The Criswell College s2

SCI 201 L00.A Natural Science Spring 2016

Kirk Spencer [email protected] Office: E312 Office Hours: Mon. 1-3 / Tues. 1-4 / Wed. 8-12, 1-3 / Thurs. 1-3 I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: A survey of the structure and history of the universe through the sciences of Astronomy (space science), Geology (earth science), and Biology (life science). Scientific vocabulary and basic math skills will be reviewed and utilized within the course. Also, a forum will be conducted in the area of the interface between science and Scripture. II. COURSE OBJECTIVES (LEARNING OUTCOMES): Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

A. Express and evaluate the major scientific theories and discoveries of modern science, demonstrating a working knowledge of the scientific terminology, which has become a part of the English vocabulary.

B. Recognize and analyze the natural processes that scientists believe have shaped the heavens and the earth.

C. Articulate rudimentary facts pertaining to scientific discussions of cosmic, geologic and biologic history as proposed by current accepted theories such as the Big Bang, the Nebular Hypothesis, Plate Tectonics and Evolution.

D. Evaluate and verbalize the viability of the different ways scientist and theologians have interacted, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions they have proposed in the face of difficulties.

III. TEXTS Spencer, Kirk L., Heaven and Earth; an Orientation in Natural Science. Unpublished, 2004 Spencer, Kirk L., Science and Theology; a compendium. Unpublished, 2004

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES: A. The reading assignments are to be done before the class covering that material. As you read through and study the textbooks, mark-up the text using your own methods, involving highlighting or underlining or boxes around text. Also write notes, ideas and comments in the margins. This will document that you have read all of the material. At the end of the semester I will collect your manuscript to determine how thoroughly you have read the material based upon how it is marked and will assign a letter grade. Your reading grade will determine 10% of your final grade. Be sure to write your name and box number on the outside of the front page of the manuscript. Please do not forget to mark-up and annotate the manuscript thoroughly as you read and study it. This requirement is designed to be a relatively easy assignment to document a close reading of the text. If you do it, it is a simple way to receive a high score. However if you do not do it, I am forced to average in a zero to your final grade.

B. A multiple-choice exam will be given approximately every two weeks over the reading assignment and lectures. Most material from the lectures covered on the exam will be summarized as images and captions in the content blocks on blackboard. The average of these exams will determine 70% of your course grade.

C. An essay final exam will be given covering the reading in “Science & Theology” and will determine 10% of your course grade.

D. The remaining 10% of the course grade will reflect your participation and discussion in class.

V. GRADING SCALE: The significance of letter grades is as follows: A 97-100 4.0 grade points per semester hour A- 93-96 3.7 grade points per semester hour B+ 91-92 3.3 grade points per semester hour B 88-90 3.0 grade points per semester hour B- 86-87 2.7 grade points per semester hour C+ 83-85 2.3 grade points per semester hour C 80-82 2.0 grade points per semester hour C- 78-79 1.7 grade points per semester hour D+ 75-77 1.3 grade points per semester hour D 72-74 1.0 grade point per semester hour D- 70-71 0.7 grade points per semester hour F 0-69 0.0 grade points per semester hour

Reading Assignments 10% Multiple Choice Exams 70% Participation 10% Essay Final Exam 10% Total 100%

ONLINE EXAM PROTOCOL: Manuscript and Lecture Content Tests These will be timed tests with multiple choice and matching questions. The student should take the exam as quickly as possible from memory. After the exam is completed, you may use the time remaining to check and change any answers by searching the manuscript and notes you have taken. While you can use the manuscript and your notes in this search, you cannot use any other sources. Each of these exams can only be taken once.

Here is a list of activities which will be considered cheating:  Talking to someone about the exam to give or get information about the content of the exam.  Using the course manuscripts or lecture notes to find the answer to a question before you have completed the entire exam. (Although these sources can be used to find answers in an “open-book” format after you have completed the entire exam and still have time remaining.)  Using any other source material other than the course manuscripts and your notes to look up answers while taking the exam.  Letting someone else take the exam for you.  Taking the exam for someone else.

VI. ATTENDANCE IN CLASS: Attendance: Absences: Since class participation is vital to learning, absences should be taken only when absolutely necessary. More than three (3) absences for block classes will result in a grade of “F” in the courses. The professor and the Vice President must approve all exceptions to this policy. Proportionate absences apply to all other terms (Winter, summer, etc.). Students are responsible for all absences due to illness or any other reason. Granting of excused absences is permitted at the discretion of the professor.

Tardies: Missing more than fifteen (15) minutes at the beginning or end of a class period is considered one absence. Three instances of tardiness of fifteen minutes or less equals one absence. The tardy student is responsible for notifying the professor of his/her presence in writing at the end of class. Students who wish to depart early should clear it with the professor.

AUDITING AND SIT-IN STUDENTS Any student may enroll in a course as an Auditor or Sit-in if space is available in the classroom. A student’s permanent transcript will reflect which courses have been completed as audits. Sit-in students are not given grades by professors and their transcripts will not reflect enrollment in the course. Taking tests and participation in course activities are afforded to credit students in the syllabus and is at the discretion of the professor.

DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENTS General: Students participating in courses through Distance Education, whether with or without live interaction, must complete the academic requirements for those courses with the integrity and commitment necessary to participate in and benefit from all of the exercises provided by the professor for learning the subject matter of the course. Therefore credit for Distance Education courses is the same as credit for courses taken on campus.

Library: Distance Education Students can access information about Criswell College’s Wallace Library at 214-818-1348 or http://www.criswell.edu/current_students/library/.

The Wallace Library manual is available at http://www.criswell.edu/current_students/library/library_handbook/. Student Life: Students needing educational support or services should contact the Student Life Office (SLO) at 214-818-1332 or [email protected] or the Registrar at 214- 818-1303.

Video and Other Intellectual Property Rights: Unless otherwise specifically instructed in writing by the professor, students must neither materially nor digitally reproduce materials from any course offered by Criswell College for or with the significant possibility of distribution.

VII. CLASSROOM MILIEU:

Academic Honesty: Absolute truth is an essential belief and the basis of behavior for those who believe in a God who cannot lie and forbids falsehood. Academic honesty includes the basic premise that all work students submit must be their own and any ideas received from somewhere else must be carefully documented.

Learning Disabilities: If you have learning or other disabilities, please inform the professor at the beginning of the course. Our intention is to help all students learn. We will try to accommodate your needs if at all possible.

Dress Code: STUDENT DRESS (While on Campus): All students are to follow the Criswell College dress code as noted in the Student Handbook. Students not in compliance to the code may be asked to leave class. The dress code reflects our intent of preparing students for leadership in ministry. Here are the basics of the dress code: Jeans and casual wear are appropriate provided that the clothing is modest and in good condition. Both men and women should avoid extremes in hairstyles and jewelry. No body piercings are allowed except women’s earrings. All students are expected to maintain proper hygiene and grooming. Shorts and tank-tops are not allowed on campus. Other inappropriate wear would include torn clothing, skimpy dresses, bare midriffs and bare shoulders.

V. COURSE OUTLINE:

BOOK 1 Philosophy of Science Weekly Session Assignment Week 1 (January 18-22) Introduction Study Philosophy of Science (pp. 1-21) Scientific Method Study Philosophy of Science (pp. 1-21)

Week 2 (January 25-29) Astronomy: Starlight and Telescopes Read History of Science (pp. 26-57)

Deep Space: Quasars, Galaxies Read Astronomy (pp. 54-74) [Note: The History of Science Chapter (pp.26-57) is required reading and should be marked-up, but this material will not be covered in class or on any of the exams.]

PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE EXAM Week 2

BOOK 2 Astronomy—Space Science Weekly Session Assignment

Week 3 (February 1-5) Nebulae Study Astronomy (pp. 54-74) The Solar System: Outer Planets

Week 4 (February 8-12) The Solar System: Inner Planets Study Astronomy (pp. 54-74)

Comets, Meteors, UFO Video Read S&T (pp. 1-26)

ASTRONOMY EXAM Week 4

BOOK 3 Geology—Earth Science Oceans Weekly Session Assignment

Week 5 (February 15-19) Ocean of Air: The Atmosphere Study Oceans (pp. 75-93) Hurricanes and Tornadoes Study Oceans (pp. 75-93)

Week 6 (February 22-26) Earthquakes & Plate Tectonics Study Oceans (pp. 75-93) Mountains & Wilson Cycle Read S&T (pp. 27-51)

OCEANS EXAM Week 6

BOOK 4 Geology—Earth Science Rivers Weekly Session Assignment

Week 7 (February 29 – March 4) Volcanoes Study Rivers (pp. 94-114)

Streams & Caves Study Rivers (pp. 94-114)

Week 8 (March 7- 11) Glaciers & Shorelines Study Rivers (pp. 94-114)

Deserts & Landslides Study Rivers (pp. 94-114) RIVERS EXAM Week 8

March 14-18 Spring Break No Classes

BOOK 5 Historical Science Time & Origin Myths

Weekly Session Assignment

Week 9 (March 21-25) Unseen Life Read S&T (pp. 49-71) The Simple Cell Study Time (pp. 153-163)

Week 10 (March 28 – April 1) Life: Systems & Senses Study Time (pp. 153-163) Study Origin Myths (pp. 164- 182)

Week 11 (April 4 – 8) Life: Dinosaurs & Monsters Study Origin Myths (pp. 164-182)

Ghost Videos

Week 12 (April 11 - 15) Origin Myths Review Read S&T (pp.72-96)

TIME & ORIGIN MYTH EXAM Week 12

BOOK 6 Science and Theology

Weekly Session Assignment

Week 13 (April 18 – 22) Science and Theology: Scientism Read S&T (pp.97-107) Science and Theology: Creation Science Finish up all multiple-choice exams

Week 14 (April 25 - 29) Science & Theology: Creation Science Prepare For Final

Week 15 (May 2 - 6) Science & Theology: Holey Floor View Prepare For Final

Week 16 (May 9 - 13)

FINAL EXAM:

One Question Essay: “Give the different views which try to harmonize science and Scripture. Describe each view, critique each view and give your own view.”

[Note: Keep in mind that Naturalistic Scientism (evolution) does not try to harmonize science and Scripture and so would not be included.] IX. EXTRA CREDIT PROJECTS (Points are added to a multiple choice test score)

DALLAS Perot Museum of Natural History 10pts Dallas World Aquarium 10pts Dallas Arboretum 10pts

FORT WORTH ARTS DISTRICT Japanese Garden 5pts Museum of History and Science 5pts Ft. Worth Zoo or Caldwell Zoo (Tyler) 10pts

Other extra credit projects will be considered with approval from the instructor. However extra-credit can only account for 10% (60pts total) of the course grade or a curve of one letter grade.