Riverland Community College

This course is an introduction to the field of anthropology and its sub-disciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical/biological anthropology and linguistic anthropology. A major theme of this course is the interaction between human biology, culture and the natural environment. MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course covers general ecological principles related to human impacts on the environment. Environmental problems including population, land use, resources, energy, water pollution, and air pollution will be addressed.         

MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab) 

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This course is primarily intended for non-science majors. The major, organizing themes of the course are centered upon learning the basic concepts and theories of biology, with major emphasis placed on gaining an understanding of the microbial world, and how microbes impact humans and their environment. Topics of study will include a survey of microorganisms, an examination of the human microbiome, the microbial role in industry, food production and biotechnology, bioterrorism and the local and global threat of infectious disease.

• MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10 PE)

• (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This course is the second semester of a two-semester course sequence in general biology. Topics include evolutionary biology, a survey of biological diversity, animal structure and function, plant structure and function, and ecology. This course includes laboratory exercises and experimentation that illustrate core principles covered in the course. Prerequisite: BIOL 1091. MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This course is a laboratory course intended for non-science majors and may serve as preparation for General Chemistry. Topics include measurement, atomic theory and structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, equilibrium, types of reactions, stoichiometry, solutions and concentration, gases, nuclear chemistry, redox chemistry, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry. This course also discusses the application of chemistry to current environmental topics.

• MnTC (Goal 3/NS, and 10/PE);

• (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This is a laboratory science course covering the principles of general, organic and biological chemistry with emphasis on chemical applications in biological systems.  Topics include the scientific method, atomic theory, chemical bonding, organic functional groups, biological chemicals, and metabolic processes.

      MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This is the first course of a two-semester sequence in general inorganic chemistry, Atomic Theory, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, molecular structure, atomic structure, periodicity, and the gas phase.  This course is for students intending to transfer or pursue Bachelor’s preparation and/or careers in chemistry and the other physical sciences, engineering and health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, four-year nursing). Prerequisite: Math 1110 or higher or concurrent registration in Math 1110 or higher.

MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (5 Cr – 3 lect, 2 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This honors section of General Chemistry I is an enriched study of chemistry that includes a guided inquiry-based lab and deeper understanding of scientific experimentation.  This course is also the first course of a two semester sequence in general inorganic chemistry, Atomic Theory, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, molecular structure, and atomic structure, periodicity, and the gas phase.  Students will also develop critical thinking necessary to evaluate basic scientific publications and determine the validity of the research reported.  Honors courses emphasize independent inquiry, informed discussion making, and direct application of course content.  Unlike CHEM 1201, experiments performed in this course will cover multiple concepts and relate to real-world concepts to better incorporate a real-world laboratory experience.  This course is for students  intending to transfer or pursue Bachelor’s preparation and/or careers in chemistry and the other physical sciences, engineering and health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, four-year nursing). Prerequisite: Math 1110 or higher or concurrent registration in Math 1110 or higher.

MnTC (Goals 3/NS and 10/PE); (5 Cr – 3 lect, 2 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This course covers the development of the earth throughout its history and relates to processes observed today.  Special emphasis is placed on the study of plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, geologic structures, rock types, weathering and erosion, glaciation, and much more.  Also studied is the interdependence between geologic processes and the environment with emphasis given to how human activities alter climate and other aspects of the earth system, plus how people cope with changing environmental conditions.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)   

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

An overview of geographic concepts is provided including methods used to identify and study places. This course entails the study of both physical and human geography. Spatial aspects of land forms, weather and climate are explored. Spatial aspects of culture (including population, language, politics and urbanization) and economic activity (including agriculture, manufacturing and services) are studied. The geography of natural resources are examined.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course introduces the worldwide effects of human occupancy of the earth and the influences of location on human behavior.  Topics include patterns in spaces, cultural influences, and means of livelihood, political spaces and human effects on the environment.

MnTC (Goals 5/SS and 10/PE); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 5 - History and the Social & Behavioral Sciences

This course is an introduction to global physical geography which systematically examines the spatial patterns and interrelationships among physical elements at Earth’s surface. Students study Earth’s physical environment, its systems, and the physical processes that drive them including weather, climate, natural vegetation, soil, and various landforms. Current environmental issues will be discussed and a scientific foundation provided for understanding global warming, geoengineering of weather, and geospatial technologies among others. These topics are not only discussed in groups but also explored in a hands-on manner with in-field exercises and lab-like activities.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This honors section of Physical Geography is an enriched study of global physical geography which systematically examines the spatial patterns and interrelationships among physical elements at Earth’s surface. Students study Earth’s physical environment, its systems, and the physical processes that drive them including weather, climate, natural vegetation, soil, and various landforms. Current environmental issues will be discussed and a scientific foundation provided for understanding global warming, geoengineering of weather, and geospatial technologies among others. These topics are not only discussed in groups but also explored in a hands-on manner with in-field exercises and lab-like activities. Honors courses emphasize independent inquiry, informed discussion, and direct application within small transformative classes which feature close working relationships with instructors.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This course serves as an introduction to understanding the basic concepts of meteorology and is designed for non-science majors.  Students will explore the weather processes in-depth and its impact on society through relevant, historical, current, and scientifically important events.  Atmospheric concepts are emphasized to equip students with skills and knowledge to explain a wide range of severe weather including tropical cyclones, midlatitude cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, lightning, flooding, and snowstorms. This course includes a lab component where students will use real-time and climatological data to analyze, predict, and mitigate severe weather events.  Prerequisites:  None.

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and 10/PE); (4 Cr – 3 lect, 1 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences

This course introduces students to Native American Studies from multidisciplinary perspectives. Students will explore Native history, religion, literature, and arts.  Emphasis will be placed on historic and cultural development of North American Native groups, the impact of American history on Native identity, and the diversity of Native groups.  Students will also exam specific ethical issues in relation to the Native experience, as well as some of the issues relevant to contemporary Native American life.   

MNTC (Goals 6/HU and 10/PE); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

Also satisfies: Goal 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts

This course is designed as an integrative approach to the exploration of key concepts in earth science and physics including the earth’s physical environment, its systems, and the physical processes that drive them. Combining action and analysis, participants will design and conduct experiments in the areas of space science, motion and force, energy, waves, meteorology and climate, earth materials, surface environments, electricity, and sources and production of energy. The instructor and course participants will also facilitate discussions of human/environment interactions such as the impacts of climate change, weather modification, and land-use and land-cover change. Enrollment in this course is limited to elementary education majors only. 

MnTC (Goal 3/NS and Goal 10/PE); (3 Cr - 2 lect, 1 lab) 

Also satisfies: Goal 3 - Natural Sciences