Science Education Course Descriptions

SCE 5301 Critical Issues in Science Education (3 semester hours) An examination of selected problems in the methodological and philosophical foundations of the natural sciences as applied to contemporary issues affecting our society. (3-0) Y
SCE 5302 Photographic Field Collection Techniques (3 semester hours) The use of a camera as a field collection instrument. Included topics are basic camera techniques, logging system for in-field use, coding system and cataloging procedure for access to stored slides. Field trip. (1-6) Y
SCE 5305 Evaluating Research in Science Education (3 semester hours) Selection and analysis of concepts appropriate to various topics in the sciences taught in secondary schools and community colleges. Prerequisite: one semester teaching experience in science or consent of instructor. (3-0) Y
SCE 5308 Research Design and Methodology (3 semester hours) Interpretation of data-based research, selection of a research problem, review of the literature and the design of a research project. Prerequisite: SCE 5305 (3-0) Y
SCE 5309 Critical Thinking (3 semester hours) Study of critical issues, problem-solving techniques and reasoning abilities as they relate to science/mathematics education in today�s classrooms. (3-0) Y
SCE 8398 Thesis (1 to 6 hours credit) Research for the Master�s thesis. (May be repeated for up to 9 hours of credit.) Prerequisite: Approval of a research proposal by the supervising committee. ([3-0) S
SCI 5320 Astrobiology (3 hours credit) The ultimate integrated science, astrobiology brings together from the fields of astrophysics, planetary science, terrestrial geosciences, and of course, biology, an understanding how the history and diversity of life on our own planet relates to the possibilities for life on other worlds. (2-3) T
SCI 5321 Science for Elementary School Teachers (3 semester hours) Fundamental concepts in chemistry, physics, life and earth science, with particular emphasis on their applicability to the elementary science curriculum, including laboratory activities. (May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours.) (2-3) Y
SCI 5322 Basis of Evolution (3 semester hours) Through discussions of the nature of science, Charles Darwin�s travels, natural selection, the geologic record, and other topics, students will be acquainted with the scientific data that supports evolutionary theory. (2-3) T
SCI 5324 Ecology (3 semester hours) General ecological principles as related to productivity, population diversity, communities and ecosystem functions. Field data collection techniques included. (2-3) Y
SCI 5325 Environmental Field Methods (3 hours credit) Hands-on activities explore the properties and qualities of water through traditional and digital sampling methods. Designed for teachers, this inquiry-based course addresses information technology and environmental science standards in the context of real-world constructivist practice. (May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours 2-3) T
SCI 5326 Human Biology: Issues & Explanation (3 hours credit) This course will address basic biological concepts in a manner which stresses relevance to humans by focusing on current issues. Particularly, the role of genetics in the occurrence of common traits and diseases will be explored within the context of ethical, legal, and social implications. This web assisted course will include individual and group activities and the use of free or inexpensive research-based curriculum materials. (2-3) T
SCI 5327 Biotechnology: Issues and Explanations (3 hours credit) Set within the framework of inquiry-based instruction, students gain a basic understanding of cutting edge techniques in biotechnology; acquire the skills necessary to conduct classroom investigations in molecular biology; understand the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) associated with biotechnology; and acquire the skills necessary to conduct bioethical inquiry in their classrooms. (2-3) T
SCI 5328 Marine Science (3 hours credit) The purpose of this class is to acquaint students with issues surrounding our use of the oceans and their resources. Students will also gain skills in writing an on-line lesson plan and in preparing a research report. (2-3) Y
SCI 5331 Physics in the Classroom I: Force and Motion (3 hours credit) The primary focus of the class will be deepening the participants� conceptual understanding of physics, always with the added component of applicability to the pre-college classroom. We will use a hands-on approach, and will utilize FOSS, Cambridge Physics (CPO), and examples of physics in the everyday world. (2-3) T
SCI 5332 Physics in the Classroom II: Energy in Motion (3 hours credit) The physics content topics will be covered in workshop style, with hands-on materials available in local districts or demonstrations and experiments that can be done with inexpensive or common materials. Students will also be expected to think critically about how topics discussed in the course can relate to their own classrooms. (2-3) T
SCI 5333 Physics in the Classroom III: Physics of the 20th and 21st Centuries (3 hours credit) The physics content topics covered in this course will deepen the participants� conceptual understanding of physics, using hands-on materials available in local districts or demonstrations and experiments that can be done with inexpensive or common materials. (2-3) T
SCI 5334 Instructional Strategies in Science (3 hours credit) Designed for the master teacher/department leader, strategies for fostering an integrated science program based on national and Texas curriculum and assessment standards are presented through hands-on activities. (3-0) T
SCI 5330 Special Topics (3 semester hours) May repeat for credit to a maximum of 9 hours. (3-0) Y
SCE 5V06 Special Topics in Science Education (1-3 semester hours) (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours.) ([1-3]-0) S
SCI 5V06 Special Topics in Science (1-3 semester hours) (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours) ([1-3]-0) S

Mathematics Education Course Descriptions

MATH 5310 (ED 5306) Seminar: The Teaching of Mathematics and Computer Science (3 semester hours) A forum for sharing ideas on current issues in the teaching of mathematics and computer science, grades 8-14, through participant presentations and discussions. Some work on mathematics history is included. Prerequisite: One year of teaching experience in mathematics or computer science. (3-0) Y
MATH 5320 Usual and Unusual Problems Using Secondary Mathematics (3 semester hours) For teachers only. Emphasis on problem solving and technology in the secondary curriculum. Problems taken from algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, discrete mathematics, mathematical modeling etc. Content varies from term to term (May be repeated to a maximum of 15 semester hours.) (3-0) Y
MATH 5330 Topics in Math (3 semester hours) Special topics for mathematics teachers. (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours.) (3-0) Y
MATH 5V06 Special Topics in Mathematics (1-3 semester hours) (May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours) ([1-3]-0)S

General Courses

SCI 6201 Scientific Writing (2 semester hours) Lectures and workshop on the principles of clear scientific exposition and the requirements for preparation of scientific papers for publication. Normally taken by students about to begin writing a thesis or dissertation. (P/F grading) (2-0) R
SCI 5300 Professional and Academic Communication (3 semester hours) Theory and practice of oral communication in professional and academic settings. Emphasis is on the application of communication theory to develop skills for natural sciences students. Topics include audience analysis, organization of presentations, using media to enhance messages, non-presentational professional communication situations.(3-0) R