Core Course Overview
All entering freshmen or transfer students with less than 30 credits must fulfill the FAU core requirements to earn a degree. While the core classes do not necessarily relate directly to a student's major, they do provide a solid base of knowledge which all students should possess.
Communication | Math | Social Sciences | Humanities | Natural Sciences
COMMUNICATION: (Gordon Rule -- 6,000 words per course; must earn a "C" or better)
ENC 1101 & 1102 -- College Writing I & II -- Basic freshman composition courses. Students read essays, stories, articles and other written selections and write term papers and essays to improve their writing skills. These classes must be taken in sequence.
MATHEMATICS: (Gordon Rule -- must earn a "C" or better)
MGF 1106 & 1107 -- Mathematics for the Liberal Arts I & II -- General education courses surveying a variety of mathematical topics. Classes focus on problem solving and mathematical applications. For majors not requiring mathematics beyond College Algebra. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 1105 & Lab -- College Algebra -- Deals with linear and quadric functions, numerical systems, complex and rational numbers, matrices, and exponential / logarithmic functions. Provides a basis for students not ready to take Calculus. Intermediate Algebra (usually taken at community college) or high school algebra is a prerequisite. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 1114 -- Trigonometry -- Theory of trigonometric functions, graphs, identities, and conditional equations. Requires either College Algebra or two years of high school algebra as a prerequisite. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 1140 -- Precalculus Algebra -- Primarily for students in majors that require Calculus with Analytic Geometry but feel they need preparation. Covers equations and inequalities, systems, sequences, probability, and basic analytic geometry. Students in this course should complete MAC 1114 before attempting this course. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 1147 -- Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry -- Polynomial, rational, and other algebraic functions; trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; piecewise-defined functions. Properties and graphs of functions. Polynomial and rational inequalities. Trigonometric identities. Conditional trigonometric equations. Conic sections. Solutions of triangles. Vector algebra. Parametric equations. Polar coordinates. Matrices and determinants. Sequences and series. Mathematical induction. Binomial theorem. Applications. Students in this course should complete MAC 1114 before attempting this course. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 2233 -- Methods of Calculus -- An introduction to the methods and applications of differentiation and integration. Primarily for non-science majors. College algebra or high school precalculus is a prerequisite. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 2241 & 2242 -- Life Science Calculus I & II -- Introduction to calculus, trigonometry, elementary functions, integrals, and basic statistics. These courses focus on applications in the areas of Biology, Psychology, and Medicine. Two years of high school algebra or MAC 1104 are prerequisites. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
MAC 2311, 2312 & 2313 -- Calculus with Analytic Geometry I, II & III -- Calculus for science, engineering, and advanced mathematics students. Covers the computation and application of differentials, integrals, and various types of functions. These courses are sequential. MAC 1114 or high school calculus are prerequisites. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
STA 2023 -- Introductory Statistics -- An introductory course covering descriptive statistics, probability, binomial and normal distributions, sampling distributions and hypothesis tests, and sampling procedures. MGF 1106 or MAC 1105 is a prerequisite. Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
PHI 3132 -- Logic -- Introduces students to various forms of reasoning and to informal fallacies. Course also includes an in-depth study of deductive syllogistic logic and concludes by introducing students to the quantification techniques of propositional and predicate logic (first-order symbolic logic). Students must take the ALEKS pretest before enrolling in this course.
SOCIAL SCIENCES:
ANT 2000 -- General Anthropology -- Survey of modern anthropology. The major developments and theories in archaeology and physical, cultural, and social anthropology. Examines culture as an adaptive system. 1
ANT 2410 -- Culture and Society -- Perspective on human condition by examining some of the principle cultural differences between traditional and modern societies. 1
GEA 2000 -- World Geography -- Examination of contemporary world problems through geographical analysis of physical, economic, social, and political systems of major countries and world regions.
ECO 2013 -- Macroeconomic Principles -- Introduction to the modern theory of income determination, employment, economic growth, and other large scale economic theories. (Sophomore standing is a prerequisite). 2
ECO 2023 -- Microeconomic Principles -- Introduction to the theory of price determination and to the concept of scarcity. (Sophomore standing is a prerequisite). 2
ECP 2002 -- Contemporary Economic Issues -- Introduction to the economists' way of thinking about social issues. Each class will discuss the important aspects of a particular social issue, develop the economic concepts and tools to study the issue, and finally apply these tools to figure out ways to resolve the issue. (Business majors cannot use this course to substitute ECO 2013 & ECO 2023).
POS 1041 -- Government of the United States -- American political institutions and processes; constitutional and legal framework of American government; policy making processes; national/state/local relationships, etc. 3
INR 2002 -- Introduction to World Politics -- Forms of politics in a variety of social, economic, and national contexts. Provides a foundation for understanding the dynamics of the international political system. 3
PSY 1012 -- General Psychology -- An overview of the causes and processes of human behavior with special attention to individual differences, perception, learning, and personality formation.
SYG 1000 -- Sociological Perspectives -- Examines the major principles, concepts, theories, and methods of sociology. 4
SYG 2010 -- Social Problems -- Focuses on theory and research related to social problems. Topics covered include class/race/sexual inequality, political effects of social problems, and deviant behavior. 4
PAD 2258 -- Changing Environment of Society, Business & Government -- An examination of the historical, economic, legal, political and social environments of business, emphasizing policy analysis of current issues such as productivity, ethics, energy, regulation, growth management and future forecasting.
NOTES:
- Either ANT 2000 or ANT 2410 not both will count towards completion of the core.
- Either ECP 2002, ECO 2013 or ECO 2023 not all courses will count towards completion of the core. However, Business majors are required to take both ECO 2013 and ECO 2023.
- Either POS 1041 or INR 2002 not both will count towards completion of the core.
- Either SYG 1000 or SYG 2010 not both will count towards completion of the core.
HUMANITIES: (Must take 2 different departmental Gordon Rule courses and 1 non performance course)
WOH 2012 -- History of Civilization I -- A survey of civilization from earliest times to the 18th Century. ENC 1101 & 1102 are strongly recommended prior. (ENC 1101 is a prerequisite with a grade of "C" or higher.) (Gordon Rule -- must earn a "C" or better.)
PHI 2010 -- Introduction to Philosophy -- An introduction philosophy course. Treat major issues of knowledge, ethics, society, mind and body, freedom and religion. (ENC 1101 & 1102 are prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher.) (Gordon Rule -- must earn a "C" or better.)
LIT 2010 -- Interpretation of Fiction -- An introduction to close reading of fiction. (ENC 1101 & 1102 are prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher.) (Gordon Rule -- must earn a "C" or better.)
LIT 2030 -- Interpretation of Poetry -- An introduction to close reading of poetry. (ENC 1101 & 1102 are prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher.) (Gordon Rule -- must earn a "C" or better.)
LIT 2040 -- Interpretation of Drama -- An introduction to close reading of drama. (ENC 1101 & 1102 are prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher.) (Gordon Rule -- must earn a "C" or better.)
ARC 2208 -- Culture and Architecture: The Master Builder -- This course will provide a holistic approach to the evolution of architecture and as an empirical element of culture from prehistoric to humankind to the present. (Non performance course)
ARH 2000 -- Art Appreciation -- A course on understanding art covering the great works and artists. A lecture course with films and slides. (Non performance course)
DAN 2100 -- Appreciation of Dance -- A study of the aesthetics, origins, and development of dance. Uses lecture, discussion, videos, and when possible live performances. (Non performance course)
FIL 2000 -- Film Appreciation -- Introduction to film as an art form, culture project, and social artifact. Covers basic analytical and technical terms, concepts, and issues. Helps a student develop the ability to watch a film critically. (Non performance course)
MUL 2010 -- History and Appreciation of Music -- The study of the great works and composers in music history. Listening skills are stressed. For non-music majors. (Non performance course)
THE 2000 -- History and Appreciation of Theatre -- Organization, process, and materials employed in theatre production. A lecture course with films and slides. For non-theatre majors. (Non performance course)
NATURAL SCIENCES
ANT 2512 -- Introduction to Biological Anthropology -- The student will learn about the general topics of biological anthropology, including genetics, primatology, comparative anatomy and paleoanthropology. A lab is required with this course. For non-science majors.
AST 2002 -- Introduction to Astronomy -- The development and present state of our understanding of the universe. For non-science majors.
BSC 1005 -- Life Science -- A survey of life on earth for non-science majors. Evolution, anatomy, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and ecology are stressed. Lectures and discussions also demonstrate how biology is relevant to social, economic, environmental, and philosophical problems. A lab is required with this course.
BSC 1011 -- Biodiversity -- An introductory and survey of organismal diversity, including fungi, protists, plants, animals, and origins of life and human development. A lab and a discussion section is required with this course.
BSC 1010 -- Biological Principles -- A comprehensive treatment of biological principles, including the scientific method, evolution and natural selection, cell biology, energy transformation, reproduction, development, genetics and molecular biology. A lab and a discussion section is required with this course.
BSC 2085 -- Anatomy & Physiology I -- A study of structure and physiology from the cellular to the system levels in the human body, including integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine. A lab is required with this course.
CHM 1020C -- Contemporary Chemical Issues -- Basics chemical principles behind chemical issues facing the local community, state, the nation, and the world. Topics include water management, global warming, depletion of ozone layer, and consequences. A lab is included in this course. For non-science majors.
CHM 2083 -- Chemistry in Modern Life -- A clear, elementary exposition of the contributions of chemistry to modern culture, illustrated by demonstration, and requiring no previous chemistry experience. Recommended for non-science, mathematics, and psychology majors. This a video class. For non-science majors.
CHM 2032 -- General Chemistry for the Health Sciences -- An introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry; scientific measurements; atomic theory, molecules and chemical bonds; chemical reactions; et al. Designed for majors in the allied health fields. A lab is required with this course.
CHM 2045 -- General Chemistry I -- An introduction to chemical principles including atomic structure, chemical bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, and properties of the elements. this is a prerequisite to all other chemistry classes in the science programs. A lab is required with this course.
ESC 2070 - Blue Planet - Introduction to Earth system science with an emphasis on the interactions between Earth, Ocean and atmosphere. Special attention will be paid to greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and global change. Course is oriented for students not majoring in science.
GLY 2010 -- Physical Geology/Evolution of the Earth -- A practical environmental and physical geology course requiring no previous knowledge of the subject. Focus is on how planet Earth works and the role of humans in sustaining the natural environment. Emphasis is on the applications of geology and its influence on contemporary trends in business, education, engineering, social science, and the humanities. Uses slide-illustrated lectures. A lab is required with this course.
GLY 2100 -- History of Earth and Life -- An introduction to historical geology. The study of ancient continents and life forms, with special emphasis on the geologic history of the North American continent.
MET 2010 -- Weather and Climate -- Introduction to solar radiation, temperature, moisture and pressure systems of the atmosphere. Examination of the fundamental elements of weather including wind systems and storms. The global distribution of climatic zones. Impact of climate on human activity. Some mathematics is required. A discussion is required with this course. For non-science majors.
OCE 2001 -- Introduction to Oceanography -- A Survey course exploring the origin of ocean basins, continents, sea water and physical, chemical, biological, geological and meteorological oceanography. Lab course includes field measurements of ocean depth, temperature, salinity and other properties. (Can be taken with or without lab). For non-science majors.
PSC 2121 -- Physical Science -- Emphasizes analytical thinking and problem solving. covers basic concepts in astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, and meteorology. Some mathematics is required. For non-science majors.
PHY 2043 -- Physics for Engineers I -- The fundamental laws and phenomena of mechanics, fluids, heat, wave motion, and sound. Emphasis on mathematical analysis of physical problems. For Engineering Majors only. (MAC 2311 is a prerequisite).
PHY 2048 -- General Physics I -- The fundamental laws and phenomena of mechanics, fluids, heat, wave motion, and sound. Emphasis on mathematical analysis of physical problems. A lab is required with this course. (MAC 2311 is a prerequisite).
PHY 2053 -- College Physics for the Life Sciences -- The fundamental laws and phenomena of mechanics, fluids, heat, wave motion, and sound. Emphasis on understanding of the physical concepts. Examples are drawn from the physical and life sciences. A lab is required with this course. Physics majors should not take this course. MAC 1105 and MAC 1114 are prerequisites.
PHY 2048 LAB -- General Physics I Lab -- Co-requisite for students taking PHY 2043, PHY 2048 & PHY 2053.
