Theory and practice in modern biochemistry and biochemical techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 340.

An exploration of advanced concepts in organic chemistry such as chemical structure, properties of reactive intermediates, reaction mechanisms, kinetics, spectroscopic techniques, and synthetic methods. Topics will be explored by discussion of examples from the primary chemical literature; concepts will vary somewhat based upon student interest. A special emphasis will be placed on the development of scientific writing skills. Three discussions per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 323, ENG 110.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of analytical chemistry including the treatment of experimental and safety data, gravimetric analysis, volumetric analysis, equilibrium, electrochemistry, chromatography, spectroscopy, and instrumentation and its use in analysis of elements and molecules. Prerequisites: CHEM 121, and completion of MATH 114B or MATH 231 or a higher level course.

A study of the chemistry of biological systems. Topics include cellular constituents; chemical reactions involved in carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleic acid metabolism; cellular energy metabolism; and enzyme kinetics. Previous or concurrent registration in courses in biological science is strongly recommended. Prerequisites: CHEM 323; BIO 152 or BIO 182 or consent of instructor.

A seminar for upper-level chemistry majors to practice scientific communication skills and participate in discussion of topics in current research with fellow students and faculty. Students present a topic from the primary chemical literature. One seminar-format meeting per week. Prerequisites: Four semesters of chemistry.

This course is intended for student who will be engaging in research in science or engineering. The student will be expected to prepare a personal statement about their ethics and responsibility to their field of science or engineering. Students will be expected to participate and engage in discussion of issues to become prepared for discourse with fellow professionals and the general public. Students will propose creative solutions for contemporary problems faced by the people working as scientific researchers. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 or Consent of Instructor

The first semester of a two-semester sequence of a first-year college chemistry course. This course treats concepts such as structure and properties of matter, electronic structure of atoms and compounds, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, gas laws, and acid-base chemistry. Laboratory exercises providing hands-on experience with the concepts and experimental techniques of chemistry with emphasis on inquiry, green chemistry, safety, and proper laboratory conduct are integrated into the course. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory/discussion section per week. Math placement level 2 or prior completion of a MATH course (100 level or higher) is strongly recommended. Offered: Fall, Spring

The second semester of a two-semester sequence of a first-year college chemistry course. The course treats basic concepts such as properties of solutions, chemical equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory exercises providing hands-on experience with the concepts and experimental techniques of chemistry with emphasis on inquiry, green chemistry, safety, and proper laboratory conduct are integrated into the course. Three lectures plus one four-hour laboratory/discussion section per week. Prerequisites: Completion of CHEM 120; and math placement level 3 or completion of MATH 114A or MATH 114B or MATH 231 or higher.

Green Chemistry is the design of products and processes while minimizing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous materials. This course will introduce topics in green chemistry, including the 12 principles of green chemistry, metrics, toxicology and alleviation of environmental and ecological problems. Prerequisite: Completion of CHEM 120 or equivalent

Topics and credits arranged. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

Independent reading and research developed by the student with the approval and direction of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

An introduction to main group and transitional metal chemistry with emphasis on biologic uses of the elements. Two lectures per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 121.

A survey of inorganic reaction mechanisms, materials, organometallic, and solid state chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 371.

An advanced laboratory course based on projects and problem sets agreed upon by the student and the instructor. The projects will incorporate experience from previous chemistry courses. Prerequisites: Junior Standing

The first semester of a two-semester sequence in the study of the structure (electronic and geometric), properties, and reactions of compounds of carbon. Topics include the structure and physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, and structure-reactivity relationships. Lab experiments emphasize lecture concepts while introducing methods in organic synthesis and illustrating techniques such as crystallization, distillation, chromatography, and spectroscopic methods of compound characterization (with emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy). Prerequisites: CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C or consent of instructor.

The second semester of a two-semester sequence in the study of the structure (electronic and geometric), properties, and reactions of compounds of carbon. Topics include the structure and physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, and structure-reactivity relationships. Lab experiments emphasize lecture concepts while introducing methods in organic synthesis and illustrating techniques such as crystallization, distillation, chromatography, and spectroscopic methods of compound characterization (with emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy). Prerequisites: CHEM 321.

An introduction to relativity and quantum mechanics, and applications to atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics and chemistry. The laboratory component will explore these applications in more detail and also emphasize various forms of writing in the sciences. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 or PHYS 201; and MATH 231 with C or better. MATH 241 recommended.

Advanced study of topics of special current interest in chemistry and related fields. Seminar/discussion format.

Investigates the laws of thermodynamics, properties of the states of matter and dynamics. Prerequisites: CHEM 121; MATH 241 (with a C or better); PHYS 131 or PHYS 202 

Opportunities for students to engage in research collaboratively with faculty or with researchers from other agencies. Note: This course may be taken multiple times. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

This course is the first of the two-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed for physics, mathematics, and other science majors. It includes principles of mechanics and their applications and is taught in an integrated lecture-lab format that meets in three two-hour sessions per week. The core of the curriculum is the study of motion with various levels of complexity. Some specific topics include: kinematics in one and two dimensions, dynamics, and Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, and conservation of energy, linear momentum and collisions, and rotational kinematics and dynamics. Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 231.

This course is second of the two-semester calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed for physics, mathematics, and other science majors. It is taught in three two-hour sessions per week in integrated lecture-lab format. This course includes principles of waves, electricity, magnetism and their applications. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 201 or PHYS 130; and concurrent enrollment or completion of MATH 231, or consent of instructor

An advanced look at problems in electromagnetism including electrostatic fields, capacitance and dielectrics, magneto statics, electromagnetic induction, and Maxwell's equations. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 202 or PHYS 131; and MATH 241 with a C or better (MATH 251 recommended)

An introduction to design tools and practices associated with the design and fabrication of engineering systems. Students will gain experience with solid modeling tools, including part modeling, assembly modeling and the reading and creation of layout drawings. This is a project-based class in which students will have hands-on experience designing systems with 3D modeling software and fabricating the objects that they design. Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 114A or higher, or math placement score of 3 or higher.

Independent study of selected topics in physics conducted by the student with the approval and supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor

Independent Study of selected topics in physics conducted by the student with the approval and supervision of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

Biomechanics is a field which uses mechanical analyses to investigate biological problems. Biomechanics involves combining what we know about the anatomy and physiology of the body, and physics to investigate problems. It is an increasingly popular field of study, as it has applications in health, prosthetic design, ergonomics, athletics, and computer gaming. Students who complete this course will study the methods that are currently used in investigating human biomechanical problems. Topics covered will include: mechanical and structural properties of living tissues, loads applied to joints, common sports injuries and treatments, linear and angular kinematics, linear and angular kinetics, equilibrium and torque. Prerequisites: Math placement level 3 or placement into MATH 114A or placement into MATH 114B 

This course will provide the opportunity for students to explore various fields of engineering. This is a hands-on, project-based course that includes an introduction to computer tools and laboratory techniques used by engineers. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems. Prerequisites: None.

The physics content of the general physics sequence will be examined in greater detail using the tools of calculus to examine physical problems from classical mechanics, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Focus will be an interpretation of graphs, basic differential equations, and vector analysis of physical problems. Students will use the tools and language of mathematics to understand physics. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 131 or PHYS 202; and MATH 241 with a C or better (MATH 251 recommended)

This half-semester course includes principles of optics, modern physics, electricity, and circuits. Emphasis is placed on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This is an integrated lecture/laboratory course. Completion of PHYS 131A and PHYS 131B  is equivalent to completion of PHYS 131.

This half-semester course includes principles of electricity and magnetism, heat transfer, and medical imaging. Emphasis is place on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This is an integrated lecture/laboratory course. Completion of PHYS 131A  and PHYS 131B is equivalent to completion of PHYS 131.

This semester includes principles of classic mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's Laws, and energy. Emphasis is placed on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on the concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This course is an integrated lecture/laboratory that meets in three two-hour sessions per week. Math Placement Level 3 or prior completion of MATH 114A is strongly recommended. Offered: Fall

This semester includes principles of electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics. Emphasis is placed on applications in the real world (including biological and environmental applications). Students follow a guided inquiry approach to build on concepts learned through hands-on activities involving exploration, modeling, and calculations. This course is an integrated lecture/laboratory that meets in three two-hour sessions per week.  Math Placement Level 3 or prior completion of MATH 114A is strongly recommended.  Offered: Spring

A seminar for upper-level physics majors to practice scientific communication skills and participate in discussion of topics in current research with fellow students and faculty. Students present a topic from the primary physics literature. One seminar-format meeting per week. Prerequisites: Four semesters of physics coursework (16 credits).

Origin and development of classical mechanics; mathematical techniques, especially vector analysis; conservation laws and their relation to symmetry principles; brief introduction to orbit theory and harmonic oscillators. Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 241; Completion of PHYS 131 or PHYS 202.

An introduction to relativity and quantum mechanics, and applications to atomic, solid state, and nuclear physics and chemistry. The laboratory component will explore these applications in more detail and also emphasize various forms of writing in the sciences. Prerequisites: PHYS 131 or PHYS 202; and MATH 231 with a C or better. Completion of MATH 241 recommended.

Introduces computing tools useful in solving scientific problems. Considers a variety of techniques of tackling scientific calculations such as spreadsheets, symbolic packages (or other suitable programming languages). Additional emphasis is placed on the acquisition of scientific information in an ethical and legal manner, including an exploration of the primary literature. Examples will be drawn from such diverse fields as astronomy, physics, chemistry, earth science, biology and mathematics. Prerequisites: PHYS 130 or PHYS 201, and MATH 231 

This course will introduce engineering as a field concerned with solving the challenges facing modern society. These challenges include finding clean water resources, improving solar power, developing medical technology, and rebuilding aging infrastructure, among others. The focus will be on the intersection of science, technology, and society (STS), and explore how scientists and engineers can work to build a more just and compassionate world. Students will engage in the engineering design process, evaluate various solutions to society's challenges, and meet engineers who work in the Madison community. Prerequisites: First semester freshman or freshman transfer students; Math placement level 2 or higher.  

Advanced study of topics of special current interest in physics and related fields. Seminar/discussion format.

Statis is a study of force systems acting on rigid bodies not in motion. The analysis includes forces acting in and on beams, trusses and frames in equilibrium. Topical content includes 2-D and 3-D systems, free body diagrams, pulley systems, friction, centroids and moments of inertia. Course also includes the application of basic mechanics principles for the analysis of static engineering structures, including shear force and bending moment in beams. Analysis includes both scalar and vector methods. Prerequisites: Completion of PHYS 130 or PHYS 201; and completion or concurrent enrollment in MATH 241.

Modern exploration of the physical universe. Topics include the sky and celestial motions, our solar system, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology with emphasis on origin and evolution. Observing sessions may be required outside of scheduled class time. Math Placement Level 2 or prior completion of a MATH course (100-level or higher) is strongly recommended. Cross-listed GEOS 150

Investigates the law of thermodynamics, properties of the states of matter and dynamics. Prerequisites: CHEM 121; PHYS 131 or PHYS 202; MATH 241 with a grade of C or higher.

Opportunities are available for students to engage in physics research, in conjunction with collaborative student-faculty research projects of with projects done with researchers from various governmental agencies. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

Physics Teaching Resources Workshops, plus development of either a Physics Teaching Resource Conference or a course implementation plan for building a teaching unit. Prerequisites: None.

This course is required to complete the Earth Science minor. After completing or being concurrently registered for coursework that satisfies your field experience and your capstone experience for the minor, contact your instructor for registration into this class. Pre-requisite: consent of the instructor

Application of the geosciences to problems resulting from society's interaction with the physical environment. Emphasis will be on the recognition, prediction, control and public policy implications of environmental problems related to earth processes such as rivers, groundwater, erosion, land-slides, and earthquakes. Crosslisted with ENVS 206. (S)

Environmental geology focuses on the interaction between humans and geological processes. In particular, knowledge of geological risks and interconnectedness of Earth systems has become integral for human survival and resource distribution. In this course we will explore the natural hazards around us (including floods, volcanoes, landslides, and earthquakes) and learn evidence-based mitigation strategies. We will also explore human impacts on the environment (water contamination, air pollution, mining) and use this to understand the Earth from a broader systems viewpoint, which seeks to incorporate knowledge from many fields of study. The class will feature numerous activities and discussions to encourage students to consider the benefits and tradeoffs of our interactions with the planet. Prerequisites: None.

The Earth is the only planet we know that harbors life. It has seen many changes throughout its 4.5-billion-year journey from molten rock to life bearing planet. In this course we will explore the processes that built the planet and the evolution of the organisms that now make up our fossil record. With an emphasis on deep time, we will study the evolution of organisms including: microbial organisms, plants, DINOSAURS, mammals, and humans. Class will be a mixture of activities and discussion on the Earth and the fossil record.   Prerequisites: Completion of natural science course, or ENVS 250 , or junior standing, or consent of the instructor

Science learning experiences occur in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the field. In this experience-based course, students discover and experience facts, concepts, and laws of science for themselves, much as scientists do in their professional lives. Experiences that extend from the classroom into the field allow students to explore, observe, and investigate things in the natural world that cannot be effectively brought into the classroom learning environment. Travel is an essential part of the class and locations will be chosen for their scientific and/or environmental significance. Classroom sessions will precede the travel portion of the course. Prerequisites: Specific Prerequisites of the course will vary based on the requirements of the specific travel experience.

A seminar for upper-level geoscience-related majors to practice scientific communication skills and participate in discussion of topics in current research with fellow students and faculty. Students present a topic from the primary geoscience literature. One seminar-format meeting per week.

GEOS 203 S covers the broad topics of the physical evolution of the earth and its relationship to the development of life through geologic time. Topics include geologic time; origin of life; paleobiology, evolution and classification of fossil plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates; plate tectonics; and geologic history of the Upper Midwest. The laboratory experiences are intended to train students to solve problems, apply principles, distinguish between fact and assumption, use models, and to acquaint students with some of the important techniques for geologic investigations. Prerequisites: GEOS 102.

Independent study of selected topics in the earth sciences developed by the student with the approval and direction of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

Independent study of selected topics in the earth sciences developed by the student with the approval and direction of the instructor. Prerequisites: consent of instructor.

Geographic information systems (GIS) uses computational methods to investigate problems with a geographic component. The applications are expansive and are utilized in everything from epidemiology, geological surveys, wildlife research, infrastructure planning, and even political polling. This course will cover the basics of how the shape of the Earth is measured, how map projections are created and used, and how large databases can be utilized for solving environmental issues. We will be using ArcGIS software extensively throughout the course. The class will feature workshop style learning and guided problem solving from a variety of fields. Students wishing to gain additional experience in larger GIS projects should consider taking GEOS 215 as a follow up to this course. Prerequisites: Math placement level 2 or completion of any MATH course (100 level or higher).

The National Park Service and the parks it administers are a uniquely American idea.  We will examine the National Parks role in preserving some of our country's most unique geological, ecological and cultural features.  An examination of the development of the National Park and National Park Service idea will be followed by in depth case studies centered around specific parks.  These case studies will use the natural sciences to describe the unique features of these parks and the environmental issues that are facing them today.

The oceans and atmosphere are deeply connected to one another and have a major impact on our way of life. In this course, we will study the physical materials, processes, and features of both, while acknowledging that climate change may be altering their effects on society. Students will consider the nature of change in Earth systems and how humanity is becoming a significant agent of such change. This course makes use of case studies, focusing on real world problems related to climate change, to explore the private and public questions you may face as a private citizen in the future concerning our planet's oceans and atmosphere. Math Placement Level 2 or prior completion of a MATH course (100-level or higher) is strongly recommended.

Paleoecology is the study of the fossil record and the ecological relationships of extinct organisms. It uses tools that cut across the fields of biology and geology to provide information not only about the past, but about how the modern world we live in came to be. We will focus throughout the course on analytical techniques used by paleoecologists to study the past as well as cover ethical and societal issues pertaining to this field. Prerequisites: One course with a BIO or GEOS prefix, OR ENVS 250, OR junior standing, OR consent of the instructor.

This course will complement the lessons of GEOS 349  by taking a deeper dive into the organisms that have existed on the planet over the past 4.5 billion years. We will focus on comparative anatomy and description of organisms in the fossil record to understand the evolution of life on the planet as well as how modern organisms came to be. The course will heavily feature guided and independent work on real fossils. Must be taken concurrently with GEOS 349 . Corequisites: GEOS 349

Physical geology is the study of the major physical materials, processes, and features of the Earth. This includes rocks, minerals, water, volcanoes, groundwater, soils, and so much more. By studying these topics, students will come to appreciate geologic features of their surroundings and how maintaining our standard of living depends on the Earth and its resources. This course makes frequent use of case studies, focusing on real world problems, to cover topics such as: the nature of science, history of the planet, and natural resource exploration. The topics raised in this course will prompt students to consider what types of questions they might need to ask when matters of private or public policy contain an important geologic component. One class field trip will be required.

This is the second of a two-part course on geographic information systems (GIS). Completion of both courses will provide a well-rounded introductory experience in geographic information systems. In this half of the course, students will collect and present their own data in several projects using geographic data. One overnight field trip will be required for this course. Prerequisites: GEOS 214

Advanced study of topics of special current interest in geoscience and related fields. Seminar/discussion format. Prerequisites: None.

Modern exploration of the physical universe. Topics include the sky and celestial motions, our solar system, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology with emphasis on origin and evolution. Observing sessions may be required outside of scheduled class time. Math Placement Level 2 or prior completion of a MATH course (100-level or higher) is strongly recommended. Cross-listed: PHYS 150

Opportunities are available for students to engage in geological research, in conjunction with collaborative student-faculty research projects or with projects done with researchers from various governmental agencies.This course may be repeated. Prerequisites: consent of the instructor.