For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.
The Science Program at Seward County Community College provides opportunities to improve and enhance each student’s understanding and comprehension of the natural world through a variety of courses and experience to develop a scientifically literate citizen.
Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.
Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.
Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.
- A working knowledge of the structure and function of ecosystems and the various kinds of ecosystems on Earth.
- A working knowledge of population dynamics (including exponential growth) and the reasons why the increase of the human population rests at the heart of many environmental concerns.
- A working knowledge of the need to preserve biodiversity.
- A working knowledge of the problems associated with the quantity and quality of water, food, fiber, and other natural resources.
- A working knowledge of how human behavior (including political and social forces) influence environmental health the quality of life.
- A working knowledge of various forms of pollution and how excessive pollution is either prevented or treated to minimize its effects on the quality of life.
- A working knowledge of energy conversion processes and the advantages and disadvantages of the major types of energy (fossil fuels, solar, nuclear, etc.).
- To explore the use of scientific instrumentation and measurements including use of a metric system, parts of a microscope, and graphic analysis.
Introduction to the Light Microscope
The Scientific Method: Observation, Hypotheses, Results, and Discussion
Quantification of Environmental Problems
Ecosystem Diagram
Biogeochemical Concept
Science and the Popular Media
Ecological Footprints and Sustainability
Human Survivorship Changes
Radioactive Decay
Recognizing Human Impacts
Oil Consumption and Future Availability
Testing Soil for Its pH
Simulation of an Oil Spill
Is Dilution the Solution to Pollution
Pesticides and Food
Global Warming, CO2, and You
Local Environmental Risk
Global Climate Change and Automobiles
Society and Waste
Pollution Prevention: Solid Waste
Introduction to Environmental Modeling
The Greening of Business
Life Cycle Assessment
- The method of instruction will include but is not limited to: directed and independent readings, and threaded discussions.
discussion
- Lecture
- Laboratory experiments and recitation sessions
- Report writing and laboratory exercises
- Problem solving assignments
A. SCCC Outcome 1 will be assessed and measured by class participation in threaded discussions and lab reports.
B. SCCC Outcome 2 will be assessed and measured by posts to threaded discussions and lab reports.
C. SCCC Outcome 5 will be assessed and measured by the student score on lab reports
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.