Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
BIOL 571	Habitat Ecology-Aquatic	A detailed examination is made of the structure and functioning of selected aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of functioning systems. (3 credits at Pymatuning)
BIOL 572	Terrest Comm Ecology	A study of the composition, distribution, and dynamics of plants and animals in selected terrestrial communities. Major biomes to be included will be grassland, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, and tundra. Summers only: six weeks. (3 credits at Pymatuning)
BIOL 573	Freshwater Ecology	A field-oriented study of the physics, chemistry, and biology of standing and flowing inland waters.
BIOL 574	Ecol Of Aquatic Insects	Examination of the ecological adaptations of aquatic insects with special emphasis on morphology, habitat, and trophic relationships. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 575	Experimental Ecology	Study of designs suitable for investigation of natural populations and communities stressing statistical analysis, and the logical control of experiments in natural situations. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 576	Fungal Ecology	Emphasis will be on the role of fungi in the decomposition of organic materials in terrestrial and aquatic communities, and the recycling of mineral nutrients. (Pymatuning)
BIOL 577	Forest Ecology	An in-depth approach to the structure, function and dynamics of forest ecosystems at multiples scales. Lecture and discussion focuses on current topics in forest ecology and management such as major forest types and climate, influence of physical factors like soils and hydrology on forest ecosystem function, the importnace of disturbance, herbivores, and pathogens in structuring forest ecosystems, and the concept and practice of sustainability in forest management. Laboratory emphasizes descriptive and investigative studies of local forest ecosystems. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly.
BIOL 578	Biome Studies	A travel-study program which offers opportunities for study in the various biomes, e.g., grasslands, montane, seashore, etc. Summers only. Prerequisites: Environmental Biology or permission of instructor.
BIOL 579	Alpine Ecology	Students travel to the Beartooth Mountains in northern Wyoming where they may undertake field studies of aquatic and terrestrial communities along an altitudinal transect. Permission to register granted on an individual basis. (Students will share co,st of travel and food. Tents and cooking facilities will be provided.) (Pymatuning)
BIOL 582	Evolution
BIOL 583	Molecular Biology	Study of the structural and functional relationships of the major biological macromolecules, emphasizing nucleic acid biology. Laboratory emphasizes current systems, methods, and applications of biotechnology, including recombinant DNA techniques. Two lecture and four laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Annually.
BIOL 585	Biotechnology	Advanced topics in the current systems, methods, and applications of recombinant DNA and protein biotechnology. Three lecture/discussion and three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: BIOL 483/583 or consent of instructor. Spring, annually.
BIOL 591	Biogeography	The subject matter covers aspects of the distribution of plants and animals. Main topics of concern include interpretive approaches to biogeography, paleobiogeographic evidence of past distributions, the centers of origin of various groups, mechanisms and routes of dispersal and colonization, and the dynamics of extinction. Prerequisites: BIOL 202 and 203.
BIOL 592	Animal Behavior	Study of the biological concepts of animal behavior. Investigates sensory receptors, internal mechanisms, genetics, learning and habituation, social organization, and communication. Lecture topics include techniques of observation and experiments inanimal behavior. Three lecture hours weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of courses in principles of ecology and genetics or permission of instructor. Alternate years.
BIOL 593	Comm & Ecosys Dynamics	An in-depth approach to the structure, function, and dynamics of ecological systems at community, ecosystem, and landscape scales. Lecture and discussion will focus on current topics such as niche theory, the regulation of community structure, food webs, ecological stability, diversity, succession, and energy and material cycles. Laboratory will emphasize field-based descriptive and investigative studies of local communities and ecosystems. Three lecture and three lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 202 or equivalent is required. A basic statistics course is highly desirable. Fall, even-numbered years.\|
BIOL 594	Population Biology	This course deals with the empirical, experimental, and theoretical aspects of the structure, growth, and evolution of biological populations. The course will take a holistic approach to how population genetics and population ecology interact to produce observed population structure and dynamics. Two hours lecture/discussion and three lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, MATH 260, or permission of the instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.
BIOL 597	Evolutionary Ecology	This course explores contemporary topics as well as landmark contributions in ecology and evolutionary biology. These topics are explored by readings of research and review papers. Three hours lecture/discussion weekly. Prerequisites: completion of c,"ourses in each of the following: principles of ecology, evolution, and genetics; or permission of instructor.
BIOL 600	Special Prob In Biol	By permission.
BIOL 700	Research & Thesis	Prerequisite: Successful oral defense of prospectus seminar
CHEM 50	Prep For Chemistry	Emphasizes development of verbal, mathematical, and abstract reasoning skills, and a basic scientific vocabulary needed to more fully explore the science of chemistry. Designed for students who may not have sufficient background for college chemistry. Placement is recommended by the Department of Chemistry or it may be taken by students who feel a need to strengthen their skills prior to entering the normal sequence of chemistry courses. Course credits do not count toward graduation or general e,ducation science requirement. Offered occasionally.
CHEM 141	Freshman Seminar	Required of all freshman chemistry majors, this course provides an orientation to the university, to the faculty, and to the programs within the chemistry department including, among other topics, advisement, opportunities, curriculum and scheduling, faculty expectations, laboratory safety procedures, facilities, career options, professional societies. The academic component, involving common readings, assignments, discussions, and attendance at seminars, is part of the course requirements.
CHEM 145	Chem for Allied Health Sci I	This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence covering the main topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry as they relate to the health sciences field. Topics include atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, bonding, energyin chemical reactions, phases of matter, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, and an introduction to hydrocarbons and organic chemistry.
CHEM 146	Chem For Allied Sciences II	This course is the continuation of CHEM 145. CHEM 146 covers the principles of organic chemistry by functional groups plus the biochemistry of proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, neurotransmitters and hormones. All topics are taught with an emphasis on health-related topics. Spring, annually.
CHEM 151	Chem Principles I	Explores atomic theory, gases, solids, liquids, chemical bonding, and molecular structure. Intended for chemistry majors, pre-medical students, and others who desire a rigorous introductory course. CHEM 151 and 152 comprise the foundation for all subsequent courses in the major sequence. A strong background is desirable but not required. Students must concurrently schedule CHEM 161. Three hours lecture. Fall, annually.
CHEM 152	Chem Principles II	Includes second law, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, kinetics, and coordination chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 151. Students must concurrently schedule CHEM 162. Three hours lecture. Spring, annually.
CHEM 153	General Chemistry I	Initial course in the fundamental concepts of chemistry for students not majoring in chemistry; it can serve as a preparation for CHEM 254 or as a general education elective. Includes atomic theory and structure, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, andthe physical states of matter. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 163. Three hours lecture. Fall, annually.
CHEM 154	General Chemistry II	Continuation of CHEM 153. Includes a discussion of solutions, thermodynamics, equilibria, kinetics, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction.. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 164. Prerequisite: CHEM 153. Three hours lecture. Spring, annually.
CHEM 161	Chem Prin I Lab	Laboratory exercises to exemplify and augment the material in CHEM 151. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 151 unless it is being repeated. Three hours laboratory. Fall, annually.
CHEM 162	Chem Principles II Lab	Laboratory exercises to exemplify and augment the material in CHEM 152. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 152 unless it is being repeated. Three hours laboratory. Spring, annually.
CHEM 163	General Chem I Lab	Laboratory exercises to exemplify and augment the material in CHEM 153. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 153 unless it is being repeated. Three hours laboratory. Fall, annually.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

BIOL 571

Habitat Ecology-Aquatic

A detailed examination is made of the structure and functioning of selected aquatic ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of functioning systems. (3 credits at Pymatuning)

BIOL 572

Terrest Comm Ecology

A study of the composition, distribution, and dynamics of plants and animals in selected terrestrial communities. Major biomes to be included will be grassland, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, and tundra. Summers only: six weeks. (3 credits at Pymatuning)

BIOL 573

Freshwater Ecology

A field-oriented study of the physics, chemistry, and biology of standing and flowing inland waters.

BIOL 574

Ecol Of Aquatic Insects

Examination of the ecological adaptations of aquatic insects with special emphasis on morphology, habitat, and trophic relationships. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 575

Experimental Ecology

Study of designs suitable for investigation of natural populations and communities stressing statistical analysis, and the logical control of experiments in natural situations. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 576

Fungal Ecology

Emphasis will be on the role of fungi in the decomposition of organic materials in terrestrial and aquatic communities, and the recycling of mineral nutrients. (Pymatuning)

BIOL 577

Forest Ecology

An in-depth approach to the structure, function and dynamics of forest ecosystems at multiples scales. Lecture and discussion focuses on current topics in forest ecology and management such as major forest types and climate, influence of physical factors like soils and hydrology on forest ecosystem function, the importnace of disturbance, herbivores, and pathogens in structuring forest ecosystems, and the concept and practice of sustainability in forest management. Laboratory emphasizes descriptive and investigative studies of local forest ecosystems. Two lecture and three laboratory hours weekly.

BIOL 578

Biome Studies

A travel-study program which offers opportunities for study in the various biomes, e.g., grasslands, montane, seashore, etc. Summers only. Prerequisites: Environmental Biology or permission of instructor.

BIOL 579

Alpine Ecology

Students travel to the Beartooth Mountains in northern Wyoming where they may undertake field studies of aquatic and terrestrial communities along an altitudinal transect. Permission to register granted on an individual basis. (Students will share co,st of travel and food. Tents and cooking facilities will be provided.) (Pymatuning)

BIOL 582

Evolution

BIOL 583

Molecular Biology

Study of the structural and functional relationships of the major biological macromolecules, emphasizing nucleic acid biology. Laboratory emphasizes current systems, methods, and applications of biotechnology, including recombinant DNA techniques. Two lecture and four laboratory hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 201, 203, 341; CHEM 251, 261, 252, and 262, all with a C or better. Annually.

BIOL 585

Biotechnology

Advanced topics in the current systems, methods, and applications of recombinant DNA and protein biotechnology. Three lecture/discussion and three lab hours each week. Prerequisite: BIOL 483/583 or consent of instructor. Spring, annually.

BIOL 591

Biogeography

The subject matter covers aspects of the distribution of plants and animals. Main topics of concern include interpretive approaches to biogeography, paleobiogeographic evidence of past distributions, the centers of origin of various groups, mechanisms and routes of dispersal and colonization, and the dynamics of extinction. Prerequisites: BIOL 202 and 203.

BIOL 592

Animal Behavior

Study of the biological concepts of animal behavior. Investigates sensory receptors, internal mechanisms, genetics, learning and habituation, social organization, and communication. Lecture topics include techniques of observation and experiments inanimal behavior. Three lecture hours weekly. Prerequisites: Completion of courses in principles of ecology and genetics or permission of instructor. Alternate years.

BIOL 593

Comm & Ecosys Dynamics

An in-depth approach to the structure, function, and dynamics of ecological systems at community, ecosystem, and landscape scales. Lecture and discussion will focus on current topics such as niche theory, the regulation of community structure, food webs, ecological stability, diversity, succession, and energy and material cycles. Laboratory will emphasize field-based descriptive and investigative studies of local communities and ecosystems. Three lecture and three lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 202 or equivalent is required. A basic statistics course is highly desirable. Fall, even-numbered years.|

BIOL 594

Population Biology

This course deals with the empirical, experimental, and theoretical aspects of the structure, growth, and evolution of biological populations. The course will take a holistic approach to how population genetics and population ecology interact to produce observed population structure and dynamics. Two hours lecture/discussion and three lab hours weekly. Prerequisites: BIOL 202, MATH 260, or permission of the instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.

BIOL 597

Evolutionary Ecology

This course explores contemporary topics as well as landmark contributions in ecology and evolutionary biology. These topics are explored by readings of research and review papers. Three hours lecture/discussion weekly. Prerequisites: completion of c,"ourses in each of the following: principles of ecology, evolution, and genetics; or permission of instructor.

BIOL 600

Special Prob In Biol

By permission.

BIOL 700

Research & Thesis

Prerequisite: Successful oral defense of prospectus seminar

CHEM 50

Prep For Chemistry

Emphasizes development of verbal, mathematical, and abstract reasoning skills, and a basic scientific vocabulary needed to more fully explore the science of chemistry. Designed for students who may not have sufficient background for college chemistry. Placement is recommended by the Department of Chemistry or it may be taken by students who feel a need to strengthen their skills prior to entering the normal sequence of chemistry courses. Course credits do not count toward graduation or general e,ducation science requirement. Offered occasionally.

CHEM 141

Freshman Seminar

Required of all freshman chemistry majors, this course provides an orientation to the university, to the faculty, and to the programs within the chemistry department including, among other topics, advisement, opportunities, curriculum and scheduling, faculty expectations, laboratory safety procedures, facilities, career options, professional societies. The academic component, involving common readings, assignments, discussions, and attendance at seminars, is part of the course requirements.

CHEM 145

Chem for Allied Health Sci I

This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence covering the main topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry as they relate to the health sciences field. Topics include atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, bonding, energyin chemical reactions, phases of matter, kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, and an introduction to hydrocarbons and organic chemistry.

CHEM 146

Chem For Allied Sciences II

This course is the continuation of CHEM 145. CHEM 146 covers the principles of organic chemistry by functional groups plus the biochemistry of proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, neurotransmitters and hormones. All topics are taught with an emphasis on health-related topics. Spring, annually.

CHEM 151

Chem Principles I

Explores atomic theory, gases, solids, liquids, chemical bonding, and molecular structure. Intended for chemistry majors, pre-medical students, and others who desire a rigorous introductory course. CHEM 151 and 152 comprise the foundation for all subsequent courses in the major sequence. A strong background is desirable but not required. Students must concurrently schedule CHEM 161. Three hours lecture. Fall, annually.

CHEM 152

Chem Principles II

Includes second law, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, kinetics, and coordination chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 151. Students must concurrently schedule CHEM 162. Three hours lecture. Spring, annually.

CHEM 153

General Chemistry I

Initial course in the fundamental concepts of chemistry for students not majoring in chemistry; it can serve as a preparation for CHEM 254 or as a general education elective. Includes atomic theory and structure, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, andthe physical states of matter. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 163. Three hours lecture. Fall, annually.

CHEM 154

General Chemistry II

Continuation of CHEM 153. Includes a discussion of solutions, thermodynamics, equilibria, kinetics, acids and bases, and oxidation-reduction.. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 164. Prerequisite: CHEM 153. Three hours lecture. Spring, annually.

CHEM 161

Chem Prin I Lab

Laboratory exercises to exemplify and augment the material in CHEM 151. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 151 unless it is being repeated. Three hours laboratory. Fall, annually.

CHEM 162

Chem Principles II Lab

Laboratory exercises to exemplify and augment the material in CHEM 152. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 152 unless it is being repeated. Three hours laboratory. Spring, annually.

CHEM 163

General Chem I Lab

Laboratory exercises to exemplify and augment the material in CHEM 153. Must be taken concurrently with CHEM 153 unless it is being repeated. Three hours laboratory. Fall, annually.