Atlanta Campus Catalog 2011-2012 - Mercer University

EDSC 631. Topics of Environmental Science(3 hours)This is course is designed for science teachers to examine the relationship of humans totheir physical environment. Basic concepts are drawn from such diverse areas as ecology,chemistry, geology, public health, meteorology, physics, ethics, economics, and politicalscience.EDSC 641. Geology for Teachers(3 hours)The essentials of physical and historical geology designed to acquaint the student withhow the scientific method of investigation is used to explain the natural aspects of planetearth, its origin, and its development through time. An integrated lecture-laboratorycourse.EDSC 651. Physical Science for Teachers(3 hours)This course is designed for practicing elementary and middle school teachers who havehad little or no experience in the physical sciences. It focuses on the philosophy, processes,and methodology of physical science through the use of integrated laboratory experimentation,lectures enhanced by hands-on type demonstrations, field work, and computer-aidedinstruction techniques. Cost effective conceptual modeling that can be utilized inthe classroom is developed.EDSC 674. Conceptual Integrated Science I(3 hours)This course provides an introduction to physics, chemistry, biology, earth science andastronomy, the full array of the natural sciences. A conceptual approach will be used. Theconceptual approach relates science to everyday life, is personal and direct, deemphasizesjargon and vocabulary, emphasizes central ideas and concepts rather than details,and puts concepts ahead of computation. While it is important that the students understandand appreciate the important relationships of mathematics and science, the equationsand computation used in this course will be developed naturally out of the conceptsand will be used to clarify concepts rather than as a chance to practice mathematicalproblem solving. At its core, this course will present science to the candidates in a mannerwhich models for them the best practices of the profession.EDSC 675. Conceptual Integrated Science II(3 hours)Prerequisite: (EDSC 674 Conceptual Integrated Science I)This course provides an overview of physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, andastronomy. The course is conceptual in nature, which means the concepts and ideas areemphasized over the details and mathematical rigor. Because this is the second coursein the two course sequence, there will be conceptual building blocks in the first course tosupport ideas presented in the second course. Each course will consist of required modules.The modules will provide a basic framework for both courses to insure that certainbasic ideas will be included each time the course is taught and still allow the instructorfreedom to organize and teach the course as they think best.EDSC 699. Special Topics in Science(3 hours)Prerequisite: Permission of Advisor.A study of specific topics in Science education for teachers in ECE, MGE and SEC. (Canbe repeated for a maximum of 6 hours with permission of advisor.)SOCIAL SCIENCES (EDSS)EDSS 601. Physical and Cultural Geography(3 hours)The principle topics of study concern the physical and cultural environments, including climate,land forms, soil, minerals and other resources, space relationships, and maps.226 / MERCER UNIVERSITY