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College of Liberal Arts and College of Science team up for STEM course

The two colleges are working together to offer a contemporary issues course in the fall 2020 semester.

Texas A&M University students interested in learning more about the fundamental science behind the novel coronavirus and other trending topics while satisfying a CORE science requirement have a unique opportunity to explore such issues in real time this fall, courtesy of a new course set to debut in the College of Science with help from faculty in the College of Liberal Arts.

Registration currently is underway for Contemporary Issues in Science: Cosmos, Earth & Humanity (SCEN101), the first offering within a two-semester Contemporary Issues in Science series that aims to probe questions relating to a host of newsworthy topics and current events, from vaccine efficacy and safety to the role of energy, agriculture, and plastics in climate change.

Specifically designed for non-science majors and requiring no prerequisites, the course is intended to be engaging to a broad audience. Organizers describe the class as a general survey science course for citizens that will cover subjects such as the Big Bang, evolution, genetics, vaccines, virology and epidemiological models of pathogen spread. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the class will feature multiple instructors from departments within both the College of Science and the College of Liberal Arts, giving students a rare and enhanced opportunity to learn concepts from experts across broad fields of science.

“The goal of SCEN101 is to expose its students to evidence-based knowledge about the physical world and teach them to think critically when presented with new information,” said Dr. Tamara Powers, senior lecturer of chemistry and course co-organizer. “Topics will be presented by looking at accepted facts and theories, describing the scientific basis for those facts and theories, and discussing common misconceptions using a variety of sources, including news and online media. Misleading information will be cross-referenced with scientific analyses and peer-reviewed research, leading to discussions on how to evaluate the quality of scientific claims. By virtue of taking this course, students will be better equipped with the skills necessary to critically analyze science presented in the news, on TV and via social media.”

Rather than memorizing basic facts or equations, Powers says students will be presented with the evidence that supports well-established theories and taught how to critically analyze science as it is conveyed in traditional and social media realms. In addition to providing a new appreciation for contemporary advances in science, Powers hopes the course will hone students’ critical thinking skills to help them make well-informed decisions about science-related issues on a personal level.

“The idea is not to teach science or math in a traditional sense using extensive problem-solving and analysis, but instead to expose students to evidence-based knowledge about the physical world and teach them to think critically when presented with new information,” Powers said. “Given the course’s potential to spark curiosity, we hope the lessons conveyed, in combination with the overall experience, will excite students about STEM in ways that might lead them to pursue a more in-depth understanding of specific topics.”

Longtime Texas A&M chemist Dr. Simon W. North believes faculty have as much to gain as students do from the CISC series, which he notes is as intentional in its non-traditional restraint as it is radical in its interdisciplinary scope.

“As scientists, most of us can say that we have a general idea of the topics in this survey, but not a single one of us could successfully teach this course alone with authority,” North said. “Because it is impossible in this day and age to be an expert in all things, this course is as much for the faculty as it is for the students. For the students, the course will help them grow into informed world citizens. For the faculty, the course could lead to transformative cross-disciplinary connections that can encourage creative new research questions. Collectively, it’s a testament to the fact that the bigger picture is intrinsically complex and interdisciplinary, in addition to something well worth teaching and learning.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the course will be taught remotely in fall 2020. Students interested in registering for it are encouraged to contact their respective academic advisor for any necessary assistance.

For additional information about Contemporary Issues in Science: Cosmos, Earth & Humanity (SCEN101) or the two-semester Contemporary Issues in Science series, visit the course website.

Editors Note: This article was adapted from a College of Science story originally published here.