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SCIENCE - COURSES OFFERED

BIO 150/150L Introduction to Biological Science (4)
This course studies the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the historical development of biological concepts and principles. This course requires laboratory experiments and projects illustrate and emphasize the use of biological principles. This course is not available to students with a “C” grade or better in BIO 180/180L or BIO 181/181L. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
BIO 155/155L Ecology (4)
(formerly ECO 150)
This course focuses on close studies of inter-relationships of living things and their total environment, and it is used to promote awareness of the need for efforts in natural resource conservation, pollution control and a clean, healthy environment.Laboratory experiments are coordinated with the lectures and emphasize proper laboratory procedures. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
BIO 180/180L Biology I (4)
Prerequisite: ENG 150
Introductory biology course for all life science, pre-medical, pre-veterinarian , and health science majors. Study of cell structure and function, chemistry, growth, reproduction, genetics evolution, viruses, prokaryotes, protistans and fungi. Laboratory experiments are coordinated with the lectures and emphasize proper laboratory procedures. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
BIO 181/181L Biology II (4)
Prerequisite: BIO 180/180L, not to be taken concurrently with BIO 250/250L
Continuation of BIO 180 Study of the systems of plants and animals, their anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the human organism. Interactions of animal and plant populations and the environment are also studied in the course. Laboratory experiments are coordinated with the lectures and emphasize proper laboratory procedures. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
BIO 250/250L Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
Prerequisite: BIO 180/180L
Anatomy and Physiology I is the first of a two-semester course that studies the structure and function of the human body, including a study of its gross anatomy, micro anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology. The laboratory sessions include exercises in basic human physiology, detailed description of various organ systems observed through dissection activities. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
BIO 251/251L Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
Prerequisite: BIO 250/250L
This course is a second semester continuation of BIO 250, with intense studies of the structure and function of the human body including gross anatomy, micro anatomy, pathology and pathophysiology. Laboratory session includes exercise on the gross and microscopic anatomy of the human body with special emphasis on the skeleton, muscles, heart, blood vessels, and enzyme actions. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
BIO 255/255L Microbiology (4)
Prerequisite: BIO 180/180L
This course is a description of the characteristics of micro-organisms and their habitats. Microbiology deals with micro-organisms in health and disease; their removal and destruction; infection and immunity; and disease caused by micro-organisms and how they are transmitted. Laboratory experiments are included in the course. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
CHM 150/150L Chemistry I (4)
Prerequisite: ENG 150, MAT 151
This course covers the basic principles of chemistry. It is an introduction to chemical and physical changes, atomic structure, orbital, chemical bonding, chemical equations, phase changes and ideal gas laws and applications. The laboratory experiments will introduce techniques and basic principles of chemistry. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
CHM 151/151L Chemistry II (4)
Prerequisite: CHM 150/150L
Chemistry II is the continuation of Chemistry I, which introduces chemical energy and kinetics, thermo chemistry, equilibrium, ionic solutions, oxidation-reduction processes, carbon compounds-organic chemistry, polymers and plastics. Laboratory experiments introduce techniques and basic principles of chemistry, titration, acids and bases. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
MSC 100 MOP Seminar (1)
This seminar will provide an overview of Territorial ocean issues and help prepare the student for his/her career. Weekly seminars will be conducted by professionals involved with marine activities, management, education, research and business. Guest speakers will present information on his/her career and its application to American Samoa. Students will explore MOP goals and learn to write professional documents such as resumes, proposals and reports in preparation for conducting a MOP skill project. They will also learn to match internships and research projects with their education and career goals. This course is required to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in the Marine Option Program. (Note: 1 lecture credit)
 
MSC 110/PED 170 Swimming (1)
A mandatory class for students taking SCUBA and attempting any strenuous swimming in other Marine Science classes. Swimming is designed to provide a basic safe background in the ocean environment. Basic swimming strokes will be taught in a shallow water setting. Survival skills will be taught so that in the event of an at-sea emergency, all students will be able to deal with emergency situations. (Note: 1 lab credit)
 
MSC 150/150L Introduction to Oceanography (4)
This course provides an introduction to oceanographic phenomena. The interrelationships between physical, chemical, geological and biological oceanography are discussed at length. Air-sea interactions and their global implications are examined. Field trips may involve open-ocean studies. Saturday field trips required. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
MSC 160 Natural Marine Resources (3)
This course is an introductory Marine Science class designed to familiarize students with the potential resources of the sea. Special attention is given to South Pacific issues and organisms. The course will encourage environmental practices and discuss existent methods of harvesting and culturing organisms, ethics and regional impacts. Students will be asked to design their own projects or redesign one in which they have interest by making use of resources in American Samoa. * This may also count as a SAMPAC course. (Note: 3 lecture credits)
 
MSC 170/170L Introduction to Marine Biology (4)
An in-depth investigation of the various marine ecosystems such as sand, mud, and rocky intertidal areas, salt marshes, estuaries, coral reefs, and mangrove forests; also the neritic, pelagic, and benthic regions of the open ocean. Includes the numerous interactions between biotic and abiotic factors. Adaptations of life forms for survival in these environments will be discussed. Also, includes laboratory exercises and field trips to the coast. Laboratory exercises and field trips will be an integral part of the course. (Note: 3 lecture credits and 1 lab credit)
 
MSC 200 Introduction to Aquaculture (3)
MSC 200 is an introductory level course that covers the scope and role of aquaculture for increasing food production of aquatic organisms. The biological principles of aquaculture, including species selection, hatchery breeding and rearing and grow-out practices will be covered, including the status of the aquaculture industry in American Samoa. (Note: 3 lecture credits)
 
MSC 201 MOP Skill Project (1)
Prerequisite: MSC 100
Students will formulate a marine related project approved by his/her MOP Coordinator(s). This project will train students in the trades and life skills needed to be successful in pursuit of a career in marine science. Topics have ranged from scientific research to endeavors in the arts. MOP students are encouraged to coordinate their projects with the efforts of local agencies, businesses, educators, or communities. They will have the opportunity to present their skills project at the annual MOP Student Symposium. This course is required to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in the Marine Option Program. (Note: 1 lecture credit)
 
MSC 202 MOP Service Learning (1)
Prerequisite: MSC 201
Students will apply the cumulative knowledge gained in their Marine Option Program courses in designing and implementing a community service project related to the marine environment. Students will explore the meaning of civic responsibility and develop their leadership, professional, and academic skills as they engage community agencies to meet community needs. They will better understand the Samoan concept/value of “tautua” (service). This course is required to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in Marine Option Program. (Note: 1 lab credit)
 
MSC 220 Introduction to Fisheries Management (3)
This course is designed to acquaint students with contemporary fisheries management concepts and practices. Pacific commercial fishing methods and economic aspects of the U.S. commercial fishing industry will be discussed. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts and applications of the ecosystem management, biological diversity, the Endangered Species Act, and habitat restoration, as they apply to fisheries management. Guest speakers bring their work-related knowledge and experiences to the students. Scientific, administrative and enforcement personnel, along with commercial and recreational fishermen, are invited to discuss their fisheries management involvement with the students. NOTE: Can be taken with Instructor’s Permission. (Note: 3 lecture credits)
 
MSC 280 Marine Science Special Projects (2)
MSC 280 is an in depth exercise in experimental learning that gives marine science students the opportunity to participate in supervised research, local internships, or service learning projects in the community. Credit is based on the extent of work completed and the time involved. (Note: 2 lab credits)
 
PHSCI 150/150L Physical Science (4)
Prerequisite: ENG 150
This is an introductory Physical Science course that focuses on basic chemistry, physics, earth science, and astronomy. Laboratory experiments illustrate methods in physical sciences and test and evaluate concepts presented in class. (Note: 3 lecture credits; 1 lab credit)
 
PHY 151/151L Physics I (4)
Prerequisite: MAT 151, ENG 150
Basic principles of physics, laws of nature, measurement, force and motion, work and energy, momentum and impulse, and energy transfer are introduced. For the lab, students will work on well-designed activities to test and evaluate the concepts presented in class. (Note: 3 lecture credits; 1 lab credit)
 
PHY 152/152L Physics II (4)
Prerequisite: PHY 151/151L
Physics II is a continuation of PHY 150. Electricity and magnetism, light and optics, modern physics and cosmology are covered in this semester. Laboratory exercises are organized to illustrate these fundamental principles. (Note: 3 lecture credits; 1 lab credit)