Algonquin College
GED5300
The Science of Everyday Life
Course Outline
2021-2022
- Pre-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- David Stafford
- Approved by
- Katherine Root, Academic Chair, Business Administration
- Normative hours
- 42.00
- Grading system
- A+ Through F
| Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Programs | Multiple Levels | Multiple Core/Elective |
Course Description
The mysteries of science surround us constantly and play a significant role in everyone's daily life regardless of their level of awareness. Familiarity with the basic concepts of science in disciplines such as biology, physics, and chemistry, helps students better understand the world in which they live, the attitudes and opinions of those with whom they interact, and the reasons why many things happen. By examining everyday occurrences, students are introduced to scientific ways of thought and to problem-solving methods used by scientists. A background in science and math is not required.
General Education Theme Area(s)
This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Science and Technology
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
| EES 1 | Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (T, A) |
|---|---|
| EES 2 | Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (T, A) |
| EES 4 | Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, A) |
| EES 5 | Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems. (T, A) |
| EES 6 | Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (T, A) |
| EES 7 | Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A) |
| EES 10 | Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects. (T, A) |
| EES 11 | Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions and consequences. (T, A) |
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance
Course Learning Requirements / Embedded Knowledge and Skills
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Explore the evolution of the scientific method and demonstrate how it can be used to draw conclusions about contemporary scientific problems or issues.
- Trace current scientific thinking to its historical antecedents.
- Describe and provide examples of the scientific method.
- Identify strategies to apply the scientific method to explain everyday phenomena: i. Record observations of specified occurrences. ii. Form a hypothesis that is consistent with what is observed. iii. Use the hypothesis to make predictions. iv. Modify the hypothesis in light of the results. v. Propose a theory that explains the observations.
2. Locate, interpret, analyze and organize scientific information from a variety of sources.
- a. Identify reliable sources of scientific information. b. List factors that contribute to a source’s reliability. c. Collect information from the Internet and printed sources. d. Work with others to construct three Halls of Fame of Internet sites relevant to the major themes of the course. e. Write short reports that show how scientific knowledge affects everyday phenomena.
3. Define and use selected terms and concepts related to the study of life sciences and physical sciences.
- a. Define and learn the meaning of various scientific terms used in the course contents. b. Make use of these terms when writting reports. c. Develop a strategy for interpreting new scientific words. d. Work with others to construct a course glossary of key scientific terms relevant to the course.
4. Describe matter and energy within the broader context of science, identify selected key figures in science, and at least one significant contemporary issue.
- a. Identify key concepts and terms related to matter and energy. b. Identify current issues in matter and energy. c. Follow the principles of the scientific method to address given situations related to matter and energy. d. Write a short report that shows how scientific knowledge affects an everyday situation and/or contemporary issue.
5. Describe earth science within the broader context of science, identify selected key figures in science and at least one significant contemporary issue.
- a. Identify key concepts and terms related to ecology. b. Identify current issues in the earth sciences and ecology. c. Use principles of the scientific method to address a given situation related to change as a result of human impact on the environment. d. Write a short report that shows how scientific knowledge affects an everyday situation and/or contemporary issue.
6. Describe life science within the broader context of science, identify selected key figures in science and at least one significant contemporary issue..
- a. Identify key concepts and terms related to life science. b. Identify current issues in the life sciences. c. Use principles of the scientific method to address a given situation related to life sciences. d. Write a short report that shows how scientific knowledge affects an everyday situation and/or contemporary issue.
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Quiz(zes)/Test(s) (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 4, CLR 5, CLR 6, EES 4, EES 5, EES 6, EES 11
Discussion Forum (40%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, CLR 5, CLR 6, EES 1, EES 2, EES 7, EES 10, EES 11
Written Assignment(s) (30%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, CLR 5, CLR 6, EES 1, EES 4, EES 5, EES 6, EES 7, EES 10, EES 11
Final Exam (8%)
Validates Outcomes: CLR 2, CLR 4, CLR 5, CLR 6, EES 1, EES 4, EES 7, EES 10, EES 11
Written Assignment(s) (2%)
Validates Outcomes: EES 1, EES 4
Learning Resources
All course notes are given in Bright Space with Internet links for additional information and examples.
There is no text book to purchase. Electronic books used include:
Vision Learning http://www.visionlearning.com/
Physical Geography http://www.physicalgeography.net/
There is no text book to purchase. Electronic books used include:
Vision Learning http://www.visionlearning.com/
Physical Geography http://www.physicalgeography.net/
Learning Activities
- One face-to-face or ZOOM class meeting in week one of the course;
- Managing your own time, learning and assessment through:
- Internet research;
- Online discussion using discussion boards;
- Collection of observations of data;
- On-going communication (via e-mail and discussion board) with the instructor and other participants in the course.
- Individual and Group Assignments, including personal reports and web quests,
- constructing glossaries of scientific terms and building a library of virtual science sites on the Internet.
- Quizzes
- Online Discussion (posting information to Discussion Boards and commenting on the postings of others)
- Approximately every three to four weeks, you will be expected to
- make eight discussion board contributions,
- take up to three quizzes
- write a one page report supported by Internet or printed resources
- You will be expected to contribute to the class discussion boards.
- The term is 15 weeks in duration with Week 8 included as Mid-Term Break.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- Other: Interview with a PLAR Coordinator and presentation of documentation supporting a claim
Other Information
Grade Scheme
| Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value | Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value |
| A+ | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A | 85% - 89% | 3.8 |
| A- | 80% - 84% | 3.6 | B+ | 77% - 79% | 3.3 |
| B | 73% - 76% | 3.0 | B- | 70% - 72% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67% - 69% | 2.3 | C | 63% - 66% | 2.0 |
| C- | 60% - 62% | 1.7 | D+ | 57% - 59% | 1.4 |
| D | 53% - 56% | 1.2 | D- | 50% - 52% | 1.0 |
| F | 0% - 49% | 0 | FSP | 0 | 0 |
Course Related Information
Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.
Program Information
Department Information
School of Business Procedures
The School of Business Procedures file is located under “Course Information” in your course Brightspace site. These procedures are specific to School of Business programs and either cover issues not included in College Policies and Directives or elaborate on them.
Student Academic Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for:
• Knowing the due dates for marked out-of-class assignments.
• Knowing the dates of in-class marked assignments and exercises.
• Maintaining a folder of all work done in the course during the semester for validation claims in cases of disagreement with faculty.
• Keeping both paper and electronic copies of all assignments, marked and unmarked, in case papers are lost or go missing;
• Regularly checking both Brightspace announcements as well as one's Algonquin e-mail account for important messages from both professor and college administration.
• Participating in on-line and classroom exercises and activities as required.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted to students who have successfully passed an equivalent course at a post-secondary institution. If you wish to apply for an exemption contact the coordinator of the course for academic advice. To apply for an exemption, you must contact the Registrar’s Office before the deadline listed on your timetable.
Withdrawing From The Course
The last date for withdrawing from courses without academic penalty is printed on your timetable. The student is responsible for notifying the instructor and completing the appropriate form for withdrawal with the College Registrar.
Software Copyright
In the past few years, the Copyright Act has been updated to cover computer software. If the police lay charges against someone infringing copyright, the maximum penalties for a
summary conviction are "a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or both." The maximum penalties for an indictable conviction are "a fine not exceeding one million dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both." Making a copy of software package for your own use, other than a backup copy of package that you have purchased as allowed in your license agreement, would make you liable for the above penalties.
Harassment/Discrimination/Violence
Harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment (sexual, racial, gender or disability related), discrimination (direct or indirect), or violence, whether towards a professor or amongst students, will not be tolerated on the college premises. Action taken will start with a formal warning and proceed to the full disciplinary actions as outlined in Algonquin College policy. For further information, refer to the Student Instaguide or get a copy of the official policy statements from the Student Association (Directive A8).
Plagiarism Detection Software
"Turnitin" and "Safe Assign" plagiarism detection software is in use in the School of Business. Professors may require students to submit their work for review. Students are accountable to Plagiarism Policy AA20 found at http://www2.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/plagiarism/
Retention of Student Work
Students are advised that original, electronic, or copied samples of their work may be retained for the purpose of program quality review by assessment panels. Unless students have otherwise granted permission, anonymity will be respected for all work retained for the purpose of quality review. Original work samples, may be retained with student agreement and will be returned to students upon request.
Academic Probation or Withdrawal from Academic Program
As per College Policy AA14, which can be found at http://www3.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/aa14-grading-system/
"A student is on academic probation when the term cumulative grade point average falls below
1.7, or when a student carries 2 or more "F" grades. A student on academic probation may
continue in the program, subject to conditions set by the Academic Administrator. In some
cases, there may be program specific progression requirements which supersede the foregoing.
The transcript message reads:
Academic Probation - Please see your Program Coordinator"
"A student on probation may be required to:
a. reduce his/her course load,
b. withdraw from full-time status within the program, or
c. withdraw completely from the program.
A student required to withdraw completely from Level 01 must reapply through the Ontario
College Application Services. A student required to withdraw from an advanced level of the program must have the approval of the Academic Administrator prior to resuming his/her studies."
The School of Business Procedures file is located under “Course Information” in your course Brightspace site. These procedures are specific to School of Business programs and either cover issues not included in College Policies and Directives or elaborate on them.
Student Academic Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for:
• Knowing the due dates for marked out-of-class assignments.
• Knowing the dates of in-class marked assignments and exercises.
• Maintaining a folder of all work done in the course during the semester for validation claims in cases of disagreement with faculty.
• Keeping both paper and electronic copies of all assignments, marked and unmarked, in case papers are lost or go missing;
• Regularly checking both Brightspace announcements as well as one's Algonquin e-mail account for important messages from both professor and college administration.
• Participating in on-line and classroom exercises and activities as required.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted to students who have successfully passed an equivalent course at a post-secondary institution. If you wish to apply for an exemption contact the coordinator of the course for academic advice. To apply for an exemption, you must contact the Registrar’s Office before the deadline listed on your timetable.
Withdrawing From The Course
The last date for withdrawing from courses without academic penalty is printed on your timetable. The student is responsible for notifying the instructor and completing the appropriate form for withdrawal with the College Registrar.
Software Copyright
In the past few years, the Copyright Act has been updated to cover computer software. If the police lay charges against someone infringing copyright, the maximum penalties for a
summary conviction are "a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or both." The maximum penalties for an indictable conviction are "a fine not exceeding one million dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both." Making a copy of software package for your own use, other than a backup copy of package that you have purchased as allowed in your license agreement, would make you liable for the above penalties.
Harassment/Discrimination/Violence
Harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment (sexual, racial, gender or disability related), discrimination (direct or indirect), or violence, whether towards a professor or amongst students, will not be tolerated on the college premises. Action taken will start with a formal warning and proceed to the full disciplinary actions as outlined in Algonquin College policy. For further information, refer to the Student Instaguide or get a copy of the official policy statements from the Student Association (Directive A8).
Plagiarism Detection Software
"Turnitin" and "Safe Assign" plagiarism detection software is in use in the School of Business. Professors may require students to submit their work for review. Students are accountable to Plagiarism Policy AA20 found at http://www2.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/plagiarism/
Retention of Student Work
Students are advised that original, electronic, or copied samples of their work may be retained for the purpose of program quality review by assessment panels. Unless students have otherwise granted permission, anonymity will be respected for all work retained for the purpose of quality review. Original work samples, may be retained with student agreement and will be returned to students upon request.
Academic Probation or Withdrawal from Academic Program
As per College Policy AA14, which can be found at http://www3.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/aa14-grading-system/
"A student is on academic probation when the term cumulative grade point average falls below
1.7, or when a student carries 2 or more "F" grades. A student on academic probation may
continue in the program, subject to conditions set by the Academic Administrator. In some
cases, there may be program specific progression requirements which supersede the foregoing.
The transcript message reads:
Academic Probation - Please see your Program Coordinator"
"A student on probation may be required to:
a. reduce his/her course load,
b. withdraw from full-time status within the program, or
c. withdraw completely from the program.
A student required to withdraw completely from Level 01 must reapply through the Ontario
College Application Services. A student required to withdraw from an advanced level of the program must have the approval of the Academic Administrator prior to resuming his/her studies."
College Related Information
Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer. Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity . In some courses, online proctoring may be used to discourage cheating. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/. Students with any questions about the course expectations for academic dishonesty and plagiarism are encouraged to speak to their professor.
Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity . In some courses, online proctoring may be used to discourage cheating. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/. Students with any questions about the course expectations for academic dishonesty and plagiarism are encouraged to speak to their professor.
Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.