Seminar in Natural Science (online)

Course Description and Home Page

BGS 391 is an introduction to the methods and analytic framework of the natural sciences, an exploration of the relationship between science and society, and a critical examination of the values and assumptions associated with the production of scientific knowledge.  Part I of this course will cover the scientific method, geology, and biology, with a special emphasis on genetics and evolution.  Part II will focus on environmental science by exploring the ecosystems and biodiversity of Illinois, particularly the Chicago region.
 

In our readings, discussion, research, and field work, we will address several key questions about the scientific enterprise, including:

• How does science function?  What are the fundamentals of the scientific method, and how it is applied to various questions about the natural world?  How does one go about solving problems scientifically?
• How is science depicted in popular media, especially newspapers and magazines pitched at a mainstream audience?   How can we critically evaluate journalists' use of scientific "evidence"?
• What can the exploration of important scientific theories and concepts (e.g., atomic theory, periodic chemistry, evolution, genetics, ecology) teach us about the nature of the scientific method and the process of doing science?
• What key ethical and social issues are raised by scientific and technological developments today?

The Online Format

What makes this particular section of BGS 391 special, of course, is that it takes place completely online.  We'll be using the virtual learning interface at Roosevelt, called RUOnline, which is supported by Blackboard (hereafter referred to as "Bb," for short).  The key thing to understand about online courses, including this one, is that they're interactive -- just as my on-campus 391 students read assignments, write papers, construct arguments, do research, and come to class to engage in lively discussion, so too will online 391 students share ideas and interact in real and virtual time.  Bb gives us the web-based tools to do just that.  

For the vast majority of our interaction, we'll use threaded discussion forums, which are asynchronous (i.e., not in real time) means of communicating, to exchange ideas and materials on a weekly basis.  Reading and posting to the discussion board is like coming to class, except that you can do it any time of day throughout a given week.  Just as the on-campus version of 391 requires you to be in the classroom for 5 hours per week, the online version necessitates your devoting at least 5 hours per week to exploring our website, reading and posting to the board, etc. -- and that does not count the time you'll need to spend reading your assignments and writing papers.  Another important point here is that 391 online is not an independent study experience:  you'll be moving through the semester with your fellow students, week by week, and interacting with them and me regularly.  And of course, you can always contact me by email, by phone, or simply by dropping by during my office hours.

: : More specific information is available on this must-read question and answer page on participation and interaction.

Course Content and Basic Requirements

The Fall 2007 online section begins Sept. 17th and ends Dec. 21st.  Basic class activities include regular reading assignments, class discussions, short "lectures" by yours truly, and a field trip.  Readings include The Five Biggest Ideas in Science (by Wynn and Wiggins), The Chicago Wilderness Atlas of Biodiversity, the weekly science section of the New York Times which appears every Tuesday, assorted websites related to each week's topic, and selected documents available on our Bb site.  Key requirements and assignments consist of active weekly participation on the discussion board, one analytic essay (4-5 pages), two quizzes, an annotated bibliography (2-3 pages) on an Illinois ecosystem, and a research project consisting of a proposal (2 pages) plus a web-based research presentation on (a) a current scientific issue or controversy, or (b) an Illinois ecosystem, species, or environmental science issue/problem.  

Our field trip will be to the Field Museum of Natural History (week 5), one of the many fascinating scientific/environmental institutions right here in the Chicago area, where we'll investigate the exhibit on Charles Darwin's life and work.  This not only will be a fun change of pace but also will give us a chance to meet face-to-face during the early part of the semester.  Those unable to attend may complete an alternative activity (a different but related site near your home, or a web-based exploration), or explore the museum on another date. 

Assignments

Field Trips

Links

Schedule

Texts

391 Home Page 

mb's Courses Page
(classes / office hours)

mb's Home Page

Lobby of Roosevelt's Alfred A. Robin Campus (opened 1996)

Roosevelt's National Landmark, the Auditorium Building, downtown Chicago

The Gage Building: Roosevelt's Center for Professional Advancement (opened 2000) and another downtown landmark

Last updated 09/12/07