STEM Educator | Chemistry & Scientific Literacy Advocate | Graduate Student Mentor
About the course
Contemporary Issues in Science
a new approach to science curriculum for non-majors
Contemporary Issues in Science: Cosmos, Earth, and Humanity explores fundamental scientific concepts through an interdisciplinary lens, connecting discoveries in cosmology, geology, and biology to broader societal and philosophical questions. Designed for non-science majors, this course fosters critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning by examining how scientific advancements shape our understanding of the universe, our planet, and human origins. Through engaging discussions and inquiry-based learning, students develop the skills to analyze complex scientific topics and their broader implications.
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Just as the nature of science relies on experts from various fields building evidence to support scientific facts, this course mirrors that approach by bringing in specialists to present the evidence underpinning key theories. This team-taught structure enhances the credibility of the content while exposing students to a wide range of perspectives across disciplines, ultimately promoting scientific literacy among non-majors.
Course Modules
ARSC 104 explores fundamental theories in cosmology, geology, and biology. Each module is led by one or two experts in the field, who present the scientific evidence supporting these theories.
Science as a Valid Way of Understanding the Natural Word
The Age & Size
of the Universe
Planet Earth
& Evolution
Module 4
Human Biology & Medical Advances
Learning Outcomes
1 / Describe
how scientists observe, collect data, and conduct experiments to understand the world.
2 / Explain
the peer review process and its role in validating scientific knowledge.
3 / Recognize
science and religion as distinct ways of knowing.
4 / Distinguish
between positive (descriptive, fact-based) and normative (opinion-based, value-driven) claims.
5 / Evaluate
the quality of scientific claims related to the universe, evolution, and human health.
6 / Identify
well-established scientific facts and theories related to our universe and evolution.
7 / Communicate
scientific concepts related to c the universe, evolution, and human health using evidence-based reasoning and accurate data.
8 / Develop
teamwork skills by collaborating with peers to present a socio-scientific topic to a general audience.
9 / Assess
scientific findings that impact your life and future to make informed personal decisions.
10 / Reflect
on personal biases and how they influence the interpretation of scientific information.
11 / Apply
ethical reasoning to scientific debates and policy discussions.
What Students Are Saying
"WOW. Oh, my goodness, just fantastic. SO RELEVANT. Expanded my horizons, and made learning SO ENJOYABLE. The material itself was fabulous, and the instruction was unmatched. I loved coming to class."
"...the multiple teacher class helps with engagement and allows students to see multiple perspectives from people who are professionals and specialize in what they are talking about. We learned a main thing in this class that science has to be proved by a diverse group of scientists and this class represents that.”
“This is probably one of the most important courses we can take and the professors, organization and engagement exceeded my expectations of what this class would look like.”