SCI 101/A+102/A

SCI 110/A+111/A

They address two groups of students with different needs

Both target a general audience, and are more similar than they are different

SCI 110/111 is suggested for students in the SEES program (described in next slide…)

SCI 101/102 is designed for a broad audience

 Students can take either version of the course

Science Educational Enhancement Services

Successful college-based diversity program

Established in 1987

~15% students in College of Science

Intellectually demanding, rigorous introduction to university experience

Lifelong-learning skills developed through discovery, logic, experimentation

Student success skills provide framework for application of scientific principles

Scientific inquiry + role of scientists & mathematicians in society + intellectual & social development of individual to play lifelong role = Area E (per EO 595)

…study designed to equip human beings for lifelong understanding and development of themselves as integrated physiological and psychological entities. Instruction approved for fulfillment of this requirement should facilitate understanding of the human being as an integrated physiological, social, and psychological organism. Courses developed to meet this requirement are intended to include selective consideration of such matters as human behavior, sexuality, nutrition, health, stress, key relationships of humankind to the social and physical environment, and implications of death and dying.

Science -- thinking about the world in a systematic fashion using logic and experimentation

This can be applied not just to subjects such as Biology, but to one’s own life and behavior as well

Study skills are not a separate topic, but a convenient platform on which to practice scientific theory

The lecture/activity model emphasizes both theory and discovery. It also implements learn-by-doing

The methods learned in this class extend to limitless situations and will last a lifetime

Science & Mathematics teach the development of simple, rational hypotheses and their evaluation

Rational analysis can lead to better decision making and evaluation of personal behavior

Science & Math develop a critical eye to claims and arguments that we all encounter in daily life and in the media

Science and mathematics are key to understanding the physical environment and our relationship to it

The proposed courses explore this relationship in both historical and modern contexts

The assumptions we make about the relationship, and its inherent limitations, are discussed

Similarity to 101/102 What science “is”

Different:

Focus on People in Science

Targets a Diverse Audience

Substantial Evidence for Success

Science as a way of thinking about the world

Developing a toolbox of skills that are a platform for doing science

Lecture/activity model emphasizes dual need for theory and discovery

SEES retention & graduation data

Speakers, field trips & resultant group discussions & reflective essays

Group projects & discussions - build a community of learners

Begin to develop a sense of professional identity

Historical context of science

Alumni visits, biographies - Role models; discussion of social issues of race, gender, ethnicity

Activities & field trips – real world applications of science