COURSE PHILOSOPHY AND EXPECTATIONS.
This course in the nature of science is designed to give you an appreciation of science and the scientific method. It will elucidate the strengths and weaknesses of science. You will be expected to use your brain extensively. In this class, you will find you will get little in the traditional school solutions. I will give you few answers, only lots of questions. We will not have "in-class tests - rather we will have take home exams where collaboration is permitted, given a few restrictions. You will have to talk in the class - participation is past of the grade. This course moves fairly rapidly due to the broad and diverse scope of its subject matter. I expect all students to take responsibility for their own learning in this course. You will have to go to the library and be on the Web a lot. I will work hard to give you the best course possible; I expect my students to work hard also to get the most out of this learning experience.
DURING THIS COURSE YOU WILL:
(1) Learn from me
(2) Learn from each other in groups
(3) Learn on your own
I expect REGULAR CLASS ATTENDANCE. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in a failing grade (FA). I expect that ALL ASSIGNED READINGS BE COMPLETED FULLY. Even if I do not cover a topic in lecture but it is part of the assigned readings, you are responsible for it on my exams. I EXPECT YOUR CASE STUDIES and EXAMS TO BE TURNED IN ON TIME. I will not accept late assignments.
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This is an interdisciplinary science course. We will examine the scientific approach to understanding the universe. All the various scientific disciplines will concern us in our search for the nature of reality.
TEXT:
HOW WE KNOW: an exploration of the scientific process (REQUIRED), Martin Goldstein and Inge Goldstein, Plenum Press, 1978 (Paperback).
EXAMS: Exams and essay schedule are shown on the detailed assignment schedule. Final will be COMPREHENSIVE.
LABORATORY:
Meets once a week -- see lab schedule for specifics.
GRADING SYSTEM:
Avg. of Exams I, II, III, IV counts 60%
Total of four group assignments (20 pts ea.) counts 30%
Class Participation 10%
TOTAL = 100%
Makeup tests due to legitimate absence (sickness, family emergency, etc.) will be administered during the final week of classes. I reserve the right to request a doctor's certificate to verify illness. IF YOU NEED TO MISS CLASS OR HAVE AN EMERGENCY, KEEP ME INFORMED. IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY IN THIS COURSE, PLEASE COME SEE ME - I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP YOU.
90 - 100% = A
86 - 89.9% = B+
80 - 85.9 = B
76 - 79.9% = C+
70 - 75.9% = C
66 - 69.9% = D+
60 - 65.9 = D
0 - 59.9% = F
DISABILITIES:
Samford University complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Students with disabilities who seek accommodations must make their request through the Advisor for Students with Disabilities located in Counseling Services on the lower level of Pittman Hall, or calling 726-4078 or 726-2105. A faculty member will only grant reasonable accommodations upon notification from the Advisor for Students with Disabilities.
COURSE SCHEDULE | |
|
TOPICS | TEXT CHAPTERS |
| The Mystery of Life: A Class Exercise | Handouts |
| The meaning of the molecule: a personal expression | Task sheet ( EXAM 1) |
| The nature of Science | Chap 1,2 Text and lectures |
| Group Exercise 1 (Junk science and policy) | Handout and task sheet |
| The Universe and all that | Lectures and handouts |
| Our place in the universe - a scientific perspective | Task Sheet (EXAM II) |
| Disease and the scientific method | Chap 3, text and lectures |
| Group Exercise II (AIDS and science) | Handouts |
| Matter and Energy | Chap 4, text and lectures |
| Science and the Mind - Who is Mad? | Chap 5, text and lectures |
| Group Exercise III (The death penalty and criminally insane) | Handouts and task sheets |
| Nature versus nurture | Task Sheet (EXAM III) |
| Science and its pitfalls | Chap 6, 7, 8 and lectures |
| The human nature of science | Chap 12,13 and handouts |
| Group exercise IV - Whose science is better? | Task sheet, handout |
| Assorted topics | Lecture and handouts |
| Science and reality | EXAM IV, task sheet |