Science

For the non-science major, an introduction to the basic scientific theory and techniques used in criminal investigation. Topics include: proper handling and preservation of crime-scene evidence; glass, soil, fingerprint, drug and paint chip examination, hair analysis; cloth, fiber, the uses of spectrophotometry, chromatography, and other instrumental methods in evidence analysis. Also, the description of serological techniques, DNA profiling, and toxicological techniques. Course covers sufficient inorganic and organic chemical concepts for students to gain an elementary understanding of the various analytical techniques.

This online course will focus on the influence of the sky on both ancient and modern civilization. The course covers basic astronomy concepts including: solar system alignments (solstices, equinoxes, and eclipses), the phases of the Moon, constellations, and calendars. It features case studies of historic sites with cultural and astronomical significance such as Stonehenge, The Great Pyramids, Templo de las Siete Munecas and The Octagon Earthworks. Through the use of online tools, students will explore different views of the night sky related to traditional star stories. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of evidence involved in evaluating an archaeological site for astronomical importance.

Fundamentals of Agribusiness is designed to appeal to a wide variety of people interested in exploring the possibility of using their property for agricultural purposes or exploring the possibility of a career in an agricultural occupation. Lecture topics will focus on the fundamentals of running an agricultural business. In lab, students will learn about the interrelationship between the business of agriculture and the scientific principles underlying a successful farm. Students will visit local farms, interview local farmers to discuss their strategies for success and problems to avoid, and collect data related to operations of a farm. Students will also become familiar with the New York State Agricultural Tax Exemptions Schedule F.

A study of extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, drought, etc.) from a variety of perspectives. This non-lab course examines the atmospheric processes involved in the formation, evolution, and destruction caused by these events as well as the human impact in the region affected. Historic cases and real-time events will be utilized to illustrate these processes and impacts. In addition, the impact of the recent rapid warming of Earth’s climate system on the number and severity of different extreme weather events will be studied. In particular, evidence will be examined to help determine if there has already been a change over the past century and whether further, perhaps more profound, change is likely in the future. The physical basis for these proposed changes and possible impacts on human society will also be examined.