Natural Science
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CGS NS 201: Natural Science I: Scientific Paradigms and Contemporary Applications
Science as a way of knowing and understanding our contemporary world is the most profound and powerful intellectual and practical tool the human species has developed. Science has allowed humans to understand their physical place in the universe as well as their origin as a species on Earth. Science in our modern, global world can seem increasingly complex, while at the same time be reduced to a relatively few conceptual paradigms or accepted ideas. Many of these major paradigms will be covered in this course including modern cosmology, the origin or life, the molecular and cellular theories of life, human origins and genetics and evolutionary theory. The underlying pedagogy of the course is to examine what we know about an accepted paradigm, how we know these scientific ?facts? and theories, and what are the contemporary applications of the accepted paradigms. The course also provides the primary scientific tools required to explore scientific, ethical and sociological concerns that arise from our understanding of the origin, evolution and diversity of life including that of our own species. -
CGS NS 202: Natural Science II: Human Ecology/Global Ecology
What is the fate of the biosphere and our species? Can humans reconcile economic and technological growth with ecological sustainability? Building on the concepts and information from the first semester, this course examines the impact of one species, Homo sapiens, on the ecosystems of the biosphere, seeking answers to these broad questions. This includes an investigation of the physical forces that shape global climates and ultimately constrain life on Earth. An examination of the interrelationships between the abiotic and biotic components in ecosystems leads to an investigation of the forces that influence biological diversity. The integrative study of population biology culminates in an investigation of the population dynamics of our own species and the implications the exponential growth of the human population may have on global resources and the biosphere. The foundation in general ecology and human population dynamics allows a serious consideration of the technological impact of humans on the delicately balanced ecosystems of Earth. The interrelationship between science and society that has been explored in this course and throughout the year leads to the Capstone Project, which concludes the sophomore year.
