Description: Reproduction is one of the fundamental properties of living systems. This course will cover a broad range of biological topics using reproduction (both sexual and asexual) as a unifying theme.
Reflection: Learning about other species and how they reproduce may not be the best lesson I could teach, however, learning about just how many different methods of reproduction and what differs between species versus within species is always interesting!
Description: Many aspects of human health are affected by the environment, and many diseases can be initiated, promoted, sustained or stimulated by environmental factors. For that reason the interactions of people with their environment are an important component of public health. This course introduces students to the complexity of environmental health issues facing society today.
Reflection: Environmental health is crucial, particularly in light of the quantity of pollution that industrialization is causing in today's world. It has been interesting to learn about the various environmental elements that might affect us on a daily basis and how we can enhance our own ways of life to try and reduce our carbon footprint.
Description: Every human being, every institution and every organization can make a difference in the quest for a sustainable and healthy future for humankind. This course will examine current practices that result in unhealthy societies and nonsustainable environmental impacts and the changes that must be made in order to establish a sustainable and healthy future planet. Our future depends on managing our planet in ways that create sustainable relationships with our ecosystems.
Reflection: To make the world a better place to live, humans need to change many aspects of their way of living. This course gives insight into different aspects that can be changed and although it will take time and money, the results pay off much more.
Description: This course builds on basic concepts learned previously. Topics include basic quantum mechanics, the periodic table and the chemistry of selected elements, atomic and molecular structure, various theories of chemical bonding, intermolecular forces and phase diagrams, and the major classes of organic and biological compounds. Laboratory exercises will reinforce lecture topics and develop laboratory skills and other competencies.
Reflection: Although this was a more basic course, it is crucial knowledge to have when trying to understand many aspects of chemistry and allows for a stronger foundation in chemical processes.
Description: Topics covered in The Introduction to Geology include basic concepts regarding the major features of the earth; its rock and mineral composition; processes controlling erosion, deposition and surface structures; formation of the landscape; the history of the earth; plate tectonics and geological hazards and how it all relates to you.
Reflection: Being able to understand the Earth through the various rocks and minerals as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, this course was quite informative.
Description: NTSC-1112 highlights a current, comprehensive, and holistic overview of environmental issues for non-science majors. The course introduces students to think critically and analyse how the environmental issues impacts the society as a whole and what role an individual can play in responding to environmental challenges. Understanding of global, national and regional environmental issues explored in this course will serve as a valuable and solid foundation for students who will be making decisions that shape the future of this planet. The topics covered will include but not limited to UN sustainable development goals, pollution, ocean acidification, soil degradation, natural resource depletion, waste production and disposal. Each class is divided between lectures and discussions and includes break-out group activities. The course content will also involve working on case studies and a major group project.
Reflection: When it comes to problems with our planet, this course helped put things into perspective. It brought insight into the harm done by many everyday aspects, such as garbage and carbon dioxide emissions.