As example, the physical and life sciences faculty at CU-Denver took steps several years ago to clarify the general university objectives for a core science course. They decided that the thematic outcomes would be an understanding of the physical world and how we gain knowledge about it i.e. what science is and how it works. Provide two examples of science and two of technology and use them to explain a central concept by which one can distinguish between science and technology. It is particularly important to not only know ideas, but also how these ideas originated. Provide two specific examples that illustrate why it is important to the everyday life of an educated person to be able to understand science.
Many factors determine public policy.
Use an example to explain how would you analyze one of these determining factors to ascertain if it was truly scientific. Provide two examples that illustrate how quantitative reasoning is used in science. Provide two examples of testable hypotheses. The above questions are disclosed in writing to the students during the first week, and are reconsidered again at the close of the course. While specific disciplinary content covered is indeed that given in the course descriptions of the university catalog, instructors in core science courses now have a clear, unifying pattern through which to develop and deliver diverse science content.