NATS Courses List

SC/NATS 1500 3.0 Statistics and Reasoning in Modern Society

Statistical reasoning is crucial for a critical understanding of the flood of information we face daily in modern society. This course examines the principles of statistical reasoning with an emphasis on applications to everyday decisions and turning information into understanding. NCR: Credit will not be awarded to students who have passed or are taking AP/ADMS 2320 3.00, HH/PSYC 2020 6.00, HH/PSYC 2021 3.00, HH/PSYC 2022 3.00, SC/BIOL 2060 3.00, AP/ECON 2500 3.00, AP/ECON 3470 3.00, AP/ECON 3480 3.00, AP/ECON 3500 3.00, AP/GEOG 2420 3.00, SC/GEOG
2420 3.00, HH/KINE 2050 3.00, HH/KINE 3150 3.00, SC/MATH 1131 3.00, GL/MATH 1610 3.00, SC/MATH 1532 3.00, SC/MATH 2500 3.00, SC/MATH 2560 3.00, SC/MATH 2565 3.00, SC/MATH 2570 3.00, AP/POLS 3300 6.00, AP/SOCI 3030 6.00, GL/PSYC 2530 3.00, AP/ADMS 2310 3.00, SB/MGMT 1050 3.00.

SC/NATS 1505 3.0 Understanding Cyberspace

Examines the development, impact and use of current information and communications technologies (ICTs) that we use in our everyday lives. We will explore how social values have shaped these systems, and how these technologies have helped transform the way we communicate, work, play, think and process information. Topics that will be examined include wireless communications, cyber sociability, ICTs and cognitive and behavioral change, digital information multitasking, online privacy and internet management and control.
Course credit exclusion: SC/NATS 1700 6.00.

Note: This fully online course will appeal to students who are independent learners and who have good time management and organizational skills. You are a student who likes flexibility and the optional opportunity to meet and have discussions with other students and your professor at your convenience. You prefer to be marked on a few assignments as opposed to many, and like a course that is structured and provides all details about requirements in advance. Finally, you are comfortable with receiving general feedback about grading as long as you have the ability to meet with TAs and your professor if you have any major concerns.

SC/NATS 1506 3.0 Understanding Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. It is increasingly responsible for ‘putting the smarts’ into our everyday lives - literally, into the palm of our hand with mobile devices. It is delivering outcomes of tremendous value to people - for example, by enabling scientists to rapidly transform data into information and then information into knowledge. Furthermore, as we as a species collectively address the challenges inherent in climate and global change, AI is being applied to improve prospects for regional to planetary-scale ecosystems.

However, AI has its challenges. To provide an informed and balanced perspective on the value of AI as a problem-solving tool, this course introduces students to the essence of AI that allows deep neural networks to implement algorithms that are applied to data. By drawing upon a broad array of applications of AI to the life and physical sciences and making hands-on use of AI tools, past and present applications of AI can be understood at a new level of literacy. With this newfound literacy, AI-mediated prospects for future use can be critically assessed.

Students do not require a background in science or math beyond the Grade 12 level to be successful in this course.

Pre/Co-requisites: None.
CCEs: None
NCR: Not open to any student who has successfully taken or is taking AP/ITEC4310 3.00, LE/EECS 3401 3.00 or LE/EECS 4401 3.00.

SC/NATS 1510 3.0 The History of the Environment

How the Earth's environment came to be what it is now. From the formation of the Earth through all stages of human civilization, this course traces the factors that have given the planet the environment that we live in today.

SC/NATS 1512 3.0 Environmental Pollution

Human activities, such as washing clothes, driving vehicles, cooking food and using electricity, can be important contributors to pollution on and around the planet Earth. During this course students examine important areas of pollution with a focus on Air Pollution, Water Pollution and Soil/Land Pollution. Students are introduced to many sources of pollution, transport and fate of common pollutants as well as modern-day pollution phenomena, such as urban smog. New government policies and remediation techniques that can be used to minimize the damaging effects of pollution will be discussed. NCR: No credit will be retained for any student who has passed or is taking SC/CHEM 3060 3.00 or SC/CHEM 3061 3.00.

SC/NATS 1515 3.0 Atmospheric Pollution

Everyday human activities, such as driving vehicles, cooking food and using electricity, can all be important sources of pollution to Earth’s atmosphere. During this course, students explore the major contributors to atmospheric pollution globally, explain their source and transport through the Earth’s systems, and examine their impact on human and environmental health. Modern day local pollution phenomena, such as smog and acid rain, as well as global-scale concerns, such as the Antarctic Ozone Hole and climate change, are explored in detail. New government policies and green technologies that are used to minimize the damaging effects of atmospheric pollution are discussed. Course Credit Exclusions: SC/NATS 1840 6.00, SC/NATS 1750 6.00. No credit will be retained for any student who has passed or is taking SC/CHEM 3060 3.00 or SC/CHEM 3061 3.00.

SC/NATS 1516 3.0 Water Pollution

Although water is a necessity for human life, there are many populations in the world who do not have access to a clean water source. Human activities, such as washing clothing, applying fertilizer to agricultural crops, and operating power plants can all be important sources of pollution to Earth's aquatic systems. During this course, students explore the major contributors to water pollution globally (e.g. pesticide pollution, thermal pollution), explain their source and transport through the Earth’s systems and examine their impact on aquatic ecosystems. Students also investigate the control of water pollution as well as the treatment of waste water prior to human consumption. New government policies and technologies that can be used to minimize the damaging effects of water pollution will be discussed. NCR: No credit will be retained for any student who has passed or is taking SC/CHEM 3061 3.00.

SC/NATS 1520 3.0 The Science and Technology of Music

The course examines the science of music (human voice, ear, brain; sound waves; musical instruments) and its technological aspects from the Neolithic to today, touching upon the construction of instruments and their sound, electronic amplification and manipulation, music production, broadcasting and recording.
Course credit exclusion: SC/NATS 1720 6.00

SC/NATS 1524 3.0 Astronomy Across Cultures

This course explores the study, use and meaning of astronomy in different human cultures with a special focus on non-western cultures. Students learn how different human cultures have understood and interpreted the observed celestial phenomena throughout history and how this perception played a role in their understanding of human origins and its relationship to nature. Students approach astronomical concepts through the lens of archaeoastronomy (defined as the exploration of astronomical practices in ancient cultures) and ethnoastronomy (defined as the study of astronomical practices by different
cultures around the world).

Topics includes celestial myths and their role in understanding/describing natural events, origins of astrology, cultural interpretations of the motions of the stars, planets, the Moon, and the Sun, methods of navigation and timekeeping, different calendars, and puzzles that have inspired important shifts in our understanding of the Universe. The course examines varying cultural conceptions of astronomy and how those conceptions function in different human societies on social, political, economic, and religious levels.

SC/NATS 1525 3.0 Extraterrestrial Life: A Modern Discussion to Include Historical, Religious and Cultural Aspects

Explores the history of humankind's search for life beyond Earth. With an introduction to the beliefs of ancient Greeks, we will embark on a journey to explore the ideas of many famous scientists such as Galileo, Kepler, Newton and Darwin on the existence of extraterrestrials. We will then examine some of the interesting topics that have resurfaced in the field of science and religion following the recent discoveries in the fields of exoplanetary science and astrobiology. We will explore the spectrum of modern positions of different religions with regard to a potential discovery of extraterrestrial life. Finally, we will discuss some of the cultural, political and sociological aspects of a discovery of extraterrestrial life.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1880 6.00, SC/NATS 1745 6.00.

SC/NATS 1530 3.0 Science of Space Flight and Exploration

This course will look from a historical timeline at the science and technology of space flight and the discoveries and expansion of our knowledge through space exploration. NCR note: This course is not open to any student enrolled in Lassonde’s Earth and Space Science and Engineering program (ESSE).

SC/NATS 1532 3.0 Human Spaceflight

Human beings have long desired to travel amongst the stars, with the 20th century yielding the first human in space, humans walking on the moon, the operation of a space shuttle and the construction of a massive international space station. Since the year 2000, there has been a nearly continuous presence of humanity in space. These accomplishments are incredible considering that space is an extremely inhospitable environment due to low temperatures and pressure, microgravity, harmful radiation, meteoroids, and debris. This course begins with a discussion of historical and contemporary motivations for establishing a human presence in space. This is followed by an examination of the past, present, and potential future of human space travel. Students learn how both the space environment and the surface environments of other worlds in our solar system affect the human body. The course also explores the various technologies and methods used to mitigate these effects as much as possible. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of the challenges faced by human space travel, be able to evaluate the plausibility of establishing off-world settlements, be familiar with how space law influences human space travel, and discuss theories for traveling beyond our solar system.

SC/NATS 1535 3.0 Global Cultures of Science and Technology

Scientific practices, knowledge, and technology have emerged from many world cultures throughout human history. These diverse cultures continue to impact how the natural world is understood and investigated today.
This course presents science as a global human effort to explain and interact with nature, and may include contributions to science and technology from India, China, Egypt, Greece, the Arab Empire, and the First Nations of the Americas.
Prerequisites / Co-requisites: None

SC/NATS 1540 3.0 Theories of Dinosaur Extinction

About 65 million years ago, dinosaurs, one of the most prominent species on Earth, vanished suddenly. This course acquaints students with the more prominent of the theories used to explain this disappearance, including the evidence and objections relating to each.

SC/NATS 1545 3.0 Rocks and Resources

This course introduces students to the physical processes involved in the creation and evolution of the rocks and minerals that we find on Earth. The course also examines the practical uses of these resources, the methods by which we discover and extract them, and the environmental and sociological impacts of their extraction. The course covers a wide and diverse range of resources, from flint to precious metals to building materials like stone and gypsum.

SC/NATS 1550 3.0 Science of Animal Migration

Migration is a remarkable solution employed by organisms to cope with seasonal requirements. This course considers: How do organisms know where and when to go? What tools does science use for its study? How are humans affecting migration systems? One term.
Three credits. NCR note: This course is not open to any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1560 3.0 Understanding Food

A study of what food is, where it comes from and the roles various foods play in human nutrition and health. Topics include scientific and technological aspects of modern food production such as genetics, farming, fishing, and beverage industries. NCR: if SC/NATS 1910 6.00 has been completed.

SC/NATS 1565 3.0 Plant Life, Human Life

The plant world is essential for human life, and shapes human culture. Plants are food, fuel and raw materials. They transform and sustain the soil, air and water of our ecosystems. They produce molecules that are the active ingredients in herbal medicine, modern pharmacology and psychoactive drugs. Humans alter plants using breeding and biotechnology, and use them to enhance their environments and their cultural activities.
Using introductory concepts from the life sciences, this course explores these vital relationships between humans and plants. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00, SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1570 3.0 Exploring the Solar System

This course considers the science of the Solar System, including the structure of the planets and other objects within it, as well as its dynamic processes. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1740 6.00, SC/NATS 1880 6.00.
NCR: to any student who has successfully taken or is taking SC/PHYS 1070 3.00 or SC/PHYS 1470 3.00. Not open to any students enrolled in the Astronomy Stream.

SC/NATS 1572 3.0 Introduction to Astrobiology

Human beings have long desired to travel amongst the stars and answer the enduring question of whether or not we are alone in the Universe. While the space environment and other planets may not possess the ideal conditions for life as we know it on Earth, life has proven itself to be resilient in a variety of extreme environments. This course begins by introducing students to the biology of life on Earth. Students then learn how different lifeforms are affected by the space environment and what steps can be taken to mitigate these effects in order for life to survive in space. We then look beyond Earth and evaluate the habitability of other moons and planets, both in our solar system and beyond. Finally, we discuss the search for alien life and potential theories of how alien life might form and develop on other worlds. No previous background in Astronomy, nor any science, is required.

Students will find it helpful to have taken NATS1570 3.0 Exploring the Solar System either before or concurrently with NATS1572, though NATS1570 is not required in order to be successful in this course.

SC/NATS 1575 3.0 Forensic Science - An Introduction

Forensic Science is the application of Science to law. This course introduces the principles of science, techniques and role of the expert witness in crime.
Topics in analysis of Drugs, fire residues, blood spatter, DNA, Anthropology, Psychology, and societal relevance will be considered. NCR: any students who have taken or who are taking SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 or SC/CHEM 1001 3.00 or the equivalents.

SC/NATS 1578 3.0 Drugs and Society: Medicines, Narcotics and Poisons

There is a fine line between medicines, recreational drugs and poisons. This is historically true of cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines, and now also syntenic opioids like Fentanyl. Those dividing lines are drawn on both a biochemical and societal basis, and it is biomedical and social processes that lead to their development. This multidisciplinary course analyzes the nature and intersection of pharmaceuticals, science and society. The course begins with a brief historical overview of the chemical and institutional history of pharmaceuticals, and the birth of the pharmaceutical industry. We then track the multiphase process of pharmaceutical drug development through numerous scientific, political, regulatory, medical, as well as business and innovation practices. In each phase of drug research, development and deployment, we identify and analyze key scientific and societal issues. The course discusses how medicines like vaccines, antibiotics, stem cell and immunotherapies have collectively saved millions of lives while building some of the largest industrial sectors in the world. The course also examines the connections between public taxpayer investment in pre-clinical scientific work and privatization into for-profit commercial ventures. We track how the scientific method influences clinical trials as well as the various degrees of protection and controls for research participants. The course shows the chemical and biological basis upon which drugs are regulated and licensed in Canada, and how they end up on provincial drug plans (or not). We explore the power of the pharmaceutical industry in the marketing of drugs and the manipulation of biological information, and how they shape the prescribing practices of doctors. The course concludes by exploring statistical elements of defining rare diseases and the access and availability challenges for drugs for rare diseases.

SC/NATS 1580 3.0 Sun, Space Weather and Life on Earth

Space Weather refers to variations of near-Earth space conditions originating in Solar activity which could potentially cause damage to astronauts, critical technology and infrastructure. Modern society should be prepared for extreme Space Weather events.

SC/NATS 1585 3.0 Astronomy: Exploring the Universe

Explores the universe beyond our solar system. We begin by studying how gravity triggers fusion reactions in starts that create heat, light, and every element in our bodies except hydrogen: overall, stars shine by converting mass into energy (Einstein's E=mc^2). We discuss how we can use the corpses of stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes) to probe how space and time are related via Einstein's theories of relativity. We examine how stars are bound together into galaxies by gravity and how to use various wavelengths of light to determine why there are different types of galaxies: elegant spirals, massive ellipticals, and faint dwarf galaxies. We learn how the Doppler effect reveals that dark matter must produce some of the gravity that binds stars into galaxies, galaxies into clusters of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies into superclusters. We explore how we can use distant galaxies to study the development of the universe over its entire history, including the increasing importance of dark energy. We confront both the earliest instants and the far future of our universe's history: what we know, what we still hope to learn, and what we think we can ever learn. Finally, we join some modern scientists in the speculation about whether or not other universes might exist beyond the one we can perceive. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1740 6.00. NCR: to any student who has successfully taken or is taking SC/PHYS 1070 3.00 or SC/PHYS 1470 3.00. Not open to any student enrolled in the Astronomy stream. Minimal simple arithmetical calculation at about the Grade 10 level.

SC/NATS 1590 3.0 The Mathematics of Politics

Civil society is beset with questions of how to make collective decisions, divide resources, and respond to competition and conflict. How should we count the votes we cast to elect our representatives? How does the choice of selection process influence who leads our political parties? How can we apportion seats in parliament relative to provincial population? What is the best choice of opening bid in an auction? Why is it so hard to get governments of different nations to cooperate on climate change? Mathematics offers one important viewpoint on these questions.
This course explores the mathematics of voting systems, social choice, and the theory of conflict (game theory).
NCR Note: Not open to students who have passed or are takingAP/ECON 4130 3.00, GL/ECON 4340 3.00.

SC/NATS 1595 3.0 The Mathematics of Biology

Have you ever wondered why many flowers have 5 or 8 petals, why honeycombs form perfect hexagons, or why pineapples look like pinecones?
Mathematics is an incredible tool that helps us better understand the complexities of the natural world, from the petal patterning of a flower to the
spread of infectious disease. In this course students observe the mathematics of nature, exploring how simple mathematical rules and calculations give rise to
complex biological phenomena such as the spiraling of a nautilus (sea) shell, the fractal patterning of a fern, the exact symmetry of honeycombs or the shape
of pinecones. In this course students also use mathematical modelling software to simulate infectious disease outbreaks, allowing them to make predictions
about the future, such as how many people will become infected during an epidemic. Not open to any students enrolled in a Mathematics program.

SC/NATS 1610 6.0 The Living Body

Some aspects of human biology, including structure and function, reproduction, physiology, genetics and a study of some human diseases. Laboratories are self-paced involving demonstrations, experiments and observations. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1650 6.00, SC/NATS 1660 6.00, SC/NATS 1675 6.00, SC/NATS 1690 6.00. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1636 3.0 Insects: Identification, Importance and Impacts

Insects are incredibly fascinating and important creatures. They are the most successful group of animals on the planet with a wide array of interesting adaptations that permit them to thrive in different environments all over the world. Insects significantly impact the lives of humans, and other organisms, in both beneficial and negative ways. Bees provide us with honey and pollinate
many of the plant crops we eat, silkworms spin silk which we use to make clothes, and there are a variety of insects that destroy plant crops and forests, and spread disease. In this course students delve into topics related to the study of insects, including examining their relationship with humans and other organisms, and exploring general features and specialized characteristics that have contributed to their success across this planet.

Students who are taking or have completed BIOL 3030 or BIOL 4230 may not take this course. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: None

SC/NATS 1650 6.0 Introduction to Human Anatomy

An introductory course on the structure and function of the human body specifically oriented towards the needs of students in Fine Arts. Body systems are studied from anatomical, physiological and biomechanical perspectives. Included as well are on-going references to nutrition, athletic injuries, and health and wellness. Course credit exclusions: HH/KINE 2031 3.00, SC/NATS 1610 6.00, HH/GH 1001 3.00, HH/GH 1002 3.00, HH/KINE 1101 3.00, HH/KINE 1102 3.00. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1660 6.0 The Biology of Sex

"This course investigates the role of sexual reproduction in the living world. The cellular, physiological and genetic bases of sex are discussed. Other topics include
sexual behavior and the influence of sexual reproduction on evolution. A number of laboratory exercises are often included in this course. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1610 6.00, SC/NATS 1675 6.00, SC/NATS 1690 6.00. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00. "

SC/NATS 1665 3.0 Plants in the City

Plants surround us every day, providing a green backdrop to our daily lives, but they are providing more than a pretty landscape. This course highlights important ecosystems throughout the Greater Toronto Area, and identifies the major plant groups that define them. This course provides a foundation in hands-on plant identification skills through field, laboratory, and independent activities and explores some traditional and modern uses of native and introduced plants. We apply principles of ecology, conservation, and global change in the context of urban and suburban ecosystems, and learn how to be more environmentally responsible and engaged citizens. Note: students enrolling in this course should expect to spend a significant amount of time outdoors in both group and independent settings.

SC/NATS 1670 6.0 Concepts in Human Health and Disease

Examines health threats from a biological perspective, with focus on issues that are relevant to the 20-30 age group. For example: immunological, bacterial, viral and genetic diseases from a multidisciplinary perspective. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1675 6.0 Human Development

Biological development of the human being including the formation of germ cells, fertilization, embryological development, transmission of genetic and chromosomal characteristics and the structure of growing tissues. Emphasis may be placed on child development, learning, human evolution or aging. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1610 6.00, SC/NATS 1650 6.00, SC/NATS 1660 6.00, SC/NATS 1690 6.00. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1680 6.0 The Genetic Revolution

This course examines the impact of recent genetic discoveries on medicine, agriculture, ecosystems and industry. New technologies employ enzymes to cut and splice DNA from different organisms. This has the potential to benefit human society but gene manipulations (genetic engineering) raise important ethical questions. Three lecture hours. Two terms. Six credits. Course credit exclusion: AK/NATS 1860 6.00. NCR Note: This course is not open to any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1690 6.0 Evolution

Origin and diversification of life forms on Earth. Introduction to the historical development of evolutionary theory. Classification of living things and scientific
explanations of how biological diversity has arisen. A number of laboratory exercises are included in this course.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1610 6.00, SC/NATS 1660 6.00, SC/NATS 1675 6.00. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1700 6.0 Computers, Information and Society

Selected survey and critical examination of the history and present-day development of information and communication technologies and of their interplay with society and culture.
Course credit exclusion: SC/NATS 1505 3.00.

SC/NATS 1720 6.0 Light and Sound

How light and sound waves travel and transfer energy. Topics will include: sound waves and musical instruments; light waves and stars; technologies such as lasers and CDs; rainbows and mirages. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1520 3.00, SC/NATS 1870 6.00. NCR note: This course is not open to any student enrolled in a Physics program.

SC/NATS 1730 6.0 Scientific Change

The nature of scientific change based on case histories, which may include Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomy, Newtonian mechanism, Darwinian evolution, the rise of bacteriology, Einstein's relativity and the discovery of the structure of DNA. Course credit exclusion: SC/NATS 1710 6.00.

SC/NATS 1740 6.0 Astronomy

A discussion of our present understanding of the universe and its constituents. Topics include the structure and evolution of the planets, stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1880 6.00, SC/NATS 1570 3.00, SC/NATS 1585 3.00. NCR: to any student who has successfully taken or is taking SC/PHYS 1070 3.00 or SC/PHYS 1470 3.00. Not open to any students enrolled in the Astronomy stream.

SC/NATS 1745 6.0 History of Astronomy

Astronomy from a historical perspective. A selective survey of astronomical knowledge, techniques, applications and uses from the earliest civilizations to the present.

SC/NATS 1750 6.0 The Earth and Its Atmosphere

In this course we describe the physical properties and characteristics of Earth as an active system. We will look at the overall structure of Earth and how it is a dynamic system. Plate tectonics, the constantly changing surface of Earth, the nature of water and oceans and the atmosphere will be covered. We will also address how these different elements interact. We will touch briefly on other solar system bodies, and how they may be similar to or different from Earth. We will also look at how geology plays a role in the mineral resources on Earth. The effect and interaction with life will also be touched on.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1515 3.00, SC/NATS 1755 3.00, SC/NATS 1780 6.00. NCR: LE/ESSE 1011 3.00. NCR: LE/ESSE 1011 3.00. Not open to any student who has passed or is taking a course in earth and atmospheric science.

SC/NATS 1755 3.0 Natural Hazards

Have you ever wondered why some areas of Earth experience reoccurring earthquakes or hurricanes every year while other areas have never experienced these events? Or have you wondered why the frequency of these natural hazards seems to be increasing in recent years? The study of the Earth and its processes helps us better understand the type, location, and intensity of natural hazards such as tsunamis, volcanoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. In this course students examine the Earth processes that drive natural hazards and develop an understanding of how these hazards impact human society as well as the surrounding environment. Students analyze ways in which humans can better adjust to the impacts of natural hazards and discuss management and mitigation options and policies. The impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of natural hazards is discussed and potential solutions to climate change to minimize their impact is reviewed.
Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: None. NCR: No credit will be retained for any student who has passed or is taking AP/DEMS 1701 3.00, AP/ADMS 1701 3.00, and/or LE/ESSE1410. Not open to any students enrolled in a Disaster and Emergency Management program. Course Credit Exclusions: SC/NATS1750 6.00, SC/NATS1780 6.00

SC/NATS 1760 6.0 Science, Technology and Society

A study of the intellectual and social nature of science and technology, their similarities and differences. The course may deal with the impact of scientific and technological advancements on societies both past and present.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1765 6.00

SC/NATS 1765 6.0 Science, Experts and Citizens

Provides tools with which to better think about the relationship between science, scientific experts, citizens and what people think they know. We cover different cases in which claims about technical scientific facts interact, and often clash, with political and social arguments about those facts. Cases may include vaccination, anthropogenic climate change and what to do about it, and genetic engineering. For each case we first cover a 'primer' on the technical issues - for instance learning how a gene codes for a protein - so that after this course when you come across such material you'll be better able to correctly grasp the relevant points. But we also study the enduring tension between expertise and democratic populism, the distinction between risk and uncertainty, and whether ignorance is a lack of knowledge....or the wrong knowledge confidently held. While no one can become an expert after taking a single course, this course will help you better think about some of the most important issues of our time.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1760 6.00.

SC/NATS 1775 6.0 Technology and Civilization

A study of the most important technological advances in the context of various civilizations throughout history. Selected important innovations (e.g. mechanized agriculture, wind, water, steam and nuclear power generation, aviation and railways and communications).

SC/NATS 1780 6.0 Weather and Climate

The weather and health of our atmosphere affect us all. This course provides an overview of the Earth's atmosphere; its chemistry, physics and dynamics; an introduction to meteorology and weather forecasting; and a discussion of climate. Canada's weather and climate are emphasized.
Course credit exclusions: LE/EATS 1011 3.00 (prior to Fall 2014), SC/EATS 1011 3.00 (prior to Summer 2013), SC/NATS 1750 6.00. Not open to any students enrolled in the Earth and Atmospheric Science program.

SC/NATS 1795 6.0 The Nature of Time

The concept of time has intrigued thinkers from all ages. The impact of measuring and marking time intervals on the development of human culture, and our understanding of the world around us, cannot be
understated. The drive to measure and understand time led ancient peoples to a very sophisticated knowledge of the sky; from that knowledge emerged accurate calendars, as well as mathematics itself. We will look at how changing concepts of time and the technological accuracy of measuring time drove fundamental changes in physics, and deepened our understanding of the world around us. The first half of the course covers timekeeping methods, including the sky as a clock, mechanical clocks, and quartz and atomic clocks. The second half of the course focuses on modern issues of time including time perception, Einstein’s revolutionary discoveries on the relative nature of time, and cosmic time. NCR Note: This course is not open to any student who has passed or is taking SC/PHYS 1010 6.00,
SC/PHYS 1410 6.00, SC/PHYS 1420 6.00, SC/PHYS 1011 3.00, SC/PHYS1012 3.00, SC/PHYS1411 3.00, SC/PHYS1412 3.00, SC/PHYS 1421 3.00, SC/PHYS1422 3.00

SC/NATS 1810 6.0 Energy

Conversion technology of current and possible future energy sources is described.
The extent of the resource base of each and the environmental consequences of utilization are discussed, with emphasis on nuclear power and energy policies of Ontario and Canada.

SC/NATS 1830 6.0 Mysteries of Everyday Materials

Why does rice soften upon boiling? Why does gasoline burn but water does not. These questions and more will be examined through an exploration of matter at the molecular level. The relationship between physical properties and the usefulness of everyday materials will also be discussed.
Laboratory exercises are often included in this course. Course credit exclusion: SC/NATS 1820 6.00. NCR: if this course is taken after successful completion of SC/CHEM 1000 3.00 or SC/CHEM 1001 3.00. Not open to any students enrolled in the Chemistry program

SC/NATS 1840 6.0 Science, Technology and the Environment

Environmental issues, how they arise, and an exploration of possible solutions to present and future problems. Topics include pollution, water quality, biodiversity, resource usage, population, global warming, and medical consequences of environmental changes.
NCR: No credit will be retained for any student who has passed or is taking SC/NATS 1512 3.00, SC/NATS 1515 3.00, EN/ENVS 1500 6.00. Note: Not open to any student enrolled in an Environmental Studies program.

SC/NATS 1850 6.0 Science and Pseudoscience

This course develops critical thinking skills and an understanding of the process of scientific discovery in order to examine controversial claims and evidence.
Topics may include extrasensory perception, UFO/UAP phenomena, post-death survival.

SC/NATS 1860 6.0 Science: Past, Present and Future

Modern science has drastically changed our lives and how we perceive the world and will do so in the future. This course explores, through case studies of revolutions in biological and physical sciences, how scientists work, experiment, theorize, communicate and debate.

SC/NATS 1870 6.0 Understanding Colour

A cross-disciplinary approach in examining colour, with the aim of understanding colour from the multiple viewpoints of art, physics, chemistry, physiology and history. Topics include: perception, wave nature of light, spectroscopy, colour harmony and contrast, natural phenomena, dyes and pigments.
Course credit exclusion: SC/NATS 1720 6.00

SC/NATS 1880 6.0 Life Beyond Earth

This course considers the various factors required for life to exist beyond Earth, both life that may have evolved elsewhere and what would be necessary for humans moving out into space.
Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1570 3.00, SC/NATS 1572 3.00, S, SC/NATS 1740 6.00. NCR: any student in the Astronomy stream or any student who has passed or is taking SC/PHYS 1070 3.00.

SC/NATS 1920 6.0 Great Mathematical Minds

Like great pieces of art and literature, mathematical theorems have revolutionized the world. This course introduces students to history’s most transformative mathematical theorems. Each theorem is explored in its historical context with a focus on the mathematics and the mathematician. Students will learn of the greatest mathematicians of all time, their often quirky or contentious personalities, and their turbulent lives. Mathematical topics may include Egyptian Numerals, Base 60, Geometry, Algebra, Sequences and Series, Number Theory and Probability. No particular background in mathematics is required. This course is accessible to anyone with an interest in gaining knowledge of the basics of mathematics and acquiring useful quantitative problem-solving skills.

SC/NATS 1940 6.0 Biodiversity and Conservation

This course acquaints students with Earth's rich species diversity. Topics include scientific developments in the classification of diversity, major groups of organisms, patterns of change in diversity over time including extinction, modern threats to biodiversity, and responses to such threats. NCR: any student who has passed or is taking SC/BIOL 1000 3.00, SC/BIOL 1001 3.00 or SC/BIOL 1010 6.00.

SC/NATS 1945 6.0 Physics and Technology for Future World Leaders

This course presents the most interesting and important topics in physics, stressing conceptual understanding rather than emphasizing the math, and with applications to current events and technologies.
No prior knowledge of physics is required.