Science and the concept of evolution

CHED 1767

Lori Zaikowski, zaikowsl@dowling.edu, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Dowling College, Idle Hour Boulevard, Oakdale, NY 11769, Kurt Fisher, fisherk@dowling.edu, Department of Physics, Dowling College, Idle Hour Boulevard, Oakdale, NY 11769, and Richard T. Wilkens, wilkensr@dowling.edu, Department of Biology, Dowling College, Idle Hour Boulevard, Oakdale, NY 11769.
The common thread of evolution runs through all science disciplines, and the concept of evolution enables us to better understand the nature of the universe and our origins. "Science and the Concept of Evolution" is one of two interdisciplinary science core courses taken by all Dowling College undergraduates as part of their General Education requirements. The course examines basic principles and methods of science by following the concept of evolution from the big bang to the origins and evolution of life. Evidences for physical, chemical, and biological evolution are explored, as are the interactions of these scientific disciplines. Case studies of leading scientists illustrate how their ideas developed and contributed to the evolution of our understanding of the world. Students learn to view evolution of matter and of ideas as a natural process of change over space and time.