The Structure of Scientific Thought

Science 240

Fall 2002


Course requirements and grades

1. 2 short (about 1000 words) paper assignments, each worth 20%.  Late penalties will be applied. In case of illness or personal crises, see the instructors to make other arrangements.
2. Midterm exam: 20% of the course grade.
  October 9
3. Final exam: 25% of the course grade.
  December 19
4. 3 short homework assignments and class participation.  15%.

We expect you to attend lectures regularly, raise questions, and participate in class discussions. Students who miss a lot of classes do poorly. You MUST COMPLETE tests and papers to receive course credit.

Study Guides: We will provide you with study questions for each of the course topics. These questions will provide a basis for the homework and tests. Try to answer the study questions after you have done the reading and/or attended class, and ask about the questions that pose problems for you.

Tests:  Tests will consist of a mixture of  short answer questions, and one or two discussion questions. There are no make-up tests, except in cases of verified illnesses or family emergencies.

Homework assignments

  1. Homework #1 -- due Friday, September 13

  2. Homework #2 -- due Friday, September 27

  3. Homework #3 -- due Friday, November 8

  4. Homework #4 -- due Wednesday, December (optional)

Paper assignments

  1. Paper #1 -- due Monday, October 21

  2. Paper #2 -- due Tuesday, November 26


Overview
Texts
Course goals
Grading
Lecture schedule
Academic integrity