Scientific Reasoning and Discovery
Students will explore modern scientific topics in depth using a hands-on, inquiry-based learning approach, with the goal of enhancing general scientific and mathematical literacy. Each semester, students will use the basic tools and methodologies of a specific scientific discipline; reflect on both the strengths and limitations of modern science; apply the scientific method; develop hypotheses and conduct experiments; recognize the importance of collecting accurate and precise data; use scientific reasoning and statistics to draw logical conclusions from data; consider sources of scientific error and uncertainty; and accurately communicate scientific information and results. By engaging in a Scientific Reasoning & Discovery seminar each semester, students will connect basic science to its varied applications in society and develop the important habit of critically evaluating scientific claims. A variety of course topics will be offered each semester in disciplines such as biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, etc., reflecting each instructor’s particular area of expertise.
First year students take one Scientific Reasoning & Discovery course each semester (HONR 1033 in Fall, HONR 1034 in Spring).
First year students may also take a pre-approved Scientific Reasoning & Discovery alternatives in the place of HONR 1033 and/or HONR 1034.
Spring 2025 Courses
- Revolutions in Astronomy
- Why Do We Get Sick?
- Light and Color in the Universe
- Pre-approved Alternatives (BISC, CHEM, PHYS)
Revolutions in Astronomy
Professor Bethany Cobb Kung
HONR 1034:MV - 4 Credits
CRN: 28048
TR 9:00AM - 10:50AM
--
HONR 1034:MV1 - 4 Credits
CRN: 28050
TR 11:00AM - 12:50PM
Fulfills:
- GPAC Scientific Reasoning Natural/Physical Science with Lab
- GPAC Oral Communications
Course Description: This course explores the history and frontiers of modern astronomy. In the 400 years since Galileo first turned his telescope toward the heavens, the science of astronomy has gone through numerous radical shifts in our understanding of the universe. We will examine these great paradigm shifts, starting with the Copernican revolution, through Hubble’s discovery of the expanding universe, to topics in astrophysics that remain controversial and perplexing even today such as extrasolar planets, black holes, dark matter and dark energy. Both the concepts behind these astronomy revolutions and the associated physics will be emphasized (there is, however, no mathematics prerequisites and the math level will be confined to algebra). We will consider historical and scientific perspectives on who was behind these radical discoveries, what evidence supports each revolution, and how astronomers and society have responded to each advance. Students in this course will develop an understanding of the types of modern astronomical topics discussed frequently in the popular science press and media and will come to appreciate how the science of astronomy is performed. Students will be expected to take an active role in the classroom, where we will explore topics through a combination of lecture, discussion, student presentations, group projects and mathematical exercises.
Why Do We Get Sick? The Ecology and Evolution of Health and Disease
Professor Thiago Moreira
HONR 1034:MV2- 4 Credits
CRN: 28056
MW 9:00AM - 10:50AM
--
HONR 1034:MV3 - 4 Credits
CRN: 28059
MW 1:00PM - 2:50PM
Fulfills:
- GPAC Scientific Reasoning Natural/Physical Science with Lab
- GPAC Oral Communications
Course Description: “Did you ever wonder why we get sick? Or why do we get old? Have you ever considered why some people drink milk with ease while some others get strong reactions to it? Or why is it so hard to lose weight by dieting? Homo sapiens are one of the hundreds of thousands of life forms on this planet. We are subject to the same basic process that molds and shapes all living (and deceased) species: evolution. Millions of years of interacting with other species, adapting to an ever-changing landscape, and surviving the challenges of life have conferred upon us characteristics (adaptations) that help us thrive. The proof of success? Standing the test of time!
However, unlike other species, we humans transcend the natural challenges the planet gave to us. In a very short period, we transformed our surroundings into a more amenable, comfortable version. Challenges crucial to our ancestors (such as gathering food, finding shelter, or escaping predators) are not a problem for modern humans. Nevertheless, our old biological background is still with us, and it often does not like this new world... and stirs some trouble.
The first we will cover in this course are the very basics of biological evolution. What is evolution? What are the fundamental processes and patterns of life? What are the tenets and major areas of study of modern biology? Once we have a solid basis and are comfortable with the fundamentals, we will explore the topics of health and sickness in our modern lives from a new perspective. By the end of the semester, I hope you will have a broader comprehension of how our biology has evolved for thousands of years and their consequences have a great deal to offer our knowledge of a healthier life.
But more than evolution or health, this course is about science. Thus, I expect you to be already familiar with some concepts, such as scientific methods, errors, experimental design, and how to ask (and answer) meaningful scientific questions. So be prepared to use those skills you worked on in your Fall courses!”
Light and Color in the Universe
Professor Tom Rice
HONR 1034:MV5 - 4 Credits
CRN: 28483
TR 7:30PM - 9:20PM
Fulfills:
- GPAC Scientific Reasoning Natural/Physical Science with Lab
- GPAC Oral Communications
Course Description: What is light? What is color? How do our sensory and aesthetic experiences of these phenomena compare with their role in the scientific enterprise? In this course we will explore light and color in our everyday life, blending an appreciation of their qualities in art and nature with a scientific perspective. We will explore prisms, spectrographs, thermal emission and atomic absorption, bringing our tangible experience of color together with a deeper understanding of how astronomers use color to understand the Universe, including through telescopes like NASA’s recently-launched JWST. Students will be expected to take an active role in the classroom, where we will explore topics through a combination of lecture, discussion, student presentations, group projects and mathematical exercises.
Bio: Dr. Tom Rice is the Education and Mentoring Specialist at the American Astronomical Society (AAS) as well as an Assistant Research Professor of Physics at GW. In this role with the AAS, he works to make astronomy education more effective and inclusive.
Scientific Reasoning and Discovery Pre-Approved Alternatives
Any first year student may select to take one of the pre-approved courses below. If you are an engineering student or a student majoring/minoring in a physical or biological science, we strongly recommend you complete whichever of the following introductory courses is required for your program (especially those introductory courses that are prerequisites for later courses in your program). Note that these courses are all taught on the Foggy Bottom campus.
Biology
BISC 1111: Introductory Biology: Cells and Molecules
BISC 1112: Introductory Biology: The Biology of Organisms
Chemistry
CHEM 1111: General Chemistry I
CHEM 1112: General Chemistry II
Physics
PHYS 1011: General Physics I
PHYS 1012: General Physics II
PHYS 1021: University Physics I
PHYS 1022: University Physics II
PHYS 1025: University Physics I with Biological Applications (recommended for pre-med students with strong calculus skills)
PHYS 1026: University Physics II with Biological Applications (recommended for pre-med students with strong calculus skills)
Engineering students or students majoring in a physical or biological science who have already completed the introductory science sequences for their major (via AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment) should speak with a Program Manager about applying an upper-level BISC/CHEM/PHYS/SEAS lab course to the UHP science requirement (which might necessitate a delay in completing the UHP science requirement).