Print Page
Knowing Science/Scientific Ways of Knowing
The following two seminars explore knowledge about the world around us and our experience in the world through the lens of scientific inquiry. What do we know about the material and natural worlds, and how do we know it? Living together in Drayer Hall, students in these seminars will have opportunities to apply scientific inquiry to a range of subjects both in the classroom and through off-campus field trips .
Assisting the faculty to support these programs will
be a Learning Community Coordinator who also lives in Drayer
Hall: Thanprakorn Chiramanewong '13 (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Discerning Fact from Fallacy in Nature and Medicine
Scientific information comes to us from many sources, including the media, friends and associates, doctors, teachers, books and articles, web sites, documentaries, and the like. Often the information conflicts, and the consequences of the conflicts can be puzzling, expensive, or even life-threatening to individuals. Using nature and health as our general topic areas, in this seminar we will ask how can one sort out good information from false or misleading information, how good information is gathered, and how (ideally) information should be presented to the general public. We will begin with select examples of studies in behavior, ecology, and human impacts on wild and domestic animals, in order to establish the nature of good vs. bad science and to look at the ways that scientific information is disseminated. We will then move to controversial issues in human health, such as the validity of claims for herbal medicine. We will cover some simple experimental design and data analysis techniques to establish a firm basis for evaluating the validity of scientific information. Field trip options on certain Saturdays or Sundays will allow opportunities to hike the local area and see natural phenomena relevant to the class, such as effects of white-tailed deer overpopulation and distributions of medicinally valuable wild plants.
Professor: Carol Loeffler, Biology
Time: 11:30 MWF
Science or Nonsense
We are rational beings. Our beliefs are founded on good science, we use logical reasoning to make decisions, and we have left behind the mystical beliefs of our ancestors. If this is true, then why do we spend billions of dollars each year on alternative medicine? Why do we buy lottery tickets? Why do we carry lucky charms, knock on wood, and avoid strolling under ladders. Why do we believe in the paranormal, UFOs, astrology, and the Loch Ness Monster? Why are we more afraid to fly than to cross a busy street? In this seminar we will explore the mathematical, statistical, psychological, historical, and social reasons that these seemingly irrational beliefs still have a strong hold on us. We will learn how to nurture a healthy skepticism and to develop critical thinking skills that will enable us to face these issues with our eyes and minds wide open.
Professor: David Richeson, Math/Computer Science
Time: 11:30 MWF