Scientific Basis of Social Responsibility

Catalog description

Interactive course designed to provide students with both tools and confidence to become more literate in the sciences. Students select and analyze contemporary social issues and/or problems that have a basis in science utilizing basic processes of scientific inquiry. Sample topics include the following: infectious disease processes; traditional vs. alternative medicine; biogenetics; life-style; euthanasia; environmental resources and management; world population trends; and, stem cell research. Following a definition of the issue/problem, students formulate research questions and share their collective findings. They then complete weekly topic summaries where positions are articulated. Topic-related laboratory exercises and community interactions provide hands-on lab opportunities to experience contemporary science and technology.