Barrie and Orillia Campus - Course Offerings Fall10 and Winter11

SCEN1101 Integrated Science 1 (3 Credits)

This introductory university level course for non-science majors covers a broad scope of topics in the physical sciences.  The course is designed to provide a general perspective of topics so that students can acquire basic knowledge of scientific issues, and then apply their learning to real-life situations. The course integrates fundamental principles and concepts from many disciplines including physics, chemistry, and life sciences in order to achieve this complex level of understanding.  Separation of scientific knowledge from cultural understanding is a challenge we face from the media daily. Building on a foundation of conceptual laws and theories, students will critically explore and analyze related applications (i.e. nuclear radiation, “clear-cut” forestry, “organic” food production). Societal concerns such as Global Warming, Nuclear Power Generation and other controversial topics will be studied from a scientific perspective based on empirical evidence and the Scientific Method.  This introductory science course will illustrate some of the basic threads of science – physics, chemistry, biology, toxicology, climate, geology – and hopefully show you how they link together.

SCEN1102 Integrated Science 2 (3 Credits)

This introductory university level course for non-science majors covers a broad scope of topics in the physical sciences. The course is designed to provide a general perspective of topics so that students can acquire basic knowledge of scientific issues, and then apply their learning to real-life situations. The course integrates fundamental principles and concepts from many disciplines including physics, chemistry, and life sciences in order to achieve this level of understanding.  Separation of scientific knowledge from cultural understanding is a challenge we face from the media daily. 

SCEN1103 Physics and Chemistry of Energy Transformation (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of our energy sources and how we use it.  Topics include what energy is, how we convert energy from one form to another, our major fuels, how combustion causes pollution, and other topics such as how polluting emissions can be reduced.  The course will introduce students to basic science: physics, chemistry, environmental science, and economics.

SCEN1301 Biology for the Humanities and Social Science 1 (3 Credits)

This course introduces non-science program majors to the fundamentals of biological science. Topics include an introduction to the nature of life, biomolecules, cellular organization and function, energy pathways, cell reproduction, molecular biology and life processes. Issues relevant to biology are integrated into the course and may include such items as microbiology, virology, infectious diseases and stem cell research. Upon completion, students will have acquired a basis to effectively understand and interpret some scientific problems facing modern society.

SCEN1302 Biology for the Humanities and Social Science 2 (3 Credits)

This course introduces non-science program majors to biodiversity in the natural world and comparative anatomy of plant and animal systems. Topics include a survey of multicellular organisms, including body organization and examinations of communication & control, circulation, support and movement in plants and animals.  Where appropriate, humans will be used as the model for animals. Homeostasis is emphasized as a concept thread in the course to demonstrate the interrelationship of organs and systems. Upon completion, students will have gained an awareness of the systems of living organisms, and an insight into the structure and function of the human body compared to other organisms in the natural world.

SCEN1401 Environmental Sciences 1 (3 Credits)

This course is designed to give non-science students studying at the University level an appreciation of environmental science.  Students will study the scientific fundamentals of environmental issues and what role humans have played in the alteration of Earth’s natural processes.  The flow of matter and energy through ecosystems, renewable and nonrenewable resource use, biodiversity and population dynamics will be covered from a global and local perspective.  This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of how their everyday activities and choices are impacting natural systems at a local, regional and global scale and how they can reduce their ecological footprint in society.  Students will gain an appreciation of the complexity and fragility of natural systems.  An examination of the social, cultural and political aspects of several environmental issues will be undertaken.

SCEN1601 Natural Science for Educators 1 (3 Credits)

This introductory course is designed for non-science majors wishing to pursue careers in elementary school education. The course examines topics often included in studies of biological, environmental and earth sciences. The course involves independent and collaborative work in class utilizing an inquiry-based approach. Students use experiential techniques involving laboratory exercises and experiments, to explore basic scientific concepts and principles. This course does not require a background in science beyond Grade 10, although some familiarity with basic mathematical operations is beneficial. This course is placed into the Year 1 curriculum of the B.A. program in order to provide students with a broad perspective of the scientific basis of our society and the world around us. Higher-level teaching/learning strategies and techniques will be utilized in this course in order to successfully and realistically achieve the learning outcomes. In addition to traditional delivery techniques, innovative strategies will also be incorporated and may include: experiential learning, inquiry-based learning, and interactive dialogue. Learning activities will be designed to meet the complex learning needs of a diverse student population.

SCEN1602 Natural Science for Educators 1 (3 Credits)

This advanced level course is designed for non-science majors wishing to pursue careers in elementary school education, by building on concepts and ideas presented in the introductory course. The course integrates topics in the physical sciences, e.g. physics and chemistry, which underpin the primary, junior, and intermediate levels of the Ontario elementary school curriculum. Utilizing an inquiry-based approach, students engage in independent and collaborative work to explore the connections of school science with everyday life. In addition, students will build on their basic knowledge of mathematical operations to gain greater knowledge of numeracy in the broader context of scientific literacy.

SCEN1701 Environmental Science 2 (3 Credits)

This course is designed for non-science majors who have completed Environmental Science 1 (SCEN 1401).  In this course students apply fundamentals of SCEN 1401 to specific areas of environmental science that could include water quality, air pollution, ecosystem management, wildlife conservation, and environmental treaties.  Students participate in a variety of activities including environmental data collection and assessment, technical report writing and research. Emphasis will be placed on development of science skills as they apply to environmental science.

For complete information about the Science Program at Laurentian University in Sudbury