At ʻAtenisi the teaching of natural science follows the historical viewpoint, in which science is considered to have developed from natural philosophy. Although practical work or demonstrations are performed when possible, the university is unfortunately too small to have any extensive laboratory and research facilities available.
Biology courses start with general principles from plants and animals, then usually continue to higher levels with agricultural plants or marine zoology. Other branches, however, may be taught from time to time.
Computer courses are currently limited to computer awareness only, although computer science may figure more prominently in the future.
Chemistry courses feature mainly organic chemistry -- inorganic chemistry is given only occasionally.
Physics courses undergo considerable variation from year to year. First year physics always includes the basics of kinematics and dynamics, but then may branch out to astronomy, optics, electrics, fluid dynamics or other topics. Higher level courses may delve into electromagnetism and atomic physics, or into advanced astronomy, special relativity, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, or wave theory.
Other natural science courses, which are only occasionally given, include botany, geology, ecology, pharmacy, meteorology. For mathematics, refer to the school of arts.
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BIO. 1 |
General biology |
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An introduction to the basic biological principles: the cell; the gene; evolution; plants; animals; ecology. |
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BIO. 2 |
Advanced biology |
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Focus on immunology and genetics. Also as continuation of Biology 1: mechanisms of development, nervous system and sense organs, ecology. |
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BIOCHEM. 1 |
Biochemistry |
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Study of life processes on the molecular level. Biomolecules; mechanisms of enzyme action; metabolism; expression of genetic information. |
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CHEM. 1 |
Fundamental chemistry |
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The course reviews the following topics: SI units, significant figures, experimental error; physical properties; history of atomic theory, from Old Greece to the present; gas laws, mole concept; compounds and chemical equations; laboratory skills and safety; kinetic theory; periodicity, types of chemical bonding; nomenclature inorganic compounds; redox reactions; electrochemistry, batteries; solubility and concentration; composition of seawater (salts); equilibrium; acids & bases, pH, buffers, titration; nuclear chemistry, radioactive isotopes, fission and fusion, half life and applications (C-14 dating), dangers and effects on health; labels on chemicals, foodstuff etc.; treatment and disposal; chemical hand books: Merck Index, CRC, Aldrich catalogue. Experimental work included. |
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CHEM. 1 |
Introduction to Organic Chemistry |
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The course reviews organic chemistry as a subfield of chemistry, as well as various classes of compounds -- i.e., alkanes, alkylhalides, alkanols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, fats, polyalcohols, benzenes, and aromatics. For each class of compound, structure, properties, mechanisms, reactivity, and synthesis are examined. Laboratory work is required. |
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CHEM. 2 |
Advanced Organic Chemistry |
Prereq.: Chem 1 |
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Students continue their review of classes of compounds with analysis of amines, amino acids, peptides, proteins, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, as well as dicarboxylic acids, keto acids, and citric acid-cycles. |
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PHYS. 1 |
Introduction to Astronomy (solar system) |
Prereq.: Proficiency in mathematics & physics |
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The course begins with elementary physics topics like Newtonian dynamics and kinematics, forces and gravitation. From there it jumps to an historical review of the development of astronomy. It next considers observational, spherical and planetary astronomy, and will deal with related physics: optics, and radiation processes. |
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PHYS. 1 |
Introduction to Physics |
Prereq.: high school mathematics |
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Elementary kinematics and dynamics of particles. Extended
formal and mathematical descriptions. Laws of Newton,
forces, linear momentum, energy, friction. Rotational
dynamics, angular momentum. Statics. |
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PHYS. 2 |
Advanced Physics |
at least 1 university mathematics course (not basic mathematics) |
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Statistical physics, heat engines, fluid dynamics. Introduction to electromagnetic fields. |
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PHYS. 2 |
Mathematical Physics |
at least 1 university mathematics course (not basic mathematics) |
This course is designed for bachelor students who want or need some physics in their curriculum, but is also useful as a science requirement for associate students. Several topics from physics will be highlighted and gone into in more mathematical detail. The needed mathematical tools will be revised in separate introductions. Among the topics are:
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COM. 1 |
Computer science |
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Introduction to the workings of computers. History, hardware model, programming model. Bits, bytes, numeric types, floating point types. Computer hardware, logic ports, latches, flipflops. Memory hierarchy, the principals of machine code, assembly. Higher programming languages. Stacks, queues, event queues, operating systems. I/O devices, screen, disks, CD, DVD. Vector graphics, B-splines, raster graphics, movies. Networking, internet. Program analysis, object oriented programs. And other topics which may vary from year to year. In addition a course in programming in C with extensions to objects or C++ runs in parallel with the course/ |
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Information about the school of: | Arts | Humanities | Natural sciences | Social sciences |