SCI 105.005 Scientific Inquiry
Syllabus
Instructor: Sheng-Chiang (John) Lee
SEB 244, 478-301-2599
Classroom: SEB 144
Office Hours: MWF 3~4pm or by appointment
Textbook: Autism’s False Prophets, Paul A. Offit
Scientific Literacy and the Myth of the Scientific Method, Henry H. Bauer
Is That a Fact? Mark Battersby
Course Description:
“Scientific Inquiry” is an introduction to a wide range of human activities of exploring
and discovering the not-yet understood reality, which are broadly called “science”. We will
investigate the nature and limitation of “science” and the features of scientific activities. Through
the investigation, we will evaluate the applications and limitations of science. It is noted that
scientific claims now have great potential to influence public policies. We will learn how to
distinguish authentic scientific reports from pseudo-scientific claims, which can be vitally
important in making critical decisions. As a type of human activities, “science” is often not as
objective as most people think. We will look at few great scientists as persons and evaluate how
their personalities influence their work.
After this course, students will have reasonable understanding of what “science” is about,
and have acquired basic tools to properly evaluate scientific reports as a layperson.
Objectives:
1. Understand that science is a human endeavor and explore its interface with society.
2. Understand science as a way of acquiring knowledge, and recognize its nature, its
applications and its limitations.
3. Be familiar with the fundamental components of science.
4. Be able to understand the statistical claims in scientific reports and make proper
evaluation.
5. Be able to discern the authenticity of a scientific claim through critical analysis.
6. Be able to apply the skill of critical and scientific analysis to the information you are
exposed to and make adequate judgments.
Grading Methods:
Grading Scale:
Score:
Grade:
90+
A
85~89
B+
80~84
B
75~79
C+
70~74
C
60~69
D
59F
Grading Components:
Weight:
Attendance
Blue Book
Essay
5%
10%
15%
In-class
work
20%
Presentations
10%×2 = 20%
Exams
(midterm & final)
15+15=30%
Bonus
≤ 5%
Use of BlackBoard
BlackBoard will be used extensively through out the course for beyond-classroom activities,
including submitting essays, monitoring your grades (which I will post promptly after grading
your work), and/or discussion about course-related topics (not graded but encouraged). It is a
SCI 105.005 Scientific Inquiry
web-based software, which allows various interactive activities outside the class room. Make
sure you know how to use this software and report to me or technical support immediately if you
have any problems. If there is any concern about your grades, you should discuss with me within
ONE week after they are posted.
Attendance
Since the major activities in this class are in discussion or group-based format, your active
attendance in this course is mandatory. Your attendance grade is evaluated upon how you
participate in the class activity. If you actively contribute to a class discussion, you will get 2
points (full credit) for the class; if you are very passive, you will only get 1 point. Late for a class
will lead to subtraction of 1 point. Absence of a class leads to 0 point for the class.
Attendance to the Autism symposium is required (with a 1~2 page, double spaced report) and
counts for 5 points of attendance grade. The final attendance grade is determined by the ratio of
“earned points” to “possible points”.
Blue Book
Each student will be given a “blue book” during the class periods. At the end of most classes,
you will be asked to write down a short, reflective paragraph about what you learn in that class.
You will also use it for in-class work, such as reading quizzes, quotes, and other activities that
require individual response in writing. These in-class work records will be graded separately as
described below.
In-class work
This may include the quizzes for the reading assignments, mini presentations, and various inclass activities. “Points” will be assigned to each activities and the ratio of “earned points” to
“possible points” determines the final grade of in-class work. There will be no make-up for the
in-class work.
Essay
You will write three reflective essays (3~5 pages each) about assigned subjects or videos shown
in the class. All essays should be typed in double-spaced, 12-point fonts with 1-inch margin, and
submitted in electronic copies through the drop box in BlackBoard. Your essays should exhibit
brief and critical analysis and/or comments on the subjects in college-level writing. Long but
non-logical paragraphs and/or arguments will not give you good grades on the essays. Your
essays will be graded upon your ability to think (analyze) logically and critically. Your personal
perspective on controversial issues will not affect your grades.
Peer Evaluation
Your performance in the course will also be peer-evaluated, as all scientific reports are under
peer-evaluation. Your peer-evaluation will be taken as references as the instructor decides the
final grade of your group work.
Presentations
Each group will give two major presentations. The topics will be announced early in the class.
Your work (the “research” part) should follow the proper scientific manner and be evident in
your presentation.
Bonus Credit
Attending science-related seminars is highly encouraged in this course, and bonus points will be
given to those who attend such seminars (announced by the instructor) and turn in a one-page
report for each talk. Maximum 10 points will be given to each report, and the extra credit that a
student receives is determined by scaling the earned bonus points with the total bonus points
given through out the semester.
SCI 105.005 Scientific Inquiry
Important Dates:
Last Day for Course Withdrawal: 10/29!!!!
Final Exam: 12/17 9AM~12PM
Class Policies:
Honor Code: You are bound by the Mercer honor code. The College’s academic misconduct
policy will be followed. All work, for which a grade is received, must be the original work of
the student without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed and or electronic
data/information. Academic misconduct cases will be referred to the honor council and the
student will automatically receive a grade of incomplete (IC) pending a ruling by the honor
council.
Cell Phone and Pager Usage: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning
experience, all cell phones and pagers must be kept in your pocket/backpack with
power/ringer off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event.
Warning will be given for the first-time violation. One semester credit will be taken for each
following violation up to three times. If a student keeps violating the policy, one may be asked to
leave the room by the instructor.
Documented Disability Statement: Students requiring accommodations for a disability should
inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible. The instructor
will refer you to the Disability Support Services Coordinator to document your disability,
determine eligibility for accommodations under the ADAAA/Section 504 and to request a
Faculty Accommodation Form. Disability accommodations or status will not be indicated on
academic transcripts. In order to receive accommodations in a class, students with sensory,
learning, psychological, physical or medical disabilities must provide their instructor with a
Faculty Accommodation Form to sign. Students must return the signed form to the Disability
Services Coordinator. A new form must be requested each semester. Students with a history of
a disability, perceived as having a disability or with a current disability who do not wish to use
academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with the Disability Services
Coordinator and request a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester. For further information,
please contact Carole Burrowbridge, Disability Services Coordinator, at 301-2778 or visit the
Disability Support Services website athttp://www.mercer.edu/studentaffairs/disabilityservices.