Introduction to the natural sciences

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module FLWF007750 Semester: 2nd semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1/2 Instructor(s) Karim Zahidi Raoul Van Damme Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties There are no special prerequisites for this course. *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The student understands the methods used in the natural sciences; The student has insight into a number of problems within contemporary natural sciences. The student is capable of critically assessing a piece of popular science writing. 3. Course content The course is divided into three parts, each exploring several topics within a domain of the natural sciences. The first part deals with physics. We discuss classical mechanics and non-relativistic quantum mechanics. In the second part we focus on biology. We first look at classical Darwinian evolution theory. We then investigate how this theory can be intertwined with genetics to yield modern neo-Darwinian evolution theory. In the last part we investigate how formal sciences like mathematics and theoretical computer science  model and investigate several types of complexity. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Open questions Written assignment: With oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material The syllabus "Inleiding tot de natuurwetenschappen" (Dutch), Karim Zahidi, Raoul Van Damme, will be made available. Power point presentations used during the lectures will be made available via Blackboard. 7. Recommended reading - study material 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 17/12/2009 15:24 karim.zahidi