courses and placement will be determined
on an individual basis after consultation by the Physics Department.
Astronomy
The Astronomy Program is offered as a joint program with the Physics Departments at
Harvey Mudd College and Pomona College. Courses are offered within the Physics
Program and are intended for students who have an interest in the subject or those who
may wish to pursue astrophysics at the graduate level.
The Joint Science Department in cooperation with HMC and Pomona maintains facilities
at the Table Mountain Observatory, located about an hour from campus in the San
Gabriel Mountains. Equipment includes a 40-inch telescope with a photometer, CCD
camera, IR camera, and CCD spectrograph.
1. Introductory Astronomy. A non-mathematical survey of modern astronomy,
emphasizing new and exciting observational results from space and ground-based
observatories, and how they shape contemporary understanding of the formation and
evolution of the universe and solar system. Topics cover all aspects of modern astronomy,
including planetary, stellar, and extragalactic astronomy. Includes a laboratory
component with telescopic observational exercises and computer simulations of various
astronomical situations. No prerequisite. Spring, P. Choi, B. Penprase.