What is an Experimental Course?
UNLV encourages diverse, innovative, and creative curricula, and as such encourages faculty members to exercise these values in designing curriculum content. An experimental course is an opportunity for faculty to introduce innovative and creative content and/or pedagogy on a trial basis to test potential new courses and obtain information to assist in the creation of a permanent course. Experimental courses are identified by an X after the course number and are often referred to as X courses. These X courses can be offered a maximum of two (2) terms.
How to request an Experimental Course (X Course)?
Experimental courses are created using Curriculog and would require the department chair and college dean’s approval. Committee approval is not necessary. Additionally, due to X course proposals not being required to undergo the NSHE CCN process, the course is not added to the NSHE database. The chosen course number would remain available for other NSHE institutions until a permanent course is presented. Thus, the number may change when you request a permanent course.
After it is routed through the approvals, the proposal will be sent to the Registrar’s Office Curriculum Unit for implementation. The whole process from when faculty submit their proposal to when it is ready to be scheduled may take as little as two days but may take longer depending on Department Chair and College Dean approvals.
Experimental forms should be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the desired start term. If a form is received after the desired start term schedule goes live and is accepting enrollment, the department will be responsible for managing the marketing and enrollment process.
Experimental Courses and the General Education Curriculum
Some undergraduate experimental courses qualify as general education courses. UNLV encourages a diverse, innovative, and creative curriculum, and as such encourages faculty to exercise these values in designing courses that also align with the University’s General Education curriculum. If faculty find they have created a course that may qualify for the general education curriculum, we encourage them to submit a General Education Course Request form in Curriculog.
Obtaining the general education designation will allow your course to satisfy the general education requirement effective as of the approval date. It is rare that the General Education Committee retroactively approves courses, thus we encourage the submission and approval of the General Education Course Request form in Curriculog before students enroll for the new experimental courses but after your Experimental Course Form is approved by the FSCC Chair.
The approval on an X course is only for the X course. You will need to re-submit a General Education Course Request form once the permanent course is approved by the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee.
Contact
For questions regarding experimental courses, please email curriculum@unlv.edu.
Approved Experimental Courses
ANTH 440FX Arch of S America
Designed to provide an introduction to the prehistory of the peoples of South America. It seeks to provide a definition of their common cultural background and to examine the archaeological record concerning the origins of these various societies to their rise into complex indigenous civilization.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Anthropology
College: College of Liberal Arts
ANTH 449EX Introduction to GIS
Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), focusing on applications in the social sciences. GIS software is used to display, analyze, and communicate spatial information such as population data mapping and historical mapping.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Anthropology
College: College of Liberal Arts
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BIOL 437EX Evolution Insects
An advanced class for biology majors to expand understanding of evolutionary concepts by building a conceptual framework of evolution through the exploration of insect behavior, physiology, and development. Fundamental topics include insect anatomy, wacky insect adaptations, insect physiology, insect endocrinology, molecular biology, concepts in body plan evolution, and topics at the interface of evolution and development.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Life Sciences
College: College of Sciences
BIOL 439X Adv Marine Physiology
Advanced discussion of ocean habitats and the physiological specializations of organisms that inhabit them. Discussion of both molecular and environmental contexts for physiology, including trophic levels and systematics. Consideration of economic use of marine habitats and ways to study human impacts on ecosystems.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Life Sciences
College: College of Sciences
BIOL 449X Neurophysiology
Neurophysiology will build upon the basics of how a neuron works and how neurons communicate to understand how the brain perceives, and executes motor and higher functions. These principles will be contextualized with student-led presentations on functional disorders. Neurophysiological techniques will be highlighted throughout.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Life Sciences
College: College of Sciences
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BUS 281X Global Career Accelerator
Learn how to work in diverse teams and build products for a diverse set of customers by applying the hybrid skill set of applied technology and intercultural communication (ICC). Learning activities include real-world global experiences, applied learning, and ICC. Practice effective and appropriate data applications and ICC in remote environments.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 6
Department: Business Administration
College: Lee Business School
Note: Satisfies General Education International
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CHI 316X Conv CHI for Professionals
Intensive practice in Chinese conversation in a variety of business and professional situations. Development of advanced-level oral proficiency and cultural competence. Emphasis on sophistication of speech. Taught in Chinese.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 6
Department: World Languages & Cultures
College: College of Liberal Arts
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COE 214X Race & US NV Con
Evaluation of the role of race in US and Nevada constitutional law across the historical continuum. Focus on education and civil rights. Consideration(s) of various perspectives on constitutional dilemmas and how contemporary constitutional debates continue to (re)shape the modern world. Only available to Rebel Start Academy students.
Credits: 4
Total Credits Allowed: 4
Department: College of Education
College: College of Education
Note: Satisfies General Education U.S. and Nevada Constitution
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CRJ 320X Courts-Criminal Justice
COURTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 0
Department: Criminal Justice
College: College of Urban Affairs
CRJ 485X Community Based Research
COMMUNITY BASED RESEARCH
Credits: 0
Total Credits Allowed: 6
Department: Criminal Justice
College: College of Urban Affairs
CRJ 488X Corporate Cybersecurity
This course provides an overview of cyberthreats to corporate security. Students will learn the principles of cyber hacking and security, as well as steps to take when cybersecurity has been compromised in a business setting. These issues will be presented from an emergency and crisis management perspective.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Criminal Justice
College: College of Urban Affairs
CRJ 494X CRJ Mentor Training
Provides instruction and training to first-generation CRJ students who will serve as peer mentors in the Department.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Criminal Justice
College: College of Urban Affairs
CRJ 495X Peer Mentoring in CRJ
A seminar for peer mentors working the Criminal Justice Department. Peer mentors facilitate first-years students’ academic, socio-cultural, and emotional adjustment to college. Mandatory training will be provided to peer mentors through a series of readings, presentations, and activities. During the semester, peer mentors will routinely interact with new students and summarize their experiences to a peer mentor coordinator.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 6
Department: Criminal Justice
College: College of Urban Affairs
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CS 111X Think Critically w/ Code
Become a better critical thinker to address important social issues with this introduction to computer coding. No prior computer programming experience expected. Note: “Cannot earn credits towards degree requirements for Computer Science B.Sc. or B.A. degrees.”
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Computer Science
College: College of Engineering
CS 251X Cybersecurity Concepts
Broad coverage of essential cybersecurity concepts and hands-on skills. Topics include operational security, cryptography, network fundamentals, infrastructure security, authentication, system hardening, incident response, risk management, privacy in computing, legal issues and ethics, and physical security
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Computer Science
College: College of Engineering
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EDU 107X The Pursuit of Happiness: A Joyful Humanities Exploration Across the Globe
Examines art, culture, and history related to cultural customs to provide a horizontal perspective on happiness and what it means around the world.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
College: College of Education
Note: Satisfies General Education Humanities and International
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EE 464X Wireless Ntwrk Planning
Wireless communication network planning including basic concepts, governing bodies, technological history, coding and modulation, and antenna systems.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Electrical & Comp Engineering
College: College of Engineering
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EED 230X Additive Manufacturing
EED 230, Additive Manufacturing for Entertainment Engineering and Industry, will explore the current technology and uses of additive manufacturing in general industry and more specifically in entertainment. The uses, materials, and hardware will be investigated for a complete understanding of additive manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Entertainment Engineering
College: College of Engineering
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EGG 401X Intro to Rocket Science 1
A survey of introductory rocket science pertaining to the fundamentals of propulsion, gravity, escape speeds, electricity, vacuum technology, optics, thermodynamics, power systems and power management, among other topics that are integral to rocket science. The goal is to prepare for participation in the RebelSAT/CubeSAT effort.
Credits: 1
Total Credits Allowed: 1
Department: College of Engineering
College: College of Engineering
EGG 402X Intro to Rocket Science 2
An introduction to RebelSAT and CubeSAT with the aim of seeking/developing a proposed project which will be integrated into the RebelSAT/CubeSAT effort.
Credits: 1
Total Credits Allowed: 1
Department: College of Engineering
College: College of Engineering
EGG 403X Intro to Rocket Science 3
This course aims to guide completion of a project which will be integrated into the RebelSAT/CubeSAT effort. The goal is to begin and complete work on a previously-agreed-upon project that will integrate with and aid the RebelSAT/CubeSAT effort.
Credits: 1
Total Credits Allowed: 1
Department: College of Engineering
College: College of Engineering
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ENG 100X Composition Intensive
A writing-intensive course designed to improve critical thinking, reading, and writing skills across disciplines. Includes strategies for turning experience, observations, and analyses into evidence suitable for writing in a variety of genres with enriched opportunities to explore reading strategies, rhetorical concepts, and writing processes.
Credits: 5
Total Credits Allowed: 5
Department: English
College: College of Liberal Arts
ENG 114EX Eng. Comp. for Intl. Sts. I
ENG 114EX is a continuation of ENG 113 or ENG 113E and F with emphasis on critical thinking skills development and academic essay production.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: English
College: College of Liberal Arts
ENG 114FX Eng. Comp. for Intl. Sts. II
ENG 114FX is a continuation of ENG 113 or ENG 113EX with emphasis on critical thinking skills development and academic essay production.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: English
College: College of Liberal Arts
ENG 215X Popular Culture in English Studies
Explore contemporary popular culture through the lens of English Studies. Analyze films, music, social media, and other phenomena using literary and cultural theories. Develop critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical awareness while examining how popular culture reflects and influences societal values and identities.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 6
Department: English
College: College of Liberal Arts
ENG 407DX Fundamentals Sci Writing
Focuses on the genres, conventions, and practices common to writing in scientific discourse communities. Includes study of the theories that inform the design of effective scientific communication, and practice drafting, revising, and designing scientific documents for expert and lay audiences.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: English
College: College of Liberal Arts
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FIN 102X Personal Fin. Literacy
This is an introductory course that will cover various topics related to financial literacy. Students will obtain a basic understanding of various concepts needed to manage their financial affairs prudently. Topics covered will include time value of money, risk and return, portfolio diversification, bonds, stocks, financial statements, real estate, insurance and taxes.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Finance
College: Business School
FIN 113X Managing Life’s Risks
This course will focus on various personal risks such as financial, asset protection, premature death, accidents, poor health, unemployment, credit/debt management and inadequate retirement funds and the appropriate solutions for these risks.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Finance
College: Business School
FIN 411X Alternative Investments
Introduction to the concepts of alternative investments. To study alternative investment products such as real assets, hedge funds, private equity, and structured products. To understand the risks and returns of these alternative investment products and be able to construct a portfolio with traditional investment products and alternative investment products.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Finance
College: Business School
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FREN 113HX Elem French I Hospitality
Development of language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; structural analysis. Emphasis on speaking. Dedicated to hospitality majors/minors only.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: World Languages & Cultures
College: College of Liberal Arts
Note: Satisfies General Education Humanities and International
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GAM 125X Introduction to the Tribal Gaming Industry
An overview of tribal casino/gaming. Topics include tribal gaming operations, the economic impact of tribal gaming industry and how tribes utilize gaming revenues. Students will study the history of tribal gaming, including legal and court challenges faced by tribes, role of the federal regulatory agencies, and how compacts are structured with various states.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Resort, Gaming, and Golf Management
College: College of Hospitality
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GEOL 336X Data Science With Python
Data science extracts insights and knowledge from data. It becomes increasingly relevant in geoscience due to the increasing availability of data and accessible tools. The data science lifecycle includes data ingestion, processing, analysis, and visualization. These will be learned using Python and applied to geoscience data in student projects.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Geoscience
College: College of Sciences
GEOL 408X Geostatistics in R
In this course you will learn how to conduct analysis of the spatial and temporal variations in geologic, hydrologic, and geochemical data, including: derived distributions, probability, regression, cluster analysis, correlation and autocorrelation, spectral analysis, point pattern analysis, spatial regression, and interpolation/kriging (primary foci on time series and spatial analysis). Crosslisted with GEOL 608.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Geoscience
College: College of Sciences
GEOL 479X Climate Ventures
Focuses on the development of innovative climate change and environmental solutions to move us closer to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a thriving Southern Nevada. Includes the development, piloting, and scaling of transformational climate ventures that will contribute to environmental and climate justice in the community.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Geoscience
College: College of Sciences
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GRC 270X History of Graphic Design
An introduction to the history of graphic design from the dawn of writing until today, including the development of handwriting, typefaces, and books; Arts & Crafts and the private press; posters, printing history, history of advertising; the Bauhaus; digital design and typography.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Graphic Design & Media
College: College of Fine Arts
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HMD 204X Hotel Operations
Detailed presentation of lodging operations management in specific areas including front office operations, housekeeping and sanitation, food and beverage, and facility operations. In addition to the hotel and motel industry, other topical areas also include vacation ownership (time-share) industry, casino and resort industry.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Hospitality Management
College: College of Hospitality
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HSC 301X Introduction to Health Physics
Introduction to the fundamentals of radiation protection and applications including
radioactivity and radioactive decay, interactions with matter, external and internal exposure control, and radiation detector theory.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences
College: School of Integrated Health Sciences
HSC 302X Working With Children and Families in a Healthcare Setting
Explore the psychosocial, emotional and developmental needs of children and families in health care settings and the fundamental skills to help them cope with the stress of a health care experience. Taught in alignment with the Child Life Course requirement for Academic Eligibility for the Child Life Certification Exam.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
College: School of Integrated Health Sciences
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JPN 306X Japanese for Business II
JAPANESE FOR BUSINESS II
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 999
Department: World Languages & Cultures
College: College of Liberal Arts
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KIN 481X Integration AT Competency
Synthesizing and integrating didactic and clinical skills knowledge in preparation for BOC examination in preparation for certification of athletic training students.
Credits: 0
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Kinesiology
College: School of Integrated Health Sciences
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NS 200X Introduction to the Neuroscience Major
An introduction to the neuroscience major, including an overview of topics in neuroscience, careers in neuroscience, and preparation for advanced study such as graduate or professional school.
Credits: 1
Total Credits Allowed: 1
Department: Psychology
College: College of Liberal Arts
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PHIL 340X Philosophy for Children
Pre-college philosophy in theory and practice. Weekly pre-college philosophy classes team-taught to K-12 youth in the Las Vegas community. Weekly class sessions held on the UNLV campus devoted both to interactive pedagogical training and scholarly exploration of relevant philosophies of education. Service Learning Course.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Philosophy
College: College of Liberal Arts
PHIL 436X Philosophy of Mathematics
Questions Posed: (1) Do numbers exist? If so, what kind of entities are they? If not, how do they aid empirical reasoning? (2) What do mathematical statements mean? How can we decide whether a mathematical claim is true? What is the role of mathematical proof in establishing truth? (3) Whatver mathematical entities are, how do we know them? (4) Given the turn towards logic in 20th Century mathematics, what is the role of diagrams and intuition in mathematics? (5) What does it mean to say that there are some unprovable mathematical truths? What does it mean to say that some mathematical truths are unknowable?
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Philosophy
College: College of Liberal Arts
PHIL 470X Ethics Bowl
Analysis of vexing contemporary moral dilemmas through the exploration of the ethical theories of Kant, Aristotle, and Mill. Emphasis will be placed on clarity of thought, ability to communicate effectively, and think through multiple perspectives on an issue. This will serve as preparation for an Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: Philosophy
College: College of Liberal Arts
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SCI 103X Human Biology, Non-Majors
Surveys important biological principles that are the foundation for an understanding of human biology. Introduces the chemical foundations of life, cell structure and function, cellular respiration, cellular division, genetics and inheritance, and body systems and functions, with an emphasis on the physiological basis of various diseases. Designed for non-science majors through the Online General Education Academy. Satisfies the General Education Life and Physical Science with lab designation.
Credits: 4
Total Credits Allowed: 4
Department: College of Sciences
College: College of Sciences
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TCA 425X Tourism and Society
This course examines tourism’s impact on social structures, cultures, and economic systems through theoretical approaches, case studies, and hands-on activities. It focuses on social and environmental justice while giving an overview of qualitative sociological research methods to understand how tourism trends shape societies.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
College: College of Hospitality
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URST 203X Understand Follow
Takes an introductory approach to understand the ideas and concepts of followership. Designed to correct for our over-emphasis on leaders and for our under-emphasis on followers in the workplace and in society at large.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 3
Department: College of Urban Affairs
College: College of Urban Affairs
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WLC 123X East Asian Pop Culture
Introduction to contemporary popular culture of East Asia (such as K-pop, fandom, rap, anime, film, rock & roll, Bruce Lee, comics, and K-drama). Explores how East Asian popular culture reflects and shapes individual identities, local societies, and global cultural experiences. Taught in English.
Credits: 3
Total Credits Allowed: 9
Department: World Languages & Cultures
College: College of Liberal Arts
Note: Satisfies General Education Humanities and International
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