CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS
Natural Sciences II B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences
Introduction
The General Education Committee at Central Michigan University is seeking curricular
proposals for courses that meet the requirements for inclusion in the University Program Natural
Sciences II B: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences. The goal is to repopulate the area
with courses that meet the criteria specified in The University Program: A Basic Document Set.
The University Program Basic Document Set uses the following description to define the Natural
Sciences:
As a group the natural sciences explore and examine natural phenomena in
order to establish basic principles concerning the material universe. Its
approach includes, but is not limited to, the observation, identification,
description, experimental investigation and theoretical explanation of natural
phenomena. To these ends the scientific method is crucial, providing as it
does the rules for concept formation, conduct of observations and
experiments, model-building and validation of hypothesis by empirical means.
The General Education Committee is specifically seeking proposals that meet criteria for
inclusion in the Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences subgroup. The following is the
description of the Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences subgroup as it appears in the UP
Basic Document Set.
These studies reflect attempts to understand phenomena primarily through
experimentation, simplification, quantification and deduction. Simplified
models of complex phenomena are used to discover and establish
fundamental principles. Mathematics statements concerning those models
permit quantitative predictions.
Learning Outcomes
Students taking courses within the Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences subgroup
will be expected to:
1. Describe the underlying principles involved in scientific inquiry;
2. Solve scientific problems, applying all of the steps of the scientific method, including
formulating questions and hypotheses, making scientific measurements, and making
quantitative evaluations of the data collected to determine its significance and accuracy;
3. Discuss collected data and make generalizations based on them.
4. Describe and draw conclusions from general scientific and mathematical principles;
5. Apply computational skills and scientific principles to daily living, including the evaluation
of current issues in the media.
The next page contains specific requirements that should prove helpful in developing a
proposal. Additional information can be obtained by contacting George Ronan, Director of
General Education (phone: 989.774.7217; e-mail: ronan1gf@cmich.edu) or the Chair of the
General Education Committee.
Specific Requirements
The master course syllabus must list the subgroup name along with the numerical designator in
the course description. For example, at the end of the course description the following would
appear University Program Group IIB: Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences.
A cover letter should address the following:
1. Referring to the definition of the Natural Sciences in the University Program: A Basic
Documents Set, briefly explain how this course meets the general goals for UP courses
in the Natural Sciences.
2. Briefly explain how this course complies with each of the following University Program Group
II B Quantitative and Mathematical Sciences content area requirements:
a) These studies reflect attempts to understand phenomena primarily through
experimentation, simplification, quantification and deduction.
b) Simplified models of complex phenomena are used to discover and establish
fundamental principles.
c) Mathematics statements concerning those models permit quantitative predictions.
3. Briefly show, with reference to the master course syllabus, how this course prepares
students to attain the following outcomes.
a) Describe the underlying principles involved in scientific inquiry;
b) Solve scientific problems, applying all of the steps of the scientific method, including
formulating questions and hypotheses, making scientific measurements, and making
quantitative evaluations of the data collected to determine its significance and accuracy;
c) Discuss collected data and make generalizations based on them.
d) Describe and draw conclusions from general scientific and mathematical principles;
e) Apply computational skills and scientific principles to daily living, including the evaluation
of current issues in the media.
f) If appropriate, explain how course addresses applications to and implications for diverse
populations.
Specific Course Criteria
1. Each course should stress scientific approaches and methodologies as well as subject
matter.
2. The fundamental goal of each course should be to develop an understanding of basic
science.
3. Lab Course Criteria:
a) At least 30 clock hours per semester must be spent in lab work for each hour of
credit;
b) University Program standards are not satisfied by demonstration labs; students must
carry out substantially all of the lab work;
c) Lab courses must demonstrate the same kind of methods as the Subgroup in which
they are found.
Material to be Submitted and Routing
To initiate a priority of whether a course meets the criteria for inclusion in the Quantitative and
Mathematical Sciences subgroup the following materials must be received by the General
Education Committee, Academic Senate Office, Ronan Hall, Room 280 no later than 01.30.13.
1. An addendum detailing how the course meets the outlined focus and requirements.
2. A copy of the master course syllabus that was approved by the relevant college curricular
committee.