WNC Academic Catalog: 2009–2010
Course Descriptions: P
Philosophy (PHIL)
Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service Division
PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Studies basic problems in different areas of philosophy such as ethics, political theory, metaphysics, and epistemology.
PHIL 102: Critical Thinking & Reasoning
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Covers nonsymbolic introduction to logical thinking in everyday life, law, politics, science, advertising; common fallacies; and the uses of language, including techniques of persuasion.
PHIL 114: Introduction to Logic
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces symbolic logic. Studies the principles of correct reasoning, using the symbolic techniques of propositional calculus and basic quantifier calculus.
PHIL 135: Introduction to Ethics
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Provides an introduction to representative classical ethical theories.
PHIL 180B: Ufology
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: None
Surveys ufology in our popular culture as well as a presentation of ufological theories thought to explain the evidence for ufological claims.
PHIL 200: Judeo-Christian Tradition
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Studies the major religious philosophic beliefs found in the Old and New Testaments along with the way these concepts were modified in post-biblical cosmology.
PHIL 203: Introduction to Existentialism
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Reviews readings from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Jaspers, Sarte, Heidegger. An examination of the existentialist concepts: "being" and "nonbeing," "estrangement," "dread," "anxiety" and "freedom."
PHIL 204: Contemporary Philosophy
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Reviews the late 19th century movements as basis for the study of 20th century developments in thought from Nietzsche through existentialism, neopositivism, and American naturalism.
PHIL 207: Introduction to Political Philosophy
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Provides readings and discussion of theories concerning the nature of society and political structure from classical and contemporary philosophers.
PHIL 210: World Religions
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Examines the main moral and religious views of world religions.
PHIL 224: Introduction to Philosophy of Science
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Studies philosophical problems and implications of historical and contemporary scientific inquiry, e.g. the nature of laws, theories, explanations, scientific revolutions, values, relations of science and society.
Physics (PHYS)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
PHYS 100: Introductory Physics
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Introduces students to a broad range of concepts in physics from basic classical mechanics to modern physics. Students will conduct at least four experiments with many demonstrations performed throughout the course.
PHYS 151: General Physics I
Credits: 4; Prerequisites: MATH 126 & MATH 127, MATH 128 or equivalent
Provides a course in physics for students in arts and science, medicine and dentistry, and agriculture. Emphasis is on mechanics, heat, and sound.
PHYS 152: General Physics II
Credits: 4; Prerequisites: PHYS 151 or consent of instructor
Emphasizes light, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics.
PHYS 180: Engineering Physics I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: MATH 181
Explores vectors, rectilinear motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational mechanics, oscillations, gravitation, fluids, wave properties and sound. Students must co-enroll in both lecture and lab to receive credit.
PHYS 180L: Engineering Physics I Lab
Credits: 1; Prerequisites or Corequisites: MATH 181
Explores vectors, rectilinear motion, particle dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational mechanics, oscillations, gravitation, fluids, wave properties and sound. Students must co-enroll in both lecture and lab to receive credit.
PHYS 181: Engineering Physics II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PHYS 180; Recommended: MATH 182
Explores electric fields, potential, current, dielectrics, circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic oscillations, thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases. Students must co-enroll in both lecture and lab to receive credit.
PHYS 181L: Engineering Physics II Lab
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: MATH 182 & PHYS 180; Corequisites: PHYS 181
Explores electric fields, potential, current, dielectrics, circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic oscillations, thermodynamics and kinetic theory of gases. Students must co-enroll in both lecture and lab to receive credit.
PHYS 182: Engineering Physics III
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: MATH 182 & PHYS 181 or consent of instructor
Explores light, optical systems, relativity, wave aspects of particles, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, semiconductors, radioactivity, nuclear physics and particles. Students must co-enroll in both lecture and lab to receive credit.
PHYS 182L: Engineering Physics III Lab
Credits: 1; Prerequisites: MATH 182 & PHYS 181 or consent of instructor; Corequisites: PHYS 182
Explores light, optical systems, relativity, wave aspects of particles, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, semiconductors, radioactivity, nuclear physics and particles. Students must co-enroll in both lecture and lab to receive credit.
PHYS 293: Directed Study
Credits: 1–3; Prerequisites: PHYS 151, PHYS 180 or consent of instructor
Provides individual study conducted under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for up to six credits.
Political Science (PSC)
Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service Division
PSC 103: Principles of American Constitutional Government
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Studies constitutions of U.S. and Nevada with specific attention to various principles and current problems of government.
PSC 108: Great Issues of Politics
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSC 103, HIST 101 or consent of instructor
Studies political processes and ways in which political decisions are made and implemented.
PSC 208: Survey of State & Local Government
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Students learn about the organization, working principles and functional processes of state and local governments in the U.S.
PSC 231: World Politics
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Explores recent and contemporary international relations and the foreign policies, policy making institutions, and the politics of various nations.
PSC 295: Special Topics in Political Science
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: consent of instructor
Explores in detail an issue of current interest. Topics might include: the formulation and implementation of national security policy; the implementation and formation of national, state or local policy; or the structure and function of government agencies. May be repeated for up to six credits.
PSC 299: Government Internship
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSC 103, HIST 111 and consent of instructor. If more students apply than there are positions available, students must submit resumes and will be selected by a review committee
Provides students the opportunity to be selected to serve in federal, state or local government offices within the WNC service area.
Power Equipment Technician (PET)
Technology Division
PET 107B: Power Equipment Technician Motorcycle Maintenance I
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces principles, design, construction, and maintenance of motorcycles. Includes shop safety, use of manuals, selection and use of hand tools, and hand-held test instruments. Introduces general maintenance of various systems.
PET 108B: Power Equipment Technician Motorcycle Maintenance II
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PET 107B or consent of instructor
Continuation of PET 107B. Introduces principles, design, construction and maintenance of motorcycles. Includes safety, use of manuals, selection and use of hand tools and hand held test instruments. Introduces general maintenance of a variety of different motorcycle systems.
Psychology (PSY)
Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service Division
PSY 101: General Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces the field of psychology. Covers major principles and their application to the study of human behavior.
PSY 102: Psychology of Personal/Social Adjustment
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Focuses on understanding and applying psychological principles and theories to personal development and human relationships.
PSY 120: The Psychology of Human Performance
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Survey course into the subject of the psychology of human performance. Explores the psychological, emotional, and strategic dimensions of human performance. Emphasis will be to provide students with a comprehensive background that they can apply to their own performance areas.
PSY 130: Human Sexuality
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
This course covers major topics in human sexuality such as gender, sexual anatomy, sexually-transmitted diseases, sexual response and disorders, sexual orientation, sexual coercion, and commercial sex.
PSY 210: Introduction to Statistical Methods
Credits: 4; Prerequisites: PSY 101, SOC 101 & MATH 096 or consent of instructor
The purpose is the understanding of statistical methods and training in the useful presentation and interpretation of behavioral science data, including elementary computer use. Same as SOC 210.
PSY 220: Principles of Educational Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Introduces the application of psychology principles of learning and cognitive development.
PSY 230: Introduction to Personality Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Introduces students to personality testing and the major approaches to the study of personality, including the influence of heredity, learning, the unconscious, etc.
PSY 233: Child Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Explains the growth and development of children from conception through early adolescence.
PSY 234: Adolescent Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Examines psychological development during adolescence with emphasis on special problems in American society: drug abuse, pregnancy, and familial problems.
PSY 240: Introduction to Research Methods
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Introduces how hypotheses are objectively tested in the social sciences, including research design, data collection, and interpretation of results.
PSY 241: Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Covers causes, symptoms, and treatments of major psychological disorders, including anxiety, dissociative, mood, somatoform, eating, schizophrenia and substance-related disorders.
PSY 261: Introduction to Social Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101, SOC 101 or consent of instructor
Examines how the presence of others influences thoughts and behavior, including research on close relationships, persuasion, stereotyping, aggression, and group dynamics.
PSY 270: Understanding Psychology Through Film
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Covers major psychological concepts and principles as they are illustrated through contemporary, international, and independent film.
PSY 271: Psychology & the Family
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Explores the relationship of the individual and the family.
PSY 275: Undergraduate Research
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 & PSY 210 & PSY 240
Requires independent or collaborative research.
PSY 280: Understanding Men and Women
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of instructor
Explores the similarities and differences between the sexes, the consequences of these differences for the individual and society, and how to analyze explanations of gender/sex related behaviors. The course fulfills the diversity requirement for the core curriculum at UNR.
PSY 290: Internship in Psychology
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: PSY 101 , completion of 30 college credits, and a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Provides an opportunity for students to apply knowledge of psychology to work settings. Students work with a faculty member in psychology and work supervisor to develop a program that allows students to use skills and knowledge from psychology.
PSY 299: Special Topics
Credits: 3; Prerequisites: None
Special topics which vary across semesters. A maximum of three credits may be applied towards a WNC degree.