Do you need a science class to meet your general education requirements and want something a little different than a basic intro to fill in a science? The chemistry, physics or earth and space science department might have just what you’re looking for. West Chester University’s general education requirements, which every student must fulfill, include six credits (usually two classes) of science from two different departments that are not part of the student’s major department. This means any of the classes listed below will count toward your science general education requirement as long as the class is not offered by your major department and the other class you’ve taken toward your science requirement, if any, was offered by a different department. Each class described is three credits.
PHY 123 Food, Fire, and Physics: The Science of Cooking
TuTh 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. with Professor Kevin Aptowicz.
If you love cooking, or just love food, this could be an excellent class for you! It studies physical science principles by looking at how they operate in cooking. There are typically several in-class cooking demonstrations throughout the semester, as well as a catered review session before the final.
PHY/PHI 125 Theology and Science: Enemies or Partners?
TuTh 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with Professor Anthony Nicastro and Professor Matthew Pierlott.
If you prefer the humanities to the sciences, you might enjoy this unique class, which is co-taught by a professor from the physics department and a professor from the philosophy department. It explores how ideas of God have changed as science has advanced, particularly in the areas of physics and biology.
ESS111 Other Worlds, Other Stars
MoWe 10 to 11:15 a.m. or 12 to 1:15 p.m. with Professor Karen Schwarz.
This introductory class in astronomy could be a great fit if you’re fascinated by the night sky and want to learn more. It concentrates on solar systems, planets, stars, the properties of light, and the laws of motion, and it is taught in the planetarium.
ESS112 Galaxies and Cosmology
TuTh 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. or 2 to 3:15 p.m. with Professor Marc Gagne.
Another introductory class in astronomy, this class focuses on the history, structure, and expansion of the universe as a whole. It also covers the development of stars and galaxies and the properties of light and matter.
ESS130 Our Coastal Ocean
MoWe 12 to 12:50 p.m. with a lab Mo 1 to 2:50 p.m. or Wed 1 to 2:50 p.m. with Professor Yong Hoon Kim.
If your idea of a perfect day is one spent at the beach, this class might pique your interest. It looks at the physical and biological processes which take place in coastal oceans and highlights regional examples. The class includes an opportunity for hands-on learning with its weekly lab sessions.
ESS170 Introduction to Our Atmosphere
Tu 4:25 to 7:10 p.m. with Professor Drew Anderson or We 4:25 to 5:40 p.m. (Blended Course) with Professor Joby Hilliker.
This class could be an excellent choice if you want to understand what causes the different types of weather and climate on our planet. The structure of Earth’s atmosphere, the factors contributing to various weather phenomena, the process of predicting weather patterns, and the impact of humans on the atmosphere are all explored.
CHE160 The Chemistry of Beer
MoWe 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. with Professor Roger Barth.
If chemistry was one of your favorite classes in high school and you’re up for the challenge of applying its principles to something new, you could find this class engaging. It studies the chemistry and biochemistry of alcohol, focusing on beer in particular.
In addition to the classes described above, the biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and earth and space science departments offer many others you can explore. For the full list of classes that count toward the general education science requirement, visit catalog.wcupa.edu/undergraduate/general-education-requirements/science/. Happy scheduling!
Abbey Bigler is a fourth-year English major with minors in business and technical writing, communication studies and biology. She can be reached at AB842693@wcupa.edu.