Accreditation
Message from President
Mission Statement
Undergraduate Admissions
Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid
Academic Regulations
Campus Resources
Academic Programs
General Education Requirements
Departments and Courses
General Information
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Chair: Carol Russell
Professor: Margaret Lidback
Assistant Professors: Kristin Chon, Vandana Singh
College Planetarium
Coordinating Director: Kristin Chon
The College Planetarium is located in Hemenway Annex. The
fully automated planetarium theater is equipped with a Spitz 512 prime sky
projector capable of showing the 2500 brightest stars found in the night
sky, digital multimedia, and Dolby
surround sound. The planetarium sky is
a hemisphere 30 feet in diameter, with seating beneath the dome
accommodating 49 students.
Pre-Engineering Program (PEN)
This program, in cooperation with the University of
Massachusetts-Lowell, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and University
of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, establishes a freshman and sophomore
curriculum leading to a B.S. degree in one of the engineering disciplines:
civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, nuclear, or plastics at the
University of Massachusetts-Lowell; chemical, civil, computer systems,
electrical, industrial, or mechanical at the University of
Massachusetts-Amherst; civil, computer, electrical, or mechanical at
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. A typical student accepted into
this program will study for two years at Framingham State and complete the
program at one of the universities, earning the degree from that
institution. Pre-engineering students who complete the program with a "B"
average (CQPA = 3.0 or better) are guaranteed admission into the
engineering program at each university. Those students with a "C" average
will probably be accepted, but their transfer cannot be guaranteed. Other
students may choose to remain at Framingham and complete their program of
studies in a major such as Biology, Chemistry, or Computer Science.
Each student who enters the program will be assigned a
Physics or Chemistry Department faculty advisor. Students are not required
to designate a specific engineering major until the end of the freshman
year, and those students continuing at one of the universities should plan
to spend three years with a reduced academic load to complete their degree
work. It will be necessary for transfer students to schedule summer
session coursework if they wish to complete all degree requirements over a
four year period.
The program of study during the two years at Framingham
State College is shown below. Each incoming student must pass the
mathematics placement examination in order to register for a
credit-bearing mathematics course. Students must do well on this
examination to begin the mathematics sequence with Calculus I. Students
who do not place into the Calculus I course are required to take
additional mathematics prior to taking Calculus I. Courses to be taken
during the sophomore year of the program depend, to some extent, on the
choice of engineering concentration.
Freshman Year: (common to all engineering options)
Fall Semester
43.219 Calculus I
33.107 Principles of Chemistry
21.110 Expository Writing
12.102 Principles of Microeconomics
Spring Semester
43.220 Calculus II
33.108 Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis
______ A literature course
63.152 Computer Science I
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
43.221 Calculus III
53.211 Principles of Physics I
63.252 Computer Science II
_____ Elective*
Spring Semester
53.212 Principles of Physics II
63.321 Digital Electronics or science elective
_____ Elective*
_____ Elective*
*Electives (suggested): 33.207-8 Organic Chemistry I and II, 23.160-1 Introduction
to Organismal Biology and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology,
43.222 Differential Equations, or 12.101 Principles of
Macroeconomics.
MINOR IN PHYSICS (4 courses)
53.211 Principles of Physics I
53.212 Principles of Physics II
33.303 Physical Chemistry I
and one (1) of the following courses:
33.304 Physical Chemistry II
33.321 Instrumental Analysis
63.321 Digital Electronics
MINOR IN GEOLOGY (4 courses)
73.231 Physical Geology
73.232 Historical Geology
73.233 Environmental Geology for Town and Regional
Planning
73.331 Regional Field Geology
MINOR IN EARTH SCIENCES (5 courses)
53.241 Introduction to Meteorology
53.251 Introduction to Astronomy
73.231 Physical Geology
73.232 Historical Geology
73.246 Oceanography
PROGRAM IN EDUCATION
The Department sponsors the Interdisciplinary Major in
Natural Sciences for students planning to become licensed teachers at
either the early childhood or elementary level. More specific information
on the secondary education minor and Interdisciplinary major is found in
the Education section of the catalog.
Physics and Earth Sciences Courses Appropriate for
General Education (Gen.Ed.)
| Physics
Courses |
Goal(s) |
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53.109 Introduction to Physical Science |
6, Lab |
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53.201 Introductory Physics
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6, Lab |
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53.211 Principles of Physics I
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6, Lab |
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53.241 Introduction to Meteorology |
6 |
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53.251 Introduction to Astronomy |
6 |
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| Earth
Sciences Courses |
Goal(s) |
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73.131 Conversations with the Earth - An Introduction to Geology |
6 |
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73.231 Physical Geology |
6, Lab |
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73.232 Historical Geology
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6, Lab |
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73.246 Oceanography |
6 |
PHYSICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
53.109 Introduction to Physical Science (Gen.Ed. Goal 6, Lab)
An introduction to the fundamental behavior of matter and
energy. Topics include the nature of scientific investigation, properties
of matter, motion, energy conservation, heat, wave motion, magnetism and
static electricity, nuclear fission and fusion, and the relationships
among the different areas of physical science. This course is intended for
nonscience majors and includes a weekly two-hour laboratory component.
Students will not receive credit for this course after having taken 53.201
Introductory Physics or 53.211 Principles of Physics I.
53.201 Introductory Physics (Gen.Ed. Goal 6, Lab)
An introduction to those concepts of physics of particular
relevance to the life and earth sciences. The topics covered, all at a
non-calculus level, include motion, scaling, energy and its conservation,
fluids, wave motion, electrostatic force, electrical currents, nuclear
radiation and its effects and uses. The course includes a weekly
three-hour laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 43.200 Precalculus.
53.211 Principles of Physics I (Gen.Ed. Goal 6, Lab)
The study of motion, Newton’s Laws, work and energy,
momentum, gravitation, and the rotation of rigid bodies. Designed for
students majoring in the sciences, mathematics, and pre-engineering.
Includes a weekly, three-hour laboratory component.
Prerequisite: 43.219 Calculus I (may be taken
concurrently).
53.212 Principles of Physics II
A continuation of Principles of Physics I, involving the
study of wave motion, sound, electricity and magnetism, d.c. circuits, and
electromagnetic waves. Designed for students majoring in the sciences,
mathematics, and pre-engineering. Includes a weekly, three-hour laboratory
component.
Prerequisite: 52.211 Principles of Physics I.
53.241 Introduction to Meteorology (Gen.Ed. Goal 6)
A focus on the acquisition of an understanding of the
phenomenon of weather and the behavior of the earth’s atmosphere. The
underlying physical principles required as the foundation for this
understanding are introduced as needed. Topics that are covered include
the origin and composition of the earth’s atmosphere, the ozone problem,
global warming, cloud and precipitation formation, types of fog, causes of
winds, air mass and frontal weather, air pollution and acid rain,
thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and weather forecasting.
53.251 Introduction to Astronomy (Gen.Ed. Goal 6)
An exploration of the bodies in the night sky including
visible planets, stars, unusual stars, constellations, nebulas, and
galaxies. An understanding of these celestial bodies is gained through
selected readings, planetarium presentations, telescopic observations, and
class discussion on astronomy as it relates to current events.
EARTH SCIENCES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
73.131 Conversations with the Earth: An Introduction to Geology (Gen.Ed. Goal 6)
Designed for non-science students wishing an introduction
to the study of the earth. The course includes a discussion of the
theories on the formation and evolution of the Earth including the theory
of plate tectonics and seafloor spreading which is revolutionizing the way
we interpret the Earth’s history. Also covered are the development of
landscapes, our human relationship to the Earth with respect to needed
resources and geological hazards, the formation and importance of fossils,
and how all this information is collected and evaluated by earth
scientists. Note: Credit cannot be received for the course if
preceded by 73.231 Physical Geology or 73.232 Historical Geology.
73.231 Physical Geology (Gen.Ed. Goal 6, Lab)
A study of the nature and origin of the minerals and rocks
composing the earth; the geologic evolution of surface features (scenery)
taking into account the underlying rock types and structures as well as
the surface effects of glaciers, oceans, rivers, volcanoes, and
earthquakes; introduction to geologic aspects of environmental issues; and
the geology of the solar system. Numerous field trips supplement the
lectures and labs. Designed for any students wanting to learn more about
the formation of landscapes and the limitations of earth resources.
73.232 Historical Geology (Gen.Ed. Goal 6, Lab)
A study of the principles and techniques used in
interpreting the geologic time and the evolution of the geologic time
scale. Other topics include: the origin and evolution of the Earth and its
continents and ocean basins, and the nature of fossils and their use in
studies of biological evolution, resources, and evolution of North
America. This course has numerous field trips and is designed for students
in any major.
Prerequisite: 73.231 Physical Geology.
73.233 Environmental Geology for Town and Regional Planning
A focus on the nature and structure of local bedrock and
surficial deposits, the distribution and dynamics of surface and ground
water, waste disposal and treatment, and coastal processes. Local geologic
hazards such as flooding, mass movements of unconsolidated surface
deposits, subsidence, ground water contamination and coastal erosion are
considered. Students become familiar with resources, tools, and new
approaches through geology to environmental planning and impact analysis.
Local case studies and field trips supplement the lectures.
73.246 Oceanography (Gen.Ed. Goal 6)
An introduction to the structure and origin of ocean
basins; the origin and chemistry of seawater; the physical dynamics of the
sea including oceanic circulation, waves, and tides; geology of coastal
areas; some marine ecology; management practices for coastal and oceanic
environments. Several field trips supplement lectures. This course is
designed for all students interested in the oceans and their preservation.
73.331 Regional Field Geology
A course with two major
purposes. First, it is an introduction to the techniques of geological
field investigation and involves practice in the recognition and description
of rock types, rock structures, and landforms. Using data collected during
field work, students prepare and interpret geologic maps and
cross-sections and summarize their findings in written reports. Second,
students acquire a knowledge of the regional geology of selected areas
with special emphasis on New England. Students are expected to attend one
out of the two or three day field trips. This course is designed for
students in any major who desire practical experience in reading the
landscape.
Prerequisite: 73.231 Physical Geology and 73.232
Historical Geology.
73.495 Independent Study in Earth Sciences
An opportunity to continue to study a topic in greater
depth or to explore topics or problems in the earth sciences that are new
to the student. Admission to this course is open only to juniors and
seniors who are Earth Science minors and who have an overall QPA of 2.7.
Admission must be approved by the supervising faculty member and the
department chair.
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