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    Mar 29, 2024  
American University Catalog 2017-2018 
    
American University Catalog 2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Foundational Area 5: The Natural and Mathematical Sciences


Through observation and analysis of the physical and biological world, scientists discern basic principles that explain natural phenomena and unravel many mysteries. Whether chemist, biologist, physicist, or experimental psychologist, scientists rely on theory and experimentation to test and refine understanding of our bodies, our complex environment, and the universe.

All courses in this Foundational Area focus on the nature of scientific reasoning, discovery, and invention through the systematic exploration of basic concepts within their historical context. The 100-level courses unite “hands-on” scientific experimentation, inductive reasoning, and deductive analysis with the study of basic principles such as the structure of matter, biological evolution, human behavior, and thermodynamics. The 200-level courses include both traditional advanced study in each discipline as well as integrative courses such as oceanography, earth sciences, astronomy, and human biochemistry and health. This area conveys a respect for the natural world, extends scientific literacy, and refines the modes of thought that characterize scientific inquiry.

The Natural and Mathematical Sciences: Goals


  • study the makeup and workings of the natural world and the beings inhabiting it
  • examine the historical development and current status of scientific methods, concepts, and principles, allowing contemporary scientific knowledge to be placed in its proper context
  • develop the student’s own problem-solving and laboratory skills, so that the student can better understand how scientific research works

Wildcard Courses


Wildcards are original, timely courses, affording an opportunity to try out new ideas. New courses are often (but not always) offered as wildcards as a prelude to proposal for a permanent place in the General Education program. Subject to the approval of the General Education Curriculum Committee, wildcards can be offered by any teaching unit. Offerings vary each semester.

Sophomore Seminars


Sophomore Seminars are interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary courses that integrate approaches and methods from two or more disciplines. Students are exposed to multiple modes of thinking about subjects, concepts, and problems, and engage in evaluating complementary and competing ways of knowing. Sophomore Seminars can be offered by any teaching unit at the 200-level under the GNED prefix, and are specifically designed to meet the learning goals of two or more Foundational Areas. Offerings vary each semester.

Foundational Area 5 Courses


Note: Students must select at least one Foundational Area 5 course with a lab component, for a total of 7 credits (or more) in this area. Courses with a lab component are marked below with an asterisk (*).