Core Course Review Documentation
Foundational Component Area: Life and Physical Sciences
Component Area Option? No
Proposed Course: Life/Earth Science (GNSC 1104)
Credit Hours:
4
Proposed by: Rebecca L. Dodge
Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013
Please document how the proposed course meets each of the following requirements. (You
may provide a written explanation or copy and paste the appropriate information from the
syllabus.)
Content:
Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural
phenomena using the scientific method.
Life/Earth Science covers the scientifically determined nature and processes of Astronomy,
Earth and Biological Sciences. Content is provided through lectures, text and online
readings, and laboratory exploration.
SKILLS: Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the
implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on human experiences.
Life Earth Science students are introduced to…
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Current theories concerning the
origin of the Universe and of the
Solar System
The place of Earth in the Solar
System and its interactions with
other bodies in the Solar System
The origin and evolution of the
Earth to its resulting geologic
systems
The operation of Earth’s geologic
systems including the relationships
among the atmosphere, the
lithosphere, and the hydrosphere
The history of the Earth including
the evolution of geologic systems
and life forms
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Ecosystem dynamics including
energy and productivity
The cellular nature of life forms
and the functions and structures of
cells
Structures and functions of living
organisms to exchange of energy
and materials
Reproduction at the cellular and
organ level
How genetic variability occurs and
the processes of genetic inheritance
Observing and reporting on the
environment like a scientist, using
established inquiry methods and
protocols to ensure accuracy
And they are enabled to…
 Critically acquire, assess, evaluate, and analyze scientific data
 Effectively communicate scientific information
 Assess scientific error in measurement
Learning Activities:
Sample activities through which students will learn the skills and objectives for this course include
the following:
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Readings in the textbook and on-line documents
Listening to presented information
Keeping a journal
Viewing and analyzing documentaries related to earth and biological sciences
Short written laboratory assignments including applying scientific methods to earth
materials and processes (critical thinking and communication objectives)
Laboratory calculations on scientific measurements (empirical and quantitative objectives)
ASSESSMENT OF CORE OBJECTIVES: Assessments should be authentic, intentional and
direct. The following four Core Objectives must be addressed in each course approved to fulfill this
category requirement:
Critical Thinking Skills - to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation
and synthesis of information
Critical thinking skills are developed through course readings, lectures, documentary films,
and a journaling activity.
A Journal Project (attached) will be used to assess critical thinking skills. Students will keep
a journal analyzing articles about recent geological, astronomical, environmental, or
biological events or discoveries, analyzing and answering guided questions. They will
describe the impact of the event on the Earth’s many systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere,
etc.) and evaluate the scientific validity in the references that they choose to aid their
journal entries.
This project will be assessed using an adaptation of the AACU Rubric for Critical Thinking
Skills (attached with project). Three rows of the rubric will be utilized (Explanation of
issues, Evidence, and Conclusions/Outcomes), and students will be expected to exceed the
benchmark (level 0) of the rubric.
Communication Skills - to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas
through written, oral, and visual communication
Written communication skills are developed through laboratory activities as well as
through journal entries concerning Life Science and Earth Science issues and events chosen
by students.
Written communication skills will be assessed through the previously mentioned
journaling activity (attached). Two rows of the AACU rubric for Written Communication
Skills will be utilized (Context and Purpose, and Disciplinary Conventions), and students
will be expected to exceed the benchmark (level 0) of the rubric.
Empirical and Quantitative Skills - to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or
observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
Empirical analytical skills and quantitative skills are developed through assigned readings,
documentary films, and laboratory activities.
The specific assignment used to assess Empirical and Quantitative Skills in this course is an
exercise on Random Sampling of Data (attached). Students will learn that one way to
estimate the size of a population is to collect data by taking random samples. A series of
questions allows students to analyze the concepts of the activity. Two rows of the AACU
rubric for Quantitative Literacy (see attachment) will be utilized (Calculation and
Application/Analysis), and students will be expected to exceed the benchmark (level 0) of
the rubric.
Teamwork - to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with
others to support a shared purpose or goal
Teamwork skills are developed through group work in laboratory. In this setting, students
work together in small groups to discuss the data and calculations, and answer questions.
The specific activity used to assess teamwork in this course is the Random Sampling of
Data lab exercise, which also is used for Empirical and Quantitative Skills. This particular
lab provides numerous focal points for discussion. The potential answers to objective
questions are typically verified by group interaction; the more subjective questions may be
discussed by the class as a whole.
The students’ work will be assessed using the AACU Teamwork VALUE Rubric (see
attachment; two rows of the rubric will be used: Contributes to Team Meetings and
Individual Contributions Outside of Team Meetings).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Provide any additional information supporting course
inclusion in the core (optional).
PLEASE ATTACH THE FOLLOWING
1. Syllabi for class and laboratory
2. Assessment for Written Communication Skills and Critical Thinking Skills
3. Assessment for Empirical & Quantitative Skills and Teamwork Skills