This course deals with both the formal and informal aspects of scientific reasoning. Topics covered include: what is science? what is reason? the scientific method; relations between theory and experiment; scientific paradigms; explanation and prediction; what is a scientific theory? principles of reasoning; systems of analytical reasoning; tools for analysis (Venn diagrams, classification, syllogisms, Boolean logic); statistical inference; traps and fallacies of reason; mathematics in science.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to
describe what science is and what it is not and discuss the major ideals, principles and paradigms in science.
discuss critically the relationship between science and human understanding, philosophy and values.
understand the scientific process and how it works, with a focus on the scientific method and the development of scientific theory.
describe the role of formal reason, logic and critical thinking as well as the role of mathematics in science.
use basic tools of scientific reasoning to construct reason-based arguments.
Evaluation
To receive credit for SCIE 326, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Long Essay
25%
Midterm Exam
35%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Derry, Gregory N. What Science Is and How It Works. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999. (Print)
Lessing, Doris. Prisons We Choose to Live Inside. New York: Harper and Row, 1986. (Print)
Other Resources
The course materials include a study guide and a student manual.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the SCIE 326 challenge registration, you must complete the two parts of the challenge exam and achieve a grade of at least C- (60 percent) on the entire exam.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.