Interdisciplinary Science (ISC)

This course helps Learning Assistants integrate educational theory, pedagogy, content, and practice. Course meetings will focus on practical concerns as well as associated theoretical models, and will include weekly readings, discussions, reflections, projects, and presentations.

Topics of current or special interest to students or faculty. Topics or focus vary depending on student/faculty interest.

Introduction to the philosophy, methodology and ethics of scientific practice via classroom discussion and literature review. Focus on philosophical and practical differences between physical & historical science; hypothesis generation and testing; experimental design; construction of a research proposal; composition of a scientific paper; oral presentation; and critical review. Previous course: ISC 3120.

Introduction to the scientific method and the structure, techniques, and ethics of marine, environmental and earth sciences. This course is intended for students in the marine, environmental and earth sciences. Students evaluate issues critically; learn to transform scientific questions into testable hypotheses; communicate information using the language and concepts of science; and develop an understanding of bias and ethics in the practice of science. The methods, concepts, and conventions of science are used to design a research project that is fully developed in the form of a research proposal.

Research projects designed to hone skills in applying research principles and obtaining practice in data collection and analysis, or certain aspects of research are carried out by one or more students under the supervision of a faculty member.

Special or current topics in the interdisciplinary natural sciences. Students are encouraged to choose topic courses which are relevant to their prospective research thesis or internship. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory "S" or Unsatisfactory "U".

Supervised internship in a field or laboratory setting. A Satisfactory "S" or Unsatisfactory "U" grade will be assigned.