Course Descriptions

Science

Note: The following courses are intended for students planning to apply for the B.Ed. degree; credit will not be given to B.Sc. students. SCIE 251 to 254 are new courses which replace SCIE 200 to 203. Students who have already received credit for one of SCIE 200 to 203 should consult with an Advisor before deciding which of the following courses to take.

Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.

SCIE 251 (4) Life on Earth

A summary of the characteristics of life in general and a survey of the earth's organisms. Considers the classification of both plants and animals, their internal workings, the ecological relationships, and their interaction with the environment. May not be taken for science credit towards the VIU B.Sc. degree. (3:0:2)

Prerequisite: Either Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology; and one of Principles of Mathematics 12, Applications of Mathematics 12, or Foundations of Mathematics 12, or min. "C" in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, or Foundations of Mathematics 11.

SCIE 252 (4) Dinosaurs, Disasters, and the Dynamic Earth

An exploration of earth science issues showing how geoscience is relevant to us on a day-to-day basis. Topics include tectonic plates, rocks, minerals, fossils, glaciers, caves, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Short field trips in Nanaimo area. May not be taken for science credit for VIU B.Sc. degree. (3:0:2)

Prerequisite: None.

SCIE 253 (4) Everyday Chemistry

Everyday chemistry for non-science students covering pollution, global warming, DNA fingerprinting, drugs, plastics, etc. Make informed choices: paper or plastic bags, pharmaceuticals or natural remedies, etc. Requirements for Provincial K-7 learning integrated into course. May not be taken for science credit towards VIU B.Sc. degree. (3:0:2)

Prerequisite: One of Grade 11 or Grade 12 Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Earth Science; and one of Principles of Mathematics 12, Applications of Mathematics 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12, or min. "C" in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11 or Foundations of Mathematics 11.

SCIE 254 (3) Our Physical World

For non-science students interested in learning more about their physical world, with particular emphasis on material specified in the Provincial K-7 learning outcomes for elementary education in physical science. Topics include forces and motion, energy, heat, electricity, waves, and light. May not be taken for science credit towards a VIU B.Sc. degree. (3:0:0)

SCIE 303 (3) Energy and the Environment

Examination of energy and how its use impacts society and the environment. What is energy, how we produce it, energy resources, etc. Environmental impacts of energy use, implications of using fossil fuels, and the Kyoto process. May not be taken for science credit towards the VIU B.Sc. degree. (2:2:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

SCIE 403 (3) Environmental Science: Perspectives and Inter-relationships

Exploration of environmental issues, discussing relevant scientific principles and their inter-relationships. Societal implications of the issues are approached from the perspective of different science disciplines (including chemical/biological and physical/geological) and may vary from year to year. May not be taken for science credit towards the VIU B.Sc. degree. (2:2:0)

Prerequisite: Third-year standing.