Methods in Scientific Research and Teaching

Catalog description

This course is intended for prospective teachers in adolescent science education and will be taught collaboratively by three science faculty in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. The course will be delivered in a hyperflex method involving online synchronous and asynchronous lectures, discussions and activities. The course is divided into three lecture series: (1) The epistemology of science, the scientific method, principle of causality and use of empirical data; (2) Study of major topics in chemistry including atomic theory, chemical bonding, physical states and thermodynamics, strategies used in teaching chemistry, concepts of doing chemical analysis and use of scientific instruments; (3) The structure of proteins, beginning with their amino acid building blocks up to well-characterized examples of functional proteins with complex tertiary and quaternary structures, how to install and utilize the essential functions PyMOL. Ultimate course goals include acquiring the understanding that inquiry, discovery, experimentation and process are key elements of science research and science education, and learning how science research and science education can foster career pathways for adolescents.