Reality, Science, and the Modern World emphasizes scientific and mathematical reasoning to introduce students to the world of modern scientific questions and controversies. Students will also explore questions related to paradigm-shifting theories and the debates surrounding them. Topics include vaccines, special relativity, global climate change, modern neuroscience, and quantum mechanics. Through mathematical, theoretical, and analytical investigations, students will learn about the implications of discovery and the complexity of scientific “truth.” Students will learn how to analyze various approaches to argumentation, analyze data from credible sources, and evaluate and communicate results and conclusions in much the same way modern science is practiced. Effective Fall 2018, this course carries a single unit in the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Quantitative Reasoning 2, Scientific Inquiry 2.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.