Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - SCI 300 B100

Science and its Impact on Society (3)

Class Number: 4463

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 4:30–5:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 4:30–5:50 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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 cover some core concepts across scientific disciplines. Science is the study of nature and natural phenomena, the application and utilization of which results in technology. Technology then is using science to solve problems. Science and technology govern our lives and have influenced policy, law, spurred ethics debates, and arguably solved as many problems as it has created. Science is discussed and referenced in the traditional media and the non-traditional media, but how do you know what is true and what is misrepresented? How do scientists make determinations of validity of scientific findings and how can you?
As science impacts all areas of business and society, being able to understand how scientists think and how to communicate with them effectively is of prime importance. This requires an understanding of the guiding principles of science, called the scientific method, the exploration of which will be core to this course. 

Overview of Topics Covered:

  1. The Scientific Method
  2. Western versus Indigenous Science
  3. Quantum Theory and the Nature of Reality
  4. Energy & Matter
  5. Water: The Molecule of Life
  6. The Chemistry of Life: Photosynthesis and Metabolism
  7. Microbiology: The Emergence of Life
  8. Evolution & Genetics: Life as we Know It
  9. The Interconnectedness of Life: All my relations
  10. Neuroscience: What it means to be Human

Course Format:

This course will be offered in a blended course format combining both in-person and online components. In-person lecture time will 1.5 hrs each week for 13 weeks. Tutorials will run in-person each week and be used for team debate, expert panel, and WorldCafe presentations.
The online component will consist of reading (or video/podcast) assignments, pre-lecture and post-lecture reflective assignments.

Grading

  • Debate Team Project 20%
  • Expert Panel / WorldCafe Project 20%
  • Online Team Project 25%
  • Participation, Engagement, ExitTickets, InClass and Online assignments 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.