Natural Sciences-NSCI (NSCI) < Colorado State University

Courses

NSCI 170 Perspectives and Communication in Science Credit: 1 (1-0-0)

Course Description: Exploration of personal stories and development as science students through writing assignments, dialogue, and outreach activities. Topics will include effective communication of science principles with a variety of audiences (including K-12) and a diverse group of learners, exploration of how experiences and perspectives affect how individuals perceive and influence the scientific process and learning science concepts.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Undergraduate.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 170 and NSCI 180A2.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 192 Introductory Seminar Credits: 2 (0-0-2)

Course Description: Introduction to the culture and values of science and the College of Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: None.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 193 College of Natural Sciences Career Seminar Credit: 1 (0-0-1)

Course Description: Guidance for students in exploring who they are individually, how they might fit into a career or a graduate program in the sciences, how to develop their career path to be competitive in the selection process, and preparation of their marketing materials to be used in the future. Helps students gain a better understanding of their individual abilities, strengths, and interests imperative to being successful in a career search.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Undergraduate.
Registration Information: Undergraduate majors in the College of Natural Sciences only. This is a partial semester course. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 181A1 and NSCI 193.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 200 Scientific Inquiry in Educational Settings Credit: 1 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Practical and logistical strategies for teaching scientific inquiry through hands-on student-centered discovery. Includes: facilitating the CSU STEM Friday program with middle and high school students and networking with Colorado teachers.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: May be repeated for credit. Required field trips.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: S/U Sat/Unsat Only.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 295 Independent Study-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Written consent of Natural Sciences Dean's Office required.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 296 Group Study-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

NSCI 298 Undergraduate Research-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

NSCI 384 Supervised College Teaching Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Supervised experience in a computer lab.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor required. A maximum of 10 combined credits for all 384 and 484 courses are counted towards graduation requirements.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 487 Internship-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-6] (0-0-0)

NSCI 495 Independent Study-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

NSCI 496 Group Study-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

NSCI 498 Undergraduate Research-Natural Sciences Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

NSCI 575 Ethical Issues in Big Data Research Credit: 1 (1-0-0)

Also Offered As: GRAD 575.
Course Description: Examines big data research through an applied interdisciplinary approach to ethical issues surrounding collection, use, reporting, and preservation of big data. Incorporates a wide range of transferable skills training, so students are well equipped to engage and lead data-centric research within or outside academia.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Senior standing. This is a partial semester course. Credit allowed for only one of the following: GRAD 575, NSCI 575, or NSCI 580A2.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 579 Applied Animal Behavior Credits: 4 (3-2-0)

Also Offered As: VS 579.
Course Description: How animals learn, perceive their work, and behave, and how all of those intersect to alter behavior in managed care.
Prerequisite: BZ 300 or BZ 478 or BZ 479.
Restriction: Must not be a: Freshman, Sophomore.
Registration Information: Junior standing. Must register for lecture and laboratory. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 579 and VS 579.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 590A Workshop in Instruction: Science Instruction in Rural Colorado Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: S/U Sat/Unsat Only.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 590B Workshop in Instruction: Mathematics Instruction in Rural Colorado Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: S/U Sat/Unsat Only.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 590C Workshop in Instruction: Small Scale Science-Teachers as Researchers Credits: 4 (2-4-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Must register for lecture and laboratory.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 590D Workshop in Instruction: Colorado Science Teacher Enhancement Project Credits: 7 (0-0-7)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 590E Workshop in Instruction: Summer Mathematics Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 590G Workshop in Instruction, Small Scale Chemistry Credits: 2 (1-2-0)

NSCI 596 Small Scale Science Group Study Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 601 PSM Ethics for Animal Professionals Credit: 1 (0-0-2)

Course Description: Ethical issues involving the care and treatment of animals in managed care. Lectures, case studies, discussions, and student presentations.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Professional Science Master's in Natural Sciences: Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization. This is a partial semester course. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 601 and PHIL 601.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 610 Team Research in Quantitative Ecology Credits: 3 (2-2-0)

Course Description: Interdisciplinary team-based research aimed at studying real-life models in quantitative ecology using mathematical and statistical tools.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor. Must register for lecture and laboratory.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 611 Leadership in Animal Organizations Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Management training and specific leadership tools aimed at future professionals leading an animal organization.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission in the PSM program. All PSM students will need to register for the first fall semester to complete the course as a cohort class. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 611 and NSCI 680A3.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 612 Myth Busters – Science/Controversy/Evaluation Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Development and practice of western science; understanding how conflicts between science and culture create controversy; and evaluating claims.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Enrollment in MNSE programs. Written consent of instructor. Offered as an online course only.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 619A Physics for Educators: Optics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Ray, wave, and particle models of light, with diverse applications. Introduction to special relativity and quantum physics via light. Includes regular at-home, hands-on activities.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to MNSE program. Offered as an online course only. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 619 and NSCI 619A.
Term Offered: Spring (odd years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 619B Physics for Educators: Mechanics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Classical kinematics and dynamics, with particular attention to phenomena that can be explored using an integrated sensor system for weekly at-home labs.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to MNSE program. Offered as an online course only. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 619B and NSCI 680A5.
Term Offered: Spring (even years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 620 Chemistry for Science Educators Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Theoretical and experimental chemistry for grade 6-12 science teachers, with emphasis on water chemistry.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Master of Professional Natural Sciences program. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 621 Workplace Wellness - Animal Organizations Credits: 3 (2-0-1)

Course Description: Professional training, specifically tailored communication skills, and ways to engage personnel designed to meet the needs of animal professionals.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Must register for lecture and recitation. Admission to the PSM program. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both: NSCI 621 and NSCI 680A2.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 630 Spectroscopy for Science Educators Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Theory and applications of spectroscopy for grade 6-12 science teachers.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Master of Professional Natural Sciences program. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 631 Non-Profit Marketing and Community Relations Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Provides animal welfare leaders with the marketing knowledge, concepts and skills necessary to succeed as a leader in the non-profit sector. Media and public relations, crisis communications and website development and messaging for organizations are also taught. Through innovative thought process, research and understanding the basic principles of marketing and public relations, create and reinforce brand messaging.
Prerequisite: NSCI 611.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the PSM program. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 631 and NSCI 680A4.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 640 Energetics for Science Educators Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Production and use of energy for grade 6-12 science teachers, with emphasis on chemical and biological systems.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Master of Professional Natural Sciences program. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 641 Fiscal Management for Animal Welfare Leaders Credits: 2 (2-0-0)

Course Description: Provides animal welfare leaders with a background in managerial accounting as well as ethical business practices. Principles and best practices are examined for non-profit excellence in finance and accounting. Become familiar with policies and IRS regulations, develop skills to manage a board of directors and hire accountants.
Prerequisite: NSCI 611.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Professional Science Master's in Natural Sciences - Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization. This is a partial semester course. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 641 and NSCI 681A2.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 650 Pollution and Environmental Biology for Educators Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Biological consequences of energy production and consumption for grade 6-12 science teachers.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Master of Professional Natural Sciences program. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 651 Non-Profit Fund Development and Grant Writing Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Knowledge, concepts, and skills necessary for animal professionals to raise funds in a non-profit environment. Gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of primary fund and donor development.
Prerequisite: NSCI 631.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to Professional Science Master's in Natural Sciences - Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization. This is a partial semester course. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 651 and NSCI 681A1.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 660 Evolutionary Biology for Educators Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Evolutionary theory, with an emphasis on innovative methods for teaching evolutionary biology in grades 6-12.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to Master of Natural Sciences Education (M.N.S.E.) degree program. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 665 General Ecology for Science Educators Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Foundations of ecology and the interrelationships among organisms and their environment for grade 6-12 science teachers.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Master of Natural Sciences Education (MNSE) students only. Offered as an online course only.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 670 Earth Sciences for Educators Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Provides a foundation in the Earth Sciences for secondary science teachers, emphasizing their societal relevance and context. Topics include earth science methods and thinking, plate tectonics, minerals and mineral resources, rock formation and identification, geologic time, systems, the hydrologic cycle and water resources, climate, carbon and energy.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to MNSE program. Offered as an online course only. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 670 and NSCI 680A6.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 677 Microscopic Image Collection & Processing Credits: 2 (2-0-0)

Course Description: Modern microscopes generate terabytes of data presenting challenges for acquisition, long-term storage and extracting meaningful information to present it in an appropriate way for publication. This course covers fundamentals of data collection, storage and processing. Students will learn different software applications, ranging from commercial to technical computing languages and will develop their own data processing algorithms to synthesize publication-quality images from large data sets.
Prerequisite: (CS 156) and (STAR 511, may be taken concurrently or STAT 511A, may be taken concurrently or STAT 511B, may be taken concurrently) and (GRAD 510, may be taken concurrently).
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 687A MPNS Internship: Preparation Credits: Var[1-4] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to Master of Natural Sciences Education (M.N.S.E.) degree program.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 687B MPNS Internship: Project Credits: Var[1-8] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: NSCI 687A - at least 4 credits.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 687D Internship: Microscopy Credits: Var[1-8] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Internship in microscopy within the CSU Microscope Imaging Network Foundational Core Facility or within other organizations.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: S/U Sat/Unsat Only.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 688A PSM Capstone: Preparation Credits: 2 (0-0-2)

Course Description: Development of professional skills for students in the Professional Science Master's in Natural Sciences, Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management specialization. Initial matching of students with mentors and professional organizations that host capstone projects.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to Professional Science Master's in Natural Sciences - Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization. All courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence in the PSM program. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 687A and NSCI 688A.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 688B PSM Capstone: Proposal Writing Credits: 2 (0-0-2)

Course Description: Development of proposals for partnerships with animal non-profit organizations, and initiating service-learning experience.
Prerequisite: NSCI 688A.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: All courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence in the PSM program. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 687A and NSCI 688B.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 688C PSM Capstone: Project Credit: 1 (0-0-2)

Course Description: Service learning experience in partnership with an animal non-profit organization.
Prerequisite: NSCI 688B with a minimum grade of B.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: All courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence in the PSM program.
Term Offered: Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 688D PSM Capstone: Support for Deliverable and Job Search Credits: 2 (0-0-2)

Course Description: Support and guidance in completing capstone research or deliverables. Best practices in job searches, resumes, cover letters and interview techniques in the field of zoo, aquarium, or animal-shelter management.
Prerequisite: NSCI 688C.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: All courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence in the PSM program. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 687B AND NSCI 688D.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 688E PSM Capstone: Completion Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Completion of the Capstone Masters Project and associated service-learning commitment in partnership with an animal non-profit organization.
Prerequisite: NSCI 688D.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: All courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence in the PSM program. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both NSCI 687B AND NSCI 688E.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 693A Graduate Seminar: Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Credit: 1 (0-0-1)

Course Description: Current research relevant to student specialization(s) and presentations of internships and group projects.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Admission to the Professional Science Master's in Natural Sciences - Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 693C Graduate Seminar: Biological Data Analytics Credit: 1 (1-0-0)

Course Description: Presentation and discussion of current research in the analysis of large data applications in the biological sciences, as relevant to a student's specialization and associated with their internship experience.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Bachelor's degree required. Admission to Professional Science Master's in Natural Science Biological Data Analytics Specialization.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 693D Graduate Seminar: Microscopy Credit: 1 (0-0-1)

Course Description: Presentation and discussion of current microscopy research relevant to a student's specialization and associated with their internship experience.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: S/U Sat/Unsat Only.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 695 Independent Study for the MNSE Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Independent study based on review of the primary scientific literature in biology, chemistry, or physics.
Prerequisite: NSCI 698.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor.
Term Offered: Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 696D Group Study: Microscopy Proposal Credits: Var[1-6] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Design of an experiment utilizing microscopic imaging to collect quantitative data to test a hypothesis, which may include preparation of specimens, design and construction of a custom microscope, or the writing of software to control the microscope and acquire data. Images will be analyzed to extract quantitative data that tests the hypothesis.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 696E Group Study: Analysis of High-Throughput Sequencing Data Credit: 1 (0-0-1)

Course Description: Hands-on experience in analysis of a variety of high throughput sequencing data done in small groups under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Bachelor's degree required. Written consent of instructor.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 696F Group Study: Biological Data Analytics Project Proposal Credits: Var[1-6] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Design hypothesis and method(s) to analyze data from genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, or other -omics experiments; or write software to facilitate analysis of data from -omics experiments.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Bachelor's degree required.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 696G Group Study: Natural Science Education Credits: Var[1-6] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Hands-on, inquiry-based teaching and learning strategies for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics classroom.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Bachelor's degree required.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

NSCI 698 Research Experience in Natural Sciences Credits: 6 (0-0-6)

Course Description: Research experience in biology, chemistry, or physics.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Nine credits MNSE program coursework.
Term Offered: Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.