Summer 2018 - SCI 300 J100

Science and its Impact on Society (3)

Class Number: 5956

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Wed, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The impact of science in our society. This course introduces upper level university students to all facets of science and their resulting technologies. Governmental policies often involve far-reaching scientific/technological decisions and this course attempts to provide a scientific perspective to help achieve rational and effective policies. Not open to students in the Faculty of Science or the Schools of Computing Science, Engineering Science. Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will provide you with an overview of science and technology. Science is the study of nature, while technology is the application of scientific knowledge to solve problems. Science and technology are increasingly governing our lives and may seem a complex maze. However, what appears to be a vastness of science is founded on relatively few fundamental recurring patterns (“laws”), which scientists have observed, articulated and compiled since ancient times. In this course, we will explore topics from science and technology, chosen to exemplify the elegant underlying patterns. We will explore scientific and technological concepts and applications. We will discuss and understand how these concepts and applications impact our daily lives.

The course material is divided into 9 units:
1.   Numbers
2.   Matter
3.   Molecules
4.   Energy and Waves
5.   Pollution
6.   Electricity and Magnetism
7.   Chance
8.   Cosmology and Prehistory
9.   Life
10. Synopsis

Grading

  • First Midterm Exam 30%
  • Second Midterm Exam 50%
  • Presentation/Project 15%
  • Attendance/Participation 5%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Class notes given during class time and notes on each module will be available as the course progresses.

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required reading.

RECOMMENDED READING:

There is no recommended reading.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS