2 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture Lower Division
A critical examination of science, best practices for conducting science, the contribution of research to knowledge accumulation, and the ethical obligations of scientists.
Learning Outcomes1Understand and practice the fundamental components of conducting scientific investigations (observation, explanation, and investigation).
2Understand the concept of falsifiable hypotheses and their role in the practice of science.
3Understand concepts underlying approaches to the quantitative analysis of data.
4Appreciate the importance of accuracy, precision, and the identification and mitigation of sources of error in data collection and analysis.
5Understand the ethical expectations of peers, sponsors, and the general public in the practice of science.
6Understand the distinction between science and pseudoscience, and be able to recognize each.
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