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Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Science Education Course Offerings

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
This course focuses on the principles and scientific thought processes as they relate to climate change, air and water resources, and ecosystem alteration. The Earth's physical environment is the primary focus, although a portion of the course covering ecosystems bridges physical and biological interrelatedness of the global environment. Problem solving skills and skills in analyzing environmental issues are emphasized. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (020268)
This course is also offered as BIOL 102.
An integrated study of the nature and interactions of living things and their environments. This course is an introduction to the processes of evolution and speciation, ecology and ecosystem processes, cellular biology and organismal physiology. The course is primarily for students without a strong background in high school biology or chemistry. The course includes online content delivery, in-class discussion, and a hands-on activity session. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (020372)
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 110.
Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (004132)
Prerequisite: SCED 141 or completion of GE Physical Sciences (B1).
Study of the nature and interactions of living things on the planet. Includes cell organization; diversity and physiology of plants and animals; DNA and genetics; ecology; and evolution. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors or others interested in K-8 teaching. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020915)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 1 hour lecture. (006394)
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Pathway Foundation Physical Sciences and GE Pathway Foundation Life Sciences.
This course explores the history of innovations in the natural sciences that have contributed to major breakthroughs in technology. Students examine the intended and unintended consequences of these innovations on society. The second half of the course looks at innovations of the digital age. Students research possible implications of new technologies on the quality of life for future generations. An emphasis will be placed on evidence-based reasoning and writing skills. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (021115)
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, SCED 141, SCED 142.
This course engages students in inquiry into topics that span the scientific disciplines. Skills addressed include experimental design, modeling, representation, dissemination of results, and critique of peers' work. Content topics include light, color and sound, from biological, chemical and physics perspectives. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (020914)
Prerequisites: SCED 141 or completion of GE Physical Sciences (B1); and SCED 142 or completion of GE Life Sciences (B2).
Fundamental concepts in (1) the solar system and the universe, (2) the structure and composition of the solid Earth, and (3) Earth's atmosphere and water. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (004144)
Prerequisites: SCED 141 or completion of GE Physical Sciences (B1); and SCED 142 or completion of GE Life Sciences (B2).
A course designed to introduce basic principles and concepts in environmental science. Field investigations in the local environment provide a natural setting for scientific inquiry and student research on environmental processes and conditions that shape the local landscape. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020916)
Prerequisite: Acceptance as a Learning Assistant.
This course is required for all first year Learning Assistants (LAs). The course prepares students to be effective LAs by working with faculty and peers to transform undergraduate learning environments. 2 hours discussion. (021657)
Prerequisite: SCED 342 or SCED 343 (may be taken concurrently).
Students in this course facilitate the elementary grade level field trip activities for visiting K-8 students at the Gateway Science Museum to foster an appreciation and understanding of the natural world around them. 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 1.0 units. (020964)
Prerequisites: SCED 142; SCED 342 or SCED 343 (may be taken concurrently).
This course requires a 1-hr seminar and 3-hours of directed internship with local environmental educators in private or public settings to gain experience teaching science in outdoor settings to children and adults of all ages. This course is for students with an interest and/or background in environmental issues who want to learn how to facilitate learning about environmental problems and solutions in a variety of outdoor settings. 1 hour seminar, 3 hours independent study. (021901)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (020470)
Prerequisite: Senior standing.
This course is a capstone experience for Natural Sciences Majors. In this course, students reflect on their work in the program, read and discuss the relevant literature, and synthesize their accomplishments across the sciences into a professional portfolio. In addition, students are required to present a portion of their portfolio as a departmental seminar. 2 hours seminar. (021290)
Prerequisite: SCED 490.
This course is intended for future middle school and informal science teacher educators. Students explore and analyze discipline-based education research articles and apply the principles of behavioral sciences within a science learning environment. Students demonstrate an understanding of Physical Science, Life Science, Environmental Science, and Earth and Space Science by designing and facilitating student-centered activities using energy as a cross-cutting disciplinary concept. 3 hours lecture. (021884)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021538)
Catalog Cycle:21