Course Electives / Concentration Courses
When electives and/or concentrations courses are required, select from the list below.
Communications
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics. Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
Mathematics
MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
This is a general survey course which includes sets; number systems; elementary algebra; exponents; equations and inequalities; fractions; ratios; proportion and variation; probability and statistics; elementary graphing; consumer mathematics; and an introduction to geometry.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
MAT 120 – College Algebra
Operation of real and complex numbers; factoring; exponents; quadratic equations; inequalities; matrices; rational functions; logarithmic functions; and graphing or functions .
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
MAT 121 – College Algebra
Topics include linear functions and inequalities; quadratics; conics; polynomials and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; linear systems; matrices and determinants .Additional topics may include sequences, series, permutations, combinations and probability.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 156 or MAT 157
MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig
Course combines college algebra and trigonometry .Algebra top-ics covered include functions and their graphs; solving equations and inequalities; polynomial functions; conic sections; and exponential and logarithmic functions .Trigonometry topics covered are right triangle trigonometry; unit circles; trigonometric functions; graphing; verifying identities; solving trigonometric equations; and applications of trigonometry.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120 or MAT 121
MAT 129 – Precalculus
This is an intensive course in College Algebra and Trigonometry. Topics include algebraic equations and inequalities, functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric identities and equations, sequences and series, and applications.
Prerequisite: MAT 120/121 – College Algebra or appropriate placement score
MAT 140 – Finite Math
An applied mathematics course dealing with mathematics related to most academic disciplines .It provides introduction to matrices, linear programming, combinations, permutations, statistics, mathematics of finance.
Prerequisites: MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts, MAT 120 – College Algebra, MAT 121 – College Algebra, or MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
BUS 210 – Business Statistics
This course is designed to assist students in developing the skills necessary to obtain employment, and to learn and practice the skills and attitudes required for job success. Students will practice resume writing, job application completion, and interviewing techniques. Additionally, students will practice work-place problem solving strategies, and demonstrate skills required to work in a diverse environment.
Prerequisites: MAT 156 – Statistics, MAT 157 – Statistics or BUS 211 – Business Statistics
MAT 210 – Calculus I
This course is the first of a series of three courses. The purpose of the sequence is to provide the student with a foundation in calculus and analytic geometry. Those students enrolled in the science, math, engineering, computer science, and similar fields, will also gain proficiency and develop an understanding how these tools will be used later on in their studies. Topics include analytic geometry, differentiation, and applications of derivation and integration. Graphing calculator required.
Prerequisites: MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig or MAT 129 – Precalculus
MAT 211 – Calculus I
A general course in differential and integral calculus and its applications. Topics include limits and continuity; differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; logarithmic, exponential and other transcendental functions; and applications of integration.
Prerequisites: MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig or equivalent
MAT 217 – Calculus II
Continuation of MAT 211. Integration techniques, sequences, infinite series, conic sections, parametric equations, polar coordinates, vectors, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, and vector-67 values functions.
Prerequisites: MAT 211 – Calculus I or equivalent
MAT 218 – Calculus III
Continuation of MAT 217. Explores functions of several variables; partial derivatives; directional derivatives and gradients; multiple integration; vector analysis; and a brief look at differential equations.
Prerequisites: MAT 217 – Calculus II or equivalent
Science
BIO 105 – Introductory Biology
Introduction to all biology, ecology, physiology, and biological principles. Intended for non-science majors. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 112 – General Biology I
Introduction to biology concepts with emphasis on ecology, cellular biology, reproduction and development, genetics and evolution. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 113 – General Biology II
Introduction to biology concepts with emphasis on kingdoms; taxonomy and a survey of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms; plant structures and physiology; and animal systems. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 112 – General Biology I
BIO 141 – Ecology & Environment Concepts
Basic ecology and environmental concepts, including population studies of the world and how they relate to environmental problems. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
Structure and function of the human body with emphasis on cells, tissues and all major organ systems. Anatomy and physiology are integrated at the cellular level and at the organ/system level. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 168 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I
An advanced study of anatomy and physiology. The relationship between body structure and function and homeostasis forms the basis for the course. Pathological processes that result in dysfunction and disease are presented. Major topics include cell biology, histology, skin, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 173 – Human Anatomy & Physiology II
An advanced study of anatomy and physiology. The relationship between body structure and function and homeostasis forms the basis for the course. Pathological processes that result in dysfunction and disease are presented. Major topics include digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, blood, metabolism, reproduction, urinary, fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 186 – Microbiology
General microbiology designed for the science major and nursing students. Emphasis on morphology, physiology, microbial genetics, immunology, pathology, epidemiology, and laboratory techniques. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: BIO 105 – Introductory Biology, BIO 112 – General Biology I, BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology, BIO 168 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I, AGV 118 – Animal Anatomy & Physiology I or higher.
CHM 151 – College Chemistry I
The first of two general survey courses introducing the student to general, organic and biological chemistry. Topics covered are chemical calculations, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, periodic relations, gas laws, solid state, solutions, and acids and bases. Lecture and laboratory.
CHM 152 – College Chemistry II
Continuation of CHM 151. Covers kinetics and equilibrium of chemical reactions as well as acid-base theory. Hydrocarbon naming and reactions are also covered, including alcohols, carbohydrates, amines, acids, acid derivatives, lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids and proteins, SNA, RNA and metabolism. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: CHM 151 – College Chemistry I
CHM 166 – General Chemistry I
The properties of matter in terms of modern chemical principles. The topics covered are measurements, stoichiometry, atomic structure, chemical reactions, periodic relationships, gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, solutions and equilibrium and inter-and intra-molecular forces. Problem solving in each of the areas is included. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry and mathematics
CHM 176 – General Chemistry II
This course is an introduction to organic chemistry, and covers: acids and bases, oxidation/reduction, solubility products, and nuclear chemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination complexes, qualitative analysis. Problem solving in each of the areas is included. Microscale and semi-microscale labs are also included.
Prerequisites: CHM 166 – General Chemistry I
CHM 190 – Intro to Forensic Chemistry
This course covers the basics of chemistry as it relates to the forensic lab. In the course we will cover the basics of evidence collection, clues at the atomic level, and the basics of chemical evidence including DNA evidence. Also covered will be the use of chemistry in explosives, arson investigations, poisoning, and estimating time of death of a victim. Lecture and laboratory.
PHS 113 – Intro to Physical Science
A survey of the basic concepts of astronomy and physics, recommended for students who have not had high school physics. Lecture, demonstration and laboratory.
PHS 166 – Meteorology Weather Climate
Introduction to meteorological concepts with emphasis on the characteristics and composition of the atmosphere, weather observations, atmospheric stability and circulation, atmospheric storms, climatology and meteorological applications. Lecture and laboratory.
PHS 187 – Intro to Earth Science
Surveys the basic concepts of chemistry, geology and meteorology. This course is recommended for students who have not had high school chemistry. Lecture, demonstrations and laboratory.
PHY 162 – College Physics I
Demonstrations, lectures, recitations and laboratory work beginning a two semester sequence covering the subject. Mechanics is primarily covered during the first semester. Recommended for pre-medical, dental, pharmacy and for liberal arts student interested in the sciences.
Prerequisites: An elementary understanding of algebra, trigonometry and geometry from high school
PHY 172 – College Physics II
Continuation of PHY 162. Thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism are covered in this semester. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 162 – College Physics I
PHY 212 – Classical Physics I
Demonstrations, lectures recitations and laboratory work beginning a two-semester sequence covering the subject. Mechanics is primarily covered in the first semester. Recommended for those planning to major in engineering, physics, chemistry and mathematics.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment or previous course in calculus
PHY 222 – Classical Physics II
Continuation of PHY 212. Thermodynamics and electricity and magnetism are covered in this course. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: PHY 212 – Classical Physics I
Humanities
DRA 101 – Intro to Theatre
Introduces drama as a separate literary form as approached historically from Greek drama to the present, including both classic and contemporary drama.
EDU 235 – Children’s Literature
Teaches the criteria for choosing the best children’s literature and applies that criteria to evaluating materials to be used in the classroom.
LIT 101 – Intro to Literature
An introduction to the study of short fiction, poetry, and drama.
LIT 110 – American Lit to Mid-1800s
Explores major American writers (including Native Americans) and their contributions to American letters from Puritan times to 1865.
LIT 111 – American Lit Since Mid-1800s
Explores major American writers and their contributions to American letters from the post-Civil War era through modern periods.
LIT 150 – World Literature I
Literature from the Ancients, classical Greece and the Renaissance.
LIT 161 – The Short Story
Evolution of the short story as a literary form, with emphasis on analysis and appreciation.
LIT 184 – Young Adult Literature
This course is designed to help adults who work with young adults become more familiar with teens and their literature, and select the best literature available based upon criteria and sources that allow for the selection of the best literature for young adults.
MUS 100 – Music Appreciation
Studies the elements and history of music with concentration on critical listening skills. Includes a review of music history; styles; genres; form and content; schools of composers; and social and historical events of the past and present that influence music selections.
MUS 203 – History of American Music†
History of American Music examines musical development in the United States. This course will study the elements and history of American music with concentration on critical listening skills. Includes a review of American music history, styles, genres, form and content, schools of composers and social and historical events of the past and present that influence music selections. Styles include fine art music, popular styles, jazz, blues, country, musical theatre and rock.
MUS 205 – Jazz History & Appreciation
Studies the elements and history of jazz music with concentration on critical listening skills. Includes a review of jazz history, styles, genres, form and content, composers, and social and historical events of the past and present that influence music selections.
ART 101 – Art Appreciation†
Introduces art as a visual language, along with the methods and materials used. A brief art survey is also included, with the intent of helping the student become more informed about the visual arts.
PHI 101 – Intro to Philosophy
Considers broad fundamental ideas about knowledge, the nature of reality, human nature and society. It is also concerned with words and concepts, their meaning and their logical relationship to each other.
PHI 105 – Intro to Ethics
This introductory course examines contemporary ethical conflicts and provides an understanding of the language, concepts and traditions of ethics.
REL 101 – Survey of World Religions†
A survey of the major religions of the eastern and western world. Each is placed in its historical context, and its major tenets are explored. Goals include a general understanding of the various religions studied, some specific insights into each religion’s belief structures and discussion of the general function of religion in human experience.
FLF 141 – Elementary French I
Introductory course for those with no prior background. Students become acquainted with the sounds and structure of French emphasizing useful vocabulary and development of basic conversational skills.
FLF 142 – Elementary French II
Progressive development of French language skills with additional emphasis on reading.
Prerequisites: FLF 141 – Elementary French I
FLS 104 – Spanish for Professionals
This course is designed to provide non-Spanish speaking professionals with functional skills in Spanish. Spanish phrases, commands and questions practical to education are covered. No prior knowledge of Spanish necessary.
FLS 141 – Elementary Spanish I
Introduction to the Spanish language and culture; practice in all the basic skills.
FLS 142 – Elementary Spanish II
This course aims to continue development of functional proficiency in Spanish through listening, speaking, reading and writing to, and with others. Students will expand their ability to communicate in Spanish in everyday, practical situations.
Prerequisites: FLS 141 – Elementary Spanish I
FLS 241 – Intermediate Spanish I
Review and expansion of grammar, selected reading and further practice in oral and written communication.
Prerequisites: FLS 142 – Elementary Spanish II
FLS 242 – Intermediate Spanish II
FLS 242 Intermediate Spanish II provides a course to develop an increasingly complex oral and written comprehension of the Spanish language, while further developing their fluency in writing, speaking, listening, and reading the language.
Prerequisites: FLS 241 – Intermediate Spanish I
HIS 110 – Western Civilization: Ancient to Early Modern†
Surveys the origins of human civilization in the Near East, the great rise of Greece and Rome and concludes with the Enlightenment.
HIS 111 – Western Civilization: Early Modern to Present†
Examines an extremely dynamic phase of European and world history.
MMS 101 – Mass Media
An introductory course that studies mass media and society. The class includes a historical and contemporary overview of industries, professions, processes and social effects of the mass media.
SOC 186 – Contemporary Global Issues†
A survey course to identify and analyze the variety and extent of global economic, political, social and cultural problems and issues.
Social Science
HIS 110 – Western Civilization: Ancient to Early Modern†
Surveys the origins of human civilization in the Near East, the great rise of Greece and Rome and concludes with the Enlightenment.
HIS 111 – Western Civilization: Early Modern to Present†
Examines an extremely dynamic phase of European and world history.
HIS 151 – U.S. History to 1877†
Study of national foundations, colonial background, revolution, confederation and institutions; nationalism and expansion. The growth of democracy and war plus reconstruction are analyzed.
HIS 152 – U.S. History Since 1877†
Covers re-union growth of big business, expansion and World War I, rise to world power, isolation, modern industry, depression, recovery and internationalism.
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
PSY 121 – Developmental Psychology
Studies human development from conception through the lifespan. Physical, emotional, social, cognitive and moral aspects are studied in the classroom, by lecture, file/video, projects, and observation and by reading the literature.
PSY 211 – Psychology of Adjustment
Increases student’s knowledge and experiences relating to various populations with disabilities. Adjustment to physical and/ or mental disability, conflicting treatment models, impact on self, family, community and society are examined.
PSY 241 – Abnormal Psychology
A survey course tracing history, models and symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Uses the current DSM-5 (diagnostic and statistical manual) as a standard of abnormal behavior.
PSY 251 – Social Psychology
Explores social interaction from both the psychological and sociological perspectives. It is the study of how we think about, relate to, and interact with each other.
ECN 120 – Principles of Macroeconomics
Reviews national income and output; employment and prices; money and credit; government finance; monetary and fiscal policy; economic growth and development; and international finance.
ECN 130 – Principles of Microeconomics
Reviews the organization and workings of modern economic systems; the role of markets, prices and competition in the promotion of economic welfare, alternative systems and international trade.
SOC 110 – Intro to Sociology†
A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.
SOC 115 – Social Problems†
Applies basic scientific sociological concepts and principles to the examination of contemporary social issues such as crime, poverty, violence, and inequality.
POL 111 – American National Government†
Review of basic fundamentals of government including federalism, the political process, the presidency, the congress and the judicial system.
POL 112 – American State & Local Government
This course provides an introduction to politics, government, and public policy at the state and local level, with particular emphasis on the state of Iowa. It includes an analysis of the relationship among federal, state, and local governments; the structure and powers of state and local governments; the scope of political participation in state and local parties; and public policy-making by state and local governments.
ANT 105 – Cultural Anthropology†
This course covers the similarities and differences in human societies, from hunting and gathering to industrialized societies. Specific subjects covered include worldview, culture, language, economic systems, marriage, family, and kinship, gender, legal and political structures, religion, and more.
GEO 121 – World Regional Geography†
Introductory course in college geography dealing with location, interaction and interdependence of countries of the world.
HIS 201 – Iowa History
This course is an introductory course in Iowa History, as it relates to national and international history. This course examines the natural environment of Iowa, as it shaped and was shaped by the native people, early settlers through the early years, statehood, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and more recent years. Special attention is given to ethnic groups and their contributions.
MMS 101 – Mass Media
An introductory course that studies mass media and society. The class includes a historical and contemporary overview of industries, professions, processes and social effects of the mass media.
POL 110 – Intro Political Science
A general introductory course in the fundamental concepts, institutions, principles and procedures of political science. Background in classical political theory through exposure to ideas of past political philosophers (such as Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Marx and others).Studies comparative systems through consideration of governments of Great Britain, France and Canada.
SOC 120 – Marriage and Family†
The sociological study of the family and family-related issues in cultural, cross-cultural, historical, and social context.
SOC 186 – Contemporary Global Issues†
A survey course to identify and analyze the variety and extent of global economic, political, social and cultural problems and issues.
SOC 200 – Minority Group Relations†
Survey of the contributions that various minorities have made to the development of the United States.
Criminal Justice
CRJ 101 – Ethics in Criminal Justice
Through study of various models of ethics, students will learn how to evaluate difficult moral and ethical decisions they are likely to face as a practitioner in the law enforcement or corrections field.
CRJ 110 – Patrol Procedures
Broad examination of the various structures and functions of American Law Enforcement agencies and their functional units. The exploration of police procedures revolves around the topics of discretion, effectiveness and efficiency, and constitutional limits.
CRJ 120 – Intro to Corrections
Survey of correctional theory and practice including such topics as: historical foundations of contemporary corrections, applied theory, evaluation research, sentencing and crime prevention.
CRJ 136 – Correctional Law
Examines the law in the correctional setting with obligations of correctional workers.
Prerequisites: CRJ 120 – Intro to Corrections
CRJ 141 – Criminal Investigation
Covers fundamentals of investigation including interviewing and interrogating; collecting and preserving evidence; modus operandi; crime scene search; etc.
CRJ 170 – Overview of Cybercrime
This course identifies and discusses the nature of the successful cyber-crime investigation and the proper preparation for trial. Students will have a better understanding of current technology used in these crimes.
CRJ 208 – Introduction to Private Security
This course will introduce the student to the private security profession in America and current trends in the industry.
CRJ 220 – Community-Based Corrections
Presents the theoretical and philosophical basis of probation, parole and other community based correctional programs.
CRJ 900 – CJ with the Expert
Supplemental enrichment course related to Criminal Justice which may include special projects or papers.
CRJ 901 – CJ in the Big City
Supplemental enrichment course related to Criminal Justice which includes special projects; projects may include tours, Ride-Along, question and answer sessions with professionals and others affected by the criminal justice field.
JOU 171 – Introduction to Photography
Introduction to the 35mm camera: selection and handling; theory of light; lenses and focusing; depth of field and film types; composition; film processing and basic darkroom techniques.
Computers
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry .The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications .Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
BCA 218 – Adv Microsoft Office Apps
Provide students with broad understanding of management information systems in the business environment. Offers more detailed hands-on uses of application programs such as word processing, database management and spreadsheets in preparation for careers in business.
Prerequisites: CSC 110 – Intro to Computers, CSC 116 – Information Computing or BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
CSC 116 – Information Computing
This course presents the basic concepts of information systems and computer literacy. The course incorporates theory as well as hands-on practice which focuses on spreadsheets and database management systems (DBMS).
