MSE Course Descriptions
All course contents follows the guidelines established in the Michigan Curriculum Framework (formerly MEGOSE). Some courses may be offered in conjunction with the Detroit Zoological Institute, the Cranbrook Institute of Science, or a Michigan teacher preparation institution.
BIO6173 Cells and Organisms
BIO6273 Heredity and Evolution
BIO6353 General Ecology
BOT6163 Botany and Ecology of Plants
CHM6153 Matter, Energy and Thier Changes
CHM6253 Materials and Thier Uses
COM6013 Multimedia Development 1
COM6113 Multimedia Development 2
GLG6143 Geosphere
GLG6243 Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
PHY6123 Motion, Forces and Energy
PHY6223 Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
PHY6323 Astronomy
SCE6103 Introductory Seminar
SCE6113 Contemporary Pedagogies in Education
SCE6203 Computer Applications for Education
SCE6213 Foundations of Science
SCE6223 Distance Learning Through Technology
SCE6303 Project Seminar
SCE6313 Applied Instrumental Technology
SCE6991-6993 Directed Study in Science Education
BIO6173 CELLS AND ORGANISMS
Prerequisite: 0.
The cell as a living system. Specialization of cells into animals and plants follows cell study. Hands-on problem-solving activities. The care of living organisms in an ethical and appropriate manner. Includes talks by veterinarians on the care of animals, and visits to the Detroit Zoological Institute. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
BIO6273 HEREDITY AND EVOLUTION
Prerequisite: 0.
Heredity and evolution. Reproduction, mitosis, meiosis, chromosomes, genes, and dominant and recessive traits. Mendel’s laws of biological heredity. Molecular biology featuring the functions of DNA and RNA in transmitting the genetic code. Genetics as one way to understand the process of evolution. Evolution provides a unifying theme for understanding the history of life on earth.
Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
Prerequisite: 0.
Exploring ecosystems to examine the interdependency and interrelationships between living and non-living components. The food web and how energy flows through an ecosystem. The effect that people have on the environment and study strategies for managing ecosystems. Includes laboratory activities such as soil studies and field trips to study ecosystems. Some classes at the Detroit Zoological Institute, where students learn how to use the zoo as a classroom. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
BOT6163 BOTANY AND ECOLOGY OF PLANTS
Prerequisite: 0.
The diversity and components of the plant kingdom, from mosses and algae to ferns and flowering plants. Students make discoveries about plants through hands-on labs where they examine whole plants and plant anatomy. Comparisons of plant growth made by manipulating different environmental conditions, including soil, nutrient, and light qualities. Many classes are held at the Detroit Zoological Institute and the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
CHM6153 MATTER, ENERGY AND THEIR CHANGES
Prerequisite: 0.
Introduces basic ideas about the structure of matter and its behavior. Why diverse materials have predictable properties, based on atomic theory. The arrangement of electrons in atoms, which determine the chemical properties of the elements. Chemical changes and transformation of chemical energy into other forms of energy. Human’s relationship to fuels and their energy storage capacity. Hands-on activities for major concepts in chemistry used throughout the course. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
CHM6253 MATERIALS AND THEIR USES
Prerequisite: CHM6153 or program director approval.
Chemistry concepts and how they apply to everyday situations. Chemistry of polymers, industry, food, environment, and life. Environmental chemistry topics include acid rain, the greenhouse effect, ground-water pollution, and oil spills. The relationships among chemical concepts and scientific reasoning, research methods and practical applications are illustrated during the students’ participation in solving a hypothetical industrial research problem. Hands-on activities for major concepts in chemistry used throughout the course. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
COM6013 MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT 1
Prerequisite: SCE6203.
Use of multimedia hardware and software to develop posters, transparencies, and Powerpoint presentations that integrate animation and sound. The concepts of multimedia such as design and how to implement the internet. Lect. 1 hour, Lab 2 hours, 3 hours credit
COM6113 MULTIMEDIA DEVELOPMENT 2
Prerequisite: COM6013.
Advanced practice in the systematic design, production, use, and evaluation of presentation media. Under faculty supervision, students employ multimedia hardware, software, and design techniques to create presentation modules. Lect. 1 hour, Lab 2 hours.
3 hours credit
Prerequisite: 0.
Concepts necessary to understand how the earth works as an active planet, and how this knowledge is crucial to our lives: for example, the influence of geology on the very existence of life on earth; the dependence of all human civilizations on rocks and minerals; the limits on the earth’s resources; and the fragile nature of the earth’s environments in which we live. Course is based on long-range collaborative projects. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
GLG6243 ATMOSPHERE, WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Prerequisite: 0.
The atmosphere surrounding the earth, how energy from the sun interacts with the earth and the atmosphere to produce weather patterns, and the effects of the weather on our environment. How to take advantage of current technology to utilize information from weather satellites, the weather channel, and other resources. How to best utilize information easily available from newspapers and local weather forecasts. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
PHY6123 MOTION, FORCES AND ENERGY
Prerequisite: 0.
Motion, forces, and momentum, work, and energy. The meaning of Newton’s Laws. Participation in activities that demonstrate how these fundamental laws of physics apply to many of our everyday activities. Students use, in the classroom, computers and other technological tools. Classes follow a “workshop” format that combines lecture, laboratory, group activities, and the opportunity for individuals to construct physical concepts in their own way. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
PHY6223 ELECTRICITY, MAGNETISM AND WAVES
Prerequisite: 0.
Fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, and wave motion, and the roles of electricity and magnetism in our civilization. Electricity provides most of our lighting and heating. Magnetism is involved in the operation of almost all motors. Most of the energy used on the earth comes from the sun through electromagnetic waves. Since sight is dependent on wave motion, behavior of light is analyzed. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
Prerequisite: 0.
Earth’s view of the sky. Emphasis on how astronomers understand cosmic phenomena through the analysis of light, the application of the known laws of physics, and the use of logic and experiment. Students construct solar system models to enhance their understanding and make sky observations with the naked eye and telescopes. Current theories of the beginning and development of the universe. Part of this course uses the planetarium and telescope at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
Prerequisite: 0.
The teaching philosophy that integrates methods of teaching and learning with content is examined. This philosophy permeates all course work in this program. Model learning experiences are facilitated using the most appropriate strategies to “teach” a content-specific concept. Each experience focuses on an important concept from each of the following areas: life science, physical science, and earth and sky science. The nature of science, the scientific world view, and methods of scientific inquiry. Model experiences include teaching strategies that promote equity by emphasizing knowledge useful to all and by providing information about how people of all races and cultures have contributed to science. Class 2 hours, two days/week. 3 hours credit
SCE6113 CONTEMPORARY PEDAGOGIES IN EDUCATION
Prerequisite: 0.
Introduces the teaching philosophy that integrates methods of teaching, learning, and assessment with technological processes. Sem. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit
SCE6203 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION
Prerequisite: 0.
Addresses the selection and implementation of educational software packages and utilization of internet resources in the classroom. Involves student development of computer generated instructional materials for the classroom and other educational settings. Sem. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit
SCE6213 FOUNDATIONS OF SCIENCE
Prerequisite: 0.
Introduces the nature of science, scientific reasoning, and a paradigm view of specific sciences. Activities and projects in which students reflect on science, the scientific method, and scientific tools. Students research the contribution of diverse cultures to science by exploring science history to discover the relationship of science and technology to social and economic environment. They explore ethical issues that scientists face and the paradigm shifts in the development of science. Project-based use of collaborative teams, which require students to construct their own knowledge, used throughout this course.
Class 2 hrs., two days/week 3 hours credit
SCE6223 DISTANCE LEARNING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Prerequisite: 0.
Students further their knowledge of the Internet and utilize learning resources on the world wide web. How to design interactive home pages to enhance and serve the educational needs of their own students. Lect. 1 hour, Lab 2 hours, 3 hours credit
Prerequisite: Completion of 24 credit hours.
A student-driven course, with faculty members acting as an advisory committee for the selection and evaluation of a master project. The project usually requires the student to plan instruction based on the prior knowledge and conceptualizations of middle school students and on the application of current research on childhood and adolescent learning in science. The project should use this research in the development of classroom experiences that promote the use of science processes and problem-solving skills. When applicable, a variety of instructional strategies, curriculum materials, and equipment, including electronic educational technology, computers, interactive video, and telecommunications, are used. Sem. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit
SCE6313 APPLIED INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Prerequisite: SCE6203.
Students apply various instructional technology strategies in the design and development of units in their field of expertise to be used in the classroom. Lect. 1 hr, Lab 2 hrs. 3 hours credit
SCE6991-6993 DIRECTED STUDY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of the Master of Science Education program or the Department Chairman of Natural Sciences.
Research or special studies under the direction of a staff member in a topic relevant to Science Education. Sem. 3 hrs. 3 hours credit