G30 Fall AY2021

First Year Seminar A
Undergraduate / Graduate

Undergraduate

Registration Code0063213

Course Category

Basic GE, 1Y Seminar

Credits

2.0

Term (Semester) / Day / Period

G-I (1st year, Fall Semester) / Wed / 2 (10:30～12:00)

Instructor

HUMBLET Marc AndreContact e-mail of the Instructor●Theme of First Year Seminar

humblet.marc@f.mbox.nagoya-u.ac.jp

The main them of this seminar is “water and the environment”.
●Goals of the Course
The seminar is divided into two parts. The first part provides tips on how to search for information and how togive an oral presentation. This is followed by a discussion on centered on the definition of science and thedifference between science and pseudoscience. A few lectures on coral reef ecosystems will serve as examples
of how science can be communicated. The students will learn about the different kinds of reefs, the biology ofcorals and coral reefs, the factors controlling reef growth, the present-day threats on coral reefs, and thegeological evolution of reefs. Students will also be able to examine hand-sized samples of coral reef limestones
and observe thin sections under a microscope. During the second part of the seminar, the students will give twopresentations each about any scientific subjects of their choice related to the marine or freshwater world. Thefields covered can be as varied as underwater exploration technologies, marine biology, water in the solarsystem, hydroelectric energy… Each presentation is followed by a Q&A session. Class participation is stronglyencouraged.
●Objectives of the Course
The basic objectives of this seminar are (1) to teach students how to search for scientific information, (2) toencourage critical thinking, (3) to improve presentation skills, (4) to nurture scientific curiosity, and (5) topromote exchange of ideas about various scientific topics.
●Course Content or Plan
1. Introduction: tips on information search and oral presentation
2. What is science?
3. Science vs. pseudoscience
4. Coral reefs: diversity, past evolution and future trends
5. Lab session
6. Oral presentations by students●Course Prerequisites and Related Courses
There is no prerequisite for this course.
Related courses: mostly (but not restricted to) biology- and geology-oriented courses●Course Evaluation Method and Criteria
The grading is based on class participation (30%) and oral presentations (70%).
Students who enrolled in 2020 will be graded using the six-step A+, A, B, C, C-, and F grade evaluation system(A+: 100-95%, A: 94-80%, B: 79-70%, C: 69-65%, C-: 64-60%, F: 59 % or less).
Students who enrolled in 2019 or before will be graded following the five-step S-A-B-C-F grade evaluation
system (S: 90-100%, A: 80-89%, B: 70-79%, C:60-69%, F: 59-0%).

G30 Fall AY2021

A student will be given an “Absent” grade if he or she submits a Course Withdrawal Request by the 15th ofNovember. This deadline does not apply to students who drop the class part-way through for an exceptional
reason (e.g., illness, accident). Also, NUPACE students should check the deadline set by the NUPACE programfor course withdrawal.
●Study Load (Self-directed Learning Outside Course Hours)
Outside course hours, students will need to prepare their oral presentations.
●How to Respond to Questions
Live lectures will be organized (in class or online or both), and students are strongly encouraged to ask
questions during the lectures. Students can also contact me by e-mail or meet me in person in my office. NUCT
will be used as another way of communication, to share files and send messages.
●Notice for Students●Message from the Instructor●Courses taught by Instructors with practical experience

Textbook

NoneReference BookNone

Reference website Nonefor this Course