Course Descriptions and Academic Departments
Content on this page is provided as a quick reference for planning. All official course descriptions, degree requirements, admission standards, program learning outcomes, etc. are published on the Undergraduate Catalog website.
Accounting |
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| Course | Description |
| ACCT 205 Introduction to Financial Accounting | (3 credits) Introduction to financial reporting. The primary objective is to make the student aware of the importance of accounting information as a powerful tool in the business decision-making process. Emphasis of the course is on the uses of financial information in making investment and credit decisions rather than the preparation of the information. PRE/COREQ: ITM 105 or satisfactory completion of computer competency exam covering basic spreadsheet skills or an alternate instructor-approved course. |
American Sign Language |
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| Course | Description |
| ASL 101 American Sign Language I | (4 credits) Develops beginning abilities in receptive and expressive skills. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Emphasis placed on the history of sign language and deaf culture. Course conducted primarily in ASL. |
| ASL 102 American Sign Language II | (4 credits) Continues developing abilities in receptive and expressive skills. Further study of grammatical structures, vocabulary and culture. Course conducted primarily in ASL. PREREQ: ASL 101 or PERM/INST. |
| ASL 201 American Sign Language III | (4 credits) Continues developing intermediate abilities in receptive and expressive skills. Further study of grammatical structures, vocabulary and culture. Course conducted in ASL. PREREQ: ASL 102 or PERM/INST. |
| ASL 202 American Sign Language IV | (4 credits) Continues developing intermediate abilities in receptive and expressive skills. Further study of grammatical structures, vocabulary and culture. Course conducted in ASL. PREREQ: ASL 201 or PERM/INST. |
Art |
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| Course | Description |
| ART 100 Introduction to Art | (3 credits) An introduction to the basic language of visual art. |
Biology |
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| Course | Description |
| BIOL 100 Concepts of Biology | (4 credits) An introduction to fundamental biological principles of cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution. Introduction to organismal diversity, physiology, and morphology. |
| BIOL 107 Introduction to Human Biology | (4 credits) An introduction to human structure and function and the interrelationships of various human systems. Homeostasis, disease, health and their relationships to human anatomy and physiology. This is a non-major course that does not satisfy biology or allied health program requirements. |
| BIOL 191 Biology 1: Intro to Cell and Molecular Biology | (4 credits) Designed for biology and health science majors. The basic characteristics of living systems including the chemical and physical structure of cells, genetics, and development. Recommended: Solid preparation in high school biology and chemistry. PREREQ: One of the following: MATH108, MATH133, MATH143, MATH144, MATH160, MATH170, MATH175, or satisfactory placement score. |
Business |
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| Course | Description |
| BUS 101 Business for the New Generation | (3 credits) Acquaints students with business organizations, functional areas, and current business issues such as ethics, social responsibility and sustainability. Presents the strengths and limitations of the business enterprise, while promoting innovation, creativity, and technology use in a global context. Emphasis on strategy, communication, problem solving, teams and negotiation. Format will be lecture plus interactive breakout groups, simulations and integrated cases. |
Chemistry |
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| Course | Description |
| CHEM 100 Concepts of Chemistry | (4 credits) Acquaint students with chemistry and its relationship to other fields of study and modern life. Students who have received credit for CHEM 102 or CHEM 112 may not receive credit for CHEM 100. |
| CHEM 101 Introduction to Chemistry | (4 credits) First semester of a sequence course designed primarily for health science majors or students who need an introductory chemistry course prior to taking CHEM 111. Basic concepts of inorganic and physical chemistry are covered. PREREQ: MATH 108 or satisfactory placement score. |
| CHEM 111 General Chemistry 1 | (4 credits) The first semester of a one-year sequence course. A thorough study of the fundamentals of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, chemical reactions in solutions, gases, thermochemistry, basic quantum theory, chemical periodicity, and elementary chemical bonding. CHEM 111 assumes that students without one year of high school chemistry have completed a semester preparative course (see CHEM 99). PREREQ: MATH 143 or successful completion of the CHEM 111 Math exam. |
Chinese |
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| Course | Description |
| CHINESE 101 Elementary Mandarin Chinese I | (4 credits) Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces Simplified Chinese Characters and aspects of Chinese culture. |
| CHINESE 102 Elementary Mandarin Chinese II | (4 credits) Continues to develop beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces simplified Chinese characters and aspects of Chinese culture. PREREQ: CHINESE 101 or PERM/INST. |
Computer Science |
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| Course | Description |
| CS 101 Introduction To Computer Science Principles | (3 credits) Introduction to the central ideas, practices, and impact of computer science and computational thinking. Covers the seven big ideas in computer science: creativity, abstraction, data and information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and global impact. Computational thinking practices: connecting computing, creating computational artifacts, abstracting, analyzing problems and artifacts, communicating, and collaborating. PREREQ: MATH 108 or satisfactory placement score. |
| CS 121 Computer Science I | (4 credits) Introduction to object-oriented problem solving and programming. Software development process. Data and expression, conditionals and loops, arrays and lists, and classes and interfaces. Introduction to graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Guided, in-class programming activities and targeted projects to teach problem solving and software development skills. PREREQ: MATH 170. |
| CS 221 Computer Science II | (3 credits) Object-oriented design including inheritance, polymorphism, and dynamic binding. Graphical user interfaces. Recursion. Introduction to program correctness and testing/analysis of time/space requirements. Basic data structures: lists, collections, stacks, and queues. Basic searching and sorting. PREREQ: CS 121. |
Criminal Justice |
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| Course | Description |
| CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice | (3 credits) Philosophy, history, objectives, and functions of the criminal justice system as a social institution. The relationship of this system to society; and a general overview of the administration of justice. |
Elementary Education |
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| Course | Description |
| ED-CIFS 201 Education, Schooling, and Society | (3 credits) Study and evaluate schooling within the United States as a social institution that both shapes and is shaped by societal forces. Critical examination of its origins, evolution, and current forms. Provides a conceptual framework from which students will reflect upon and question American public education. |
Economics |
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| Course | Description |
| ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics | (3 credits) Economic principles are used to analyze the aggregate performance of developed economies. Analysis is applied to domestic and international macroeconomics issues. The goals and problems of high employment, price stability, growth, and the balance of payments are analyzed. Monetary, fiscal and other national policies are discussed. |
| ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics | (3 credits) An introduction to microeconomic analysis covering supply and demand, basic market structures, the operation of price systems, and the distribution of income. Provides an introduction to some applied areas of economics such as international, regional, the public sector, and economic development. |
Electrical and Computer Engineering |
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| Course | Description |
| ECE 180 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering | (1 credit) Introduction to electrical and computer engineering hardware and software tools. Overview of the electrical and computer engineering profession, careers, and foundations for success in the curriculum. Design and build a project to provide hands-on experience. Introduction of skills for college success. Cross-listed with CE 180, may be taken once for credit. |
Engineering Science |
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| Course | Description |
| ENGR 115 Idaho Aerospace Scholar | (2 credits) The Idaho Science Aerospace Scholars is a course offered through the Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), online for high school students. Students will explore and interact with the history and internal functions of NASA space exploration through online NASA research, virtual simulations, team design projects, and problem-solving activities. Students will explore STEM careers and interact with Idaho scientists, engineers, and other STEM professions. |
English |
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| Course | Description |
| ENGL 101 Writing and Rhetoric I | (3 credits) Develops students’ knowledge of what writing is and how it functions in the world. Invites students to understand their writing as situated within academic, civic, and personal contexts. Immerses students in developing flexible, inquiry-based writing strategies and processes. Emphasizes reflection and metacognition. PREREQ: ENGL123 or satisfactory placement score. |
| ENGL 102 Writing and Rhetoric II | (3 credits) Develops students’ understanding of how rhetoric functions in academic and public environments. Engages students in inquiry about writing and rhetoric in action. Immerses students in the iterative processes of writing and research. Offers opportunities to reflect on and compose in specific rhetorical contexts. PREREQ: ENGL101or satisfactory placement score. |
| ENGL 175 Literature and Ideas | (3 credits) An exploration of ideas in literature and other cultural texts. Topics will vary, and texts may include film, drama, new and interactive media, poetry, fiction, graphic novels, and other literary and cultural forms. |
Finance |
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| Course | Description |
| FINAN 208 Personal Finance | (3 credits) This course addresses the growing complexity of financial decision-making faced by the individual: how to avoid financial entanglements; installment buying; borrowing money; owning or renting a home; budgeting and money management; savings and investment alternatives; life, health, accident and auto insurance; and personal income taxes and estate planning. |
French |
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| Course | Description |
| FREN 101 Elementary French I | (3 credits) Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Francophone cultures. |
| FREN 102 Elementary French II | (3 credits) Continues to develop beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Francophone cultures. PREREQ: FREN 101 or equivalent as determined by placement exam. |
| FREN 201 Intermediate French I | (3 credits) Further development of all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Intensive review of fundamentals of structure and vocabulary in a communicative context. Topics for conversation focus on Francophone cultures. Course conducted in French. PREREQ: FREN 102 or equivalent as determined by placement exam or PERM/INST. |
| FREN 202 Intermediate French II | (3 credits) Further development of all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Intensive review of fundamentals of structure and vocabulary in a communicative context. Topics for conversation focus on Francophone cultures. Course conducted in French. |
Geoscience |
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| Course | Description |
| GEOL 101 Physical Geology | (4 credits) Principles of physical geology, including a study of the earth, its composition, structure, and natural processes. |
German |
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| Course | Description |
| GERM 101 Elementary German I | (4 credits) Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills; speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in communicative context. Introduces students to Germanic cultures. |
| GERM 102 Elementary German II | (4 credits) Continues to develop beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Germanic cultures. PREREQ: GERMAN 101 or instructor’s permission. |
Health |
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| Course | Description |
| HLTH 101 Medical Terminology | (3 credits) Introduction to Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes, combining forms and roots used in medical terminology, as well as the study of anatomical, physiological, and pathological terms, clinical procedures, abbreviations, and lab tests according to systems of the body. Medical terminology is treated as a medical language and clinical application is stressed. |
| HLTH 110 Introduction to Health Science and Public Health | (3 credits) This course offers an introduction to the art and science of public health and health sciences. The course describes the public health and healthcare systems in the United States, identifies disciplines of public health and health science, and explores the interrelationship between environmental factors, human behavior, and health policy in determining health outcomes. |
History |
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| Course | Description |
| HIST 101 World History I | (3 credits) A survey of world history from antiquity to the Age of Discovery (c. 1500), focusing on the chief political, social, and religious foundations of the world’s major civilizations (East, Asia, India, Middle East, Europe, and pre-Columbian America). Special attention will be given to patterns of cross-cultural interchange and the dynamics of historical change. |
| HIST 102 World History II | (3 credits) As survey of world history from the Age of Discovery (c.1500) to the present, focusing on increasing global interaction since the 16th century, the emergence of the modern world-view, European political and economic expansion, and non-Western responses to the challenges of the modern world. |
| HIST 103 History of Western Civilization I: Prehistory to the 17th Century | (3 credits) Introduces methods of historical interpretation and presents a political, economic, and cultural survey of western civilization from the earliest settled communities of the ancient Near East in the fourth millennium BCE through the cultural renaissance and religious reformation of western Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries CE. |
| HIST 104 History of Western Civilization II: 17th Century to Present | (3 credits) Introduces methods of historical interpretation and presents a political, economic, and cultural survey of western civilization from the end of the religious wars of the seventeenth century through the twenty-first century of the modern era. |
| HIST 111 United States History I | (3 credits) Surveys American society from pre-Columbian times through the Civil War era, with emphasis on the formative issues and conflicts that shape national politics and culture. |
| HIST 112 United States History II | (3 credits) Surveys the issues and conflicts influencing American development from the Civil War to the present, including economic, military, political, international, and sociocultural factors. |
Information Technology Management |
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| Course | Description |
| ITM 104 Operating Systems and Word Processing Topics | (1 credit) Introduces computer and technology concepts and develops skills using current home/office and Internet productivity software. Basic functions of the operating system, basic to intermediate word-processing skills, introduction to hardware, software, Internet and networking concepts for use in the workplace, educational settings, and the home. |
| ITM 105 Spreadsheet Topics | (2 credits) Develops basic to intermediate spreadsheet skills using Excel and then further expands on these skills through business discipline specific assignments. |
| ITM 106 Database Topics | (1 credit) Basic to intermediate database skills development, hardware, software, Internet, and networking concept materials for use in the workplace, educational settings, and the home. (Pass/Fail.) |
Japanese |
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| Course | Description |
| JAPANESE 101 Elementary Japanese I | (4 credits) Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. The course also introduces Katakana, Hiragana, and a limited number of Chinese characters. Course conducted in Japanese. |
| JAPANESE 102 Elementary Japanese II | (4 credits) Continues to develop beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in communicative context. The course also introduces hiragana, katakana, and a limited number of kanji characters. |
Kinesiology |
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| Course | Description |
| KINES 121 Taping and Wrapping Techniques in Athletic Training | (1 credit) Instructs students in a variety of wrapping and taping procedures used in the field of athletic training as forms of external support. A prerequisite for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program. Special fee required. |
| KINES 141 Personal Health | (3 credits) Covers nutrition, diseases, health needs, services, drugs, family living, and personality structure and development. Enhances student adjustment toward effective functioning in a changing environment. |
| KINES 220 Introduction to Athletic Injuries (Sports Medicine) | (3 credits) A survey course introducing the principles of care and prevention of sport induced injury. Emphasis will be on identification and differentiation of minor and major trauma related to sports participation. A prerequisite for admission to the Athletic Training Education Program. PREREQ: BIOL 107 or BIOL 227 or PERM/INST. |
Latin |
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| Course | Description |
| LATIN 211 Elementary Classical Latin | (4 credits) An intensive introduction to the basic vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of classical Latin with emphasis on comprehension of the nominal declension and verbal conjugation forms of the language. Survey of Roman republican literature with illustrative reading passages excerpted from the ancient authors. |
| LATIN 212 Advanced Classical Latin | (4 credits) Second semester of the intensive introduction to the study of classical Latin with emphasis on comprehension of the advanced grammatical forms and syntactical patterns of the language. Survey of Roman imperial literature with translations and analysis of extended historical and literary texts from the ancient authors. PREREQ: LATIN 211 or instructor’s permission. |
Library Research |
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| LIBR 106 Library Research Skills I | (1 credit) Practical research skills with a focus on thinking critically about information. At the end of the course, students will know how to develop a research question, locate and evaluate information in a variety of types, and understand the basics of information ethics. |
| LIBR 206 Library Research Skills II | (2 credits) Advanced research skills that will help conduct high-level, scholarly research to produce an academic paper, while also developing and understanding of ethical research practices and plagiarism. Develop and deliver a presentation on their paper and be able to discuss their research methods. PREREQ: LIBR 106 or PERM/INST. |
Mathematics |
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| Course | Description |
| MATH 143 College Algebra | (3 credits) Emphasis on the concept of functions as mathematical entities; domain, range, algebraic operations, composition, inverses, graphing. Polynomial functions, division of polynomials, roots, factor theorem, complex numbers, fundamental theorem of algebra. Rational functions and asymptotes. Logarithmic and exponential functions. Multi-level algebraic manipulation of functional expressions – e.g., difference quotients. Conic sections and other topics from analytic geometry as time permits. Mathematical modeling based on Business and Science applications using algebraic functions will be prominent. |
| MATH 144 Precalculus II: Trigonometry | (2 credits) Right-triangle and circular function approaches to trigonometry. Trigonometric identities. Graphs of trigonometric functions; amplitude, frequency, phase shift. Inverse trigonometric functions and their graphs. Polar coordinates and polar representations of complex numbers. |
| MATH 160 Survey of Calculus | (4 credits) A survey of the essentials of calculus including differentiation, integration and a brief introduction to calculus of functions of several variables. Emphasis on polynomial and exponential functions and how to fit them to data through optimization. Probability density functions and Riemann sums. MATH 160 cannot be taken for credit after MATH 170. PREREQ: MATH143 or MATH149, or satisfactory placement score. |
| MATH 170 Calculus I | (4 credits) Limits and continuity. Derivatives and antiderivatives, including trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The relationship between a function, its derivative, and its antiderivative. Integration and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Applications of calculus to physical models, geometry, approximation, and optimization. Includes elements of the theory of calculus and the language of mathematics. Credit cannot be earned for both MATH 170 and MATH 171. PREREQ: MATH 143 and MATH 144, or satisfactory placement score. |
| MATH 175 Calculus II | (4 credits) A continuation of MATH 170. Techniques of integration and calculation of antiderivatives. Applications of integration to physical models, including calculation of volume, moment, mass, and centroid. Informal convergence of sequences and series of real numbers. Taylor series, Taylor polynomials, and applications to approximation. Vectors, parametric curves, and polar coordinates. PREREQ: MATH143 or MATH149, and MATH144 and MATH170, or corresponding satisfactory placement score. |
| MATH 189 Discrete Mathematics | (4 credits) Content drawn from propositional and predicate logic; proof logic, induction and recursion, elementary set theory; functions and relations; combinatorial enumeration; graph theory and basic elementary number theory. Intended for computer science majors. Credit cannot be granted for both MATH 187 and MATH 189. PREREQ: MATH 170. |
| MATH 254 Statistical Methods | (3 credits) Pre-calculus treatment of descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression, correlation, introduction to probability. Emphasis on reasoning, problem solving, communicating ideas, and applications to a wide variety of disciplines. Use of computer statistics packages and calculators to handle computations. Carries no credit after MATH 360 or MATH 361. PREREQ: MATH 108 or satisfactory placement score. |
Physics |
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| Course | Description |
| PHYS 101 Introduction to Physics | (4 credits) A broad survey of basic physics concepts and principles including motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, light, relativity, atoms, fission, and fusion. Some examples will be related to social applications. A one semester core course that uses some basic algebra. |
| PHYS 104 Life In The Universe | (4 credits) Emphasis is on our solar system, the origin of chemical abundances, and astronomical requirements for the development of life; extra-solar planetary systems, and the search for life in the universe. |
| PHYS 105 Stars and Cosmology | (4 credits) An exploration of star formation and evolution, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology. Explores how the ideas of Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and others form our understanding of the universe. |
Political Science |
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| Course | Description |
| POLS 101 American National Government | (3 credits) Institutions and processes of the American political system, emphasizing social, ideological, and constitutional background. |
Psychology |
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| Course | Description |
| PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology | (3 credits) Investigation of mental processes and behavior through the lens of the scientific method. This survey course draws from topics within the American Psychological Association’s five pillars of psychology: Pillar 1 Biological (Neuroscience, Sensation, Consciousness, Motivation); Pillar 2 Cognitive (Cognition, Memory, Perception); Pillar 3 Development (Learning, Life Span Development, Language); Pillar 4 Social and Personality (Social, Personality, Intelligence, Emotion, Multicultural, Gender); and Pillar 5 Mental and Physical Health (Abnormal, Health, Therapies). |
Sociology |
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| Course | Description |
| SOC 101 How Society Really Works: An Introduction to Sociology | (3 credits) An introduction to groups, organizations, and societies, and their impact on human behavior. Emphasis is on sociological perspectives, concepts, methods, and applications in areas such as organization, socialization, inequality, institutions, intergroup relations, change, etc. |
| SOC 102 Social Problems | (3 credits) A study of problems that arise due to breakdown of norms and value consensus in society, the causes and solutions to these problems. The student is challenged to continually reexamine his/her own values in reference to the problems under consideration. |
Spanish |
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| Course | Description |
| SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish I | (4 credits) Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers a basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in communicative context. Introduces students to Hispanic culture. |
| SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish II | (4 credits) Continues to develop beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers a basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces the student to Hispanic culture. PREREQ: SPANISH 101 or satisfactory placement score. |
| SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I | (4 credits) Intended to further develop all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Intensive review of fundamentals of structure and vocabulary in a communicative context. Topics for conversation, reading, and writing focus on Hispanic cultures. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPANISH 102 or satisfactory placement score. |
| SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II | (4 credits) Intended to further develop all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Intensive review of fundamentals of structure and vocabulary in a communicative context. Topics for conversation, reading, and writing focus on Hispanic culture. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPANISH 201 or satisfactory placement score. |
Student Success |
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| Course | Description |
| ACAD 101 Academic Success Topics | (3 credits) Focuses on the development of skills, attitudes and behaviors associated with academic success in college. Selected topics may include: transition to university life for specific groups of students (such as veterans, athletes, international students, high school students, and non-traditional students); exploration of campus resources and opportunities; time management and basic study skills; and math success strategies. |
| ACAD 108 Career and Life Planning | (2 credits) Helps students plan and prepare for the life they want after college. Learn how to choose a career path that balances interests, abilities, and values with realities of the job market. Explore majors, identify steps required to become employable, and build job search skills necessary to achieve goals. |
Theatre Arts |
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| Course | Description |
| THEA 102 Beginning Ballet I | (1 credit) Basics of classical dance. Beginning barre work and center training to build strength and flexibility. Designed for students with no prior experience. May be repeated for a maximum of two credits. (Pass/Fail). |
| THEA 210 Repertory Dance | (2 credits) Choreography class for the creatively inclined dance student. Designed to give the student an opportunity to work with a professional choreographer to learn methods of choreography, to rehearse, and to prepare for performance. Requirements involve choreographing a dance piece during the semester and perform in the faculty choreography. At least one year of dance training is recommended. May be repeated once at each level for credit. PREREQ: PERM/INST. |