Lower Division Courses numbered 1–99 are designed primarily for freshmen and sophomores but are open to all students for lower division credit. (Graduate students requesting to enroll in lower-division undergraduate courses will not receive unit credit nor will the course fulfill degree requirements.) Upper Division Courses courses numbered 100–199 are open to all students who have met the necessary prerequisites as indicated in the catalog course description. Preparation should generally include completion of one lower division course in the given subject or completion of two years of college work.
GRADUATE COURSES
Courses numbered 200–299 are open to graduate students. (Undergraduate students must obtain the signature of the instructor, School Dean, and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Graduate level units will count towards the required 120 units for graduation; however students are urged to meet with their academic advisor in order to determine if graduate course units may be used to fulfill a graduation requirement.)
CROSS-LISTED/CONJOINED COURSES
Cross-listed Courses are the same course offered under different course subjects at the same level (either undergraduate or graduate) that share the same meeting time, requirements, units, etc. Conjoined Courses are the same course but one is undergraduate and one is graduate.
COREQUISITE COURSE
A corequisite course is a course that must be taken at the same time as another course.
PREREQUISITES
Prerequisites for courses should be followed carefully; the responsibility for meeting these requirements rests on the student. If you can demonstrate that your preparation is equivalent to that specified by the prerequisites, the instructor may waive these requirements for you. The instructor also may request that a student who has not completed the prerequisites be dropped from the course. If the prerequisite for a course is not satisfied, students must obtain the approval of the instructor (or school designee) of the course they wish to take.
For all undergraduate courses a “C-” or better grade is required for a course to be used as a prerequisite for another course. If a course was taken for a “P/NP” grade then a “P” grade is required.
For all graduate courses a “B” or better grade is required for a course to be used as a prerequisite for another course. If a course was taken for a “S/U” grade then a “S” grade is required.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
No credit is allowed for completing a less advanced course after successful completion (C-or better) of a more advanced course in the foreign languages. This applies only to lower division foreign language courses, not upper division courses.
GRADING OPTIONS
Unless otherwise stated in the course description, each course is letter graded with a P/NP or S/U option (unless required for your major or graduate program). The policy regarding Grading Options, can be found in an alternate section of the catalog.
An introduction of advanced solution techniques for ordinary differential equations (ODE) and elementary solution techniques for partial differential equations (PDE). Specific topics include higher-order linear ODE, power series methods, boundary value problems, Fourier series, Sturm-Liouville theory, Laplace transforms, Fourier transforms, and applications to one-dimensional PDE.
An introduction to the theory of boundary value and initial value problems for partial differential equations with emphasis on linear equations. Topics covered include Laplace’s equation, heat equation, wave equation, application of Sturm-Liouville’s theory, Green’s functions, Bessel functions, Laplace transform, method of characteristics.
Prerequisite: MATH 125. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Introduction to numerical methods with emphasis on the analysis and implementation of numerical methods. Topics covered: computer arithmetic, solution of nonlinear equations in one variable, interpolation and polynomial approximation, elements of approximation theory, numerical differentiation and integration, and introduction to initial-value problems for ordinary differential equations.
Prerequisite: ME 021 or (CSE 020 and CSE 021 or equivalent exam), and MATH 024. Open only to major(s): Applied Mathematical Sciences. Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: MATH 131. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
MATH 131: Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers
[4 units]
Introduction to numerical methods with emphasis on algorithm construction and implementation. Programming, round-off error, solutions of equations in one variable, interpolation and polynomial approximation, approximation theory, direct solvers for linear systems, numerical differentiation and integration, initial-value problems for ordinary differential equations.
Prerequisite: (MATH 024 and ME 021) or (CSE 020 and CSE 021 or equivalent exam). Not open to major(s): Applied Mathematical Sciences. Course may not be taken for credit after obtaining credit for: MATH 130. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
MATH 132: Numerical Methods for Differential Equations
[4 units]
Introduction to numerical methods with emphasis on the analysis and implementation of numerical methods. Topics covered: Initial- and boundary-value problems for ordinary differential equations, methods to solve linear systems, eigenvalue problems, and numerical solutions to partial differential equations.
Prerequisite: MATH 125 and (MATH 130 or MATH 131). Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Linear programming and a selection of topics from among the following: matrix games, integer programming, semidefinite programming, nonlinear programming, convex analysis and geometry, polyhedral geometry, the calculus of variations and control theory. Matlab implementation of several algorithms.
Applied linear analysis of finite dimensional vector spaces. Review of matrix algebra, vector spaces, orthogonality, least-squares approximations, eigenvalue problems, positive definite matrices, singular value decomposition with applications in science and engineering.
Applied linear analysis of infinite dimensional vector spaces. Inner product spaces, operators, adjoint operators, Fredholm alternative, spectral theory, Sturm-Liouville operators, distributions and Green’s functions with applications in science and engineering.
Prerequisite: MATH 141. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Matrix factorization and iterative methods for solving systems of linear equations. Topics include floating point arithmetic, eigenvalue problems, conditioning and stability, LU factorization, QR factorization, and SVD with applications in science and engineering.
Prerequisite: (MATH 141 or MATH 130 or MATH 131, any of which may be taken concurrently) and (ME 021 or (CSE 020 and CSE 021 or equivalent exam)). Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included.
Introduction to the basics of mathematical modeling emphasizing model construction, analysis and application. Using examples from a variety of fields such as physics, biology, chemistry and economics, students will learn how to develop and use mathematical models of real-world systems.
Introduction to the meta-theory of first-order logic. Topics include the consistency, compactness, completeness and soundness proofs for propositional and first-order logic; model theory; the axiomatization of number theory; Gödel’s incompleteness theorems and related results.
Prerequisite: PHIL 005. Pass/No Pass option. Discussion included. Cross-Listed with PHIL 160.
Introduction to modern applied statistics emphasizing computational methods to deal with high-dimensional data. Multivariate linear and nonlinear regression, model selection, overfitting, cross-validation, bootstrapping and quantification of uncertainty in model parameters and predictions, principal component analysis, and classification.
Prerequisite: MATH 024 and MATH 032. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included.
Introduction to stochastic processes with emphasis on problem-solving using both analytical and computational techniques. Markov chains in discrete and continuous time, martingales, branching processes, renewal processes, and Brownian motion.
Prerequisite: MATH 024 and MATH 032. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Students will be introduced to ‘scientific teaching’ - an approach to teaching science that uses many of the same skills applied in research. Topics will include how people learn, active learning, designing, organizing and facilitating teachable units, classroom management, diversity in the classroom and assessment design.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Cross-Listed with PHYS 201.
Partial differential equations (PDEs) of applied mathematics. Topics include modeling physical phenomena, linear and nonlinear first-order PDEs, D’Alembert’s solution, second-order linear PDEs, characteristics, initial and boundary value problems, separation of variables, Sturm-Liouville problem, Fourier series, Duhamel’s Principle, linear and nonlinear stability.
Prerequisite: MATH 122. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Continuation of MATH 221. Topics include integral transforms, asymptotic methods for integrals, integral equations, weak solutions, point sources and fundamental solutions, conservation laws, Green’s functions, generalized functions, variational properties of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, Euler-Lagrange equations, Maximum principles.
Prerequisite: MATH 221. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Asymptotic evaluation of integrals, matched asymptotic expansions, multiple scales, WKB, and homogenization. Applications are made to ODEs, PDEs, difference equations, and integral equations to study boundary and shock layers, nonlinear wave propagation, bifurcation and stability, and resonance.
Prerequisite: MATH 221. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Basic real analysis (metric spaces, continuity, contraction mapping theorem), Banach spaces, Hilbert spaces, linear operators, bounded operators, compact operators, spectral theory, distributions, Fourier transforms, a priori estimates, energy estimates, existence/uniqueness theory, variational calculus, and applications of the above material to concrete problems in applied mathematics.
Prerequisite: MATH 221 and MATH 222. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
MATH 231: Numerical Solution of Differential Equations I
[4 units]
Examines fundamental methods typically required in the numerical solution of differential equations. Topics include direct and indirect methods for linear systems, nonlinear systems, interpolation and approximation, eigenvalue problems, ordinary-differential equations (IVPs and BVPs), and finite differences for elliptic partial-differential equations. A significant amount of programming is required.
Prerequisite: MATH 132. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
MATH 232: Numerical Solution of Differential Equations II
[4 units]
Fundamental methods presented in MATH 231 are used as a base for discussing modern methods for solving partial-differential equations. Numerical methods include variational, finite element, collocation, spectral, and FFT. Error estimates and implementation issues are discussed. A significant amount of programming is required.
Prerequisite: MATH 231. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Theoretical and practical introduction to parallel scientific computing. Survey of hardware and software environments, and selected algorithms and applications. Topics include linear systems, N-body problems, FFTs, and methods for solving PDEs. Practical implementation and performance analysis are emphasized in the context of demonstrative applications in science and engineering.
Prerequisite: MATH 232. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included.
Designed to increase the writing proficiency of graduate students, with a focus on strategies for reading critically, organizing and developing thoughts, choosing appropriate vocabulary, and generating and revising writing in a given scientific field. Topics address scientific disciplines. Projects may include writing abstracts, research reports, literature reviews, posters, and grant proposals.
Open only to major(s): Applied Mathematics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Physics, Quantitative and Systems Biology. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option. Cross-Listed with CHEM 270, PHYS 270, QSB 270.
Under faculty supervision, group of students meets each week for a semester in a student-led study group to pursue a specific topic of their choice that is not covered in other department courses.
Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated for credit.
Centered on a student’s classroom experiences as a Teaching Assistant in an undergraduate Applied Mathematics course. Provides a faculty-directed opportunity to implement teaching practices presented in the course Teaching and Learning in the Sciences. Involves video-taping of teaching, peer review, and weekly meetings with faculty.
Permission of instructor required. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit. Discussion, Laboratory included.
Introduction to Fortran and Matlab. Concepts of formatted input/output, data types, variables, arrays, strings, variable scopes, logic statements, loops and repetition, functions and subroutines, and data graphing. Computing examples are drawn from mechanical engineering topics including linear algebraic equations, root search, two and three-dimensional graphics.
Open only to standing(s): Freshman, Sophomore. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included.
Introduce the basic fundamentals of the finite element methods. Beginning with simple one-dimensional problem, continuing to two- and three-dimensional elements, and ending with some applications in heat transfer, solid mechanics and fluid mechanics. Covers modeling, mathematical formulation, computer implementation and engineering software.
Introduction to the use of modern computational tools used for design and analysis. Primary focus will be on product design with solid modeling and finite-element analysis. Software used is representative of that found in industry. Topics such as 2-D and 3-D drawing, tolerance specification, and FEA validation are also covered.
Open only to standing(s): Junior, Senior. Normal Letter Grade only. Offered fall only. Laboratory included.
Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Vibration of discrete systems with finite degrees of freedom and continuous structures including beams and plates. Resonance, anti-resonance, damping, and modal coupling. Modal analysis. Proportional, derivative and integral feedback controls of vibrations. Stability concept. Control design by root locus and frequency domain method.
Prerequisite: MATH 024 and ENGR 057. Normal Letter Grade only. Offered spring only. Laboratory included.
Dynamics of Linear Systems, Concepts of Stability, Feedback Control, Root Locus Design, Frequency-Domain Analysis and Compensator Design, State-Space Representation, Controllability and Observability, Linear Observers, Matrix Methods for Control Design, Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) Optimal Control.
Prerequisite: MATH 024 and ME 140. Normal Letter Grade only. Conjoined with ME 210.
Introduction to electro-mechanical systems controlled by microcontroller technology. The course covers theory, design and construction of smart systems; closely coupled and fully integrated products and systems; the synergistic integration of sensors, interfaces, actuators, microcontrollers, control and information technology.
Prerequisite: ENGR 057 and ENGR 065. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included.
Rigid body mechanics (Rotation parameterization, Newton-Euler equations, inertia tensor), Interconnected bodies (joints, actuators, controllers), Equations of motion (Lagrange’s equations, Lagrange multipliers, body jack, DAEs) and Analyses (kinematic, static, quasi-static, dynamic, kinetostatic, linear-dynamic).
Prerequisite: ENGR 151 and MATH 131 and ME 140, which may be taken concurrently. Background in vector mechanics, differential equations, numerical methods, linear algebra, MATLAB-Simulink, and Vibrations recommended. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included. Conjoined with ME 244.
Design project must be selected and approved; project feasibility study and outline of the design project is completed; design methodology, optimization, product reliability and liability, economics, use of ASME codes. A final presentation is given at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: ME 120 and ENGR 135 and ME 137. Open only to standing(s): Senior. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included. Cross-Listed with ENGR 190.
Introduction to machine shop technology. Study of basic measuring tools, vernier calipers, steel rules, and micrometers, layout tools, hand tools. Emphasis in the theory and practice in the use of vertical milling machine, lathes and drilling machines.
Pass/No Pass only. Course may be repeated 2 times for credit. Laboratory included.
Lectures on special topics within Mechanical Engineering that are not covered in the regularly scheduled courses. Each ME 190 class will have a specific focus which will be defined by the instructor of the course on a semester-by-semester basis.
Open only to major(s): Mechanical Engineering. Open only to standing(s): Junior, Senior. Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated 4 times for credit. Laboratory included.
Rigid body dynamics, including topics such as: dynamical systems, motion representation and constraints, Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, stability analysis and introduction to multibody dynamics.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the topics in MATH 024 and ENGR 057. Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit. Offered fall only.
Systematic analysis of fluid flow, heat transfer and mass transfer phenomena, with emphasis on the analogies and specific techniques used in treating such boundary value problems.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the topics in ENGR 135. Normal Letter Grade only. Offered spring only.
Dynamics of Linear Systems, Concepts of Stability, Feedback Control, Root Locus Design, Frequency-Domain Analysis and Compensator Design, State-Space Representation, Controllability and Observability, Linear Observers, Matrix Methods for Control Design, Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) Optimal Control.
Prerequisite: Knowledge in linear algebra and differential equations and Vibration and Controls highly recommended. Normal Letter Grade only. Conjoined with ME 141.
Phase plane and singularities. Methods for nonlinear analysis. Lyapunov stability theory. Passivity. Lyapunov control design. Topics of nonlinear controls including feedback linearization, sliding control and back stepping design. Adaption algorithms and system identification. Discussion of current research topics in nonlinear controls.
Permission of instructor required. Normal Letter Grade only.
Review of mathematical theory and computations of matrix. LU decomposition. Singular value decomposition. QR decomposition. Schur decomposition. Eigen-decomposition. Cholesky decomposition. Expansion theorem. Pseudoinverse and solution of linear algebraic equations. Matrix representation of dynamical systems, the fundamental solution, and control formulation. Optimal sliding surface. Other engineering applications.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the topics covered in ME 140 Vibration recommended. Permission of instructor required. Normal Letter Grade only.
Cartesian tensors in mechanics, coordinate transformations, analysis of stress and strain, principal values, invariants, equilibrium and compatibility equations, constitutive relations, field equations; problems in elasticity; computational methods.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the topics in ENGR 120. Normal Letter Grade only. Offered fall only.
Basic concepts (forces, displacements, stress, tensor, strain, etc.), linear and nonlinear elastic solids, linear viscous fluids, linear viscoelastic fluids and solids, and selected topics in nonlinear viscoelastic behavior.
Tribology is the study of components moving in relative motion. As such, this course will cover the areas of friction, wear and lubrication. Specific topics include surface properties, wear of materials, frictional contact and energy dissipation, fluid lubricated bearings, lubrication of highly loaded contacts, and nanoscale tribological phenomena.
Heat conduction fundamentals; one-and multi-dimensional steady state; transient conduction; hyperbolic conduction. Solution methods (separation of variables, integral transforms, integral method, numerical methods).
Prerequisite: Knowledge in the undergraduate physics sequence and knowledge in undergraduate thermodynamics. Undergraduate heat transfer recommended. Normal Letter Grade only.
Fluid transport properties and relevant conservation equations. Momentum, heat and mass transfer in laminar and turbulent internal and external flows. Buoyancy driven flows (free convection). Heat transfer in high-speed flow. Convective mass transfer. Special topics in heat and mass transfer; e.g., ablation, combustion, forced convection boiling and condensation (2-phase flow).
Prerequisite: Knowledge of undergraduate thermodynamics, heat transfer and graduate fluid mechanics strongly advisable. Normal Letter Grade only.
Steady and unsteady mass diffusion; mass convection, simultaneous heat and mass transfer; Fick’s law in a moving medium; similarity and integral methods in mass transfer; high mass transfer theory; research project in mass transport.
Prerequisite: ENGR 135 or ES 235. Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit. Cross-Listed with ES 236.
Thermal radiation fundamentals; radiative properties of opaque surfaces; radiative exchange between opaque surfaces; radiative transfer equation; radiative properties of gases and particles; radiative exchange in participating media.
Prerequisite: Knowledge in the undergraduate physics sequence and knowledge in undergraduate thermodynamics. Undergraduate heat transfer recommended. Normal Letter Grade only.
Rigid body mechanics (Rotation parameterization, Newton-Euler equations, inertia tensor), Interconnected bodies (joints, actuators, controllers), Equations of motion (Lagrange’s equations, Lagrange multipliers, body jack, DAEs) and Analyses (kinematic, static, quasi-static, dynamic, kinetostatic, linear-dynamic).
Prerequisite: Background in vector mechanics, differential equations, numerical methods, linear algebra, MATLAB-Simulink, and Vibrations required. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included. Conjoined with ME 144.
Addresses the effects of compressibility in viscous and inviscid flows; steady and unsteady inviscid subsonic and supersonic flows; method of characteristics; small disturbance theories (linearized and hypersonic); shock dynamics; and hypersonic flows. Students are expected to be conversant in materials that are covered in ENGR 120 or the equivalent course.
Study of the Navier-Stokes equations; Stokes’ problems; creeping flows; internal and external flows; similarity and integral methods in boundary layer flows; stability and transition to turbulence.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of the topics in ENGR 135 or ES 235 required. Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit. Offered fall only. Cross-Listed with ES 237.
Fundamentals of computational theory and computational methods. The first part covers material fundamentals to the understanding and application of numerical methods. The second part illustrates the use of such methods in solving different types of complex problems encountered in fluid mechanics and convective heat transfer.
Introduction to physical mechanisms relevant to the fourth state of matter: plasmas. Emphasis will be on low-temperature laboratory plasmas and will deal with topics including particle dynamics in electromagnetic fields, two-fluid and kinetic models that govern the physics of plasmas.
Fundamentals and methodologies of non-imaging optics to design energy systems. The first part covers material fundamental to the understanding of imaging optics. This will lead into the non-imaging optical systems and the physics that made it possible to design solar energy concentrators. The second half of the course covers material dedicated to the designs of non-imaging optical systems applied to the solar energy field and optimization and analysis of these systems.
Permission of instructor required. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion included. Conjoined with PHYS 151.
Overview on energy storage schemes/devices with major focus on electrochemical storages including ionic batteries, fuel cells and super-capacitors. The course will cover operating principles, physics behind them, characterization methods and advantages/issues of each scheme. Exposure to thermodynamics is recommended but not mandatory.
Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit.
ME 262: Fuel Cell Fundamentals, Modeling, and Diagnostic
[3 units]
Introduces knowledge of electrochemistry and fuel cell operation followed by modeling and diagnostic of a fuel cell. Topics include transport, electrochemical reaction, impedance, cyclic voltammetry, etc.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Chemistry, Fluid Mechanics, and Thermodynamics highly recommended. Normal Letter Grade only.
Preparation with fractional calculus (differentiation or integration of non-integer order) and fractional dynamic modeling of complex mechanical systems such as porous medias, particulate systems, soft matters etc. that have inherent nature of memory, heredity, or long-range dependence (LRD), or long range interactions at or across various scales.
Permission of instructor required. Normal Letter Grade only. Laboratory included.
ME 285: Seminar: Nanomaterials for Space Exploration
[1 unit]
Designed for students in materials engineering, physics, and chemistry. Intended to expose students to various nanomaterial-based devices, foster students’ critical thinking in postulating feasible approaches, and develop students’ communication and presentation skills.
Under faculty supervision, group of students meets each week for a semester in a student-led study group to pursue a specific topic of their choice that is not covered in other department courses.
Normal Letter Grade only. Course may be repeated for credit.
Seminar series where external speakers deliver one-hour talks on current research and development in various mechanical engineering fields relevant to the graduate program, including but not limited to fluids, structures, dynamics and control and energy.
Open only to major(s): Mechanical Engineering. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only. Course may be repeated 2 times for credit. Discussion included.
Designed to empower students to achieve effective levels of performance within academic, personal, and professional endeavors through the use of proven educational and mental strategies, specifically within Natural Science majors.
Open only to major(s): Physics, Chemical Sciences, Earth Systems Science, Undeclared Natural Sciences, Applied Mathematical Sciences, Biological Sciences. Pass/No Pass option. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit. Discussion included.
Training in the skills necessary to succeed at UC Merced and overview of opportunities in research, education, and careers in science.
Open only to major(s): Physics, Chemical Sciences, Earth Systems Science, Undeclared Natural Sciences, Applied Mathematical Sciences, Biological Sciences. Pass/No Pass option. Course may be repeated 1 time for credit. Discussion included.
NSED 023: Introduction to Teaching Science in Elementary School
[1 unit]
Introduction to teaching science in elementary school. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies. Activities include seminars, discussions, and experimentation using inquiry-based learning modules.
Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included. Cross-Listed with NSED 033.
NSED 024: Fieldwork: Introduction to Teaching Science in Elementary School
[1 unit]
Fieldwork component for the NSED 023 course. Classroom observations and teaching practicum at an elementary school under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies.
Corequisite: NSED 023. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 034.
NSED 033: Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in Elementary School
[1 unit]
Introduction to teaching mathematics in elementary school. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies. Activities include seminars, discussions, and experimentation using inquiry-based learning modules.
Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included. Cross-Listed with NSED 023.
NSED 034: Fieldwork: Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in Elementary School
[1 unit]
Fieldwork component for the NSED 033 course. Classroom observations and teaching practicum at an elementary school under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies.
Corequisite: NSED 033. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 024.
NSED 043: Introduction to Teaching Science in Middle School
[1 unit]
Introduction to teaching science in middle school. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies. Activities include seminars, discussions, and experimentation using inquiry-based learning modules.
Corequisite: NSED 044. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 053.
NSED 044: Fieldwork: Introduction to Teaching Science in Middle School
[1 unit]
Fieldwork component for the NSED 43 course. Classroom observations and teaching practicum at a middle school under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies.
Corequisite: NSED 043. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 054.
NSED 053: Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in Middle School
[1 unit]
Introduction to teaching mathematics in middle school. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies. Activities include seminars, discussions, and experimentation using inquiry-based learning modules.
Corequisite: NSED 054. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 043.
NSED 054: Fieldwork: Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in Middle School
[1 unit]
Fieldwork component for the NSED 053 course. Classroom observations and teaching practicum at a middle school under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies.
Corequisite: NSED 053. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 044.
NSED 063: Introduction to Teaching Science in High School
[1 unit]
Introduction to teaching science in high school. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies. Activities include seminars, discussions, and experimentation using inquiry-based learning modules.
Corequisite: NSED 064. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included. Cross-Listed with NSED 073.
NSED 064: Fieldwork: Introduction to Teaching Science in High School
[1 unit]
Fieldwork component for the NSED 63 course. Classroom observations and teaching practicum at a high school under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies.
Corequisite: NSED 063. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 074.
NSED 073: Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in High School
[1 unit]
Introduction to teaching mathematics in High school. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies. Activities include seminars, discussions, and experimentation using inquiry-based learning modules.
Corequisite: NSED 074. Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included. Cross-Listed with NSED 063.
NSED 074: Fieldwork: Introduction to Teaching Mathematics in High School
[1 unit]
Fieldwork component for the NSED 073 course. Classroom observations and teaching practicum at a high school under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Emphasis on inquiry-based learning practices and effective research-based teaching strategies.
Corequisite: NSED 073. Normal Letter Grade only. Cross-Listed with NSED 064.
Open only to major(s): Chemical Sciences, Physics, Earth Systems Science, Applied Mathematical Sciences, Biological Sciences. Permission of instructor required. Pass/No Pass option. Course may be repeated for credit. Discussion included.
NSED 100: Project Based Instruction: Assessment and Management for Beginning Teachers
[4 units]
The course prepares students for careers in K-12 education. Students gain knowledge of classroom management strategies and learn how to organize a classroom, to plan units and to develop lesson plans. A special focus will be the techniques necessary to effectively teach in multicultural and multilingual schools.
Normal Letter Grade only. Discussion, Laboratory included.
NSED 120: Classroom Interactions in Science and Mathematics: A Focus on Equity in Urban and Rural Schools
[4 units]
Focusing on American education, we examine historical and current issues of diversity, noting controversial initiatives such as mainstreaming, bilingual education, multiculturalism, and gender-neutral or gender-segregated instruction. Students also consider cultural and linguistic challenges of teaching English language learners, including those who are generation 1.5 students.
Designed for students interested in careers in education, particularly at a K-12 level. Teaches students to use digital learning tools and to integrate technology in the classroom in an effective way, with a particular focus on using technology to support state standards in education.
The purpose of this course is to help pre-service teachers develop the required skills to carry out research in classroom settings to inform their daily instructional strategies. Pre-service teachers will gain hands-on experience in conducting research/action research in actual classrooms or any other school-learning environment.
Prerequisite: At least one lower-division NSED course and one lower-division NSED fieldwork. Normal Letter Grade only.
NSED 174: Contemporary Issues in Teaching with Fieldwork
[1 unit]
Combines study and observation of a K-12 classroom setting and reflection the aspects of teaching which have current importance in the field of education. The course includes fieldwork component where students will be working in classrooms of the local K-12 schools.
An introduction to the main areas of philosophy using classic and contemporary sources. Consideration of central and enduring problems in philosophy, such as skepticism about the external world, the mind-body problem and the nature of morality.
Consideration of basic questions and themes in moral philosophy through the study of historical and contemporary philosophical texts. Questions may include: Are moral rules relative? What is the best sort of human life? What sorts of acts are right? Should wealth be shared with those less fortunate?