Sciences
Annie Chu, PhD
Chair
Introduction
Complex issues confront the modern world; dealing with them requires scientific learning and skills. Instructors and staff in the Department of Sciences provide learning environments that help students recognize and strengthen their abilities across different scientific disciplines, improve their investigative and communicative skills, and act with greater scientific awareness in their roles as citizens. By embracing scientific perspectives, students become effective learners as well as good communicators. Our goal is to inspire students to continue their scientific learning long after they leave the laboratory or classroom.
In our lower-division biology and physics courses, we provide engaging, hands-on learning environments using innovative instructional methods. All of our laboratory courses are taught in an integrated studio format, with discussions, presentations, lectures, reflection, analysis, and experimentation blended together in a common time, allowing for all modes of instruction to be closely linked. From a solid foundation in scientific method and practice, students then move beyond concrete specifics to the discovery of general principles and scientific concepts.
This is especially true in our Environmental Studies course and occasional upper-division courses. Here, the complex relations between scientific and other research domains present opportunities to engage the world in collaborative and transdisciplinary ways. These courses—at times team-taught by professional science educators and specialists in the social sciences, humanities, and architecture—help students re-contextualize real-world issues by applying scientific methods.
All Woodbury students are required to complete Environmental Studies (a 200-level lecture course) and a Sciences course with a lab.
Natural Sciences course without a lab:
Natural Sciences courses with lab:
Physical Sciences:
Overview
Mission
The mission of the Sciences Program is to create for students a solid foundation of scientific principles, methods, and applications.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Math, Science, & Subject Tutoring
Tutoring for math, science, and other subjects is available throughout the school year at the Math, Science & Subject Tutoring Center. Tutoring assistance for all math and science courses may be found there, as well as for many other available courses in accounting, animation, architecture, interdisciplinary studies, and psychology (which change each semester). Make an appointment by visiting the Math, Science & Subject Tutoring Center link under the Students menu on the Woodbury University home page.
Career Services
Woodbury’s Career Development Office offers a variety of programs, services, and resources to assist students in exploring careers and securing internships. The staff works with students one-on-one to develop successful internship search strategies and help students connect with employers through internship postings, résumé collections, on- and off-campus interview opportunities, alumni connections, and employer outreach in the U.S.
Study Away
There are several options available for students interested in study away. In the winter break or summer, the University sponsors different programs for single-course study. In the past, we have offered such courses in China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Thailand. Check each fall for available opportunities as they change regularly. During the academic year, students may apply for a variety of programs offered through other universities to participate in their educational activities. The department chair and faculty will assist students in developing a plan and exploring options.
Technology and Computer Requirements
Students are required to have a computer with word processing, spreadsheet, internet, and email capabilities. The department’s recommended software package is Microsoft Office for either PC or Mac.
Learning Outcomes
Scientific Method
- Recognize and explain scientific principles and their symbolic representations.
- Understand connections among scientific principles and concepts.
Scientific Application
- Apply scientific concepts to explain real-life problems and issues.
- Evaluate proposed approaches to complex or transdisciplinary problems through scientific methods.
Critical Thinking
- Distinguish between science and pseudoscience.
Collaboration
- Collaborate with others to propose effective solutions to simple or complex issues.
Civic Engagement
- Demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility when applying science to civic or social issues.
Assessment Process
Formative Assessment Experiences
Reflections on the results of the assessment enable faculty to channel efforts toward more effective accomplishment of departmental goals. By reviewing the curriculum, instructional methods, and various assessment processes, faculty can see the development of students’ understanding of sciences and their improved abstraction, communication, and collaborative skills. In the natural sciences, students’ work in the form of examinations, homework, class work, and laboratory work provides evidence of learning. The biological and physical science courses and their relevant outcomes are assessed by the department faculty in alternate years.