GE Rationale: Scientific Exploration and Discovery (SED) or Integrated Scientific Topics (IST)

Description: Two courses, each from a different department or program, that develop an integrative understanding of scientific content, scientific principles, and the methods of contemporary natural science. At least one must be a Scientific Exploration and Discovery (SED) course, and at least one must be an Integrated Scientific Topics (IST) course. For more information, see: and )

Administrative guideline:

  1. A course meeting the Studies in Natural Science requirement may be designated as a Scientific Exploration and Discovery (SED-x) course, an Integrated Scientific Topics (IST-x) course, or both. Students must complete at least one SED course and one IST course, or one course with both attributes and a second course with either attribute, in order to fulfill the requirement.

Please explain the specific ways this course meets the guidelines listed below. Do not simply allude to the objectives of the course, but fully describe the readings, lectures, writing and speaking assignments, and other instructional features of the course that will further the goals of the guidelines. The content of the syllabus or course outline should be consistent with the claims made in the rationale.

A. Scientific Exploration and Discovery (SED-x)

Guidelines for courses:

  1. Courses must focus on scientific content and scientific principles in a disciplinary or interdisciplinary field within the natural sciences.
  2. Courses must engage students in the methods of contemporary natural science by providing a project-based exploration and discovery experience.
  3. Courses must engage students in the written and/or oral communication of scientific findings.

OR

B. Integrated Scientific Topics (IST-x)

Guidelines for courses:

  1. Courses must focus on scientific content and scientific principles from one or more fields within the natural sciences with respect to one or more specific topics.
  2. Courses must incorporate a variety of disciplinary perspectives, within or in addition to the natural sciences, on the topic(s) being investigated.