Courses Science

Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2007-2008

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Notes

  1. Most science-labelled courses are offered by the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics. These courses are determined by course content, are of a general nature, and intended to be taken as electives by students in any faculty.
  2. Normally, no more than three SCI-labelled units may be applied towards any Science degree Academic Plan.
  3. SCIBUS 122, 123, 223, 323, 423, 424, 425 do not count as Science courses

SCI 200s


SCI 205 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008508
Physics of High Fidelity Sound Reproduction
An application of elementary physical principles to the study of acoustics and high fidelity sound reproduction. This course will look at the physics behind the design of modern equipment and explain the meaning of its specifications.
[Note: Should have some highschool Physics. Offered: F]
Prereq: At least one year of Secondary School Physics.
Only offered by Distance Education

SCI 206 LEC 0.50Course ID: 010135
The Physics of How Things Work
A practical introduction to everyday technology, this course will look at the physics behind common devices used in consumer products and industry. Examples include air conditioners, microwave ovens, household wiring, nuclear reactors, and medical imaging. [Offered: F]

SCI 237 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008513
Descriptive Astronomy
A survey course in astronomy (primarily intended for students in Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Environmental Studies). The solar system, stars, the Milky Way, galaxies and the Universe.
[Note: Cannot be taken for credit by Engineering, Math, or Science students. Offered: F]
Antireq: SCI 238 and Engineering, Mathematics and Science students

SCI 238 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008514
Introductory Astronomy
A survey course in astronomy intended for Mathematics, Engineering and Science students. The solar system, the Sun and planets, stars, the Milky Way, galaxies and cosmology.
[Note: SCI 238 is a more quantitative version of SCI 237, and students with a weak background in Physics and/or Math should consider SCI 237 before PHYS 275. Offered: W,S]
Antireq: SCI 237
Also offered by Distance Education

SCI 250 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008515
Environmental Geology
An introduction to geological concepts; the influence of geological factors on the natural environment; Earth processes and natural hazards; Earth resources; waste disposal and pollution; global climatic and environmental change. [Offered: W]
Antireq: EARTH 121, EARTH 122, EARTH 126, GEOE 126, CIVE 253
Also offered by Distance Education

SCI 255 LEC 0.50Course ID: 006156
The Biology of Aging
An introductory study of the biological processes of aging at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels. Topics include an examination of the theories of aging, methods used to study the aging process, the role of diseases and chronological changes in the organism during senescence. [Offered: F]
(Cross-listed with GERON 255)
Also offered by Distance Education

SCI 263 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008521
Science and Society
Selection of areas of science for development and commercial exploitation. Economic and social impact of science. Societal pressures on science. At present, the focus of this course is biotechnology.
Only offered by Distance Education

SCI 267 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008523
Introduction to the Philosophy of Science
A discussion of the fundamental concepts on which science is based. Consideration is given to such topics as scientific theories, the nature of law-likeness, the grounds for scientific confirmation, and the debate between rationalism and empiricism in science.
[Note: Offered: W]
(Cross-listed with PHIL 258)

SCI 270 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008525
Nuclear Science
A non-mathematical general treatment of the following areas of nuclear science: historical development and discovery of new fundamental particles; artificial transmutation of elements; nuclear sources of energy; biological effects of radiation and use of radioisotopes in industry, medicine and agriculture. The impact of nuclear science on social, economic and political systems will be discussed.
Prereq: OAC Chemistry or 4U Chemistry or OAC Physics or 4U Physics.
Antireq: CHEM 412
Also offered by Distance Education

SCI 300s


SCI 395 LEC 2.50Course ID: 010366
Science Study Abroad Program
Waterloo students studying abroad for academic transfer credits under a Science Exchange Program during the Fall term.
Department Consent Required

SCI 396 LEC 2.50Course ID: 010367
Science Study Abroad Program
Waterloo students studying abroad for academic transfer credits under a Science Exchange Program during the Winter term.
Department Consent Required

SCI 397 LEC 2.50Course ID: 010368
Science Study Abroad Program
Waterloo students studying abroad for academic transfer credits under a Science Exchange Program during the Spring term.
Department Consent Required

SCI 400s


SCI 455 LEC 0.50Course ID: 011759
Human Impact on Aquatic Systems
An introduction to marine and freshwater ecosystems and examination of the impact of human activities such as eutrophication, contaminants, exotic invaders, hydrological alterations, and climate disruption.
[Note: Students whose major field is Biology should not take this course for credit. Offered: F]
Antireq: BIOL 450, BIOL 351/451, SCI 453, SCI 454

SCI 462 LEC 0.50Course ID: 008536
Biology of Food Production
A survey of world food production from the biologist's viewpoint. Topics: nutrition; food chains; origins of agriculture; basic plants and animal food crops; primitive and modern scientific agricultural practices and the environmental implications of each. [Offered: F]

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