CALL FOR COURSE PROPOSALS
Natural Sciences II A: Descriptive 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 A: Descriptive 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 Descriptive Sciences subgroup. The following is the description of the
Descriptive Sciences subgroup as it appears in the UP Basic Document Set.
These studies represent an attempt to understand natural phenomena
primarily through observation, description and classification. Complex systems
are analyzed in terms of the function of each part and their relation to other
systems. Categories are developed while preserving their interrelatedness.
Learning Outcomes
Students taking courses within the Descriptive Sciences subgroup will be expected to:
1. Describe the underlying principles involved in scientific inquiry;
2. Make scientific observations and evaluate the quality of data collected to determine its
significance and accuracy;
3. Discuss observations and descriptions and make generalizations based on them;
4. Describe and draw conclusions from general scientific principles;
5. Apply scientific principles to daily living, including evaluating 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 IIA: Descriptive 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 A Descriptive Sciences content area requirements:
a) These studies represent an attempt to understand natural phenomena primarily
through observation, description and classification.
b) Complex systems are analyzed in terms of the function of each part and
their relation to other systems.
c) Categories are developed while preserving their interrelatedness.
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) Make scientific observations and evaluate the quality of data collected to determine
its significance and accuracy;
c) Discuss observations and descriptions and make generalizations based on them;
d) Describe and draw conclusions from general scientific principles;
e) Apply scientific principles to daily living, including evaluating 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 review or whether a course meets the criteria for inclusion in the Descriptive
Sciences subgroup the following materials must be received by the General Education
Committee, Academic Senate Office, Ronan Hall, Room 280 no later than 11.30.12.
Submissions received after that date will be reviewed by the General Education Committee as
time allows.
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.