Overview
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 |
| Assignment: Reflective Essay | 25% |
| Midterm Exam | 35% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The midterm and final examinations for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Derry, Gregory N. What Science Is and How It Works. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1999.
Lessing, Doris. Prisons We Choose to Live Inside. New York: Harper and Row, 1986.*
*Note: As of May 5, 2023, Prisons We Choose to Live Inside is no longer used in this course.
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.
Challenge for credit course registration form