Course Descriptions

(from the Miami Bulletin 2006-2008)

Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHM-Arts and Science)

CHM 115 Foundations of the Chemical Process Industry (2) The scope and dynamics of the chemical industry are important considerations for those planning industrial careers in chemistry and chemical technology. This course provides an inside look at the wide variety of products generated by the U.S. chemical industry within the dynamics of a world economy, changing governmental regulations, increasing awareness of environmental health and safety issues, and changing technologies. This course lends an appreciation of the business decisions made by the chemical industry that funds research and development, as well as providing students with knowledge of the role of the chemical technician in the chemical process industry.

CHM 137, 144 College Chemistry/College Chemistry Lab (4, 2) Coordinated lecture (137) and lab (144) to develop ideas, experience, methodology, and skills used in the application of scientific methodology. Framework is consideration of fundamental principles of atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, properties of solutions, and chemical reactions. Gain skills in developing hypotheses, observing chemical phenomena, collecting data, and evaluating results critically. Credit not given for both CHM 137 and 141.

CHM 141, 144 College Chemistry/College Chemistry Lab* (3, 2) Covers same content as CHM 137, but assumes some previous study of chemistry. (See CHM 137). Credit not given for both CHM 137 and 141. Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or permission of instructor.

CHM 142 College Chemistry (3) Fundamental principles of atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, properties of solutions, and chemical equilibrium. Prerequisite: CHM 137 or 141; concurrent registration in CHM 145.

CHM 145 College Chemistry Laboratory (2) Laboratory exercises to illustrate fundamental principles of chemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 144; concurrent registration in CHM 142 is required.

CHM 215 Chemical Technology (2) A laboratory-based course designed for those seeking careers in chemical technology, this course provides the theory to understand investigations of separation science, chemical analysis, and measurement. Students are challenged by advanced troubleshooting problems and real-world client-employee scenarios encountered by chemical technicians in the chemical process industry. Topics include electrochemical and potentiometric measurements, advanced separation techniques, and chemical analysis of water and biochemical systems, applications and theory behind gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, and selection and application of standard methods. Advanced topics of chemical health and safety (e.g., hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance) and advanced issues of good laboratory practices (GLPs) are included. Prerequisite: CHM 142 and 145. Corequisite: CHM 218.

CHM 218 Chemical Technology Laboratory (3) Second in a series of two laboratory-based courses designed for those seeking careers in chemical technology, this course involves investigations of separation science, chemical analysis, and measurement. Students are challenged by advanced troubleshooting problems and real-world scenarios encountered by chemical technicians in the chemical process industry. Topics include electrochemical and potentiometric measurements, advanced separation techniques, chemical analysis of water and biochemical systems, applications and theory behind gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, and selection and application of standard methods. Advanced topics of chemical health and safety (e.g., hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance) and advanced issues of good laboratory practices (GLPs) included. Prerequisite: CHM 142. Corequisite: CHM 215.

CHM 240 Chemical Technology Industrial Internship/Co-op Experiences (1-15) Provides a workplace experience to bridge the gap between theory and classroom preparation with actual practices used in the workplace. By carrying out workplace assignments in area industry, government, or private laboratories, students gain increased access to state-of-the-art technology and are provided opportunities for enhancing skills. Offered as either an internship or cooperative learning experience, this course is designed for students seeking degrees in chemical technology. Prerequisite: CHM 145.

CHM 241, 242 Organic Chemistry (3, 3) Study of stereochemistry and the reaction mechanisms of various types of organic compounds with examples of chemical reactions in biological systems. Prerequisite for 241: CHM 142 or 158; for 242: CHM 241. Corequisite: CHM 244, 245.

CHM 244, 245 Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2, 2) Introduction to experimental techniques involved in synthesis, purification, and chemical identification of organic molecules. Concurrent registration in CHM 241, 242 required. Prerequisite for 244: CHM 145; for 245: CHM 244.

CHM 275 Principles of Environmental Science (3)  Introduction to the principles and methodologies of environmental science.  Topics include contamination of earth systems and pollution migration; use, abuse, and conservation of natural resources; land use, conservation, and preservation, planning and management, and the value of biodiversity and wilderness.  (Offered infrequently)

CHM 363 Analytical Chemistry (3) Fundamentals of analytical chemistry including classical and instrumental methods. Prerequisite: CHM 142, 145. Concurrent registration in CHM 364.

CHM 364 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (2) Analytical chemistry laboratory including classical and instrumental methods. Prerequisite: CHM 142, 145. Concurrent registration in CHM 363.

Botany (BOT-Arts and Science)

BOT 255 Introduction to Biotechnology (3) Examination of modern biotechnology and issues emerging from this technology.  Emphasis on plant biotechnology and practical application of plants or their components in industry, agriculture, medicine, and the environment.  Basic principles of molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology introduced.

Communication (COM-Arts and Science)

COM 135 Public Expression and Critical Inquiry (3) Develops fundamentals of analyzing, organizing, adapting, and delivering ideas effectively in public contexts. Special emphasis placed on informative and persuasive discourse. (Speech communication).

COM 231 Small Group Communication (3) Theoretical issues that affect communication between members of work teams, discussion groups, and decision-making bodies. Students study these theories and related research studies and work as members of student teams to analyze critically both the theoretical and practical implications of the theories and research studies (Speech communication). 

Computer and Information Technology

(CIT-Engineering and Applied Science)

CIT 154 Personal Computer Concepts and Applications (3) Survey course for students who wish to become computer literate and make practical use of microcomputers. Survey of various hardware components and software systems used by current microcomputers. Includes hands-on experience with various software packages including word processing, spreadsheet, data base management and graphics. Not open to CSA baccalaureate majors. Credit not awarded for both CSA 141 and CIT 154. Offered only on regional campuses.

Computer Science and Systems Analysis (CSA-Engineering and Applied Science)

CSA 151 Computers, Computer Science and Society (3) Perspective on the potential and limitations of computing technology. Topics include problem-solving in computing, computers as thinking machines, and the impact of computing on societies. Exposes students to programming language and various computer tools.

CSA 163 Introduction to Computer Concepts and Programming (3) Introduction to computers in data processing, survey of various hardware and software concepts, and analysis and solution of problems by computer programming. Lecture/laboratory, project-oriented course to provide numerous opportunities to analyze problems, formulate alternative solutions, implement solutions, and assess their effectiveness. No prior knowledge of computer concepts or programming assumed. Prerequisite: high school algebra and trigonometry.

English (ENG-Arts and Science)

ENG 111 College Composition (3) Study and practice of effective explanatory, expressive, and persuasive writing.

ENG 215 Technical Writing (3) For associate’s degree students in technical, applied science, and pre-engineering courses. Practice in variety of technical correspondence and communication with emphasis on writing clear, concise and accurate informal and formal reports. Offered only on Hamilton and Middletown campuses.

ENG 313 Introduction to Technical Writing (3)  Introduction to the principles of technical writing.  Attention to defining purpose, analyzing audience, developing document structure, creating visual design, drafting and revising communications.  Practice in varieties of technical communication.

Engineering Technology (ENT-Engineering and Applied Science)

ENT 151 Engineering Materials (3) Study of basic engineering materials: metals, plastics, ceramics and composites. Structure, properties, and applications emphasized. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra. 2 Lecture, 1 Lab (Mechanical Technology).

ENT 192 Circuit Analysis I (3) Detailed study of analog AC and DC electric circuits and related bilateral devices. Conventional circuit analysis techniques utilized. Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra including trigonometry. Corequisite: MTH 125. 2 Lecture, 1 Lab (Electrical Technology).

Microbiology (MBI-Arts and Science)

MBI 161 Elementary Medical Microbiology (4) Elementary microbiology for students interested in a single unit devoted to understanding characteristics and activities of microorganisms and their relation to health and disease. Taught in Hamilton and Middletown only. Does not count as credit toward an AB in microbiology.

MBI 201 General Microbiology I (4) Consideration of fundamental aspects of structure, metabolism, genetics, and behavior of bacteria, archaea viruses, and fungi. Laboratory stresses basic techniques and procedures common to all phases of science at a professional level. Corequisite: CHM 231 or 241. 3 Lecture, 1 Lab.

Mathematics (MTH-Arts and Science)

MTH 101 Introduction to Elementary Algebra (3) Service Course. Introduction to fundamental topics of beginning algebra. Primarily for students with no previous course in algebra. Offered only on Hamilton and Middletown campuses. Credit/no-credit only.

MTH 102 Intermediate Algebra (3) Service Course. Introduction to functions and a study of algebra topics including radicals, quadratics, and rational expressions. Prerequisite: Passing grade in MTH 101 or qualifying placement score.

MTH 125 Precalculus (5) Service Course. Review of algebra topics important for calculus. Functions, polynomials, rational functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions and their inverses, conic sections, nonlinear systems, and applications of functions. Offered only on Hamilton and Middletown campuses. Credit does not count toward a major in mathematics and statistics. Prerequisite: "C" or better in MTH 102 or qualifying placement score.

Physics (PHY-Arts and Science)

PHY 171 College Physics (3)  General physics course recommended for students of the life sciences.  Classical mechanics and quantum physics.  MTH 151, 153, or equivalent strongly encouraged.  Corequisite: PHY 183.

PHY 183 Physics Laboratory (1)  Laboratory course for students enrolled in PHY 181 or PHY 171.

Statistics (STA-Arts and Science)

STA 261 Statistics (4) Descriptive statistics, basic probability, random variables, binomial and normal probability distributions, tests of hypotheses, regression and correlation, analysis of variance. Emphasis on applications. Prerequisite: MTH 102, 104, 121 or three years of college preparatory mathematics or permission of department chair.