INX100 - Introduction to the Natural Sciences
Semester | |
School | |
Last revision date | 27-Jan-2025 01:19:01 |
Last review date | 17-Mar-2025 00:15:19 |
Subject Title
Introduction to the Natural Sciences
Subject Description
This survey course is intended to give students a broad understanding of the sub-disciplines that comprise the natural sciences and to provide students with an understanding of the historical, philosophical and societal contributions of science. Current issues of particular concern to both science and society will be emphasized.
Credit Status
This is a required first level natural science course for students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree program.
It may also serve as one lower level Liberal Studies Option credit in the Science Category.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
Essential Employability Skills
• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.
• Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
• Execute mathematical operations accurately.
• Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
• Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.
• Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
• Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.
• Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.
• Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.
Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).
Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.
Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.
Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.
Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.
By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.
Prerequisite(s)
Affiliation in a Seneca degree program.
Topic Outline
- Definition and categorization of natural science
- Overview of philosophical background of natural science development
- Survey of historical events that contributed to the development of natural science
- Description and explanation of the main branches of natural science
- Importance of interdisciplinary fields in natural science
- Relationship between natural science and modern technology
- Understanding the position and role of natural science in modern society
- Issues regarding the interface between society and natural science
- Reciprocal influence of natural science and culture in today’s society
- Ethical, social and cultural aspects of natural science and technology today
Mode of Instruction
Lectures, class discussions, individual and group presentations
Prescribed Texts
Please refer to the professor's addendum for information on textbook and course materials.
To find out the cost of books and learning material go here.
Any courses not listed on the bookstore webpage do not require any resources for purchase. All resources will be provided by your instructor.
Reference Material
Students are referred to the following web site for the Seneca College Library APA Style Guide and Guide to Integrating Quotations (APA Style):
https://library.senecapolytechnic.ca/
Student Progression and Promotion Policy
http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html
Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html
A+ | 90% to 100% |
A | 80% to 89% |
B+ | 75% to 79% |
B | 70% to 74% |
C+ | 65% to 69% |
C | 60% to 64% |
D+ | 55% to 59% |
D | 50% to 54% |
F | 0% to 49% (Not a Pass) |
OR | |
EXC | Excellent |
SAT | Satisfactory |
UNSAT | Unsatisfactory |
For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html).
Modes of Evaluation
Best 5 of 6 written assignments (20% each x 5) Total = 100%