REGISTRATION | COSTS | LOCATION | OFF-CAMPUS COURSES | ONLINE COURSES
Course Descriptions
BIOS | ECON | ENGL | GEOG | STAT
Course titled with a computer denote that the class is offered online
PHYSIOLOGY
BIOS 493/700
This is an online version of Physiology which is the first part of a proposed Physiology-Anatomy course. The physiology component of the course presents the functional design and homeostatic mechanisms of organ systems. It is designed to provide the opportunity to receive an in depth introduction into Human Physiology using an on line format. Lectures are presented as narrated power points that incorporate animated material to help students visualize complex concepts.This course provides the physiology necessary to enter some professional programs such as nursing and nutrition. Course content includes the major organ systems of the body. During the lectures the students stay engaged as they are tested on content during the presentation. Formal testing is also occurs online.
493. Physiology Lectures, discussions, and reports on topics of special interest in a particular field of biology. Topics may be selected in one or more fields of biology to a total of 6 semester hours toward any one degree. PRQ: Consent of department.
700.Physiology. Lectures, discussions, and reports on topics of special interest in a particular field of biology. One to 9 semester hours as scheduled; each field may be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours.
Sonya Conway. BIOS 493/700 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1. Meets online 9/8 – 12/8 with 3 face-to-face meetings on 9/8, 10/20, 12/8 at NIU-Rockford; 6:30 – 9:15 p.m.
HEALTH ECONOMICS
ECON 370
Health has evolved into a multidisciplinary concept; the study of the concept has broadened beyond the realm of physicians and epidemiologists and now includes economists. This online course will examine this universal concept from an economist’s perspective, which will include an analysis of market for health care, the social determinants of health, the role of the government, the role of the private sector, and an evaluation of the efficiency of public policy. The centerpiece of this course will be to promote learning through effective communication. Evaluation in the course will be based on online discussions, online tests, and presentations. We will have three meetings in a traditional classroom format; attendance at these meetings is mandatory and an integral part of the course requirement.
370C. Health Economics. Topics of current importance to consumers, resource owners, business, and government. May be repeated once as topics change. PRQ: ECON 260 and ECON 261
Sowjanya Dharmasankar. ECON 370 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1. (Ref. #14794) Meets online 9/8-12/8 with 3 face-to-face meetings on Wednesdays, 9/8, 10/13, 10/20 at Elgin Community College; 6:30 – 9:15 p.m.
LITERATURE AND OTHER DISCIPLINES
ENGL 360
This course in literature and theology will contextualize ancient and modern literary texts within themes contained in the Bible and Koran. The course will be organized around the three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and a search for their commonalities. Emerging topics may include the flood, the afterlife, light and darkness, temptation, suffering, and justice. Weekly online discussions, reading journals, a short research paper (5 pages) and final class presentations. Reading list: Gilgamesh, Night, Holy Bible (New Revised Version), Don Quixote, Doctor Faustus, The Life of St. Anthony, Arabian Nights, and the Koran. Extra credit field trip to a mosque, synagogue, and church.
ENGL 360. Interrelationships between the study of literature and other disciplines. Pertinence of other disciplines to literature, for example, literature and psychology, literature and sociology, literature and philosophy, and literature and theology. Topics announced. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours when subject varies.
Katherine Wright and Chris Webb. ENGL 360 (3 credit hours)
* Section YE1 (Ref. #14418) Meets online 9/10 - 12/10 with 3 face-to-face meetings on Thursdays, 9/10, 10/22, 12/10 at NIU-Hoffman Estates; 6:30-9:15 p.m.
* Section YE2 (Ref. #15374) Meets online 9/10 - 12/10 with 3 face-to-face meetings on Thursdays, 9/10, 10/22, 12/10 at NIU-Hoffman Estates, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
MAPS & MAPPING
GEOG 256/556
Though maps have been used by civilizations for well over 5,000 years, practically all aspects of mapping today involve computers—from the collection of real-world data by GPS or satellites to drafting and printing. Rather than study the history of maps and mapping, we will instead study the concept of maps as tools of modern communication and visualization. This course is also the starting point for NIU's certificate of undergraduate study in GIS (in addition to applying toward the B.G.S.) and is required for several further courses in geography. Mandatory introductory face-to-face class meeting.
256. Introduction to maps as models of our earth, tools of visualization, and forms of graphic communication. Use of satellite and aerial imagery, land surveying, and geographic information systems in map production. Thematic maps and how they are used. Map design for informational and persuasive purposes.
556. For graduate students with little formal background in mapping. Maps as models, tools of visualization, and forms of graphic communication. Processes of map production, including imagery and surveying. Principles of map design.
Paul Sill. GEOG 256/556 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1 (GEOG 256 Ref. #15198; GEOG 556 Ref. #15199) meets online 9/10 – 12/10 with a mandatory introductory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Naperville on Thursday 9/10, 6:30 – 9:15 p.m.
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOG 359/557
Have you ever asked yourself, "Where in the world am I?" GEOG 359 may help you answer that question with an introductory study into the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In this online course, we develop skills in GIS, its components, and how it applies to our surrounding environment. This course is a primer for those who are interested in learning more about the dynamic and ever-changing world of GIS and its career applications.
359. Study of the fundamental principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasis on the development of these systems, their components and their integration into mainstream geography. Prerequisites & Notes: GEOG 256 or consent of department.
557. For graduate students with little formal background in GIS or computer mapping. Principles, components, and uses of geographic information systems.
Phil Young. GEOG 359/557 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1 (Ref. #15194) meets online 8/26 – 12/13 with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Wednesday 8/26, 6:30-9:15 p.m.
TROPICAL ENVIROMENTAL HAZARDS
GEOG 408 / 508
Tropical Environmental Hazards will focus on the interactions between earth surface systems and the physical and social environment. The global distribution of natural hazards is not uniform. Not only do the characteristics of the hazards vary, but the underlying populations, cultures and societies affected by them also contain wide variance. With this in mind, this course will focus on Southeast Asian countries and their associated hazards such as tsunamis, floods, and tropical storms. The goal is to yield a greater understanding of regional geography, differing adaptation mechanisms of societies and also greater understanding of some of the natural hazards within Southeast Asia. Essential elements of the course will include discussion board debates and analysis, webquest exercises, and a final research report on a Southeast Asian disaster of your choice.
408. Examination of natural hazards with a focus on Southeast Asia. Tsunamis, monsoons, typhoons, flooding, droughts, and urban hazards are explored. Interactions among the following three major systems are analyzed with respect to shaping these hazards: the physical environment, social and demographic characteristics, and components of the built environment.
508. Examination of natural hazards focusing on Southeast Asia. Tsunamis, monsoons, typhoons, flooding, droughts, and urban hazards are explored. Interactions among three major systems are analyzed with respect to shaping these hazards: the physical environment, social and demographic characteristics, and components of the built environment.
Mace Bentley. GEOG 408/508 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1 (Ref. #14464) meets online 9/8 -12/11.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOG 459 / 559
A Geographic Information System (GIS), composed of multiple map layers of a place, can facilitate problem-solving in a variety of social, environmental, and business settings. This course will apply GIS to examples from these different settings. Methods of integrating land, environmental, demographic, and business information will be demonstrated. In addition to applying to the B.G.S., this class also counts toward NIU’s certificate of undergraduate study in GIS.
459. Study of the conceptual framework and development of geographic information systems. Emphasis on the actual application of a GIS to spatial analysis.
559. Study of the conceptual framework and development of geographic information systems. Emphasis on the actual application of a GIS to spatial analysis.
Rich Greene. GEOG 459/559 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1 (Ref. #14421) meets online 9/12 -12/12 with a mandatory face-to-face meeting at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Saturday, 9/12, 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon.
WORKSHOP IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GEOG 468 / 568
What are the essential building blocks required to create an effective Geographic Information System? This online course will use GIS software for the creation, manipulation and presentation of data. The methodology will be a blended set of lessons and exercises which will include design, data capture, quality control, data management and 3D. Students enrolled in the Homeland Security Program, GIS Certificate or B.G.S. degree plan may be interested in taking this course.
468. Problems and techniques of GIS prototype development. Emphasis on GIS development and spatial database management for public sector applications such as land parcel mapping, emergency services, facilities management, and homeland security. The processes of design and production, editing and quality control, and final implementation of an operational product are stressed through applied projects. PRQ: GEOG 359 and consent of department.
568. Problems and techniques of GIS prototype development. Emphasis on GIS development and spatial database management for public sector applications such as land parcel mapping, emergency services, facilities management, and homeland security. The processes of design and production, editing and quality control, and final implementation of an operational product are stressed through applied projects.
Phil Young. GEOG 468 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1 (Ref. #15196) meets online 8/27 – 12/13 with a face-to-face meeting at NIU-Naperville on Thursday 8/27 from 6:30 – 9:15 p.m.
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
STAT 301
An introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including probability, theoretical and empirical distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation, and single classification analysis of variance procedures. Not available for credit toward the major in mathematical sciences. Not used in major GPA calculation for mathematical sciences majors.
301. Introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including probability, theoretical and empirical distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation, and single classification analysis of variance procedures. Not available for credit toward the major in mathematical sciences. Not used in major GPA calculation for mathematical sciences majors. Prerequisites and Notes: PRQ: MATH 206 or MATH 210 or MATH 211 or MATH 229.
Claudine Myers. STAT 301 (3 credit hours)
• Section YE1. (Ref. #14689). Meets online 9/8 – 12/8 with face-to-face meetings at NIU-Hoffman Estates on Tuesdays 9/8, 10/20, 12/8, 6:30 – 9:15 pm.
• Section YE2. (Ref. #14690). Meets online 9/9 -12/9 with face-to-face meetings at NIU-Rockford on Wednesdays 9/9, 10/21, 12/9, 6:30 – 9:15 pm.