SCIE - Secondary Education Science Course Descriptions

SCIE 1300E Introduction to Chemistry

Designed to bring together principles and applications of basic chemistry. Topics include inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 1400E Introduction to Physics

Designed to bring together principles and applications of basic physics. Topics include mechanics, electricity, sound, light, and nuclear physics.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 1403E Physical Sciences for Middle School Teachers I

Selected topics in physical science with emphasis on gaining a depth of understanding of the subject matter and an awareness of the development of skills essential to the scientific process. Background for teaching science in middle schools. Integrated laboratory/discussion format.

Credits

4

Contact Hours

4 hr./wk.

SCIE 1404E Physical Sciences for Middle School Teachers II

Selected topics in physical science with emphasis on gaining a depth of understanding of the subject matter and an awareness of the development of skills essential to the scientific process. Background for teaching science in middle schools. Integrated laboratory/discussion format. May be taken independently of SCIE 1403E.

Credits

4

Contact Hours

4 hr./wk.

SCIE 1500E Introduction to Earth and Planetary Sciences

Designed to bring together the principles and application of geology and meteorology. Topics include atmosphere, oceans, Earth's crust, and weather prediction.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 1700E Environmental Energetics

A study of physical principles of energy; present and future national and international energy resources and the development of an energy policy. Topics include fission, fusion, geothermal, solar, wind, tide, and fossil fuels.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 2100E Introduction to Botany

A study of the structure and function, diversity and ecology of green and non-green plants.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 2200E Introduction to Zoology

A study of the structure and function, diversity and ecology of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 2300E Introduction to Microbiology

A study of the structure and function, diversity and ecology of bacteria, viruses, and micro-organisms.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 3100E Aerospace Science

Introduction to aerospace science, including aerodynamics, instruments and systems, meteorology, basic navigation, radio navigation and communication, and rocket/missile fundamentals.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 3200F Independent Study and Research in Science

Open to qualified graduate students in the School of Education interested in the study of special problems. May be taken for one, two, or three credits per semester, and may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

Credits

Variable 1-3 cr./sem.

Prerequisites

Requires sponsorship by an appropriate faculty member and approval of the advisory committee.

Contact Hours

Hours to be arranged.

SCIE 4101E Life Science for Middle School Teachers I

This course will cover general and specific aspects of cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. It will also cover the approaches for studying cells and genes and how genetic and cellular processes relate to physiological processes in organisms. Students will study the chemical components of the cell, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. The course will facilitate life science teachers' understanding of the principles and techniques of both biochemistry and genetics.

Credits

4

Contact Hours

4 hr./wk.

SCIE 4102E Life Science for Middle School Teachers II

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students (who have had little undergraduate preparation in biology) with a solid conceptual grounding in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) in one semester. The content coverage of the course provides both empirical study and theoretical exploration of topics that are considered central to the life sciences (according to the National Science Education Standards). These topics include organismal biology, ecology, and evolution.

Credits

4

Contact Hours

4 hr./wk.

SCIE 4103E Science Across Contexts

This course explores the nature of science in the context of varied scientific disciplines. It begins with an overview of the philosophy of science and then uses case studies from the different domains of science to investigate the role of context and perspective in science. Each class will include a component bringing the nature of science and scientific thinking to the learning of science.



Credits

3

Contact Hours

45 hr./wk.

SCIE 4104E Science in the Urban Environment

This course focuses on Earth as a system and explores the interdependent relationships among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere within the urban environment. Through inquiry-based laboratories and field investigations students learn to take scientifically valid measurements in the fields of atmosphere, hydrology, soil and land cover/phenology. Students will gain experience in the analysis of scientific data, will design and investigate their own science inquiry, and present oral and written reports to their peers.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

45 hr./wk.

SCIE 4105E Principles of Atomic Theory

This science course aims to increase teachers' content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and understanding of science education research, all integrated in the context of the nature of the atom. Content includes analysis of observations and experiments that give rise to the atomic model and atomic interactions. Related perspectives include epistemological approaches, theories of learning, and development of conceptual ideas.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 6100F Seminar in Environmental Sciences

A seminar in which current environmental issues affecting humans, technology, and environment are discussed. Topics include population issues, pesticides, energy, wildlife conservation, and natural resources.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

A course in ecology or conservation or permission of the instructor.

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 6200F Salt Marsh Ecology

An on-site study of the energetics, diversity, and structure of salt marshes in the Greater New York area. Field visits to marshes included.

Credits

1

Contact Hours

1 hr./wk.

SCIE 6300F Molecular Biology

The basic concepts at the cellular and molecular levels of living organisms including metabolism, structure, genetic continuity, and response mechanisms.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

An introductory course in biology or permission of the instructor.

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 7300E Laboratory and Demonstration Techniques in the Biological Sciences

Designed to introduce educators to the various laboratory activities, materials, and equipment used to demonstrate biological concepts. Construction and use of materials will be undertaken.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.

SCIE 7400E Laboratory and Demonstration Techniques in the Physical Sciences

Designed to introduce educators to the various laboratory activities, materials, and equipment used to demonstrate physical science concepts. Construction and use of materials will be undertaken.

Credits

3

Contact Hours

3 hr./wk.