[PSCI] Courses
Science is an approach to asking and answering questions about the natural world that values empirical observation as a key foundation for developing theories that explain observations. It helps us make sense of the physical processes that underlie the world around us. Inquiries that use a scientific framework draw upon empirical observations (including experimentation), draw logical conclusions supported by the evidence, and articulate evidence-based arguments to advance those conclusions. For conclusions to be accepted, they must be corroborated by others and make accurate predictions. And yet, scientific inquiry is an ongoing cycle, constantly developing more useful, accurate and comprehensive models and methods.
To fulfill part of the UCORE Inquiry: Ways of Knowing requirements, students choose one course (3 credits) in Biological Science [BSCI] and one course (3 credits) in Physical Science [PSCI] such that either the BSCI course or the PSCI course has a 1 lab credit. Courses that fulfill the lab requirement are marked with a (L). College of Arts and Sciences students take one additional credit of Lab (L).
Student Learning Outcomes
Students, regardless of major, who successfully complete a [PSCI] course should be able to:
- Draw conclusions based on physical science methods or evidence, as appropriate to course level. (WSU Learning Goal: Scientific Literacy)
- Apply quantitative methods and principles to solve physical science problems or explain scientific observations. (WSU Learning Goal: Quantitative Reasoning)
- Identify how physical science informs societal developments and issues. (WSU Learning Goal: Critical Thinking)
- Evaluate physical scientific claims or information based on the sources and the methods used to generate it, as appropriate to course level. (WSU Learning Goal: Information Literacy)
- Communicate effectively physical science information or findings in written forms appropriate to the discipline. (WSU Learning Goal: Written Communication)
- Understand fundamental knowledge and concepts in physical science. (WSU Learning Goal: Breadth of Learning)
Revised outcomes approved Spring 2022.
Available [PSCI] courses
View [PSCI] courses in the WSU catalog.
| Course Prefix | Course Number | Course Title | Credits | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMDT | 210 | Textiles (L) | 4 | VCEA |
| ASTRONOM | 135 | Astronomy (L) | 4 | CAS |
| ASTRONOM | 138 | Planets and Planetary Systems | 3 | CAS |
| ASTRONOM | 390 | The Night Sky (L) | 1 | CAS |
| CHEM | 101 | Introduction to Chemistry (L) | 4 | CAS |
| CHEM | 105 | Principles of Chemistry I (L) | 4 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 101 | General Physics | 3 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 111 | General Physics Lab I (L) | 1 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 137 | Physics and Society | 3 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 150 | Physics and Your World | 3 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 201 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 3 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 205 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I - Honors (L) | 5 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 211 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I (L) | 1 | CAS |
| PHYSICS | 322 | Sound Waves and Music (L) | 4 | CAS |
| SCIENCE | 101 | Integrated Science: Origins in the Natural World (L) | 4 | CAS |
| SOE | 101 | Welcome to the Earth: Introduction to Geology (L) | 4 | CAS / CAHNRS |
| SOE | 103 | Other Worlds: Comparative Planetology of Our Solar System | 3 | CAS / CAHNRS |
| SOE | 105 | Natural Resources and Natural Hazards | 3 | CAS / CAHNRS |
| SOE | 210 | Earth's History and Evolution (L) | 4 | CAS / CAHNRS |
| SOE | 230 | Introductory Oceanography | 3 | CAS / CAHNRS |
| SOE | 250 | Introduction to Earth System Science | 3 | CAS / CAHNRS |
| SOE | 280 | How the Earth's Climate System Works | 3 | CAS / CAHNRS |