Course Description
This lab course will focus on introducing the student to a current topic in a science of their choosing. The student will investigate a specific issue or topic related to their prior science education and/or personal experience, establish a hypothesis (if applicable), and test the hypothesis through the scientific method. In an effort to complete this course, the student will select an issue or topic, perform a “lab experience” effort (conduct field work, visit a facility, interview expert sources, etc.), and submit a Field Experience Action Plan, Draft Experience Report (optional), and a Final Experience Report in American Psychological Association (APA) format. Traditional and web-based research methods and resources will be required and demonstrated throughout the course and specifically in the Final Lab Experience Report. (1 credit)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Examine a topic related to a physical science in detail.
- Demonstrate the research process: Select and research a topic and incorporate such research into a research paper.
- Demonstrate the writing process: Organize material, prepare an outline, collect and organize resources, draft and revise a paper in accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) rules.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Points | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Field Experience Topic Selection (Week 1) | 25 | 2.5% |
Discussions, (Weeks 1-8) | 275 | 27.5% |
Field Experience Action Plan (Week 3) | 100 | 10% |
Field Experience Report (Week 8) | 600 | 60% |
Total | 1000 | 100% |
Required Text
- None
Supplemental Readings and Materials
None. Students are encouraged to use the library resources which are available to all COSC students. The appropriate links to these resources are provided in the Blackboard® course shell under “COSC Resources.”
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 2 | Topic: Topic Selection |
|
2 | 1,2,3 | Topic: Research Topic Discussion |
|
3 | 1,2,3 | Topic: Field Experience Action Plan |
|
4 | 1,2,3 | Topic: Field Experience Effort |
|
5 | 1,2,3 | Topic: Field Experience Effort (continue) |
|
6 | 1,2,3 | Topic: Field Experience Effort (finish) |
|
7 | 2,3 | Topic: Draft Field Experience Report (optional) |
|
8 | 2,3 | Topic: Field Experience Report |
|
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.