This course provides the student with a foundation in the science of human nutrition and metabolism. The research supporting direct and indirect links between nutrition and disease is introduced. Topics covered may include the biological functions and food sources of each nutrient; nutrition guidelines and standards; digestion and absorption of nutrients; nutrition throughout the lifecycle; food safety and technology; energy balance and weight management; eating disorders and disturbances; and physical activity.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Examine the scientific principles and theories of human nutrition.
2. Describe the basic nutrients, their sources and their relationship to major physiological functions.
3. Explain the digestion, absorption and metabolism of nutrients.
4. Recognize normal human nutritional requirements as well as diseases associated with deficiencies and excesses.
5. Describe the special nutritional needs of various populations.
6. Assess a person's nutritional status and make health education recommendations for dietary improvement.
7. Identify valid and reliable sources of nutrition information.
8. Describe the role that adequate nutrition and exercise play in disease prevention and health promotion.

This course is an introductory study of anatomy and physiology that provides a foundation in biological science and the structure and function of the human body. Topics explored include cellular biology and molecular composition, tissues, organs, and how the human body systems perform and adapt. The building of a relevant vocabulary and a foundation of facts and concepts provides the background needed for further understanding of developments in bioscience and biomedicine.

This course examines women's health and women's health care from biological, medical, historical, political, and social perspectives. It begins with the study of endocrinology and the physiological processes unique to women. Factors related to health care issues specific to women are examined. Societal and health care constraints, which hinder women from achieving their full health potential are also addressed. The course also presents information on women's health care practices, including the concept of self-care, and relates this to the development of educated consumerism in the health care industry.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply scientific reasoning to evaluate a women’s health issue.
2. Describe basic biological processes and features of human anatomy that pertain to women's health.
3. Describe the impact of medical interventions on women’s biology.
4. Formulate factors which are important in becoming an educated consumer of our health care system.
5. Explain the value of self-care for preventative health.
6. Describe the interrelatedness of social, political, and economic issues that impact women's health care.

This course is a survey of many diseases that have emerged as serious health problems on a global scale. Students examine the etiology, transmission, detection, treatment, and method of prevention of newer diseases such as HIV and AIDS, as well as tuberculosis, malaria, and other ancient diseases that continue to pose health threats. There are also constantly new possible pandemics on the global horizon. With an international perspective, learners analyze public health policies and cultural differences with respect to disease detection, treatment, and prevention.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the scientific method and employ its application to the study of 21st-century diseases.
2. Articulate the significance of the establishment of the Germ Theory and recognize the contributions of Pasteur, Jenner, and Koch.
3. Differentiate the identification and treatment of bacterial, fungal, mycoplasm, and viral infections.
4. Contrast epidemic and pandemic and know the differences between different types of epidemiological studies.
5. Identify how the immune system works, and the different types of immunity that are conferred on the individual.
6. Analyze how the polio vaccination is used worldwide to prevent disease. Compare the incidence of the disease and distribution of vaccines throughout several countries.
7. Describe the global distribution of malaria and how the protist Plasmodium has become more drug resistant over time.
8. Identify the risks of food borne illnesses such as Salmonella, Botulism, and Mad Cow disease.
9. Investigate diseases spread by insect vectors (Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Plague) and how these can be prevented. 1
10. Analyze the relationship between obesity, diet and exercise and evaluate the long-term effects of each on blood pressure and heart disease. 1
11. Articulate the history of tuberculosis and how it has become more drug resistant with time. 1
12. Discuss the detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. 1
13. Explain why regular cancer screenings and early detection is important in beating breast, prostate, and colon cancer. 1
14. Discuss the history of AIDS and compare treatments in the US and other countries.

Through a variety of activities, this course provides the student with a basic background in astronomy which enhances appreciation of the universe and the technology used in our attempt to understand it. This course exposes the student to the real, measurable, and verifiable connections that exist between the universe and life on Earth. Readings, observations, discussions, and other activities will explicate that what goes on out there can and does have a real and measurable influence on what happens down here.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the scientific method and employ its application to the study of astronomy.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a sense of scale for the solar system, our galaxy, and the universe as a whole, including factors such as distance, age, and structure in the universe.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of scientific powers of ten notation.
4. Observe the universe through field experience(s) in astronomy.
5. Define key terms as used in astronomy including latitude and longitude; reference points and ranges; the Astronomical Unit; the light year; and the parsec.
6. Explain the motion of the stars and planets over different durations, the precession of the Earth's axis, equinoxes and solstices, ocean tides, and eclipses.
7. Identify some of the early astronomers and describe their tools as well as their contributions to the field.
8. Discuss the main differences between families of planets and articulate at least one unique feature of each of the eight classical planets that comprise our solar system in increasing order from our Sun.
9. Summarize significant explorations of other planets in our solar system that have taken place in recent decades. 1
10. Differentiate among meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites and between asteroids and comets. 1
11. Discuss the probability for life elsewhere in the solar system, in the galaxy, and in the universe. 1
12. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts relating to stars, including the major stages of stellar evolution, the electromagnetic energy spectrum, color and temperature, the H-R diagram, sunspots, and nucleosynthesis. 1
13. Define the classification system for galaxies, the structure of the universe’s galaxies and galaxy clusters including the Milky Way. 1
14. Describe the Big Bang Theory of the Universe and other theories that attempt to explain the origin and time line of the universe. 1
15. Articulate how the fundamental forces of the universe play a role in its expansion.

Physical Geography is the study of planet Earth. In this course, students examine the nature of the Earth’s six spheres: the atmosphere (the layer of gases); hydrosphere (the water in oceans, streams, lakes, etc.); cryosphere (the ice in glaciers); geosphere (the solid earth), biosphere (life); and anthrosphere (humans and human activities). By investigating the processes operating within each sphere and how these spheres interact with each other to shape all aspects of our planet, students gain an understanding of how the Earth works and how landscape features have formed.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the scientific method and employ its application to the study of physical geography.
2. Describe the nature of the six spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and anthrosphere), explain the processes within each sphere, and summarize the interactions between the spheres.
3. Utilize a variety of maps to access information about the world.
4. Identify and describe the three types of rock which make up the geosphere, and explain how one type of rock is transformed into another in the rock cycle.
5. Describe Earth’s internal structure by identifying the major layers (crust, mantle, and core) and their subdivisions, and explain the processes that operate within each.
6. Summarize the theory of Plate Tectonics, and explain how tectonic activity changes the Earth’s surface and produces earthquakes and volcanoes.
7. Describe the interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere and biosphere which control weathering, mass wasting, and wind erosion, and explain how specific landscape features are produced.
8. Observe in the field and describe the interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere which control river and wave erosion, and explain how specific landscape features are produced.
9. Explain the interactions between the geosphere and the cryosphere which control glacial erosion, and explain how specific landscape features are produced. 1
10. Analyze a variety of human activities (anthrosphere) which, either intentionally or unintentionally, affect the other sphere and assess the impact of human activity on the world around us.

This course examines the ocean, including the processes that control its major features, the life within it, and its impact on earth processes. An ecological approach is used to integrate the geological, biological, chemical, and physical aspects of oceanography. Special emphasis is placed on the coastal environment.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the scientific method and employ its application to the study of oceanography.
2. Describe at least one theory of the origin of the earth, the origin of the oceans, and plate tectonics.
3. Examine the diverse aspects of the biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes which affect our oceans and atmosphere.
4. Describe significant historical marine expeditions and their role in the development of oceanography.
5. Explain the general characteristics and features of each of the three major zones of the continental margin.
6. Discuss the origins and classification of marine sediments, their distribution, and their relationship with geosynclines.
7. Classify and describe shorelines shaped by marine and non-marine processes.
8. Contrast the estuarine environments of particular coastal regions in the United States.
9. Explain the greenhouse effect and its impact on life in the sea. 1
10. Discuss the causes and effects of problem waves, such as tsunamis, monsoons, storm surges, seiches, and internal waves. 1
11. Compare thermohaline circulation in the Atlantic Ocean with that of the Pacific Ocean. 1
12. Classify the common marine invertebrates and discuss their role in the marine food chain. 1
13. Recognize the ancestry of marine mammals and report on the current status of the various endangered marine mammals. 1
14. Classify the different marine environments and explain the nutrient cycling at the various trophic levels. 1
15. Compare the origin and inhabitants of the four sub-zones of a rocky coast in the intertidal (littoral) environment. 1
16. Illustrate the many causes of marine pollution and the problems faced by both environmentalists and industrial groups in remediation and prevention.

This course focuses on the evolutionary adaptations of plants and animals that allow them to survive and thrive through all of New England's seasons. Students are introduced to the origin and development of the diverse ecosystems of our region and their relationship to the resident and migratory wildlife of Northern New England. The effects of the Ice Age on northern New England's topography and on the rhythms of the animal and plant life cycles are investigated.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the scientific method and employ its application to the study of the natural history of New England.
2. Articulate a working knowledge of the primary concepts and fundamentals of ecology, evolution, and adaptation of species.
3. Interpret the climate induced changes and weather patterns within the ecosystems of northern New England.
4. Identify the ecological importance of decay and nutrient recycling within the ecosystems of northern New England.
5. Describe the concepts of predator-prey relationships, carrying capacity and how they relate to faunal migrations, hibernation, and population dynamics.
6. Recognize the seasonal cycles of northern New England as an integrated series of adaptive strategies for species survival.
7. Illustrate the Pleistocene history of northern New England and the effect of the ice age on the ecology of northern New England.
8. Explain the physiological adaptations of plant species for different seasons and how these adaptations affect the abundance and distribution of birds and mammals.

An introductory survey of global environmental problems such as global warming, acid rain, nuclear waste storage, agricultural runoff, and heavy metal contamination. This course explores the interrelationship between the natural environment and the effects of human activity resulting in pollution of air, water, and land. A major focus of the course is critical examination of ecological, economic, and political aspects of pollution in a global context.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the scientific method and employ its application to the study of environmental science.
2. Describe the major natural processes of land, water, and air.
3. Explain how current environmental problems have evolved.
4. Review and interpret current environmental research issues and perspectives.
5. Discuss the effect of human activity in creating and resolving local and global environmental problems.
6. Identify conditions that are amenable to technological solutions and recognize the limitations of technology.
7. Apply the scientific method in carrying out laboratory experiments and field projects which necessitate gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data.
8. Describe how enforcement of governmental regulations affect environmental pollution.
9. Express the problems associated with global warming, acid rain, nuclear waste, agricultural runoff, heavy metal contamination and the potential solutions.

This course emphasizes the application of sound nutrition principles to the human cycle. Topics include nutrition for pregnancy and lactation, introducing first foods and mealtimes with infants, energy and nutrient needs of growing children, nutrition during adolescence, and developing food choices and healthy habits. Nutrition and longevity, nutrient needs of older adults, and nutrient-drug interactions are also explored in the course.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Understand the role of nutrition and changes in nutritional requirements that occur during the life cycle in humans.
2. Discuss how and why nutrient needs change during each stage of the life cycle.
3. Identify major areas of nutritional concern in each stage of the life cycle, including impact of physiological and developmental changes.
4. Identify nutritional risk factors that may lead to chronic disease through case studies of individuals/families at various stages of the life cycle.
5. Describe how dietary, biochemical, and anthropometric are used to identify nutritional risk factors.
6. Describe how the diet can be planned to meet nutrient needs during each stage of the life cycle.
7. Interpret research literature related to nutrition in the life cycle.
8. Learn the nutritional foundations for growth and development and prevention of disease.

This course examines the physiological integration of the human body systems. Common pathologies that interfere with normal physiological function are examined and evidence-based practices for disease prevention are addressed. Recommended Prerequisite(s): SCI 505 Human Biology

View Course Outcomes:

1. Identify the anatomical features and primary roles of the human body systems.
2. Examine common pathologies that impact the structure and function of the human body.
3. Analyze the integration of the physiological systems to achieve homeostasis.
4. Examine evidence-based practices for disease prevention.

This is an applied course addressing exercise physiology and integrated kinesiology principles. Students will examine how the mind and body respond to various intensities and modalities of exercise as well as explore various methods of measuring physiological variables such as cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Topics include: energy systems, neuromuscular concepts, and functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during rest and exercise. Students enrolled in this course are required to complete the Granite State College risk waiver prior to participating in any physical activity.

This course explores current issues in health from a scientific lens. Students will examine diverse factors that influence the wellness-illness continuum related to a specific topic. Perspectives include the biological, sociocultural, behavioral, and public health implications, to these personal and global health challenges.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze multiple scientific perspectives regarding a contemporary health issue.
2. Assess the values and perspectives of diverse individuals, communities, as well as cultures, and their influence on health behavior, choices, and practices.
3. Explain the influence science and technology have on individual and population health.
4. Implement evidence-based practices to evaluate individual, community, and global health challenges and respective interventions.

This course presents the concepts of physical activity and exercise that connect to our health and well-being. Students will study how exercise is a mechanism to improve fitness, control weight, cope with life stressors, and optimize mindset. Students will have the opportunity to explore how the body and mind respond to different types of physical activity and the resulting health improvements of physical activity recommendations. Health behaviors and tools that support physical activity as part of a holistic approach to wellness will be addressed.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define the concepts of physical activity, exercise, and health.
2. Examine the multidimensional short-term and long-term health benefits of physical activity and exercise.
3. Distinguish specific benefits with the type of exercise, including cardiovascular, muscular strength, and flexibility.
4. Define the components of an optimal fitness program.
5. Identify strategies for effective weight/energy management.
6. Describe the benefits of routine physical activity on mental well-being and stress management.
7. Compare lifestyle choices that impact healthy behaviors.
8. Describe the benefits and challenges of behavior change and the behavior change model.