Natural Sciences

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  • CAS NS 101: Integrated Science I
    Laboratory-discussion course. Foundational concepts of elementary dynamics, conservation laws, thermal transport, introductory electricity and magnetism, properties of light, atoms and molecules, the chemistry and properties of materials are introduced through laboratory experiments and computer simulations. These concepts and models are used to explain climate change and understand electric power generation. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking.
    • Scientific Inquiry I
    • Quantitative Reasoning I
    • Critical Thinking
  • CAS NS 102: Integrated Science II
    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NS 101.
    Laboratory-discussion course. Introduction to the evolution of stars, the universe, and planetary systems. Physical description of the planet Earth. Introduction to ecology, environmental science, evolution of life, organisms, and genetics. Students engage in laboratory experiments, group work, and computer simulations. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Scientific Inquiry II.
    • Scientific Inquiry II
  • CAS NS 541: Concepts in Physics II: Rotation and Gravitation
    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NS 540; and consent of instructor.
    For teachers. Mastery of physics concepts including uniform circular motion, rotational motion, and gravitation. In order to build pedagogical content knowledge, a historical and philosophical context is provided, and related science education research on misconceptions in learning classical mechanics is also introduced. Cannot be taken for credit by CAS and GRS students.
  • CAS NS 542: Concepts in Physics III: Fluids and Theormodynamics
    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NS 541; and consent of instructor.
    For teachers. Mastery of concepts including fluids and thermodynamics. Connections between microscopic and macroscopic behavior as an example of physical science models. Concepts are discussed in historical and philosophical context to build pedagogical content knowledge. Pedagogy rooted in science education research. Cannot be taken for credit by CAS and GRS students.
  • CAS NS 543: Concepts in Physics IV: Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, DC circuits
    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NS 542; and consent of instructor.
    For teachers. Mastery of concepts including electric charge, electric and magnetic fields, and DC circuits. These topics are placed in historical and philosophical context to build pedagogical content knowledge. Discussion of pedagogy is rooted in science education research. Cannot be taken for credit by CAS and GRS students.
  • CAS NS 544: Concepts in Physics V: Waves and Optics
    Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS NS 543; and consent of instructor.
    For teachers. Mastery of concepts of the physics of waves and geometric optics. Concepts discussed in historical and philosophical context to build pedagogical content knowledge. Discussion of pedagogy rooted in science education research on students' misconceptions. Cannot be taken for credit by CAS and GRS students.