The Indiana College Core is a block of 30 credit hours of general education, college-level coursework, which is guaranteed to transfer between all Indiana public colleges and universities. It is made up of competencies that align to the general education requirements at each Indiana public college/university. The 30-credit-hour core may not cover all general education requirements at each institution, but it does equate to approximately one year of full-time enrollment toward an undergraduate degree.
Course Syllabi for the Indiana College Core
ENG 105 – Freshman Writing II (3 credits)
In this foundational writing course, you will learn how to write strong, well-researched essays using information from different sources. Your instructor will help you think more deeply, ask better questions, and discover new perspectives through your work.
COMM 101 – Introduction to Public Communication (3 credits)
In this course, you will learn how to communicate clearly and confidently in different situations – whether you’re giving a speech, working in small groups, or having one-on-one conversations. You will explore how communication works, and you will have plenty of opportunities to practice and improve your speaking skills.
CHEM 106/106L – General Chemistry II & General Chemistry II Lab (4 credits)
This course builds on what you learned in your first chemistry class. You will explore how chemical reactions happen over time (kinetics), how energy works in reactions (thermodynamics), and how substances behave in water (aqueous equilibria). You will also dive into topics like electrochemistry and the physical properties of solids, liquids, and solutions. In the lab component, you’ll do hands-on experiments that connect directly to what you’re learning in class.
View the Syllabus for CHEM 106 - Updated August 2025 View the Syllabus for CHEM 106L - Updated August 2025
MATH 102 – Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
In this foundational course, you’ll learn how to work with numbers in real-life situations. You will learn about ratios, basic statistics, data analysis, money-related math, and probability. You will also practice how to explain your ideas clearly using numbers – whether you’re writing about them, presenting them, or figuring out what they mean in everyday life.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025
MATH 241 – Principles of Statistics (3 credits)
In this class, you will learn how to work with data and numbers in ways that help you make smart decisions. The course will cover how to read graphs and charts, understand probability, collect and analyze data, and explore patterns using tools like equations, tables, and diagrams. You will also practice using math to explain your ideas and draw conclusions based on what the numbers show.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025
PHYS 106/106L – General Physics II & General Physics II Lab (4 credits)
This course picks up where your first physics class left off. You’ll dive into topics like electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, and atomic and nuclear physics. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your math and problem-solving skills and see how physics connects to real-world phenomena. In the lab, you’ll get hands-on experience with experiments that help you understand what you’re learning in class – and learn how to measure and analyze data like a scientist.
View the Syllabus for PHYS 106 - Updated August 2025 View the Syllabus for PHYS 106L - Updated August 2025
BIO 112/112L – Human Aspects of Biology & Human Aspects of Biology Lab (4 credits)
In this class, you will explore how biology connects to everyday life – from how humans grow and stay healthy to how ecosystems work. You’ll learn about genetics, evolution, disease, and the environment. In the lab, you’ll have hands-on experience with microscopes, DNA and genetic differences, cell division, and plant biology – all tied to what you learn in class.
View the Syllabus for Bio 112 - Updated August 2025 View the Syllabus for Bio 112L - Updated August 2025
BIO 231/231L – Human Anatomy & Human Anatomy Lab (4 credits)
This course explores how your body functions. You will learn about major systems like the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and endocrine systems. You will use medical terms to describe where things are in the body and how they work together. In the lab, you’ll gain hands-on experience identifying key organs and body structures.
View the Syllabus for BIO 231 - Updated August 2025 View the Syllabus for BIO 231L - Updated August 2025
ENVI 110/110L – Introduction to Environmental Science & Introduction to Environmental Science Lab (4 credits)
In this class, you will learn how scientists study the effects of human activity on nature – from the land and oceans to plants and animals. You will explore today’s biggest environmental issues using real news stories and case studies. In the lab, you’ll work with data, create graphs and tables, and learn how to draw smart conclusions based on scientific evidence.
View the Syllabus for ENVI 110 - Updated August 2025 View the Syllabus for ENVI 110L - Updated August 2025
ENVI 170/170L – Earth Science and Earth Science Lab (4 credits)
This course explores how the Earth works by studying rocks, minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, and how the land changes over time. You will learn how to read maps, understand the Earth’s layers, and see how geologists figured out plate tectonics. In the lab, you will gain hands-on experience identifying rocks and minerals, using real data to uncover Earth’s geologic history.
View the Syllabus for ENVI 170 - Updated August 2025 View the Syllabus for ENVI 170L - Updated August 2025
HIST 201 – U.S. to 1877 (3 credits)
In this class, you will explore how the United States began and grew – from early exploration and settlement to major events like the Civil War and Reconstruction. You’ll learn about the people, ideas, and changes that shaped the country’s early history.
View the Syllabus - Updated September 2025
HIST 202 – U.S. since 1865 (3 credits)
This course is an overview of how the United States changed and grew after the Civil War. You will learn about major events, ideas, and people that shaped America’s politics, economy, culture, and global relationships – from Reconstruction to today.
View the Syllabus - Updated September 2025
ENG 239 – Literature and the Human Experience (3 credits)
In this course, you will discover how writers use stories, poems, and plays to represent human experiences. You’ll look at common themes in literature and learn how to connect what you read to different cultures, time periods, and ideas.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025
MUS 236 – Survey of American Popular Music (3 credits)
This class explores how music connects people from different backgrounds – Anglo-, African-, and Latin-American traditions. You will learn about musical styles, instruments, and performances, and how music plays a role in different cultures and communities. No music experience is needed for this course.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025
ESPY 341 – Education in a Multicultural Society (3 credits)
In this class, you will take a closer look at how different cultures shape the way people see the world and interact with others – especially in public school settings. You’ll explore current social issues, learn how your own identity is shaped by culture, and build awareness of how society works. The course helps you think critically about your role in a multicultural world.
CRIM 150 – Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (3 credits)
In this class, you will learn how the criminal justice system works – from the police and courts to lawyers and correctional facilities. You’ll explore how each part plays a role in keeping communities safe and enforcing laws. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the history of law enforcement and how police departments, courts, and prisons are organized.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025
ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
This course helps you learn how markets work and how people and businesses make decisions about money, goods, and services. You will explore how households and companies interact, and how those choices shape the economy. You’ll also practice reading and thinking critically about economic issues in today’s world – looking at them through a global, cultural, and historical lens.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025
ESPY 202 – Psychology of Childhood & Adolescence (3 credits)
In this class, you will explore how people grow and change throughout life. You’ll learn about different stages of development, what makes each person unique, and how adults and children interact. You’ll also build skills to better understand how human development is studied and why it matters.
View the Syllabus - Updated September 2025
PSY 101 – General Psychology (3 credits)
This class allows you to explore how genetics and life experiences shape human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You’ll study how people and animals respond to change, how memory works, how beliefs form, and how social influences affect decision-making. You will also learn about mental health, personality differences, and how psychologists use science to understand behavior.
View the Syllabus - Updated August 2025