Natural Scientific Systems includes those disciplines that apply the scientific method to the natural world. The method includes observations of phenomena in the physical or biological realm, formulation and testing of hypotheses, and using the results of experimental or theoretical work to develop theories, create models, or postulate predictions of natural behavior. The goal of these studies is to improve our understanding of the workings of the natural world. Examples include courses that advance knowledge in the areas of physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and earth sciences.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of science as a process by describing those characteristics which distinguish science from other human endeavors.
- Students will use the scientific process to solve problems. This may include generating hypotheses, designing meaningful experiments, controlling variables, gathering relevant data, interpreting results and drawing conclusions.
- Students will be able to explain and apply the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry, or physics. For example, students will be able to balance a simple chemicalreaction and explain how the balanced equation is a consequence of the law of conservation of matter and Dalton's atomic theory.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to critically interpret the scientific work of others. This includes the ability to read and interpret data, understand graphic representations, interpret basic mathematical and statistical arguments, detect invalid arguments and know when and how to access authoritative information from reliable resources.
For example, students will be able to refute unsubstantiated claims of the performance of a household cleaning agent by designing and carrying out a controlled experiment testing the cleaning performance. The students will report the results of their experiments in a concise, coherent letter to the president of a (fictitious) consumer advocacy group.
It is our understanding that courses coded in this area include a significant lab component.
For more information, contact:
Debra Martin, Ph.D.
dmartin@smumn.edu
Natural Scientific Systems (NS) - Two courses; at least 1 course must have a lab:
B105 Environmental Biology
B110 Botany & Zoo I & B111 Botany & Zoo I Lab
B120 Botany & Zoo II & B121 Botany & Zoo II Lab
B200 Human Bio & B201 Human Bio Lab
B210 Current Scientific Issues
B350 Heredity & Society
C110 World of Materials & Lab
C131 Gen Chemistry I & C133 Gen Chemistry I Lab
P155 Foundations of Physics & Lab
P201 Intro to Physics I & P202 Intro to Physics I Lab
P313 Astronomy/Stars & Beyond & Lab |
