Our natural science (NSCI) course offerings help students discover what the natural sciences can teach us about the world while acknowledging the limits of science and the relationship between scientific knowledge and other ways of knowing. These courses are specifically designed for non-natural science majors and are intended to help students integrate scientific ways of knowing with their studies outside of the natural sciences.
Every Year, Fall 3(3-0-0)
This course will focus on the nature of science and connections between science and foundational and societal issues. Topics will be drawn from a variety of scientific disciplines and illuminate the following driving questions: (1) What is "science" and how does it "work"? (2) What are the limitations of science and it tools? (3) In what ways has science changed our world? (4) What is the "role" of science and scientists in solving global issues? (5) In what ways do scientific perspectives flow out of worldviews?
This course meets the Recognizing Creation's Story King's Common Curriculum requirement.
The Faculty of Natural Science offers the following discipline-specific courses also designed for non-science major students:
2024-25, Winter 3(3-0-3)
Insects are often hated, sometimes loved, but seldom ignored. These minute creatures provide a window into the complexities of the biological world. This course offers a survey of the varied habitats and peculiar habits of insects, including their competition with humans for food and fiber and their role as disease agents.
This course meets the common curriculum requirement for the B.A. but does not meet major/concentration requirements in biology.
2023-24, Winter 3(3-0-3)
A survey of the fundamental concepts central to biology, with emphasis on equipping students to understand and respond to everyday life experiences. Examples will be drawn from the biology of health, genetics, and human interaction with the environment, and other current topics.
This course meets the King's Common Curriculum for either recognizing creation's story, or engaging the creation. The course does not meet major/concentration in biology.
Every Year, Winter 3(3-0-3)
This course examines the flow of matter and energy in our lives, and how that relates to sustainability. The course includes an introduction to the science of climate change and other Earth system processes, to sustainability frameworks such as the Planetary Boundaries framework, and to the key role of chemistry in understanding challenges and working toward solutions.
This course meets the common curriculum requirement but does not meet major/concentration requirements in chemistry.
2024-25, Winter 3(3-0-3)
An overview of computing concepts and technologies. Topics include: the history of computing, computing hardware, operating systems, application software, networks, and a discussion of the role of computing and information technologies in society.
Additionally, the Faculty of Social Science offers the following courses that meet the Recognizing Creation's Story and Engaging the Creation King's Common Curriculum (KCC) requirements:
Every Year, Fall and Spring 3(3-0-3)
An introduction to the earth's major planetary components, including climate, river systems, glaciers, landforms, soils, and biogeography. The origins of these features and the processes that influence them are discussed with emphasis on applications in Canada, Alberta and Edmonton. Participation in weekly field-based labs and in a two-day, overnight field trip, usually in the latter part of September, are required.