SCEN101&102
Contemporary Issues in Science
Coming soon in the Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021!
The “Contemporary Issues in Science” course series (SCEN101 and SCEN102) is interdisciplinary, with contributions from faculty in all of the departments in the College of Science. Specifically the courses will bring together statistics, math, biology, chemistry, and physics to explain topics such as the big bang and evolution, in addition to discussing the current status of the environment on Earth, touching on topics such as global warming, agriculture, and energy. The course is designed for non-majors; it is intended to be engaging to a broad audience (even those averse to or afraid of STEM) and has no prerequisites.
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The goal of the SCEN 101/102 series is not to teach science or math in a traditional sense. Instead, the aim of SCEN101 and 102 is to teach inquiry and critical thinking while focusing on contemporary issues in science. Each segment will present widely accepted facts and theories, describe the scientific basis for those facts and theories, and discuss common misconceptions using a variety of sources, including news and online media. Misleading information will be cross-referenced with scientific analyses and peer-reviewed research, leading to discussions on how to evaluate the quality of scientific claims. The structure of the course provides students with the background necessary to appreciate contemporary advances in science while also supplying them with the necessary tools to make well-informed decisions at a personal level.
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SCEN101 will be taught remotely in the Fall of 2020.
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