LS Science Curriculum
The Liberal Studies Program science curriculum is designed to help meet the goal of giving our students the best possible foundation in the liberal arts and science. LS offers three science courses.* History of the Universe examines the development of the universe and of life on Earth together with an examination of the growth of our scientific understanding of that development. Life Sciences introduces students to evolution, genetics, molecular biology and biotechnology. Environmental Studies examines the science of our environment and its role in the making of environmental policy.
Most LS students take two science courses. In addition to presenting scientific subject matter, each course works to develop student understanding of the methods of science and an understanding of the role of science in each student’s life. In keeping with the integrated, interdisciplinary nature of the General Studies Program, historical science is related to the context in which it developed, and contemporary science is related to the issues of the day. Readings from appropriate original scientific literature are included. While the courses include large class settings, each attempts to honor the LS small class tradition through laboratory/discussion sections. The laboratory components include some hands on experimentation, but also include computer based simulations and scientific inquiry using on-line databases. This allows us to introduce the students to a range of scientific concepts including some, using world wide databases, that would not be practical in a traditional laboratory setting. The LS science program brings our students to a level of scientific literacy that will enable them to understand and evaluate the science they will meet throughout their lives. For a description of LS science courses, click here.
* Students pursuing a pre-health track should take physics, chemistry and biology courses at the College of Arts and Sciences. Please see the Guidelines for LS Pre-Health Students.
Mathematics
LS students must fulfill a math or science requirement for the A.A. degree. However, While LS requires only one math or one science for the A.A. degree, students must also satisfy the specific math requirement for their bachelor’s degree program. Students undecided about their major may postpone taking math until after transfer. (There are different math requirements depending on a students major.) LS does not offer math courses; students take the math courses offered at the College of Arts and Sciences Mathematics department (the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences).
