Scientific Inquiry Program

Last Revised: August 20, 2008


Fall 2008 Symposium:

Building Sustainable Futures
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
7 PM
Medical School Auditorium


Fall 2008 SCI 105 Sections:

Section Meeting Time Meeting Place Instructor
Office Phone
001 TR 10:50 - 12:05pm WSC 329 Brian Rood WSC 105 301-2885
004 TR 9:25 - 10:40am WSC 221 Mary Kot WSC 212 301-2709
005 TR 10:50 - 12:05pm WSC 221 Mary Kot WSC 212 301-2709
006 TR 1:40 - 2:55pm CSB 301 Laurie White CSB 202 301-2819
007 TR 3:05 - 4:20pm PSY 105 James Radiker PSY 101 301-2954
008 MW 3:00 - 4:15pm PSY 105 Ami Spears PSY 201 301-2972
C02 MWF 11:00 - 11:50am WSC 221 Linda Hensel WSC 205 301-2707

Program Faculty

David Aiello, Biology
Jose Balduz, Physics
Heather Bowman Cutway, Biology
Kevin Bucholtz, Chemistry
Jeffrey Denny, Mathematics
Andy Digh, Computer Science
Linda Hensel, Biology
Curtis Herink, Mathematics
Keith Howard, Mathematics
Tom Huber, Biology
Jeffrey Hugdahl, Chemistry
Ajaz Karim, Environmental Science
Mary Kot, Biology
John Lee, Physics
James Radiker, Psychology
Brian Rood, Chemistry

Caryn Seney, Chemistry
Tanya Sharon, Psychology (Director)
Ami Spears, Psychology
Edward Thomas, Philosophy
Laurie White, Computer Science
Fletcher Winston, Sociology
Martin Zhao, Computer Science

 


Program Description

The program in scientific inquiry consists of a single course:

SCI105. Scientific Inquiry
An introduction to the human activity of science in its broadest terms, including examples drawn from the natural, behavioral and social sciences. The course includes the investigation of the logical, empirical, and mathematical modes of thought that contribute to its endeavors; the type of knowledge obtainable with its application; the social, ethical, and political contexts of its practice; and the kinds of discourse used in its communication. (3 semester credits)

This course is designed to be taken by entering students: As part of the common core of the General Education Program of the College of Liberal Arts, SCI105 is required of all students. Scientific Inquiry introduces students to the empirical disciplines just as the First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to the humanities, and as such should be taken in the first year, or sophomore year at the latest.

The objectives of the course are the following:

Transfer Students Note (College of Liberal Arts)

Any student who begins study at another school and then transfers to the College of Liberal Arts at Mercer University is governed by the following rules: Students who, at the time of entry into the College,  transfer fewer than eight semester hours in laboratory science courses are required to take SCI 105. Students who transfer eight semester hours (or more) in laboratory science courses are exempted from the Scientific Inquiry requirement. Transfer students with questions about the SCI 105 requirement should contact the Program Director.