Science FYE Courses

1. SCI 101/A+102/A SCI 110/A+111/A Science FYE Courses

2. Why are there two versions of the Science FYE courses? • 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

3. SEES • Science Educational Enhancement Services • Successful college-based diversity program • Established in 1987 • ~15% students in College of Science

4. 101/102 Satisfy GE Area E Requirements • Intellectually demanding, rigorous introductionto 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 lifelongrole = Area E (per EO 595)

5. 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.

6. …lifelong understanding and development of themselves… • 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

7. …should facilitate understanding of the human being… • 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

8. …key relationships of humankind to the physical environment… • 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

9. SCI 110/111 • Similarity to 101/102What science “is” • Different: Focus on People in Science Targets a Diverse Audience Substantial Evidence for Success

10. Equip human beings for lifelong understanding and development of themselves as integrated physiological and psychological entities • 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

11. Facilitate understanding of the human being as an integrated physiological, social, and psychological organism • Speakers, field trips & resultant group discussions & reflective essays • Group projects & discussions - build a community of learners • Begin to develop a sense of professional identity

12. Selective consideration of human behavior, health, stress, key relationships of humankind to the social and physical environment • 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