SCE-1010H - Honors Scientific Reasoning and the Modern World* (S) (3)

Prerequisite: Reading Placement or RDG-0800 or take one of the following: IRW 0900A , IRW 0900B , or IRW 0900C
Students develop scientific literacy through analyzing what is and is not considered science. The steps of the scientific method are explored by analyzing published scientific research and delving into the accomplishments of famous scientists and their work. A history of the ethical dilemmas and critics of science and the scientific method are evaluated. Science is discussed in the context of the modern world through understanding global issues, such as climate science, genetic manipulation, GMOs, and water quality. An undergraduate research project will be conducted throughout the semester so that students learn how to do a literature review, plan and execute a science experiment, determine limitations of the research, and produce a presentation/report of the findings. Students will conduct a literature review on a science topic of their choosing, using reliable sources, as determined through learning in the course. This course is intended as a general education science course.

List Course Outcomes (consistent for all sections)
CO1 - Differentiate between what is and is not considered scientific based on scientific reasoning and the scientific method in published scientific literature.

CO2 - Examine how society influences science and vice versa such as in areas of pseudoscience, evolution, and homeostasis.

CO3 - Describe influential scientists and their accomplishments, their published works and the method and data used.

CO4 - Recognize the significance of ethical dilemmas, controversies and argumentation within science and their relationship to societal development.

CO5 - Analyze science’s trajectory including its current state and most important contemporary themes, and its projected future including recommendations to improve science’s advancement.